Han Kang’s Deep Emotional Link to AKMU’s Music Sparks Chart Comeback Post-Nobel Prize Victory

The 2019 track by AKMU, titled “How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One I Love,”is witnessing a resurgence in popularity, particularly after South Korea’s first Nobel Prize laureate in literature, Han Kang, reportedly became emotional while listening to it in a taxi while crafting her novel “I Do Not Bid Farewell.”

Following the announcement of the Nobel Prize on October 10, the song experienced a significant leap in the daily charts, advancing from the 39th to the 34th position, and further climbing to 27th place by October 11, as reported by Melon.

“I Do Not Bid Farewell”delves into the sorrowful events of the Jeju 4.3 Incident through the viewpoints of three women. Since the novel’s release in 2021, Han Kang has discussed her inspirations on her publisher’s YouTube channel, revealing that the emotional weight of “How Can I Love the Heartbreak, You’re the One I Love”brought her to tears upon completing her first draft.

Reflecting on the lyrics that struck her, Han Kang quoted, “How could I, to you, Our love so deep as the ocean, Waiting till it runs dry will be our farewell.” She shared, “The imagery of an ocean drying up came to mind, and it moved me deeply, bringing tears to my eyes as I sat in the taxi, feeling like someone carrying a profound story.”

Singer Park Hye-won, known by her stage name HYNN, has also gained recognition for her homage to Han Kang’s novel “The Elegy of Whiteness.” She was particularly touched by a poignant phrase from the book: “Even if I become tainted, I will only convey the pure.”

On social media, HYNN expressed her respect for Han Kang, stating, “I see her as a profound writer who truly understands the zeitgeist and resonates with people. As an emerging artist inspired by her work, I aim to create music that reflects her sincere perspective and purity.”

BTS member RM has also drawn attention for sharing his thoughts after reading Han Kang’s “Human Acts.”During a previous V Live session, he mentioned, “I read it while traveling to Europe and at the hotel. Even in a comfortable setting, the book overwhelmed me. The prose was vivid and striking.”

Fans of actress Seo Hyun-jin celebrated the Nobel Prize announcement by promoting “I Do Not Bid Farewell”on social media, where she remarked, “The narrative is exquisitely sensitive and delicate, akin to paper grazing my skin. It is a truly magnificent book.”

Source: Daum

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