How can adolescents today, who are increasingly distant from books, access literature comfortably? “First Encounters with Prose Fiction” is Changbi’s new prose fiction series that combines outstanding South Korean short stories and a wealth of illustrations. With intriguing yet brief stories that amount to approximately 100 pages each and charming illustrations, this series will encourage even those who are unaccustomed to reading to approach good contemporary works comfortably. In a situation where the bipolarization of youths’ cultural and literary literacy is increasingly serious, it will provide even those who have given up on books with opportunities to like reading and literature once again and will serve as stepping stones from juvenile literature to prose fiction for adults.
1. 『Ramen Noodles Are Great』 written by Gong Seon-ok, illustrated by Gim Jeong-yun
Min-su is dating Yeon-ju without revealing his family’s financial difficulties. In order to buy her a
fancy birthday gift, he starts to work part-time at a convenience store. In the end, even if ramen
noodles are the only things you eat, love is great as long as there is genuine affection…!
2. 『My Painting of Himalayan Cedars』written by Sung Suk-je, illustrated by Kyo Eun
Fonder of soccer than art in his childhood, Baek Seon-gyu has grown up to be a famous painter.
However, he harbors a secret that he has not dared tell anyone. This Bildungsroman earnestly
depicts the absurdity inherent in choices and life itself.
★ Included in South Korean textbooks
3. 『The Camera That Protects Dreams』 written by Kim Jungmi, illustrated by Yi Ji-hui
A-ram takes photographs of a traditional Korean market that is faced with redevelopment. Pledging that she will always watch out for those who undeservedly suffer from hardships, she uses her camera to preserve hope even today.
4. 『The Corn Flight』 written by Bak Sang-gi, illustrated by Jeong-won
After meeting with two consecutive traffic accidents, Hyeon-seong is led by the circumstances to
tell a lie. Once told, the lie increasingly turns into a knot that cannot be untangled. This story deals with the courage to tell the truth.
5. 『Lim Rod』 written by Bae Mi-ju, illustrated by Kim Sae-hee
Hyeon-yeong has been feeling alone ever since her childhood friend Ji-o debuted as a singer.
Although she visits her great aunt in the United States during a school vacation, she cannot stop
thinking about her now distant friend even there. Hearing of the reason for the girl’s sadness, the
grandaunt recounts a tale about Lim Rod. A sensitive story of first love that colored a 16-year-old’s heart then unfolds.
6. 『Bell Peppers on the Green Onion Planet』 written by Bae Myeong-hun, illustrated by
Guk Min-ji
Previously the harmonious home of people from diverse planets, the Green Onion Planet is
suddenly overcast with war clouds. There are problems even with food supply now so that some
receive only meat while others receive only vegetables. Will the Green Onion Planet be able to regain peace?
7. 『Someone’s Heart』 written by Gim Min-nyeong, illustrated by “Pai”
An inconspicuous student, Gang Me-ri creates a sensation by confessing her love to the boys in her class in succession. Now, there are only two boys who have not been told of the girl’s affection. “Me-ri, what exactly are you feelings?”
8. 『The Move』 written by Jeong So-yeon, illustrated by “Blackham”
Together with his family, Ji-hu must move to another planet. Though it is supposedly inevitable, a
measure to treat his ill younger sister Ji-hye, the protagonist is resentful of his parents’ decision. It is because a special dream prevents him from Makiyende, his home planet. This science fiction story presents a novel and glittering world.
9. 『In Praise of Gastronomy』 written by Choe Yang-seon, illustrated by “Siho”
Because of her mother’s worries about the premature onset of puberty, Ji-su must eat only organic foods. Nevertheless, the girl is happy as long as she can have meals in the same space as Ye-chan. She finally musters courage and confesses her love to the boy, but fails to receive any response. “Ye-chan, don’t you like me?”