“Han River Nobel Literature Prize... The Power of Gwangju, Heartfelt Passion”

Mayor Kang Ki-jung Posts 'Congratulations' on Facebook
Plays Role in Promoting May Spirit
Strong Ties with Gwangju Biennale

A capture of the 'Facebook post' uploaded by Kang Ki-jung, Mayor of Gwangju. [Photo provided by Gwangju City]

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gi-jung expressed his feelings on the news that Han Kang (54), a writer from Gwangju, became the first Korean to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, saying, "It's amazing. My heart is warm."

On the 10th, Mayor Kang wrote on Facebook, "Han Kang was born in Jungheung-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, and attended Hyodong Elementary School," adding, "I was moved when she received the Man Booker Prize, known as the Nobel Prize of the literary world, but this award is even more meaningful."

He continued, "For Gwangju, it was a great help in spreading the spirit of May to the world through 'The Boy Who Escaped'," expressing his gratitude. Han Kang published the novel 'The Boy Who Escaped' in 2014, which deals with the May 18 Democratic Uprising and brought attention to Gwangju's pain.

Mayor Kang also introduced Han Kang's connection with the Gwangju Biennale. He said, "Han Kang translated the exhibition theme of the 15th Gwangju Biennale currently underway, 'Pansori - Resonance for All,' and the exhibition hall names 'Sound of Collision, Sound of Overlap, First Sound' into English," adding, "She also wrote the lyrics for the three Pansori performances presented at the opening ceremony."

Finally, Mayor Kang said, "Following President Kim Dae-jung's Nobel Peace Prize, I feel the power of Gwangju in Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature."