Introducing K-Literature that has Captured the World: The Hen Who Left the Farm, The Vegetarian, and Salmon

K-Literature is gaining increasing recognition in the global literary market.

This signifies more than just Korean authors' works being translated and published overseas; it means they are captivating readers worldwide. Among them, The Hen Who Dreamed of the Sky, The Vegetarian, and Salmon stand out as representative K-literature works, each leaving a lasting impression on readers with its unique charm and message.

Hwang Sun-mi's The Hen Who Dreamed of the Sky tells the story of 'Ipsak,' a hen who dreams of freedom, conveying the importance of independence and self-realization. Ipsak faces numerous challenges and dangers as she ventures out of her cramped coop into the wider world, but ultimately achieves her dream. Although categorized as children's literature, this work delivers a message that reminds readers of all ages about the courage and the spirit of challenge in life.

Han Kang's The Vegetarian is a novel that delicately portrays the repression and violence within the human psyche and the resulting destruction. The series of events triggered by the protagonist, Yeong-hye's, sudden declaration of vegetarianism reveals the wounds and repressed desires deeply rooted within her. This work garnered the Man Booker International Prize in 2016, elevating the status of K-literature in the global literary scene. Furthermore, The Vegetarian is regarded as a work that explores universal human suffering and liberation beyond the specific context of Korean society.

Ahn Do-hyun's Salmon is a work that uses the life cycle of salmon to impart understanding of the cycle of life and the natural order. The protagonist, the salmon, experiences life, death, and the natural laws of the universe throughout its journey from birth to death. This work transcends a simple fable, posing fundamental questions about human existence and leading readers to deep introspection. Salmon emphasizes harmony between nature and humanity, reminding modern individuals of the importance of the natural world.

While these three works address different themes, they share a common ground in exploring the essence of humanity and the meaning of life. K-literature is now extending beyond Korea and touching the hearts of readers across diverse cultures around the globe. This recognition affirms both the originality and universality of Korean literature, and we can anticipate the limitless potential of K-literature in the future.