South Korean philosopher Byung-Chul Han has been distinguished with the 2025 Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities. Author of key works such as ‘The Weary Society’, ‘The Agony of Eros’ and ‘Non-things’, which reflect on emotional exhaustion in the digital age, he has won over readers all over the world with his sober and aphoristic style.
The jury recognised his ‘brilliance in interpreting the challenges of technological society’ and his ability to communicate ideas that link Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. Born in Seoul in 1959 and based in Germany since the 1980s, Han has taught at renowned universities such as Basel and Berlin, while keeping out of the media spotlight.
A critic of nationalism and attentive to contemporary political phenomena, the thinker believes that the rise of populism in Europe is linked to a globalisation that is perceived as distant and abstract. Instead, he proposes a Europe united by reason, feelings and human bonds.
His concept of the ‘performance society’, where the individual exploits himself in the pursuit of success, has had a powerful influence on contemporary thought, placing him among the great names in philosophy today.
With this award, he joins a list of laureates that includes Umberto Eco, Jürgen Habermas and Emilio Lledó. The award ceremony will be held in October in Oviedo.
