▶ Nobel Prize Week in Sweden
▶ Celebrating Laureates’ Achievements
Han Kang, the first Asian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, will receive the prestigious award on December 10 (local time) during the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden. As anticipation builds, Han Kang, known for her reserved demeanor, has maintained silence since her acceptance speech at the Pony Chung Foundation awards in October. Now, attention turns to her upcoming lectures and press conferences in Sweden, where she is expected to share her thoughts.
According to the publishing industry and the Nobel Committee, Han Kang's first public remarks will be during a press conference on December 6. Held over two days, these press conferences feature laureates from all Nobel fields, with the literature laureate typically speaking first. Han will answer questions from journalists worldwide, though the event will not be broadcast live.
On December 7, Han Kang will deliver a lecture at the Nobel Museum in Gamla Stan, the historic district of Stockholm. In this hour-long session, she will reflect on her 31-year literary journey, presenting in Korean. The lecture will be live-streamed on YouTube, and transcripts in Korean, English, and Swedish will later be made available online.
The main award ceremony will take place on December 10 at the Stockholm Concert Hall. During this event, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden will present medals and diplomas to laureates in five categories, excluding the Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo. Each laureate will also be introduced by a representative of the awarding institution. While Han Kang is not scheduled to give a speech at the ceremony, she will offer a message of gratitude at the banquet held later that evening at Stockholm City Hall.
On December 11, Han Kang is expected to hold a separate press conference for Korean media. The following day, she will participate in a reading event at the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm, where Nobel literature laureates traditionally read excerpts from their works and discuss them. Han Kang will engage in a dialogue with Yukiko Duke, a Swedish translator and journalist.
Observers note that Han Kang, in a previous interview with Swedish media, reflected on the significance of the Nobel Prize, stating, "We have many opportunities to learn from history, yet tragedies seem to repeat themselves." This has led to speculation that her upcoming lectures and discussions may delve into her literary philosophy, exploring themes of history and the lessons humanity can draw from it.
Since December 5, Stockholm has been hosting its annual "Nobel Week," a series of events celebrating the laureates and their achievements. Among these is the "Nobel Week Lights" installation, which illuminates the city at night. A special segment, "Reading Lights," honors women laureates, featuring Han Kang's portrait among the displays.
The city of Stockholm, and indeed the world, eagerly awaits the insights and contributions of this year's Nobel laureates as they continue to inspire future generations.