Human Acts: A Novel

Human Acts by Han Kang is a powerful and poetic novel that explores the aftermath of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising in South Korea. The story unfolds through interconnected chapters, each offering a different perspective—from victims, survivors, and those left behind.

At the heart of the novel is Dong-ho, a young boy who is tragically killed during the uprising. His story intertwines with those of his best friend, a prisoner, an editor struggling against censorship, and his grief-stricken mother. Through their voices, the novel paints a haunting portrait of oppression, resilience, and the search for justice.