Han Kang's Nobel Prize Ignites Book Sales in South Korea
The recent Nobel Prize win by South Korean author Han Kang has triggered a remarkable surge in book sales across the country. Since her award announcement last Thursday, over 1.06 million copies of her works, including e-books, have been sold, according to major retailers Kyobo, Aladin, and YES24. This dramatic increase marks a 12-fold rise in sales compared to the previous year, highlighting a significant moment for the South Korean publishing industry.
Han Kang, who is the first Asian woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature, was recognized for her profound and poetic writing that addresses themes of historical trauma and the fragility of human existence. Her most acclaimed work, The Vegetarian, which won the Man Booker Prize in 2016, has gained renewed attention, contributing to the unprecedented sales spike. Retailers report that some printing facilities are operating at full capacity to meet the rising demand, with one employee noting that they have never been busier since joining the company in 2006.
The Broader Context of Reading Habits in South Korea
Despite this surge in interest surrounding Han Kang's books, the overall reading habits in South Korea present a contrasting picture. Recent studies indicate a decline in reading rates among the population, particularly among students. The Ministry of Education reported a 21.5% decrease in the average number of books borrowed by students from school libraries over the past decade, with students borrowing an average of just 17.2 books annually. The decline is attributed to increased time spent on social media and digital media consumption.
Moreover, literacy rates are also falling, as evidenced by the National Academic Achievement Assessment which revealed a significant drop in students achieving 'average academic ability or higher' in Korean language subjects. The results show a decline from 77.5% in 2019 to 52.1% last year for high school students, raising concerns about the future of literacy in the country.
A Call for Action in Promoting Reading
In light of Han Kang's Nobel Prize win, there are renewed calls to revitalize reading education in South Korea. The Ministry of Education plans to enhance library resources and increase the number of librarians in schools as part of a broader initiative to promote reading among students. Minister Lee Joo-ho expressed hopes that this moment could serve as an opportunity to encourage a culture of reading, particularly among younger generations. Despite the current challenges, the excitement surrounding Han Kang's achievements could potentially inspire a resurgence in interest in literature and reading across the nation.
