Meeting with Korean journalists in Stockholm… “I want to write as complexly as human life is”
“Speaking, writing, and listening are evidence of our hope”… ‘Junibacken’ lifetime free pass
Hankang, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature on the 11th (local time), responded to questions about movements to promote commemorative projects in Korea during a press conference with the Korean press at her Swedish publisher, ‘Natur & Kultur’, in Stockholm.
Han stated, “I am someone who believes everything is in books, so if you want to pursue a commemorative project, it would be best to find something within the books.” She emphasized, “Creating meaning in a certain space to reach people is a very visible method, but what’s important is that I have already written it all in the books.”
When asked how she overcomes the sense of helplessness from repeated dark history and violence, she answered, “To write, I think a minimum level of belief is needed.” She continued, “Without the belief that this language will connect, I don’t think I could write even a single line. Starting to write is based on even the slightest belief.” Han expressed, “In the end, the act of speaking, writing, and our reading and listening itself is evidence of the hope we have.”
Reflecting on her most memorable experience in Stockholm, she mentioned visiting the apartment of Astrid Lindgren, a national writer of Sweden, known for works like ‘Pippi Longstocking’ and ‘The Brothers Lionheart’. Han noted, “Her great-grandchild personally explained her life, and everything in the house was modest, making me feel that she lived a ‘simple and unpretentious life’, which was very touching.”
During some free time amidst her busy schedule, Han visited ‘Junibacken’, a theme park dedicated to the works of Lindgren and others. Upon learning of her visit, Junibacken awarded her a lifetime free pass.
When asked about the Nobel Prize’s future impact on her, she answered, “Writing the lecture allowed me to understand where I started, where I am now, and how I got here. This understanding helps me think about my future direction.” She added, “Having been writing until now, I see no reason why writing should become difficult, as human life is complex, and I intend to write it as such.”
She also expressed gratitude to her translators, noting their significant role despite having to shorten her original acceptance speech, which initially included them. Han shared, “As far as I know, my works have been translated into 28-29 languages by about 50 translators. Although I might not know each one personally, we are all together in every sentence and every detail. I am grateful.”