Join us at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. for an exciting roundtable featuring experts and readers to exploring the works of Korean author and Nobel Prize in Literature winner Han Kang, coordinated in partnership with George Mason University Assistant Professor Hyun Seon Park!

Through expert analysis and reader testimonials, this event will introduce the celebrated works of the author, explore Kang’s key themes and inspirations, unpack the impact of her career culminating in the Nobel Prize win in 2024, and offer a bird’s eye view of Korean literature on the rise globally.

A key aspect of Korean culture’s popularity globally has always been the passion of its fans. In recognition if this, the program will open with a Readers Roundtable of short personal accounts, reviews, and stories from everyday readers whose lives have been impacted by Han Kang’s novels. Fans of her work are invited to apply to take part in this portion of the program, either live in person or through a video entry (advance application is required, at the link below).

Following the Readers Roundtable, cultural and literary experts from George Mason University and the George Washington University will discuss the complex contextual aspects of Kang’s works. This Experts Roundtable will explore how modern life and societal challenges in Korea have influenced the author—and vice versa, as the intense spotlight of a Nobel Prize in Literature attention comes to Korea for the first time in history.

A light reception in celebration of Han Kang’s historic Nobel Prize win will follow the program. Translated editions of Han Kang’s books will be available for reading on site at the Korean Cultural Center in Washington, D.C. during the event (limited quantities).

Sharing Stories: A Readers and Experts Roundtable on Nobel Laureate Han Kang

February 27, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Korean Cultural Center in Washington, D.C.

2370 Massachusetts Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20008

Inquiries: KCCDC yeong0@mofa.or.kr  / 202-939-5685 

RSVP FOR THIS EVENT!

Session I: Readers Roundtable

Readers who are selected to participate in this portion of the program will be invited to share their experience reading a favorite work by Han Kang, such as a review or analysis, testimonial of the work’s impact, or other personal experience. To apply, please complete our application form to share a brief summary of your experience or planned presentation, which can be expanded for the actual event. All applicants featured at the event will receive a Korean-themed craft kit as thank-you-gift.

APPLY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE READERS ROUNDTABLE!

Application Deadline: Friday, February 19, 2025

DEADLINE EXTENDED! 

Session II: Experts Roundtable

Three Korean literature experts will lead a roundtable discussion on a variety of topics. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to engage in an open discussion and share their thoughts on Han Kang's works.

Hyun Seon Park, Assistant Professor of Modern and Classical Languages, George Mason University

Immanuel Kim, Associate Professor of Korean Literature and Culture Studies, The George Washington University

Young A Jung, Assistant Professor of Modern and Classical Languages, George Mason University

Excerpt from Human Acts

‘Looks like rain,’ you mutter to yourself.

What’ll we do if it really chucks it down?

You open your eyes so that only a slender chink of light seeps in, and peer at the gingko trees in front of the Provincial Office. As though there, between those branches, the wind is about to take on visible form. As though the raindrops suspended in the air, held breath before the plunge, are on the cusp of trembling down, glittering like jewels.

When you open your eyes properly, the trees’ outlines dim and blur. You’re going to need glasses before long. This thought gets briefly disturbed by the whooping and applause which breaks out from the direction of the fountain. Perhaps your sight’s as bad now as it’s going to get, and you’ll be able to get away without glasses after all?

‘Listen to me if you know what’s good for you: come back home, right this minute.’

About Han Kang 

Korean author Han Kang was awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in literature for her intensely humane and poetic body of work. Han, 53, made her prose debut in 1993, and went on to international acclaim with her books including The Vegetarian, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016. She is the first author from the Republic of Korea to win the literature award and only the 18th woman to win.