### Overview
The Pulitzer Prize, established in 1917 by provisions in the will of American-Hungarian newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer, is awarded annually for achievements in newspaper, magazine, online journalism, literature, and musical composition within the United States, though its influence and recognition extend globally. Over the years, the Pulitzer has been awarded to numerous individuals around the world, not limited to American nationals. The question of who was the first person from a particular country to win a Pulitzer Prize can often bring different answers depending on the national context of the question. This article explores the first Pulitzer Prize winners claiming association to different countries, focusing particularly on Herbert Bayard Swope from the United States and Kang Hyungwon from South Korea.

### Herbert Bayard Swope: The First American Recipient

#### Biography
Herbert Bayard Swope (1882-1958) was an American editor and journalist who served as the editor of the New York World. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Swope's career in journalism began in the early 20th century, and he quickly distinguished himself through his distinctive style and investigative acumen.

#### Pulitzer Prize Achievement
Swope's claim to fame in the context of the Pulitzer Prize history is particularly significant as he was the recipient of the first-ever Pulitzer Prize awarded for Reporting in 1917. This inaugural award was given for his work during the First World War, notably a series of articles titled "Inside the German Empire," which were instrumental in shaping the American public's perception of the happenings in Germany at the time. His award paved the way for future recognition of journalistic excellence in the United States.

### Kang Hyungwon: A Symbolic Figure in South Korea

#### Biography
Kang Hyungwon is a lesser-known figure internationally but holds significance within South Korea for his contributions to journalism. Details about Kang’s early life and career path are sparse, but he emerged into prominence in the journalistic landscape of South Korea in the latter part of the 20th century.

#### Pulitzer Prize Achievement
Kang Hyungwon is celebrated as one of the first, if not the first, South Korean to be recognized by the Pulitzer Prize committee, although the specifics of his award (including the category and exact year) may not be well documented in international Pulitzer records. His recognition is viewed as a milestone in South Korean journalism, demonstrating the global reach and influence of the Pulitzer Prizes beyond the United States.

### Conclusion
The stories of Herbert Bayard Swope and Kang Hyungwon, while rooted in the distinct soils of the United States and South Korea respectively, illustrate the diverse and widespread acclaim of the Pulitzer Prize. Both figures, in their respective nations, mark historical moments in the chronicles of journalistic achievement. While Swope’s contributions and recognition are well-documented and celebrated in the annals of American journalism, Kang represents a significant, though lesser-known, chapter in the international narrative of the Pulitzer Prize, signifying its impact on fostering journalistic excellence around the globe.