Han Kang Works French translator "His writings always touched me"

Pierre Biziou, who published the French translation of Han Kang's work, said Han's writings always touched him and that winning the Nobel Prize for Literature was "not surprising."

"The Nobel Committee gave me the award because he's an outstanding writer," Mr. Biziu told Yonhap News in a phone call. "I think his outstanding talent is the whole reason for the award."

Ji-woo, who has been in the publishing industry for more than 30 years, published four books in French, including Han Kang's books "The Vegetarian," "Greek Time," "The Boy Is Coming," and "White," in a co-founded publishing company.

Last year, Choi Kyung-ran, a Korean translator, and Han Kang's latest work, "I Don't Say Goodbye," were directly translated into French.

Ji-woo said, "I was moved to tears" at the news of Han River's Nobel Prize win, adding, "I was really moved and happy." Han Kang's Nobel Prize is the pinnacle of everything I've ever experienced," he said.

When he published The Vegetarian, he said, "I was immediately obsessed with books," adding, "I was sure I would one day win the Nobel Prize for Literature, but I didn't expect to win it at a very young age."

Ji-woo Ji-woo poured out his infinite affection for Han River's work.

"I think the courage to explore the self, to explore the pain and the sadness, is really great," he said.

He added, "Han Kang sometimes takes us to a dreamy and mysterious world, which is also a part of his book that I really like."

In order to translate Han River's work, Ji-woo Ji-woo said, "You have to read a lot, think a lot, and fall into the text," and it was not an easy task.

"Fortunately, when I already published four books, I was well aware of the world of his work, and I got to know him personally by meeting him two or three times, and that helped me translate it," he explained.

Mr. Biziu said that all Han's works should be published in France on the occasion of this Nobel Prize.

"Hangangang is a very careful, thoughtful and contemplative person, and winning the Nobel Prize will put a lot of pressure on him, but I have a little worry and concern about whether I can protect myself while keeping a certain distance from all that," Biziu said.