▲ 2011 Manhae Literature Academy meeting with representative authors of our time, invited author Han Kang. Photo by Gangwon Ilbo
, ‘Last Thursday night, our hearts were filled with joy by the announcement of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature winner.’,
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, ‘Renowned Korean novelist Han Kang, known for her poetic style and dense composition, was selected. She has become the first Korean and Asian female writer to win the prestigious award. Following former President Kim Dae-jung, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000, she is the second Korean to win a Nobel Prize.’,
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, “Upon the announcement, I searched for Han Kang’s books on my bookshelf. Amidst that, I first thought, ‘Ah, now we can read a Nobel Prize-winning work in Korean.’ Beyond the personal honor for author Han Kang, the fact that after 107 years since the first Korean modern novel was published, we can now read a Nobel Prize-winning work in Korean feels like a national honor for all citizens.”,
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, ‘Two months from now, Han Kang will visit Stockholm, Sweden to receive the Nobel Prize medal. The Nobel Prize ceremony is held in Stockholm on December 10th each year to commemorate the anniversary of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the Nobel Prize. The Peace Prize is awarded separately in Oslo, Norway.’,
▲ The Stockholm Concert Hall where the Nobel Prize banquet is held after the award ceremony
, ‘An interesting point is that the ceremony and banquet are held in different venues. The ceremony takes place at the Stockholm Concert Hall, designed by architect Ivar Tengbom in 1926, which combines elements of modernism and classical architecture. The elegant and simple column structure, along with the distinctive green exterior walls, make the building easily recognizable.’,
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, ‘The Stockholm Concert Hall is not only a venue for classical music performances by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, but also hosts a wide range of artistic programs throughout the year, including jazz festivals, operas, ballets, and theater productions. (I recall the swing jazz performance I watched here late last summer)’,
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, ‘In addition to its architectural beauty, the Stockholm Concert Hall has become a historical and cultural hub through the globally significant Nobel Prize ceremony.’,
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, ‘After the ceremony, a banquet is held at Stockholm City Hall, located about 1.2km away from the Concert Hall. This banquet is a glamorous party where the laureate and dignitaries mingle, creating a festive atmosphere in the magnificent City Hall.’,
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, ‘You may wonder why the banquet venue is a separate location from the ceremony.’,
▲ The ‘Bla Hallen’ in Stockholm City Hall, where Han Kang will receive the Nobel Prize medal in December
, “Upon entering the City Hall, you will first encounter the spacious 1st floor ‘Bla Hallen’ which houses 10 volleyball courts (1500㎡) and was originally intended to be decorated with blue tiles in 1911, but was instead made with red walls for added grandeur. The high arched ceiling and majestic staircase are impressive, and many official events and receptions are held here.”,
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, “The 2nd floor features the ‘Gyllene Salen’ (‘Golden Hall’) with a height of 20m. This elaborately decorated room with 18 million gold mosaic pieces depicts the ancient and modern history of Sweden. The 7m ‘Queen of Stockholm’ mosaic in the center is a world-renowned artwork that always captures the attention of visitors. It is said that a dance party will be held here after the banquet.”,
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, “After receiving the award, Han Kang’s father, novelist Han Seung-won, relayed a story saying, ‘My daughter decided not to hold a press conference, stating, ‘With the fierce wars in Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and Palestine where bodies are carried out daily, what kind of feast are you going to have?” Therefore, there’s curiosity about his day and thoughts leading up to December 10.”,
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