SEOUL – Celebrated South Korean novelist Han Kang, known for her internationally acclaimed book "The Vegetarian," has expressed a desire to shift her literary focus to more personal and upbeat stories. This announcement follows her recent reception of the prestigious Prix Medicis for foreign literature in France for her latest work, "I Do Not Bid Farewell."
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yonhap News Agency, Han, who gained international recognition with "The Vegetarian," winning the International Booker Prize in 2016, shared her thoughts during a press conference marking her latest achievement. She indicated a departure from themes centered on South Korea's tragic history, which featured prominently in her recent books "Human Acts" (2014) and "I Do Not Bid Farewell" (2021).
Expressing a longing for a thematic change, Han mentioned her desire to move away from the colder narratives of her previous works and to welcome themes akin to spring, focusing on personal stories that bring a sense of warmth and brightness.