On Tuesday, Han Kang, the first Korean and Asian female writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, received her Nobel certificate and medal engraved with Alfred Nobel’s name.
The acclaimed author was presented with the diploma and medal by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden during the 124th Nobel Prize ceremony, which was held at the Stockholm Concert Hall (Konserthuset) at 4 p.m. on Tuesday.
Han Kang was the fourth recipient to receive the diploma and medal, following the Physics, Chemistry, and Physiology or Medicine presentations.
Ellen Mattson, a permanent member of the Swedish Academy, introduced Han Kang in her award speech by describing Han Kang’s literary voice as captivatingly gentle yet capable of addressing unspeakable cruelty and irreversible loss. Mattson extended heartfelt congratulations to Han Kang on behalf of the Swedish Academy for her 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature.
As Han Kang received her certificate and medal from the King, the entire audience rose to their feet, applauding and showing their congratulations and respect.
The author did not give a speech during the ceremony. This was due to her earlier laureate lecture and the upcoming banquet at Stockholm City Hall at 7 p.m., where she will have about three minutes to share her thoughts.
Earlier, during the laureate press conference on December 6 and her lecture on December 7, Han Kang reflected, “Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the personal attention, thinking, ‘Isn’t this award for literature?’ However, after pondering for over a month, I realized that this award is indeed for literature, and I’ve received a prize for literature. This realization has made me feel more at ease.”
