One Year Since Han Kang’s Nobel Prize: Gwangju to Discuss World Literature

Global Translators and Literary Figures Gather to Discuss the Expansion of Korean Literature
Four Sessions and On-Site Tour with Citizens on December 10-11

Han Kang's literature will once again meet the citizens of Gwangju. Translators from around the world will stand upon the memories of the illegal 12·3 martial law, retracing the future of Gwangju, the city of democracy, through the language of literature.

Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall. Photo by Song Bohyun

On December 8, the Gwangju Metropolitan Government announced that it will hold the "One-Year Anniversary International Forum of Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature (Subtitle: The Boy Stands in the Square)" at the International Conference Hall of the Asia Culture Center from December 10 to 11. This event will mark the conclusion of the "Revolution of Light, Democracy Week," which has been held to celebrate Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature. The aim is to involve citizens in the process of expanding the spirit of democracy into the humanistic and literary values.

On the morning of the first day, December 10, four translators of the novel "Human Acts" will join citizens in the "Walking Gwangju" program. Starting at Jeonil Building 245, the route will pass through the May 18 Democracy Square, the former Red Cross Hospital, and the May 18 Archives, sharing memories of Gwangju in 1980.

At 2:30 p.m., "Session 1 - Language Connecting to the World" will be held, moderated by Professor Bang Gyoyoung of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Translators who introduced Han Kang's works to the world-Maya West (English), Pierre Bisiou (French), Yoon Sunmi (Spanish), and Kim Boguk (Hungarian)-will discuss their translation experiences and the significance of the works.

On the same day at 6:30 p.m., a commemorative event for citizens will take place, featuring a congratulatory performance by students from Hyodong Elementary School, Han Kang's alma mater, and the screening of a commemorative video. Following this, at 7:00 p.m., "Session 2 - One Year with Han Kang's Literature, and Beyond," will be moderated by Professor Shin Hyungchul of Seoul National University. Participants will include Lee Kwangho, CEO of Munhakdongne Publishing, novelist Lee Giho, writer Lee Seula, and Lim Inja, owner of the local bookstore "Sonyeonui Seo," who will discuss the potential for the expansion of Korean literature.

On the second day, December 11, at 2:00 p.m., "Session 3 - Korean Literature and the Humanistic City of Gwangju" will be held. Moderated by writer Cho Jintae, presentations will be given by Professor Kim Hyeongjung of Chosun University, Professor Yoo Heeseok of Chonnam National University, and novelist Han Junghyun. The panel discussion will include literary critics Kim Youngsam and Kim Jooseon, as well as Professor Lee Jeonghwa of Chosun University. The session will focus on the direction of Korean literature after Han Kang and the vision of Gwangju as a city of humanities.

At 4:30 p.m., "Session 4 - The Power and Dynamism of Asian Literature" will follow. Moderated by literary critic Ko Myeongcheol, the session will feature poets Kim Suu and Jung Yangju, and novelist Park Geumsan, who will explore the global significance of Asian literature.

Web poster for the event "One-Year Anniversary International Forum of Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature (Subtitle: The Boy Stands in the Square)." Provided by Gwangju City.

Jeon Sunhee, Director of the Cultural Heritage and Resources Division of Gwangju City, stated, "Han Kang's Nobel Prize in Literature has become an important opportunity to expand Gwangju's identity from democracy and human rights to humanities and literature. We hope that this international forum will provide an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the significance of the award and to share the direction for Gwangju as a humanistic city."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.