The 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature has been granted to a South Korean writer for her profound and poetic writing that explores historical traumas and the vulnerability of human existence. The announcement was made on the official social media pages and website of the organization. The Nobel Prizes, established by Alfred Nobel in 1901, celebrate individuals whose work has had a significant impact on humanity.
The award spans six categories and is presented annually in October, with a grand ceremony held on December 10. The recipient, born in Gwangju in 1970, showcased early influences from her father, a renowned novelist, and embraced various art forms beyond literature.
Her literary journey began in the early ’90s with poetry and evolved into prose, culminating in works known for their intricate and evocative style. One of her notable works, published in 2002, delves into themes of art, identity, and the human body, using striking metaphors to explore deeper truths.
Her international breakthrough came with a novel in 2007 that propelled her to global recognition. The story follows a woman’s decision to stop eating meat, leading to a sequence of unsettling events. Her writing, deeply rooted in Eastern traditions, delves into the connections between body and soul, life and death, and the fragility of human existence.
The Nobel Committee praised her for portraying the interconnectedness of mental and physical anguish in her works. Her unique blend of fiction with existential inquiries has positioned her as a pioneer in contemporary literature. The Chair of the Nobel Committee commended her for her innovative approach to prose, highlighting her ability to articulate the complexities of human life.
With this prestigious award, the writer now stands among the esteemed Nobel laureates, recognized for her transformative impact on literature and her skill in giving voice to the unspoken struggles of human existence.