Reflecting on Early Inspirations

During her acceptance speech for the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature on December 7 in Stockholm, Sweden, renowned author Han Kang shared the poignant moments that have shaped her writing journey. She recounted a vivid memory from her childhood when she was just nine years old. The pressure of not wanting to share her treasured book, “Poetry Writing Practice,” left her with a feeling that was both indescribable and profound. This experience not only reflects her early passion for words but also the beginning of a lifelong connection to her craft.

From Childhood to Published Works

Han Kang remembered the importance of a small act: taking a photograph of her poem before it was tucked away, symbolizing a ‘continuous thread’ linking her childhood writings to her present self. Fourteen years after that moment, she bravely published her initial poems, which marked her first major step as a writer. Gradually, she ventured into short stories, culminating in the release of her debut novel five years later, a project that demanded three years to complete.

The Allure of Novel Writing

Today, the renowned writer still enjoys crafting poetry and short stories; however, she reveals that writing novels holds a unique allure for her. This long-term commitment, often spanning one to seven years, enables Han Kang to engage deeply with what she describes as ‘important and urgent questions.’ The sacrifices she makes in her personal life for the sake of her writing are, she asserts, a worthy trade-off for the richness that novel writing brings to her creative expression.