K-literature is gaining increasing attention in the global literary market.

This signifies not simply the translation and publication of Korean authors' works abroad, but also their capture of the hearts of readers worldwide. Among them, <The Hen Who Went Out to the Yard>, <The Vegetarian>, and <Salmon> are representative K-literary works, each leaving a deep impression on readers with their distinct charms and messages.

Hwang Sun-mi's <The Hen Who Went Out to the Yard> tells the story of "Ipsak," a hen who dreams of freedom, conveying the importance of independence and self-realization. Ipsak encounters numerous hardships and dangers as she escapes the cramped coop and ventures into the wider world, but ultimately achieves her dreams. Classified as children's literature, this work delivers a message that reminds readers of all ages of the courage and challenge of life.

Han Kang's <The Vegetarian> is a novel that delicately portrays the suppression and violence within the human psyche, and the destruction it brings about. The series of events that unfold as the protagonist, Yeong-hye, suddenly declares herself a vegetarian, expose the deep-seated wounds and repressed desires within her. This work won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize, elevating the status of K-literature on the world literary scene. Furthermore, <The Vegetarian> is recognized as a work that explores the universal human pain and liberation beyond the specific characteristics of Korean society.

Ahn Do-hyun's <Salmon> is a work that makes readers realize the cycle of life and the principles of nature through the life of a salmon. The protagonist, salmon, experiences life, death, and the laws of nature through its journey from birth to death. This work goes beyond a simple fable and raises fundamental questions about human existence, prompting deep reflection among readers. <Salmon> emphasizes the harmony between nature and humanity, reminding modern individuals of the importance of nature.

While these three works address different themes, they share a common ground in their exploration of the essence of humanity and the meaning of life. K-literature is now extending beyond Korea to the world, deeply moving readers from various cultures. This recognition of the originality and universality of Korean literature simultaneously holds promise for the boundless possibilities of K-literature in the future.