“During the Dec. 3 martial law, I was deeply moved by the sincerity and courage shown by the citizens. So, I do not think of this situation as solely dreadful.”
Novelist Han Kang said this at the 'Night of Nobel Readings' event held at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, Sweden, after winning the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature.
On the 12th (local time), Han Kang noted, “Since departing on the 5th, I have not been fully aware of the situation,” adding, “I don't think the situation is as desperate as it appears from outside.” This was an indirect reference to citizens blocking armored vehicles with their bare bodies and rushing to the National Assembly to prevent the incursion of soldiers. As the interpreter relayed Han's words, many in the audience nodded in agreement.
Han said, “Many people around my age who carry the memory of Gwangju as a trauma, as well as those older than me, also went to the protest sites,” adding, “Everyone could act with concern and vigilance because they knew how much worse the situation could get if left as it is.”
When asked if such a societal atmosphere is thanks to the work ‘The Boy Is Coming,’ Han said, “It might have served as a gateway for the younger generation to Gwangju, but to say that would be an exaggeration.”
However, Han did not forget to express gratitude to the readers. Han noted, “I did see photos of people reading my book a bit away from the protest sites,” adding, “I felt a deep emotion.”
When asked if the motivation for writing ‘The Boy Is Coming’ was related to former President Park Geun-hye becoming a presidential candidate at the time, Han said, “There were various motivations for writing the book, and what you've mentioned could be one of them.”
Furthermore, Han added, “Another factor was an internal cause,” explaining, “At that time, I had finished and published ‘Greek Lessons,’ but when I tried to write the next book, I felt resistance from within.”