▲ This cover image of classic romance comic "Unplugged Boy" by veteran cartoonist Cheon Gye-young, provided by Kyobo Book Center. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- The classic romance comic "Unplugged Boy," which gave birth to the iconic line, "I dance to hip-hop when I'm sad. So no one can tell I'm hurting," will be re-released nearly three decades after its debut.

 

Originally published in 1997, "Unplugged Boy" was the first full-length comic by Cheon Gye-young, 55, one of South Korea’s leading romance comic artists. The two-volume series delicately portrays the emotional turmoil and coming-of-age experiences of teenagers, including the free-spirited Kang Hyun-gyeom, his childhood friend Chae Ji-yul, and the lonely rebel Lee Rak.

 

The series gained popularity upon its release for its honest depiction of adolescent struggles, and its inclusion of hip-hop and idol culture was praised for vividly reflecting South Korea's pop culture in the 1990s.

 

The upcoming edition of "Unplugged Boy" will include color illustrations and newly recolored artwork that were not part of the original release.

 

In a message included with a postcard in the first edition, Cheon wrote, "I remember this work as my youth. If the newly re-released 'Unplugged Boy' helps you recall Hyun-gyeom and those days once again, that would bring me a small joy and newfound courage."

 

Cheon has continuously created trend-setting comics since the 1990s. She won the grand prize at the Wink magazine rookie comic artist competition in 1996 with her work "Talent," and shortly thereafter serialized "Unplugged Boy" in the magazine.

 

She later released several hit works, including the million-seller "Audition," as well as "DVD" and "The Girl in High Heels." In 2011, she made her webtoon debut with "Dress Code," and gained further popularity with "Love Alarm," which was later adapted into a television drama.

 

The re-release of "Unplugged Boy" comes as Cheon's 30th anniversary as a comic artist approaches.

 

"To mark Cheon’s upcoming 30th anniversary, we are bringing back 'Unplugged Boy'," said a representative from Munhakdongne, the publisher. The company added that it plans to re-release other representative works by Cheon, including "Audition" and "DVD," in the near future.

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]