Han Kang’s novel (English title “We Do Not Part”) won the National Book Critics Circle Award on March 27, fueling renewed interest in the author and a sharp jump in sales.
Online bookseller Yes24 said sales of the title surged 407% from 9 a.m. to noon compared with the previous day’s total. Kyobo Book Centre reported sales were up 4.4 times as of 2 p.m., compared with the day before.
The attention also reshaped bestseller lists. On Yes24, the book rose to No. 5 on the real-time “Korean books” chart and No. 2 in the “fiction, poetry and drama” category. After the NBCC selected the English edition translated by Lee Yewon and Paige Morris, the U.S. edition also climbed to No. 6 on Yes24’s real-time “foreign books” list. On Kyobo’s real-time bestseller list, the title was ranked No. 4.
A Yes24 official said readers’ interest has continued as another global award followed Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in literature, adding that demand is also rising among those seeking the work in English.
The official said it was the first time a Korean-language original novel won the prize, and the second win by a Korean author since poet Kim Hyesoon’s collection won in the poetry category in 2024.
Publishing industry officials said they expect the award to keep interest in literature elevated for some time, with broader gains in the fiction category. Kyobo said Han Kang’s novel was the overall bestseller No. 1 for two consecutive years in 2024 and 2025.
Major bookstores moved quickly with promotions. Kyobo is holding an event to award 1,000 won in Kyobo e-vouchers to 100 members selected by lottery from those who leave congratulatory messages. Yes24 is offering gifts, including a hardcover notebook made with the award-winning book’s cover illustration, to customers who buy Han Kang’s works through a congratulatory comment event, and will also provide YES points to 300 members selected by lottery from those who post comments.
Readers posted reactions such as, “Thank you, Han Kang, for bringing good news in an anxious time marked by war,” and “Good writing is recognized by everyone.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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