Major Literary Works in South Korea

1. "The Vegetarian" by Han Kang: This novel explores the themes of identity, rebellion, and societal expectations through the story of a woman who decides to become a vegetarian, much to the disapproval of those around her. It won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016.2. "Please Look After Mom" by Kyung-sook Shin: This novel depicts the story of a family's search for their missing mother and reflects on the sacrifices and unconditional love of a mother. It became a bestseller in South Korea and gained international acclaim.3. "The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly" by Sun-mi Hwang: This fable-like story revolves around a hen named Sprout, who dreams of hatching an egg of her own. The novel explores themes of freedom, motherhood, and perseverance.4. "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee: This multi-generational epic follows a Korean family living in Japan from the early 20th century to the present day. The novel examines themes of identity, discrimination, and the pursuit of the American Dream.5. "I'll Be Right There" by Kyung-sook Shin: Set during the 1980s student uprising in Gwangju, this novel explores themes of friendship, memory, and loss through the story of a woman reflecting on her past and the tragic events she experienced.6. "Human Acts" by Han Kang: This novel delves into the 1980 Gwangju Uprising and its aftermath, exploring the themes of violence, trauma, and the resilience of the human spirit. It received critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award.7. "The Court Dancer" by Kyung-sook Shin: Set in the late 19th century, this historical novel portrays the forbidden relationship between a Korean court dancer and a French diplomat. It offers a glimpse into the cultural clashes and political tensions of the time.

Major Authors in South Korea

1. Han Kang: Known for her poetic and thought-provoking prose, Han Kang gained international recognition with "The Vegetarian" and "Human Acts." Her works often explore themes of identity, the human body, and social conformity.2. Kyung-sook Shin: Considered one of South Korea's most popular and influential contemporary writers, Shin's works often focus on family, memory, and the inner lives of her characters. She gained international acclaim with "Please Look After Mom" and "I'll Be Right There."3. Sun-mi Hwang: Hwang's works often combine elements of fable and allegory, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth. Her novella "The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly" garnered worldwide attention and has been translated into multiple languages.4. Min Jin Lee: Born in South Korea and raised in the United States, Lee's writing often touches on the Korean diaspora experience, cultural identity, and the immigrant narrative. "Pachinko" brought her widespread acclaim and recognition.

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