Seoul: Nobel Prize laureate Han Kang on Thursday expressed her desire to continue her writing journey and stay connected with readers through her works following her recent Nobel win. Speaking at an awards ceremony in Seoul, Han also shared insights into her personal and creative life.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han was honored as this year’s recipient of the Pony Chung Foundation’s Innovation Prize, an event marking one of her few public appearances since the Nobel announcement. Reflecting on the moment she received the news of her Nobel Prize, Han described it as surreal, only sinking in after she confirmed it through media reports. She celebrated quietly, focusing on the profound impact of the recognition.
Han revealed her ongoing projects and her methodical approach to writing, emphasizing her connection to the world through her literary works. Currently, she is working on a novel that began in spring, with hopes of completing it soon, though she humorously noted her predictions about timelines ar
e often incorrect.
In her acceptance speech, Han elaborated on her daily routines and sources of happiness, which include walking, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. She discussed her contemplative process in crafting novels, the challenges and surprises that arise during writing, and her ultimate joy in overcoming these obstacles to reach completion.
Looking ahead, Han plans to focus intensively on writing three significant books before she turns 60, aiming to maintain patience and perseverance through her creative process. She concluded her speech by expressing gratitude towards her readers, colleagues, and family, who have supported her throughout her 30-year career.
The Pony Chung Foundation, established in 2005 in honor of South Korean businessman Chung Se-yung, supports various humanitarian projects and has recognized numerous influential figures, including “Squid Game” director Hwang Dong-hyuk and pianist Cho Seong-jin.