"9 out of 10 Bestsellers Are Han Kang's Works"…Foreign Media Highlights Nobel Prize Syndrome

Detailed Introduction Including Thousands-Fold Surge in Book Sales
"Expectations for the Expansion of 'K Literature' Influence"

Sales of books by author Han Kang, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature, have surged, dominating the top ranks of bestsellers, drawing keen interest from foreign media as well.

Books by author Han Kang are displayed at Kyobo Bookstore Gwanghwamun branch in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 11th (local time), the British daily The Guardian reported, "Endless queues have formed at Korean bookstores and online stores to get Han Kang's books," adding, "Nine out of the top 10 bestsellers at Kyobo Bookstore are Han Kang's works, with the Booker Prize-winning vegetarian taking the number one spot," reflecting the atmosphere.

The Guardian also noted that politicians from both ruling and opposition parties, including President Yoon Suk-yeol, unanimously congratulated her on winning the Nobel Prize in Literature, sharing an anecdote about applause breaking out in several standing committees during the National Assembly audit session to celebrate the award.

AP News also stated, "Koreans were surprised and excited all day by Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature win," pointing out that "Han Kang's unexpected award served as a reminder of Korea's growing cultural influence." It added, "As soon as the news of the award was announced, some online bookstores experienced outages due to overwhelming traffic," and "Social media was flooded with messages expressing pride in Han Kang's win, with some highlighting the remarkable achievement of a female author within Korea's traditionally patriarchal culture."

Foreign media have predicted that Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature will serve as a turning point for Korean literature to enter the global literary center, just as Korean dramas, music, and films have done in the content industry.

AFP News noted, "Following the Oscars, TV dramas, and K-pop stars dominating the global market, now even the Nobel Prize in Literature has been claimed." It added, "After going through the turbulent modern history following the Korean War, Korea's unique cultural soil was established," and "Han Kang also infused her unique lyrical aesthetics with the historical experience of the 1980 Gwangju massacre."