Human Acts by Han Kang is primarily inspired by the Gwangju Uprising of 1980, a significant historical event in South Korea. This uprising arose in response to the oppressive regime of President Park Chung-hee, which led to widespread protests advocating for democracy and human rights. As students and citizens faced brutal military crackdowns, the uprising became a pivotal moment in the struggle for civil liberties in South Korea. The novel also reflects on the complex socio-political backdrop of Korea during this period, including class tensions heightened by industrialization and unionization efforts. Han Kang's personal connection to Gwangju, being a native of the city, lends an intimate perspective on the trauma experienced by its residents during and after the uprising. Moreover, the narrative examines the repercussions of violence and repression, highlighting how these historical events shaped individual lives and collective memory, while also critiquing the portrayal of such uprisings by authorities as actions of subversion rather than legitimate expressions of social and political discontent.