Han Kang Smiles After Receiving Nobel Prize in Literature Medal and a Significant Cash Prize

Author Han Kang's win of the 124th Nobel Prize in Literature has sparked significant interest in the prize money.

On the 10th, author Han Kang received the Nobel Prize in Literature medal and certificate from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden at the Nobel Prize ceremony held at the Stockholm Concert Hall. After shaking hands with the king and smiling, Han Kang greeted the audience.

At the ceremony, Han Kang appeared wearing a black evening dress and took her seat on the left side of the stage. Since the Nobel Prize ceremonies began being held at this location in 1926, Han Kang became the first Korean to walk the blue carpet. Former President Kim Dae-jung, the first Korean Nobel laureate, received the Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway.

In her speech, Swedish Academy novelist Ellen Mattson said, "In Han Kang's world, people are wounded, vulnerable, and fragile, but they also have enough strength to take one more step, ask one more question, demand one more document, and interview the survivors."

Astrid Dyring, chair of the Nobel Foundation, added, "The laureate explored human fragility against the backdrop of historical trauma, showing that the desire for the abyss and transformation is always nearby, shedding light on humanity's existential condition."

The Nobel Prize ceremony proceeded in the order of the Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Economic Sciences prizes.

Meanwhile, the Nobel Prize money is 11 million Swedish Krona (approximately 14 billion KRW). This amount is provided from the Nobel Prize Fund, and the amount has fluctuated based on economic conditions. Since it was first awarded in 1901, the prize amount was reduced in 1949 and has since increased, reaching 10 million Krona, but in 2012, due to the foundation's financial difficulties, it decreased to 8 million Krona. The prize has since been adjusted to 9 million, 10 million, and currently 11 million Krona. Along with the prize money, the laureates are awarded a medal and a certificate.