[노벨상 현장] Press conference for Nobel Prize winners at the Swedish Academy of Sciences
Honest answers on martial law, designation of harmful books for ‘vegetarians’, and meaning of ‘teacup’
Writer Han Kang (54), who became the first Korean and first Asian female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, said, “I sincerely hope that we will not return to the past of control by force or coercion or by blocking speech.”
Regarding the fact that the work ‘The Vegetarian’ was designated as a harmful book and discarded from the library, he said, “As the person who wrote the book, it is heartbreaking.” This is the first time that a writer has expressed his position on a related controversy.
One writer emphasized, “Over the past few days, I have been very shocked, as many Koreans have probably been, and the situation is changing rapidly, so I am constantly watching the news.” He added, “I was shocked, just like everyone else was that night.”
At the same time, he repeated, “In order to write ‘the Boy is Coming,’ I studied the martial law situation that had been going on since the end of 1979, and I was greatly shocked by the martial law situation unfolding again in 2024,” and then added, “The situation this winter (in the past) Wow) I think the difference is that the whole situation was broadcast live so everyone could watch,” he said.
One writer said, “I saw someone trying to stop an armored vehicle with his bare body in front of an armored vehicle, I saw people hugging and restraining an armed soldier with their bare hands, and I also saw people trying to hold on in front of soldiers approaching with guns.” “It was a moment when I felt his sincerity and courage,” he remembered.
He also said,“The attitude of the young police officers and young soldiers was impressive,” and “I got the feeling that they were trying to make decisions in unexpected situations and were moving as passively as possible while feeling internal conflict. It may have been passive from the perspective of the person who gave such an order, but it was a global perspective.“I think it was an active act of thinking, judging, feeling pain, and trying to find a solution,” he emphasized.
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One writer suffered many losses by being included in the cultural blacklist in 2016 during the Park Geun-hye management. In 2014, he was blacklisted from the cultural industry for writing ‘The Boy Is Coming’, which was based on the May 18 Democratization Movement. At the time,he was selected as the 3rd Sejong Book Selection and Distribution Project hosted by the ministry of Culture,sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Publishers & Culture Industry Promotion Agency. A representative example is that the candidate was disqualified due to ‘ideological bias’ being pointed out during the screening.
In addition, it was confirmed that ’Vegetarian’ was included in 2,528 books discarded from elementary, middle, and high schools in the Gyeonggi region from March 2022 to Febuary 2023.
One writer ended the meeting with ‘hope’. He said, “It may have been a while, a few months, or even before, but I think hoping that there will be hope can also be called ‘hope.’”
Meanwhile, a writer will give a Nobel Prize lecture in literature at the old Stockholm Stock Exchange Building (currently the Swedish Academy) at 5 p.m. on the 7th (1 a.m. on the 8th, Korean time). A writer’s speech is broadcast live around the world thru the Nobel Foundation’s YouTube channel.
What role does literature play in promoting social change during times of conflict?
Interview: The Meaning of Literature in Times of Conflict
Editor of Time.news: Welcome, everyone, to this engaging discussion. Today, I have the honor of interviewing Han Kang, the first Korean and first Asian female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Congratulations on this monumental achievement, Han Kang!
Han Kang: Thank you! It’s a deeply humbling experience.
editor: Your win comes at a tumultuous time, particularly with the events surrounding your work, “The Vegetarian,” which faced censorship and was deemed harmful. how did you feel when you learned about this designation?
Han Kang: Hearing that “The Vegetarian” was discarded from libraries as a harmful book was truly heartbreaking. It is a painful reminder of the power dynamics that can stifle voices and thoughts. As a writer, I believe our job is to challenge, to explore the complexities of human experience, and this kind of censorship shows a fear of dialogue.
Editor: You mentioned the importance of avoiding past controls of speech and expression. What do you feel is at stake in this ancient moment?
Han Kang: It’s crucial that we do not regress to times of coercion. Writing and literature thrive on freedom; they require the space to breathe, to challenge societal norms. In the wake of contemporary issues, where expressions of dissent can lead to governmental backlash, it is more critical than ever to protect the freedom of speech and creative expression.
Editor: During your press conference, you spoke about studying past martial law situations, particularly in 1979. Can you elaborate on how that history informs your views and your writing today?
Han Kang: absolutely. I studied the impact of martial law while writing “The Boy is Coming.” What shocks me is witnessing similar events unfold right now in 2024.The key difference this time, however, is that everyone has access to these events live; we are no longer silent witnesses. This immediacy can either galvanize the public or deepen divides—I hope for the former.
Editor: You shared an anecdote about people openly resisting violence in the streets. What do you think such acts of bravery reveal about the human spirit?
Han Kang: Such moments are profoundly moving and reflect immense courage. The sight of someone standing in front of an armored vehicle, risking their life to assert their humanity, symbolizes resilience. It reminds us that the desire for freedom is an intrinsic part of our nature, and it can inspire not just individuals but entire communities to stand together in the face of adversity.
Editor: As someone who has navigated these complex themes through your work, what message do you hope readers take away from your literature amid current upheavals?
Han Kang: I hope my work inspires a sense of empathy and understanding.Literature has the unique ability to allow readers to live in another person’s shoes.It can foster connections that transcend the barriers of culture, language, and experience. I want readers to know that there is strength in vulnerability and that collective healing often comes through shared narratives and recognition of our common humanity.
editor: Thank you, Han Kang, for sharing such profound insights with our audience today. Your voice is a beacon of hope, and I look forward to seeing how your words will continue to resonate and inspire.
Han Kang: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the chance to discuss these critical issues with you. It’s conversations like these that keep the spirit of literature alive.