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Why do works like Han Kang’s novels or the film “Parasite” resonate so deeply with global audiences?

Korean literature and cinema have gained remarkable international recognition in recent years, offering profound critiques of history and society. This article explores how cultural criticism interprets these works, focusing on Nobel Prize–winning author Han Kang and the Oscar-winning film “Parasite.”

📚 Table of Contents

• Han Kang’s Nobel Prize and Social Context
• Parasite and Modern Class Criticism
• Practice Dialogue
• Did You Know?
• Final Thoughts

💡 Han Kang’s Nobel Prize and Social Context

한강 작가는 2024년 노벨문학상을 수상하며 한국 문학의 세계적 위상을 새롭게 열었습니다.
Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2024, elevating the global status of Korean literature.

그녀의 대표작 채식주의자는 개인의 선택과 사회적 규범의 충돌, 폭력과 순응의 문제를 다루며 인간 존재의 본질을 성찰하게 합니다.
Her notable work The Vegetarian explores conflicts between personal choices and social norms, examining violence, conformity, and the essence of human existence.

이 소설은 한국의 급격한 산업화와 가부장적 문화 속에서 개인의 정체성이 어떻게 억압받는지를 보여줍니다.
The novel depicts how personal identity is suppressed within Korea’s rapid industrialization and patriarchal culture.

특히 식민지 경험, 전쟁, 독재 정권 등 역사적 상처가 개인과 가족 서사에 스며든 방식은 해외 독자들에게도 보편적 공감을 이끌어냈습니다.
Especially, the colonial past, wars, and authoritarian regimes permeate the family narrative, evoking universal empathy among international readers.

📖 Parasite and Modern Class Criticism

봉준호 감독의 영화 기생충은 2019년 칸 영화제 황금종려상과 2020년 아카데미 작품상을 수상하며 한국 영화의 새로운 지평을 열었습니다.
Bong Joon-ho’s film Parasite won the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and the Best Picture Oscar in 2020, opening a new horizon for Korean cinema.

이 작품은 부유층과 빈곤층의 공간적 대비(지상 vs 지하)를 통해 한국 사회의 심화된 계층 격차를 날카롭게 비판했습니다.
The film sharply criticizes deepening social class gaps in Korea through the spatial contrast between the wealthy (above ground) and the poor (basement).

영화 속 “반지하” 주거 형태는 한국 근대화 과정에서 생겨난 주거 문제를 상징하며, 폭우와 같은 자연재해가 계층 격차를 더 심화시키는 장면은 글로벌 관객들에게도 강한 인상을 남겼습니다.
The semi-basement housing symbolizes housing issues born from Korea’s modernization, and scenes like floods further highlight inequality, leaving a strong impression on global audiences.

이러한 비평적 시선은 한국 사회 특유의 계급 문제를 넘어 전 세계 불평등 담론과 맞닿아 있습니다.
This critical lens transcends Korean class issues and resonates with global discussions on inequality.

✨ Want to discuss Korean novels and films critically in Korean? Book a 1:1 class on italki and explore advanced cultural topics with guidance.

🗣 Practice Dialogue

A: 한강 작가의 채식주의자는 왜 전 세계 독자들에게 공감을 얻었나요?
Han-gang jakga-ui chaesik-ju-ui-ja-neun wae jeon segye dokja-deur-ege gong-gam-eul eodeossnayo?
Why did Han Kang’s “The Vegetarian” resonate with readers worldwide?

B: 개인의 자유와 사회적 억압이라는 보편적 주제를 다루면서도, 한국의 역사와 문화적 맥락을 잘 보여주기 때문이에요.
Gaein-ui jayu-wa sahoejeok eogab-iraneun bop-yeonjeok juje-reul darumyeonseodo, Hanguk-ui yeoksa-wa munhwajeok maekrak-eul jal boyeo-ju-gi ttaemun-ieyo.
Because it tackles universal themes of personal freedom and social oppression while reflecting Korea’s historical and cultural context.

🧩 Quick Check: How do universal themes in Korean works help them connect with global audiences?

🌏 Did You Know?

Korean webtoons, such as Sweet Home and Tower of God, have also gained immense popularity internationally, often being adapted into Netflix series and contributing to the global “K-wave.”

📦 Final Thoughts

From Han Kang’s introspective novels to Bong Joon-ho’s class critique in “Parasite,” Korean cultural works continue to spark critical discussions worldwide. For advanced learners, analyzing these works enhances understanding of Korea’s historical wounds, social issues, and evolving identity in global culture.

I hope that while reading various posts on my blog, you’ll learn Korean and grow to love Korea. As a Korean, I sincerely wish for that. Please come back anytime to discover new expressions and cultural insights!

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