Han Kang’s “I Do Not Bid Farewell” Vies for French Literary Honor

SEOUL, Han Kang, the celebrated South Korean novelist, has seen her latest work, “I Do Not Bid Farewell,” shortlisted for the Emile Guimet Prize for Asian Literature, as reported by the state translation agency on Monday. The novel, which delves into the tragic events of a 1948 civilian massacre on Jeju Island through the experiences of three women, is one of the three finalists for the prestigious award.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Emile Guimet Prize, established by the national Guimet Museum of Asian Art in 2017, honors outstanding literature written in Asian languages. The French translation of Han’s novel, titled “Impossibles adieux,” was published by Grasset in August of the previous year. Additionally, the novel garnered the distinguished Prix Medicis for foreign literature in November, a recognition among France’s top four literary awards since its inception in 1970. The announcement of the final winner is eagerly awaited and scheduled for Feb. 29, according to French time.