The Boy is Coming (Original title: 소년이 온다, U.S. title: Human Acts) is a novel by acclaimed Korean author Han Kang, first published in 2014.

The novel is set during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a pivotal and tragic event in modern Korean history.

Through multiple perspectives, the novel explores the brutality of state violence and its lasting emotional and psychological impacts on those who experienced it.

Han Kang’s delicate yet powerful prose weaves a story of grief, trauma, and the struggle for dignity amidst unspeakable atrocities.

Human Acts, the U.S. edition title, reflects the universal themes of suffering and resilience portrayed in this remarkable work.

Excerpt : “The boy was crying. Though the world around him had fallen silent, his heart remained filled with fear and pain. The gunfire had ceased, but the wounds had not healed. The memory of that day lingered, refusing to fade with time. He simply believed, as he held on to the hope of another tomorrow, enduring each day in silent agony.”

Product Description: This powerful novel by Han Kang, internationally known as Human Acts in the U.S., is a profound exploration of a dark chapter in Korean history.

The book captures the emotional depth and lasting impact of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, making it a significant contribution to both historical fiction and contemporary literature.

Human Acts has been praised worldwide for its poignant portrayal of violence and its aftermath.

Nominated for the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, this novel is an essential read for those interested in history, trauma, and human resilience.

Shipping Information: The book will be shipped from South Korea.