Author Han Kang: Personal and political writing are inseparable

Author Han Kang asserts that her writing transcends simple categorization, blurring the lines between personal and political narratives. "For me, personal writing and political writing are not divided," she stated at the Avignon Theatre Festival in France. She elaborated that novels like 'The Vegetarian,' which might seem deeply personal, are inherently political, while 'Human Acts,' often labeled as social commentary, feels profoundly personal to her.

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For me, personal writing and political writing are not divided. (...) For example, 'The Vegetarian' seems like a very personal story, but it is a very political novel, and 'Human Acts,' which people may call a social novel, is a very personal novel to me. 'I Want to Live to the End of This Love' also deals with history, but I think it focuses on the inner world of humans.

Speaking at the "Cafe of Ideas" as part of the festival, Han Kang discussed her motivation to write about the recurring violence throughout human history and the enduring grief of those left behind. "I wanted to write about the violence that humans repeatedly commit throughout history, and the stories of those who do not say goodbye, who do not stop mourning, in the wake of that violence," she explained, emphasizing that her work is not solely focused on Korean history.

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I wanted to write about the violence that humans repeatedly commit throughout history, and the stories of those who do not say goodbye, who do not stop mourning, in the wake of that violence.

When asked about future projects, Han Kang revealed she has three novels in mind but is a slow writer. She also touched upon the temporary closure of her independent bookstore, 'Bookshop Today,' in Seoul. The shop, which operated for eight years, faced closure because the building was sold, forcing all tenants to leave. She fondly recalled a visit from French actress Isabelle Huppert shortly before the closure, which became a cherished memory.

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If I talk about it in more detail, the mystery will disappear, so I'll just say 'I am writing'.

The Avignon Theatre Festival this year celebrates the 140th anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and France, with Korean language as the invited language. This marks the first time an Asian language has been honored. The festival will also feature readings of Han Kang's novel 'I Want to Live to the End of This Love' by Isabelle Huppert and Korean actress Lee Hye-young.

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The building was sold, and all the tenants had to leave.