NPR's Book of the Day: Han Kang's 'We Do Not Part' – A Deep Dive into Hidden Korean History

Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: Andrew Limbong & Scott Simon
Guest: Han Kang, Nobel Prize-Winning Author
Episode Title: Han Kang's latest novel 'We Do Not Part' deals with hidden chapters of Korean history

Introduction

In this episode of NPR's Book of the Day, host Scott Simon engages in a profound conversation with Nobel Prize-winning author Han Kang about her latest novel, "We Do Not Part." Published in English through the skilled translations of Lee Ya Wan and Paige Ania Morris, the novel delves into a dark and often overlooked chapter of Korean history, intertwining personal narratives with national trauma.

Plot Overview

"We Do Not Part" is set against the backdrop of the Jeju Island Massacre of 1948, a period marked by immense brutality and governmental suppression. The story follows Kyung Ha, a writer who grapples with the haunting memories of the massacre, as she navigates a relentless snowstorm that mirrors her internal turmoil.

Key Plot Points:

• Kyung Ha's Mission: Amidst a fierce snowstorm, Kyung Ha receives an urgent plea to rescue her friend's cherished white bird, Ami. This seemingly simple task becomes a perilous journey as Kyung Ha ventures into the treacherous winter to save Ami.

• Personal vs. Historical Trauma: Kyung Ha's personal struggles with nightmares and despair are intricately linked to the collective memory of the massacre, highlighting the lingering impact of historical atrocities on individual lives.

Themes & Metaphors

Han Kang employs snow as a central metaphor throughout the novel, symbolizing various dichotomies and connections:

• Connection Between Worlds: "Snow can be a connection between the living and the dead, between the sky and the ground, between light and darkness." ([00:02] Andrew Limbong)

• Interconnectedness: The snow represents the circulation of sea currents and the flow of water and air, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings on Earth.

• Contrast of Light and Dark: The persistent snowfall serves as a backdrop to explore themes of lightness and heaviness, silence and memory, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the lines between reality and introspection.

Historical Context: The Jeju Island Massacre

The novel brings to light the Jeju Island Massacre of 1948, a somber event in Korean history often overshadowed by subsequent political developments. Han Kang provides a detailed recounting of the circumstances leading to the massacre:

• Post-Liberation Division: Following the liberation from Japanese colonization in 1945, Korea was divided by the USA and the Soviet Union, leading to political tensions.

• Jeju's Resistance: The inhabitants of Jeju Island opposed the idea of a divided Korea, advocating for a unified nation. Their boycott of the 1948 elections labeled Jeju as a communist stronghold, precipitating the massacre.

• Scale of Tragedy: Approximately 30,000 civilians perished during the brutal crackdown, a grim statistic that underscores the extent of the atrocity.

Han Kang reflects on the taboo and suppression surrounding this historical event, emphasizing how it remained a hidden history within South Korea for decades.

Insights from Han Kang

In her conversation with Scott Simon, Han Kang shares personal reflections and the creative process behind "We Do Not Part."

• Dream-Inspired Imagery: Han Kang reveals that the inspiration for her novel originated from a vivid dream: "I could see the black tea trunks in the plain and it was snowing. It seemed like torsos, arms and legs were cut off. And I could see the burial mounds, more than tens of thousands of burial mounds behind all the black torsos of the dead trees." ([01:25] Han Kang)

• Balancing Darkness and Lightness: Despite addressing the heavy subject matter of the massacre, Han Kang consciously incorporates light elements such as snowflakes, birds, feathers, shadows, and weightless flames to create a nuanced narrative that balances despair with moments of beauty and hope.

• Personal Connection to Trauma: Han Kang shares her childhood exposure to the Gwangju Massacre photographs, which profoundly impacted her understanding of humanity's capacity for both violence and dignity. "I felt I didn't take it as a political thing. I had this shock with humanity. And there were proofs of human dignity as well." ([06:50] Han Kang)

Notable Quotes

• On the Significance of Snow:
  "I thought over the snow much while writing this book. So it falls between the sky and the earth and connecting the both. And it falls between the living and the dead, and between light and darkness, between silence and memories."
  — Han Kang ([05:32])

• On Humanity and Trauma:
  "It was kind of very difficult question about humans."
  — Han Kang ([06:50])

Conclusion

Han Kang's "We Do Not Part" is a compelling exploration of Korea's forgotten history, expertly woven with personal narratives and rich metaphors. Through the lens of Kyung Ha's journey amidst relentless snow, the novel captures the essence of collective memory, the scars of past violence, and the enduring human spirit. This NPR's Book of the Day episode offers listeners a poignant glimpse into the layers of Han Kang's storytelling, inviting a deeper understanding of both the historical context and the intricate emotional landscapes her characters navigate.

About the Hosts

• Andrew Limbong: A seasoned NPR correspondent known for his insightful reporting and engaging storytelling.

• Scott Simon: A respected radio journalist and host, Scott brings a thoughtful and inquisitive approach to his interviews with authors and thinkers.

Further Engagement

Listeners interested in exploring the themes discussed in this episode are encouraged to read Han Kang's "We Do Not Part" and reflect on the ways in which history shapes personal and collective identities. Engaging with such literary works fosters a deeper appreciation of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.