From K-pop to K-literature: Han Kang's Nobel Victory and the Rise of Korean Soft Power

Historical moment! The highest of honors, the Nobel Prize in Literature, has been awarded to my most respected author, Han Kang. She is the first East Asian woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature and the youngest recipient of the prize in the 21st century.

As mentioned on the official Nobel Prize page, she has been recognized for her "powerful poetic prose that confronts historical wounds and reveals the fragility of human life." I am truly grateful for the wonderful tribute from the Nobel Committee. Korea is a country that has grown by overcoming historical scars and domination, a small divided nation in East Asia.

In popular American animation The Simpsons, there’s even a line where Homer tells Bart, "I’ll make you Korean," reflecting the resilience of Korea in overcoming its past wounds. From PSY to BTS and NewJeans, K-pop has made a huge impact in North America, and K-dramas are now a recognized genre in the U.S. OTT market. I'm also eagerly awaiting the release of Squid Game Season 2.

Han Kang's Nobel Prize win reaffirms the global recognition of Korean culture. Just as Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln spoke of freedom in the U.S., the dreams of Korea's revered independence leader, Kim Gu, are now being realized.

Finally, Korea has become the nation Kim Gu envisioned—a nation powered by its cultural strength. He once said, "I want our country to be the most beautiful in the world, not the strongest. We suffered greatly from foreign invasions, so we cannot become a strong country that invades others. The only thing I truly desire is the power of culture. Culture makes us content with what we have and fosters love for others. With this mindset, we can be happy with what we already have."

Another contributor to this Nobel win is Deborah Smith, the translator of The Vegetarian. She studied English Literature at Cambridge University and received her Ph.D. in Korean Studies from SOAS, University of London. Her role cannot be overlooked, as it's incredibly challenging to express the unique sentiments of the Korean language in another tongue. Translating the collective pain of a nation and the deeply personal emotions stemming from individual experiences is no easy feat. The influence of those who translate Korean works into the world stage is immense.

Lastly, let’s not forget K-beauty. Even at the age of 50, look at Han Kang’s flawless skin! In this era where people live to 100, wellness and self-care are essential. I will continue to work hard to ensure K-beauty gains the global recognition it.