Why is Han Kang criticized for being too bleak?
Some perceive my work as bleak, and I understand this. I believe, however, that to shy away from the difficult truths of existence—the pervasive violence, the lingering traumas of history, the profound suffering that can be inflicted upon the body—is a disservice to reality. My intention is not to dwell in despair for its own sake, but to confront these shadows, to illuminate the unspeakable that often lies beneath the surface of our everyday lives. It is through this confrontation, this unflinching gaze at what is painful, that we might arrive at a deeper understanding, a more profound form of empathy, and perhaps even a fragile beauty. There is a violence in being seen, yes, but also a potential for transformation.