No journalist seems to have been able to reach the prize winner for an interview since then, but the Academy has published a short telephone interview with Han Kang on its website.
There, she says that she was very surprised and at the same time honored to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Someone called me and told me the news. I was very surprised. My son was also surprised, we haven't had much time to talk about it yet, she says.
In the interview, Han Kang is asked how it feels to be the first prize winner from South Korea.
I grew up with books, since I was a child I have grown up with Korean books and translated literature. I feel very close to Korean literature. I hope that this news is positive for Korean readers and writers, she says.
She also mentions that she loved Astrid Lindgren's "The Brothers Lionheart" as a child. When asked how she will celebrate, Han Kang replies that she does not drink alcohol and will instead celebrate with a cup of tea.
I will drink tea with my son and celebrate quietly tonight.
