Korean-American author Min Jin Lee, acclaimed for her novel Pachinko, has publicly praised fellow Korean author Han Kang for her monumental achievement in winning the Nobel Prize in Literature.
As reported by Korea Bizwire and Korea Times, Lee noted the significance of Han Kang’s Nobel Prize win, highlighting its importance for Korean literature on a global stage. She emphasized how Han’s work continues to resonate with themes of human dignity, trauma, and healing, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
“Han Kang is a brilliant novelist who reflects our modern condition with courage, imagination, and intelligence. She is worthy of this global recognition,” Lee said in an email response to a request for comment by Yonhap News Agency, according to Korea Times.
Han Kang’s Nobel win has been widely regarded as a breakthrough moment for Korean literature. Known for her contemplative and haunting prose, Han’s novel The Vegetarian captured the attention of readers worldwide and became a focal point for discussions around Korean identity, human rights, and feminist themes. Her Nobel win marks a historic moment, cementing her place among the great literary figures of our time.
Lee’s admiration for Han Kang is deeply rooted in their shared cultural background and their mutual commitment to telling stories that transcend borders. Both authors have explored the complexities of Korean identity, albeit from different perspectives, with Lee’s Pachinko focusing on the Korean diaspora and Han’s works delving into internal and external struggles within Korean society.
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