“Top Influencer in Asia”— Fans Respond as Nobel Prize Winner Han Kang’s Book Tops Bestsellers Following BTS’ V’s Congratulatory Message

Kim Taehyung of BTS has been credited with significantly elevating the sales of Nobel Prize-winning author Han Kang’s works following his congratulatory message on social media. On October 10, Han Kang was officially recognized as the 2024 Nobel Prize winner in Literature, marking a historic moment as the first South Korean recipient of this prestigious award.

In the announcement, the committee stated:

“For her intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.”

On the same day, Taehyung took to Instagram to express his admiration for Han Kang and shared that he had previously read one of her acclaimed novels, Human Acts (in Korean: The Boy Comes/There Comes a Boy). His post read:

“Writer! I read “There Comes a Boy” while serving in the Army. Congratulations.”

According to reports from E Daily, as of 9 AM KST on October 11, a surge in the popularity of Han Kang’s books ensued, with Human Acts claiming the top spot on several major South Korean book-selling platforms, including Aladdin, Yes24, and Kyobo bookstore. Fans quickly took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate Taehyung’s substantial impact, with one user remarking:

“The Boy Is Coming by Han Kang hitting number one is undeniable proof of #V of BTS/Kim Taehyung’s influence and celebrity in Asia.”

Numerous fans voiced similar sentiments across social media, highlighting the phenomenon of Taehyung’s widespread influence. One fan added:

“The Vidas Touch strikes again! Just one mention from Kim Taehyung and everything sells out! No one should say he needs anyone else’s clout. He is the leading figure for influence!”

“His impact needs to be studied. I’m not just speaking about fandoms; the general public clearly pays attention to what he says and does,” another user noted.

Fans continued to comment on Taehyung’s global reach and effect on book sales.

“The magnitude of his impact is unbelievable. Of course, Kim Taehyung, your power is immense,”remarked another fan.

“A bestseller on all three major platforms following a shoutout from Kim Taehyung? Yes, his influence is astounding,” a fan asserted.

“This is the Kim Taehyung Effect,” a user commented.

Following his Instagram congratulatory post, Taehyung garnered mentions on major news networks in South Korea, Japan, and various international news outlets.

“It’s quite rare for even an active idol to appear in the news, but for Taehyung to be featured for three consecutive days regarding different topics is remarkable, especially while enlisted!” a user stated.

“Incredible! Taehyung was featured in the morning edition of Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan’s leading and most esteemed newspapers!” another user remarked.

“The affectionate regard he has in South Korea leads to him making posts and actions driven by respect and admiration, resulting in news features alongside the President of the country,” a fan expressed.

Insights on Nobel Prize-winning Author Han Kang’s Book Human Acts as Recognized by BTS’ Kim Taehyung

Han Kang, aged 53, is the daughter of renowned South Korean author Han Seung-won. She is widely acclaimed for her literary works, including The Vegetarian, The White Book, We Do Not Part, and Greek Lessons. On October 10, BTS’ Kim Taehyung announced Han Kang’s Nobel Prize in Literature win, sharing that he read her novel Human Acts during his military service.

Human Acts narrates the poignant tale of Kang Dong-ho, a boy whose life was tragically cut short during the Gwangju Uprising on May 18, 1980, in Gwangju, South Korea. The narrative sheds light on the horrific slaughter of civilians at the hands of the military during this democratic movement.

Currently, Kim Taehyung is serving in the military as part of the military police unit under the 2nd Division Army Corps located in Chuncheon. He is anticipated to complete his service in 2025.

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