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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-12-17 07:47:48
SEOUL, Dec. 17 (Yonhap) -- In 2024, South Korea solidified its status as a global cultural powerhouse, marked by novelist Han Kang’s groundbreaking Nobel Prize in Literature win.
The influence of Korean culture extended beyond K-pop, films, and dramas, reaching new heights in classical music and literature, signaling the evolution of K-Culture.
◇ Han Kang’s Historic Nobel Win Sparks Global Literary Craze
Novelist Han Kang made history as the first Asian woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, a milestone that astonished literary circles both in South Korea and abroad. Her win marked the first Nobel Literature accolade for a Korean author in the 121-year history of the prize.
While Korea has achieved global acclaim through Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, BTS’s Billboard hits, and Squid Game’s Emmy triumphs, the Nobel Prize in Literature seemed out of reach due to the inherent challenges of translation. However, the Swedish Academy honored Han Kang on October 10, praising her poetic, experimental style and her profound exploration of human fragility and historical trauma.
Han’s works, which amplify marginalized voices and examine human struggles with depth and candor, became bestsellers in South Korea and sold out in major markets like the U.S., UK, and France. During the Nobel ceremony on December 10 in Stockholm, Han remarked, "Even in the darkest nights, language insists on imagining and connecting us as inhabitants of this planet."
◇ K-Classical Music Ascends with Jin Eun-suk and Lim Yunchan
In classical music, South Korea’s elevated global standing was underscored by a string of prestigious awards.
Composer Jin Eun-suk became the first Asian recipient of the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize in January, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of classical music." Known for her innovative compositions, Jin’s achievement exemplified Korea's growing presence in classical arts.
Meanwhile, pianist Lim Yunchan dominated Europe’s top music awards. In October, his album Chopin: Études won the Piano and Young Artist categories at the Gramophone Classical Music Awards, marking the first time a Korean artist has received these honors. In November, Lim added France’s Diapason d’Or de l’Année Young Musician Award to his accolades, further solidifying his place among the world’s elite pianists.
Ryu Taehyung, a classical music critic, noted, "K-Classical has reached a critical juncture where we must go beyond celebrating its achievements and focus on strengthening its foundation for sustained growth."
◇ K-pop’s Global Dominance with BTS, BLACKPINK, and New-Generation Stars
Despite the absence of group activities from global icons BTS and BLACKPINK, K-pop thrived worldwide.
BLACKPINK’s Rose captivated audiences with "APT.", a duet with pop star Bruno Mars. Its infectious chorus, “Apt Apt~,” became a viral sensation, charting high on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart.
BTS members Jin and J-Hope completed their military service, while Jimin and Jungkook maintained the group’s global presence. Jimin’s solo album MUSE earned widespread acclaim, and Jungkook’s GOLDEN secured him two Billboard Music Awards this year.
Meanwhile, rising stars like aespa and NewJeans took the baton, with their innovative sounds and fresh appeal driving K-pop’s continued momentum. Kim Young-dae, a music critic, remarked, "Even without major group activities from BTS or BLACKPINK, K-pop saw widespread success, including the viral sensation of 'APT.', which achieved mainstream popularity akin to 'Gangnam Style.'”
South Korea’s cultural influence now spans literature, classical music, and popular entertainment, cementing its status as a global cultural powerhouse in 2024.
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