Reading Order of Han Kang's Representative Works, Nobel Literature Prize Winner

The Nobel Prize in Literature is generally awarded to living authors.

By December, the Swedish Academy receives nominations from Academy members, professors of literature and linguistics, and previous Nobel laureates in Literature,

among other globally recognized experts.

Afterwards, in April, the number of preliminary candidates is narrowed down to 1520, and after review in May, a total of 5 candidates are selected.

The Academy meticulously examines the works of the selected candidates and, following a vote by Academy members in October, determines the final laureate.

The nomination and candidate lists, as well as the selection process for the Literature Prize, remain confidential for 50 years. After 50 years, the selection process is then made public.

The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded to the author, not a specific work.

Here's a suggested reading order for Han Kang's works.

1. Start with a less challenging work: "The Vegetarian"

This relatively easy-to-read novel about a couple's relationship is a great introduction to Han Kang's world.

2. The work Han Kang recommended after receiving the Nobel Prize: "The White Book"

This work, inspired by the Jeju 4.3 incident, offers a glimpse into the fervent and profound love between humans.

I think all writers prefer their most recent work.
Therefore, I hope that my most recent work, <The White Book>, can be a starting point.
This book directly connects to human behavior.

Also, <The Vegetarian>, which is quite autobiographical for me. But I hope you'll start with <The White Book>.
And there's <The Vegetarian>, but I would recommend starting with <The White Book>.

- Han Kang's acceptance speech from the official Nobel Committee YouTube channel video excerpt

3. Han Kang's representative work that requires careful consideration: "The Vegetarian"

This novel features ‘Yeong-hye,’ who begins to refuse meat, creating conflict with her family.

However, the story is told from the perspectives of her husband, brother-in-law, and sister, and Yeong-hye is never in a position of dominance as the narrator.

This work, which won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize, brought Han Kang international recognition, but

its powerful style and content have undoubtedly shocked many readers.

Young readers, in particular, should approach it with caution.

4. A deeply meaningful work, described by the author as one she poured her soul into: "Human Acts"

This book depicts the events of the Gwangju Democratization Movement from May 18, 1980, and the stories of those left behind in the aftermath,

based on thorough research and verification.

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