Han Kang Biography: Books, Nobel Prizes, Instagram, Net Worth, Age, Parents, Siblings, Husband, Children

Han Kang is a South Korean author best known for her internationally acclaimed novel The Vegetarian, which won the 2016 International Booker Prize.

She is celebrated for her poetic and haunting prose that explores themes of trauma, identity, and human fragility. In 2024, she became the first South Korean to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Profile

• Full Name: Han Kang
• Stage Name: Han Kang
• Born: November 27, 1970
• Age: 55 years old
• Birthplace: Gwangju, South Korea
• Nationality: South Korean
• Occupation: Writer
• Height: 5 feet 7 inches tall (about 170 cm)
• Parent: Han Seung-won, Im Gam-oh
• Siblings: Han Dong-rim, Han Kang-in, Han Dong Rim
• Spouse: Hong Yong-hee
• Children: Yoon Ye-ji
• Relationship: Divorce
• Net Worth: $4 million

Early Life and Education

Han Kang was born on November 27, 1970, in Gwangju, South Korea. She is currently 55 years old. Her father is Han Seung-won, a respected novelist, which influenced her literary path from an early age. Han Kang has siblings, including her older brother Han Dong-rim and younger brother Han Kang-in.

She belongs to the Korean ethnic group and practices Christianity, though she keeps her religious views largely private.

At the age of ten, Han Kang moved with her family to Suyu-dong in northern Seoul. She later pursued higher education at Yonsei University, where she studied Korean literature. Her academic background and literary environment played a key role in shaping her distinctive writing voice.

Career

Han Kang began her literary career in the early 1990s, first publishing poetry before transitioning into fiction. Her debut short story, The Scarlet Anchor, was published in 1993, and she gained early recognition with her 1995 novella A Love of Yeosu. Over time, she became known for her deeply introspective and emotionally resonant works.

She rose to international prominence with her novel The Vegetarian (2007), a haunting story of a woman’s decision to stop eating meat and its emotional and psychological ripple effects. The book was translated into English by Deborah Smith and won the prestigious Man Booker International Prize in 2016, making Han Kang one of the most prominent voices in Korean literature on the global stage.

Other notable works include Human Acts (2014), a powerful novel about the Gwangju Uprising, and The White Book (2016), a poetic meditation on grief and memory. Her writing is often described as lyrical, profound, and courageous in its exploration of trauma, identity, and the human body.

In 2024, Han Kang made history by becoming the first South Korean author to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, solidifying her legacy as one of the most influential literary figures of her generation.

Awards and Nominations

• 2024: Nobel Prize in Literature
• 2016: International Booker Prize for The Vegetarian

Personal Life

Han Kang was previously married to literary critic and professor Hong Yong-hee, but the couple divorced several years ago. Together, they have a son named Yoon Ye-ji. From 2018 to November 2024, Han Kang and her son co-managed a bookstore in Seoul, reflecting their shared love for literature.

While she generally maintains a private personal life, it’s known that she is no longer married. Han Kang stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (about 170 cm).

Net Worth

Han Kang, the esteemed South Korean author, has an estimated net worth of approximately $4 million. Her primary sources of income include book sales, literary awards, and international royalties. Notably, in 2024, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, which came with a prize of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1.1 million).

Additionally, her works have experienced a surge in sales, both domestically and internationally, further contributing to her financial success.