Muscat: Mats Malm, the permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, made the announcement on Thursday during a news conference in Stockholm.

Han’s literary journey gained international acclaim with The Vegetarian, originally published in Korea in 2007 and later winning the International Booker Prize in 2016 after its English translation. The novel tells the surreal story of a depressed housewife whose refusal to eat meat leads to shocking consequences, including her decision to starve herself, believing she can sustain her life on sunlight alone.

Critics have hailed Han as a visionary. In a review for The New York Times, Porochista Khakpour noted that Han’s work has garnered rightful celebration for its unique perspective and depth. Her recent publication, Greek Lessons, released in English in 2023, along with her earlier work, The White Book, further showcases her literary prowess.

Anders Olsson, chair of the Nobel committee, commended Han’s innovative approach to writing, stating that her work reflects a unique awareness of the connections between body and soul, the living and the dead. Han’s recognition comes as a surprise, as many had expected avant-garde Chinese writer Can Xue to take the award this year.

The Nobel Prize in Literature is a prestigious accolade, often seen as the pinnacle of a literary career. Along with the honor comes a monetary award of 11 million Swedish krona (approximately $1 million). Recent efforts by the Swedish Academy to enhance diversity among laureates have led to the recognition of writers from various backgrounds, including Abdulrazak Gurnah, Louise Glück, and Annie Ernaux.