Han Kang’s 'We Do Not Part' Explores Trauma and Historical Violence

The Nobel laureate's latest novel delves into the 1948 Jeju massacre through a haunting narrative of memory and loss.

Han Kang's new novel, 'We Do Not Part,' addresses the 1948 Jeju massacre, where 30,000 civilians were killed during anti-communist violence in South Korea.
The book follows Kyungha, a writer grappling with personal and historical trauma, as she journeys to Jeju Island at the request of her injured friend, Inseon.
Weaving elements of autofiction, magic realism, and historical testimony, the novel portrays the lingering impact of violence across generations.
Critics praise Han’s evocative prose and exploration of memory, though some note a less immediate emotional impact compared to her earlier works like 'Human Acts.'
Jointly translated by E Yaewon and Paige Aniyah Morris, the novel continues Han's tradition of confronting Korea's painful history through deeply introspective storytelling.