연민의 굴레: Translations, 1-10
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sohan연민의 굴레 (Yeon min ui gullae 'The Ties That Bind') (?)
Art and writing by 재활용
This currently-running series is published on Naver Comics (네이버 만화), a popular web portal for webcomics ('webtoon' in Korean), and is updated every Monday. The artist/author's name is 'jae hwal yong', which can be a pun on the word jaehwalyong, meaning 'reusable'.
I'm still more interested in doing summaries of comics in print and generally prefer reading things in print, as well, but I thought this very charming high school slice-of-life story would be a fun project.
Because there are already many chapters up and each installment is fairly short, I'll be posting translations of 10 chapters per post (posts will probably not be frequent or regular though). I am planning on translating all the available chapters.
Translation notes: I'll be using Revised Romanization for this series. My translation of the title is tentative since you could use a variety of English words for 굴레 gullae, and in any case whatever the artist/author chooses to prefer would trump the above. As for 'Yeon', I think it's referring to Ryeon? (Unless 연민 is 憐憫...? *I think my current translation of the title is not accurate*)
The comic is not divided into pages, so I'll try to make the translation as straightforward and easy to follow as possible. I speak American English, so the usage of slang and phrasing in the translated dialogue will likely reflect that.
I won't be putting honorifics in the translated dialogue, but will try to write up some notes about that at some point. I'll be translating sound effects and non-dialogue text, but may also choose to omit some depending on context. Sound effects (sfx) and non-dialogue text are marked with *, non-dialogue narration are in italics, and thought bubbles are in italics in parentheses.
As far as romanizing names go, I was initially going to avoid using hyphens, but am going to give it a try. Again, tentative.
I'll also be going through occasionally to check for mistakes, so none of the translations are 'final'.
2009 February 05
Chapter 1
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&seq=1&weekday=mon
[Future Hopes Survey]
No matter how I think about it, the world isn't interesting.
Min [suddenly]: You still haven't turned that in?
Ryeon [starts]: !!
Y-Y-You scared me! Why are you making a big deal over someone's else's paper?
Min: ? Why're you hiding it if it's still blank?
If you're done, let's go.
Ryeon: ...okay. you already saw it
Min: ? Huh, you haven't finished writing your self-reflection assignment?
Ryeon: It's annoying. I'll write it tomorrow morning.
Min: You might get yelled at by the homeroom teacher.
Ryeon: He doesn't pay attention to what I do anyway.
*sfx: walking*
Min: Why don't you quit skipping class? You're not even a little kid.
Ryeon: Mind your own business.
Min [stare]: ...what?
Ryeon: Huh? What?
Maybe we should walk further apart?
Min: Why all of a sudden?!
That's because...
3rd-year Basketball Club Student: Hey, Min! You going home? Wanna join our club?
Min: I'll think about it.
Student from Min's Class: Min, you gotta run for class representative tomorrow. We'll vote for you!
Min: That's okay.
Min's Fan Club: Min~!!!! Please accept this!
Min: Than...
Voices: Min! Hey Min! Yo, Min! Min!
Ryeon: ...
(That's why I don't want to hang out with you...)
*text: LEFT OUT*
*label attached to Ryeon: Basically Invisible*
No matter how I think about it, this world revolves around this guy.
Ryeon: Min, is school fun for you?
Min: Nope.
Ryeon:
*sfx: break (or 'crunch')*
*sfx: KICK*
Min: What the heck?!
Ryeon: You suck...
+ self-reflection assignment: A paper where you have to write about something wrong you did in class.
2009 February 05
Chapter 2
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=2&weekday=mon
I didn't really want to be class representative.
Min: I'd like to resign.
Homeroom Teacher: Min. See, that's a problem...
It's already been decided...
*sfx: chair creaking*
Min: You said to come talk to you about it after class.
Homeroom Teacher: That was then... but truthfully
It's not like there's someone who could do it other than you.
Since it's decided already, do it for the class.
The class!
*background text: Then why don't you do it!! You ass*
Min: ...I understand.
*sfx: wind blowing*
Ryeon: So, in the end you became the class representative again?
Min: You think I'm doing it 'cause I want to?
Ryeon: It's already seven years it's been like that.
Min: Hmph.
It's irritating.
Min [thinking]: (Why don't they all just leave me alone?)
Ryeon: ...
*sfx: wind blowing*
Ryone: [stare]
Min: What. You have something to say?
Ryeon: You... you told the class that we're long-time neighbors, didn't you.
Min: Huh? Did I?
Ryeon: You! You! Why would you tell them that?!
Min: Because they kept asking me if we were a couple so it just slipped out!
Ryeon: But still!!
Min: ...You're not even in elementary school, so why are you embarrassed by something like that?
Ryone: You don't get it!!
Whenever it turns out I'm connected to you, do you know how many nasty looks I get from your fan club!
Min: I see... that kind of thing
Hm. In that case...
Do you want to go out for real?
*sfx: screech*
Ryeon: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?!?!?!
Min: Did you swallow a train whistle?! Stop yelling!!
What? 's up with that reaction
You don't like me?
Ryeon: I don't like you!!!!
*text: NO WAY*
Min: ...!!
*sfx: crush*
Ryeon: Ow!! What are you doing, you bastard!!
Ryeon: Are you mad? I was joking.
Min: I'm fine.
2009 February 05
Chapter 3: Ryeon and Min
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=3&weekday=mon
Summer, seven years ago. Same day, same neighborhood, two families who moved into the house next to each other.
Ryeon: My name is Cha Ryeon:
Min: My name is An Min.
Two people who transferred to the same school, same class, at the same time.
Teacher: Everyone, let's welcome our new classmates.
*sfx: clap clap clap*
Ryeon: (It's that kid from next door.)
Min: (It's that girl from next door.)
Teacher: You two can sit with each other until the next time we switch deskmates, okay?
Ryeon and Min: Yes ma'am.
Teacher: Then let's start class!
Min: I want to nap
Ryeon: *sfx: fidget* who cares about studying
It's said that they felt a strange kinship.
Present Day
Teacher: Okay then, if you know where you'll be sitting, let's move!
Min: Hey!
*sfx: background noise (conversation/babble)*
Min: We're sitting together.
Ryeon: Oh!
*a girl's voice in the background: Oh no, I'm far away from Min now!*
Min: It's been really long since I sat next to you, it makes me happy for some reason. first time since middle school
Ryeon: ...
Did you return the video?
Min: What?
Ryeon: The one I lent you!
Yesterday was the due date, did you return it?
Min: I didn't return it. (Lie)
*sfx/text: miffed*
Ryeon: I knew it!!!!
*sfx: slam*
It's not even under your name so why did you procrastinate?!
that video store guy is scary
*text: exaggerated punch*
Min: this is making me mad...
Ryeon: what? get your hand out of my face!
2009 Feb 06
Chapter 4: Future Hopes
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=4&weekday=mon
Classmate: Ryeon, take a look a this.
[poster: Your Talents - Don't waste them]
Ryeon: Eh?
[reading] The beauty of youth, start it anew from your fingertips.
Um. What is that?
Classmate: It's the flyer for the Nail Art Club.
Ban Ha-ri (2nd Year, Class 7; Favorite Food: Donkkatsu): They said second-years can join, too, you want to go with me?
Ryeon: Why?
Ha-ri: Why do you mean why... if you learn something like this, you could use it in the future.
And don't you think it's pretty?
Min: Probably better not.
Ryeon: Hey Min!
Min: Whether she dresses up or puts on makeup or not, Ryeon's a long way from being feminine.
Ever since elementary school she would go around picking fights with boys.
*text: Cha Ryeon (11 years-old)*
I learned this from TV it's called a headlock
Ha-ri: Really?
Ryeon: haha... A long time ago...
Min: Oh yeah, but I hope you don't give up on being a girl though.
Ryeon: Shut up!!
Classmate: Min! Let's go play basketball!
Min: Okay.
Bye.
Ryeon: *text: yeah go whatever*
Ha-ri: ...
You said you were friends, right? Ever since you were little.
Ryeon: As you can see.
Ha-ri: This is the first time I've seen Min act friendly with a girl. [Was in the same class as Min as a 1st Year]
I used to think he always kept a distance.
Ryeon: It's not that he makes friends with just guys or girls.
Ha-ri: It's not?
Ryeon: Nah.
I guess you can say he's kind of picky. He's rather sensitive.
Unlike me, he has a kind of a feminine side.
I figured it out after hanging out with him for so long.
Ha-ri: That's amazing.
*sfx: school bell ringing*
Homeroom Teacher: That's it for today.
Cha Ryeon, bring your self-reflection and future hopes survey to the office!
Ryeon: why just me
*caption: Because you're the only one who didn't turn them in.*
Min: You still didn't turn in that self-reflection?
Ryeon: I forgot. I finished it so that's okay.
You don't have to wait for me.
Min: I'm stopping by the basketball club before I go.
Ryeon: Basketball club?
Min: A third-year added my name to the sign-up sheet without asking me. I have to go talk to them.
Ryeon: You're so popular...
Min: It's annoying.
Teachers' Office
[Self Reflection
Year 2 Class 7 Cha Ryeon
I committed a terrible crime.
I will not attempt another escape from the classroom ever again.]
Homeroom Teacher [signing off on the paper]: You've been a troublemaker from the beginning of the term!
If you play hooky again I'm going to make you weed the entire school grounds! Got it?!
Ryeon: Yes sir.
(Jerk. Put on a show why don't you.)
Homeroom Teacher [putting out his hand]: Here!
Ryeon [gives him a low five]: *sfx: slap* heh
Homeroom Teacher: !!!!
*sfx: grip*
Ryeon: OWWWWWWWWWWWWWW my hand
Homeroom Teacher: Who said give me your hand?!
Give me your Future Hopes Survey! Future Hopes Survey!!
why are you giving me a high five
Ryeon: ...you should have said so...
here you go *sniff*
Homeroom Teacher: geez
...
What's this?
It's blank!
You want to mess with me? Are you playing around?
Ryeon: No, I'm not!!
I really...didn't have anything to write about...
Homeroom Teacher: So just write something!! Anything!!
Ryeon: But I really can't think of anything.
2009 February 06
Chapter 5: Mi-na
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=5&weekday=mon
Ryeon: What are your hopes for the future?
Homeroom Teacher: ...Do you think it's appropriate for you to ask me that?
Ryeon: How should I know?
geez
Homeroom Teacher: That means you shouldn't be asking me!! We're talking about your future, so why would we talk about mine??
there's nothing like that
You're at an age where you can do anything. Whether your grades are good or bad, there's tons of things you could do.
A blank paper. I have nothing to write about! That's teenagers for you.
Ryeon: I can't help it.
Homeroom Teacher: Then look for something. You have to think seriously about your future.
Ryeon: Are you happy being a teacher?
Homeroom Teacher: What?
Ryeon: You don't seem so happy.
Homeroom Teacher: Don't make judgements about other people's life choices!
Ryeon: Nothing's interesting.
I feel like nothing will be interesting.
Homeroom Teacher: *sighs* You. You feel like there's no point to schoolwork, right?
Ryeon: None at all!
Homeroom Teacher: Then why don't you join a club?
(i've seen a lot of kids like you)
Ryeon: Club?
Homeroom Teacher: Our school's famous for having a lot of clubs. Some don't accept 2nd-years, but if you can find an activity you like, don't you think that might help?
Ryeon: I don't want to!
Homeroom Teacher: What? Why not?
Ryeon: Because it doesn't seem interes...!!
[rolled up textbook: Supplementary Math]
*sfx: smack*
Homeroom Teacher: How do you know it won't be interesting until you try it?!?! I don't care which one!
Ryeon: That hurt...
Homeroom Teacher: Join a club by next week!!!!
You've got to be kidding.
Why should I listen to you?
Ryeon: (Just 'cause it's not your life, doesn't mean you can say whatever you want about it.)
Student: Whoa!! Min is hanging out with a girl!!!!
Students: She's fine. Is she a first-year?
Is she giving him something? What is that?
Isn't it a box lunch?
I'm so jealous he's getting a lunch from a babe! Should I ask for an introduction?
What if that's his girlfriend?
They said he's not going out with anyone.
You believe that?
Students: Hey, she's looking this way!
Whoa!! What? No way, at us?!
...or not.
Ryeon [waving]: ...
Student: Cha Ryeon! You know her, too?
Ryeon: Yeah.
Student: What's her relationship to Min?
Ryeon: Very close.
Students: Really?! That bastard!
Ryeon: (Idiots.)
Students: Huh? Look.
They're fighting.
A love fight?
What?! Min just hit that girl!! I'm gonna kick his ass!!
*sfx: headbutt*
Students: WHAT?!?!
*sfx/text: arguing sounds; Min running away*
Students: ...
Ryeon: ...
Min: Here! Mi-na said to give this to you.
Ryeon: ... Thanks.
Min: That brat!! I thought she'd change once she became a high schooler but nothing's changed! *sfx: shaking with anger*
Ryeon: Why would you think that?
Ha-ri: Who are you talking about?
Min: My little sister! She just started school here.
Ha-ri: Oh wow, your little sister made you lunch? That's so sweet!
Min: What do you mean, sweet! Take a look at it first!
[Caption for Min's lunch box:
Theme: The Tenacious Survival Ability of Insects
Ingredients: steamed rice, pickled black beans.]
Ha-ri: B-but, Ryeon's lunchbox looks really nice!
*sfx: flash*
[Caption for Ryeon's lunch box:
Theme: That Which Shines from Out the Darkness Is Love
Ingredients: steamed rice, ketchup]
Ryeon: I...don't like ketchup...
Min: This is unfair! How come she's always nicer to you?!
Ryeon: You can't even eat mine!
Min: It doesn't matter!
Ryeon [smirks]: I wonder. Maybe she respects me that much more?
Min: I don't have to listen to this, you know?
Ryeon: Ha-ri, you want some?
Min: Mine too.
Ha-ri. No thanks.
2009 Feb 06
Chapter 6: Crossroads
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=6&weekday=mon
Min: The Student Council?
Student Council Vice President: Yeah. We'd like it if you'd join.
Min: Um, I cant! That's a place for top students.
Student Council Vice President: Exactly. You have good grades, you're good at sports, popular with everyone, and the teachers trust you as well.
Your homeroom teacher recommended you especially.
Min: (That asshole!!!!)
Min: I...I really cant. I'm anno- I mean, busy enough being the second-year representative! If I also had to do student council I'd be so pis- I mean, it'd be too much!
Student Council Vice President: Hahahaha- Don't get too excited.
Aren't you going to run for President next year? Think of it as practice.
Min: I'm not gonna run!
Student Council Vice President: If you really don't want to, that's fine, but can you at least think about it?
I'd like someone trustworthy to join.
Min: Even if you say that...
Student Council Vice President: We'd really appreciate it.
*text: we'd really appreciate it*
*sfx: sparkle*
Min: *text: Stop looking at me with those eyes.*
Ha-ri: Where's Min?
Ryeon [doing homework for the next class]: Some upperclassman wanted to talk to him.
Ha-ri: Looks like he's still busy.
Ryeon:...
Ryeon: Ha-ri.
Ha-ri: Yeah?
Ryeon: You're not joining the club?
Ha-ri: Club? Oh, right!
Are you worried I'll make you join Nail Art Club with me? I'm fine.
Actually I think I should concentrate on studying.
It's true I was interested, but I just wanted a chance to hang out with you more.
Ryeon: Really?
Have you decided on what you'll do in the future? Like a goal...
Ha-ri: The future? Well...
There's lots of things I want to do.
I want to try being a writer, or a teacher, or a housewife is okay, too.
Well, for now my goal is to do well on the college entrance exam. i don't know if i'll do well or not but
Ryeon: Ah-
Ha-ri: What about you?
Is there something you want to do?
Ryeon: I guess...
I feel restless.
I don't even know what I should be doing now, nevermind the future.
Where am I right now?
Ryeon: Why is there so many of them?
I had no idea there were this many...
Do the students at our school even study?
Student: What's up? You're joining a club?
Ryeon: It's you.
An Mi-na (Year 1, Class 5, An Min's sister): Did you eat the lunch?
Ryeon: Yes.
Mi-na: How was it?
Ryeon: Don't make any more.
Mi-na: Why not?? I made it so you could have a nice lunch!
*text: sincere*
Ryeon: Because it's impossible, that's why!
Now that you're in high school, grow up a little!
Ryeon: But you're always going through life with the switch turned off!
Mi-na: [caption: The type to speak whatever she's thinking.]
Ryeon: [caption: Shock.] what switch
Mi-na: Is there one you like?
Ryeon: No. They all look boring.
Mi-na: You're not just annoyed?
Ryeon: Shut up! Leave me alone!
Are you joining a club?
Mi-na: I already did.
Ryeon: What?! When??
Mi-na: I got casted.
Ryeon: Casted?!
Mi-na: Scouted.
Ryeon: What does that mean?!
Mi-na: I was walking in the hallway when someone asked me if I wanted to join their club.
It seemed fun, so I said okay.
Ryeon: (Are you sure you're Min's sister...) Good for you.
It's not some weird club, is it?
Mi-na: No way!!
Ryeon [nervously]: Don't get some upperclassman angry.
Mi-na: Why are you acting protective all of a sudden?
If you're worried, you can join, too.
Let's join together! I'm sure it'll be fun.
Ryeon: Hm.
Which club is it?
2009 February 07
Chapter 7: The Choice (1)
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=7&weekday=mon
We met seven years ago and we've always been together ever since.
I thought it would be like that forever.
We'd like you to be a member of the Student Council.
Can you think about it, at least?
Min: (This is driving me crazy...)
(I somehow made it to the Student Council Room!!!!)
Student Council Vice President: This is Min, who might become our new member. I ran into him so I thought I'd bring him over.
He hasn't said yes yet, but it'd be a shame if he didn't, so everyone should say hi.
Min, you say something, too!
Min: Huh? But I'm not a member yet.
Student Council Vice President: That's okay.
Min: (I have to refuse.)
I'm-
Student: You're An Min?
Student Council Vice President: Seon-jae.
Im Seon-jae (Year 3, Class 5, Student Council President): I really don't like your face. Especially that expression like you're chewing shit.
Min:
Mi-na: Well? Well? You will, right?
Ryeon: No...wait...let me think...
I... think... a more ordinary-sounding club would be better. Like Cooking Club. Art Club. Origami Club. Poetry Club...
Something as fulfilling as the time and effort I put into it.
Mi-na: Liar!!!! You just said they all looked boring!!
Ryeon: They're better than that weirdo club.
Mi-na: Weirdo club!
It's the Mystery Club!!!!
Ryeon: Don't say it out loud!!
I mean, what the heck is it? Mystery Club?? Do we sit around a round table discussing the Seven Wonders of the World?
[Ryeon's image of the club: discussing various occult topics.]
Ryeon: Once you join, you can never leave...
Mi-na: You're overreacting.
Ryeon: You better quit before it's too late!! Join a more normal club.
Mi-na: What!!!! No way I'm quitting! Why should I??
Ryeon: As your guardian, I feel for the sake of your school life...
That place is full of negative energy. Bad stuff.
Mi-na: How are you coming up with this?
It's not a weird place! Go see for yourself.
Ryeon: Why would I go there?!
Mi-na: I thought you were worried! If you go, you can see exactly what kind of club your precious sister has joined.
Ryeon: That's right!!
*sfx: fired up*
Let's go! If it's weird then you're automatically quitting.
Mi-na: (You're so simple.)
Min: ... You don't like my expression?
Seon-jae: Yeah. You look like you were dragged here even though you didn't want to come.
I don't know how talented you are, but working with someone who doesn't want to be here?
No thanks.
Student Council Vice President: Im Seon-jae! You're being rude!
Min: He's right.
Student Council Vice President: Eh?
Min: He's right. This place doesn't seem right where for someone who doesn't want to be here.
I'm sorry I wasn't clear before. Let's forget about me joining the Student Council.
Student Council Vice President: Min...
Seon-jae: If you leave here like that, you know you'll probably get caught up in something else?
The important thing is not whether or not you can refuse, but whether or not you can learn to like the work.
Min: That's easy for you to say.
Seon-jae: 'Cause it doesn't have anything to do with me.
It looks like he really doesn't want to lose you...
I don't know about being a member.
You can be our gofer instead. then we'd welcome you
Student Council Vice President: Hey!!!!
Min: I've changed my mind. I want to be a member.
Student Council Vice President: What?? Really?!
Min: I'll join the Student Council. But
You shouldn't expect too much.
Seon-jae: Of course not.
Ryeon: Hello...
I'm... the student who...
just joined... the Mystery Club...
Cha Ryeon...
(They're so scary!!!!)
( This is the Mystery Club?!)
2009 February 07
Chapter 8: The Choice (2)
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=8&weekday=mon
2nd Year, Class 1
Kim Do-hui
Nickname: Razorblade
1st Year, Class 5
Jang So-ree
Nickname: The Living Dead
3rd Year, Class 9
Na La-la
Nickname: The Mad Lynx
1st Year, Class 1
Oh Yeon-joon
Nickname: Hawkeye
[Definitions of nallari which I'm translating as 'delinquent' for now (other possibilities: punk, troublemaker, cool kid, etc.) - translating this panel takes a lot more brainpower than dialogue so I'll come back to this later...]
Ryeon: (This... is an assembly of delinquents.)
()'Mystery Club' is a front for them to hide behind.)
(Inside is a pit of villanny where young delinquents gather to foment their evil plans!)
(What have you done?!?! Why are you here?!?!)
Mi-na: Hello!
Glasses: He~y. You brought a friend today, Mi-na.
Is she the friend you mentioned before?
Mi-na: Yep! She's the new member I'd like to sponsor.
Ryeon: (New member?! Who says?)
(Sponsor?! Yeah right!)
Mi-na: But I have a question.
Glasses: What is it?
Mi-na: Why do you wear sunglasses indoors? It's really weird.
Ryeon:
Ryeon: (We are so ****ed...!!)
(For delinquents outward appearances are more important than anything (probably). Delinquents' accessories signify their self-respect. Now that we've disrespected that we are in major trouble.)
Glasses: This...
is because I get embarrassed easily...
Ryeon: (I don't believe it!!!!)
Glasses: So I wear them sometimes when I meet new people.
There are other reasons, but I can tell you about them later. Can you introduce yourself again?
Ryeon: Ah... m-my name is Cha...Cha Ryeon. Second-year...
(Is she the boss?)
Glasses: Nice to meet you, Cha Charyeon.
Ryeon: It's Cha Ryeon, not Cha Charyeon...
Glasses: Now that you've come here, what do you think? Do you like our club?
Ryeon: Of course I like the club. It's like looking into a new world.
(Their expressions changed! They're giving off a black aura.)
Glasses: That's good. Then...
[Club Application Form]
Ryeon: Um... what is this?
Glasses: The application form.
Ryeon: No, I know that.
Why are you giving this to... do you want me to fill it in?
Glasses: ?? You said you liked our club.
Ryeon: Of-of course! But...!
Glasses: Then why are you here, Miss Cha Ryeon?
Ryeon: That's...
*caption: The Reason*
Mi-na: Ryeon...
Ryeon: ...
Ryeon: The truth is I came to see what kind of club Mi-na joined.
But after having seen it, it gives me a bad feeling.
Glasses: I see.
Why haven't you joined a club yet, Miss Cha Ryeon?
Ryeon: Huh?
Glasses: It's my understanding that you have to join a club by next week.
Ryeon: Wha- How do you...?
Glasses: We happen to have an informant. Is there a reason you haven't joined a club?
Ryeon: I...haven't found the right one yet...
Glasses: Is that so? From what I can see, it simply seems you don't want to.
Ryeon: ... Excuse me... why do I have to sit here and listen to you?
Glasses: Because you're looking at us with colored glasses. [rose-colored glasses?]
Well...we don't care how you see us. We're used to it.
You said we gave you a bad feeling, right?
You seem like you want to take your little sister out of the club.
But Mi-na is one of our members. So. You. Can't.
Ryeon: ... Then... I'll join.
Mi-na: Really?!
Glasses: You've changed your mind?
Ryeon: No! This still seems like an iffy place. So I really can't leave Mi-na alone here.
*text: we're going to have a talk about this outside*
*text: ryeon your hands are shaking*
Glasses: That's fine. We have no problem with that. You're a member of our club from now on, too.
Congratulations!
[caption: Yang Han-na (3rd Year, Class 5), Mystery Club President]
Ryeon: (For some reason...
I feel like I've been suckered into something...)
2009 February 07
Chapter 9: Day By Day
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=9&weekday=mon
This happened in middle school.
Ryeon: Oww... my shoulder...
Min: You didn't sleep well?
Ryeon: Yeah, I was working on beating a quest... don't know if I'll get the item.
Min: ... Do you even know we're having reviews starting tomorrow?
Come here. I'll give you a massage.
Ryeon: It's fine. You don't have to...
OW!!
*sfx: crunch*
Ryeon: Ow! That hurts! Let me go!
Min: Hold still.
Ryeon: Haa... that's good... ha...
Min: Stop making grandma noises.
Students [collectively]: Are they going out? / They're going out.
*caption: Two often misunderstood people.*
Student: Are the two of you going out?
Ryeon and Min: ...
We used to get asked that before, too.
Ryeon: That girl's one of your fans. Definitely.
Min: Shut up.
Min is the perfect model student.
I'm a useless troublemaker.
A lot of people seemed not to understand why we hung out together.
Min: I want to eat curry today.
Ryeon: What? Again?
Min: Let's go grocery shopping on the way home.
Ryeon: Why don't you eat it at your house?
Min: You know why, my Dad's cooking...
Mina says she likes your cooking best, too.
Ryeon: Just do your own cooking.
But the reason was simple.
Should we buy donkkatsu, too?
Woo~
Because we're most comfortable with each other.
Mi-na: It must be nice for you two...
Ryeon: What is?
Mi-na: You're going to the same high school.
I have to be apart from you for another year!
Ryeon: You live next door so you see me every day. You're also eating at our house...
Min: You're not sad about being apart from me at all, it seems.
Mi-na: Phooey to you! You're the kind of person who's not there even when you're there.
Min: What does that mean?
Ryeon: (High school...)
Boring, meaningless days.
Will things change once we're in high school?
Announcement: New students, please come to the main courtyard. The entrance ceremony will begin shortly-
Ryeon: Di-different...classes?!
Min: Ah. It's finally happened.
Ryeon: No way!
Waa! What are we going to do!!
Min: What do you mean... it's just different classes.
Ryeon: I didn't even think of this! We were in the same class all the way through middle school...
Min: Truthfully that's weirder.
Ryeon: You're cruel!
Min: It's time you and I became independent.
Ryeon: Really cruel...!
Min: Oh yeah, I want to eat BBQ beef today.
Ryeon: You figure it out!! Jerk!
Nothing changed.
Ryeon: Hey!
Min: Hey.
We're in the same class this year.
Ryeon: Maybe it's fate?
I've become a high school student.
Everything is still stifling.
2009 February 08
Chapter 10: One Step
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=10&weekday=mon
Homeroom Teacher: Wow, you've finally joined a club!
See, didn't I tell you there'd be one if you just looked?
But...Mystery Club. First time I've heard of it.
What kind of club is it? You investigate the Seven Wonders of the World or something?
Ryeon: It's because our president likes mystery novels. Agatha Christie fan...
Homeroom Teacher: Oh! I know, like 'The Tragedy of Y'!
that's ellery queen
Homeroom Teacher: Does that mean you'll become a mystery writer? Or a detective? Hope you don't become a criminal! Hahahaha!!
Ryeon: *text: what are you talking about...
Homeroom Teacher: Okay, then. Good luck. Work on your grades, too.
Ryeon: (You're being fooled.)
(Mystery Club? Detective novels? Don't make me laugh.)
It's actually a pit of villanny where young delinquents gather to foment their evil plans...
*sfx: bump*
Mi-na: Ohmigosh!
Mi-na: (I've killed Ryeon.)
Ryeon: (My life...)
Mi-na: Are you okay?
Ryeon: You were going to do that from the start, weren't you?
Mi-na: No, it was an accident...!
Ryeon: I mean the club.
This is how you were going to get me to go?
Mi-na: That's...
Because otherwise you wouldn't have done anything.
Ryeon: ...Don't be melodramatic.
And... why a club run by delinquents? That kind of club's very existence is dangerous.
Mi-na: Don't say that...
They're all good people. I know this because I've hung out with them three days.
Ryeon: How can you know anything from three days?!?!
Mi-na: The feminine intuition you don't have...!!
Ryeon: ... I'm going to hit you.
I'm going to quit.
Even if my teacher is making me join a club, I don't want to hang out at one like that.
And when I quit, you do too. That was my plan, so we're just temporary members.
Mi-na: How can you be like that?
Ryeon: That's what I should say to you!
: Today we've decided on the new members for the Student Council.
Some of us know each other, but let's go around and formally introduce ourselves.
First, I'm Yi Su-yeol, a third-year. Vice President.
Seon-jae: Third-year Im Seon-jae. President.
: I'm second-year Chae Seung-eun.
: I'm first-year Kim Hui-wan.
Min: I'm second-year An Min, the new member.
Su-yeol: So, where should we have the new member welcoming party?
Seon-jae: You're too transparent.
I get the feeling that
something is not going right.
*caption: lunchtime*
Min: You look tired.
Ryeon: Huh? Really?
Min: Is it because of your club?
...I'm surprised. I didn't think you'd really do it.
Mi-na says it's some suspense club, what do you do there?
Ryeon: ...
You don't need to know. I'm going to quit soon.
Min: What? Why?
Ryeon: I'm just joining temporarily 'cause I have to.
Aren't you the one who got forced into joining the Student Council?
Min: Yeah. This time I said I'd do it, so I can't back out.
I have my reasons too.
Ryeon: Heh...
Min.
Is it bad not to be doing anything?
Min: Who knows... just because you're doing something doesn't mean it's good.
Ryeon: *text: that's right*
That's that in life, probably.
Ryeon: (Stupid world, be destroyed...!)
Min: ?
Ryeon: Oh, look at the time... I have to go to a club meeting (because of Mi-na).
Min: Since you're in the club already, don't quit and give it a go.
Ryeon: Quit the Student Council if you don't like it, Min.
Min: Haha.
See you later then.
Ryeon: See you.
Art and writing by 재활용
This currently-running series is published on Naver Comics (네이버 만화), a popular web portal for webcomics ('webtoon' in Korean), and is updated every Monday. The artist/author's name is 'jae hwal yong', which can be a pun on the word jaehwalyong, meaning 'reusable'.
I'm still more interested in doing summaries of comics in print and generally prefer reading things in print, as well, but I thought this very charming high school slice-of-life story would be a fun project.
Because there are already many chapters up and each installment is fairly short, I'll be posting translations of 10 chapters per post (posts will probably not be frequent or regular though). I am planning on translating all the available chapters.
Translation notes: I'll be using Revised Romanization for this series. My translation of the title is tentative since you could use a variety of English words for 굴레 gullae, and in any case whatever the artist/author chooses to prefer would trump the above. As for 'Yeon', I think it's referring to Ryeon? (Unless 연민 is 憐憫...? *I think my current translation of the title is not accurate*)
The comic is not divided into pages, so I'll try to make the translation as straightforward and easy to follow as possible. I speak American English, so the usage of slang and phrasing in the translated dialogue will likely reflect that.
I won't be putting honorifics in the translated dialogue, but will try to write up some notes about that at some point. I'll be translating sound effects and non-dialogue text, but may also choose to omit some depending on context. Sound effects (sfx) and non-dialogue text are marked with *, non-dialogue narration are in italics, and thought bubbles are in italics in parentheses.
As far as romanizing names go, I was initially going to avoid using hyphens, but am going to give it a try. Again, tentative.
I'll also be going through occasionally to check for mistakes, so none of the translations are 'final'.
Chapter 1
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&seq=1&weekday=mon
[Future Hopes Survey]
No matter how I think about it, the world isn't interesting.
Min [suddenly]: You still haven't turned that in?
Ryeon [starts]: !!
Y-Y-You scared me! Why are you making a big deal over someone's else's paper?
Min: ? Why're you hiding it if it's still blank?
If you're done, let's go.
Ryeon: ...okay. you already saw it
Min: ? Huh, you haven't finished writing your self-reflection assignment?
Ryeon: It's annoying. I'll write it tomorrow morning.
Min: You might get yelled at by the homeroom teacher.
Ryeon: He doesn't pay attention to what I do anyway.
*sfx: walking*
Min: Why don't you quit skipping class? You're not even a little kid.
Ryeon: Mind your own business.
Min [stare]: ...what?
Ryeon: Huh? What?
Maybe we should walk further apart?
Min: Why all of a sudden?!
That's because...
3rd-year Basketball Club Student: Hey, Min! You going home? Wanna join our club?
Min: I'll think about it.
Student from Min's Class: Min, you gotta run for class representative tomorrow. We'll vote for you!
Min: That's okay.
Min's Fan Club: Min~!!!! Please accept this!
Min: Than...
Voices: Min! Hey Min! Yo, Min! Min!
Ryeon: ...
(That's why I don't want to hang out with you...)
*text: LEFT OUT*
*label attached to Ryeon: Basically Invisible*
No matter how I think about it, this world revolves around this guy.
Ryeon: Min, is school fun for you?
Min: Nope.
Ryeon:
*sfx: break (or 'crunch')*
*sfx: KICK*
Min: What the heck?!
Ryeon: You suck...
+ self-reflection assignment: A paper where you have to write about something wrong you did in class.
Chapter 2
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=2&weekday=mon
I didn't really want to be class representative.
Min: I'd like to resign.
Homeroom Teacher: Min. See, that's a problem...
It's already been decided...
*sfx: chair creaking*
Min: You said to come talk to you about it after class.
Homeroom Teacher: That was then... but truthfully
It's not like there's someone who could do it other than you.
Since it's decided already, do it for the class.
The class!
*background text: Then why don't you do it!! You ass*
Min: ...I understand.
*sfx: wind blowing*
Ryeon: So, in the end you became the class representative again?
Min: You think I'm doing it 'cause I want to?
Ryeon: It's already seven years it's been like that.
Min: Hmph.
It's irritating.
Min [thinking]: (Why don't they all just leave me alone?)
Ryeon: ...
*sfx: wind blowing*
Ryone: [stare]
Min: What. You have something to say?
Ryeon: You... you told the class that we're long-time neighbors, didn't you.
Min: Huh? Did I?
Ryeon: You! You! Why would you tell them that?!
Min: Because they kept asking me if we were a couple so it just slipped out!
Ryeon: But still!!
Min: ...You're not even in elementary school, so why are you embarrassed by something like that?
Ryone: You don't get it!!
Whenever it turns out I'm connected to you, do you know how many nasty looks I get from your fan club!
Min: I see... that kind of thing
Hm. In that case...
Do you want to go out for real?
*sfx: screech*
Ryeon: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!?!?!?!?!
Min: Did you swallow a train whistle?! Stop yelling!!
What? 's up with that reaction
You don't like me?
Ryeon: I don't like you!!!!
*text: NO WAY*
Min: ...!!
*sfx: crush*
Ryeon: Ow!! What are you doing, you bastard!!
Ryeon: Are you mad? I was joking.
Min: I'm fine.
Chapter 3: Ryeon and Min
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=3&weekday=mon
Summer, seven years ago. Same day, same neighborhood, two families who moved into the house next to each other.
Ryeon: My name is Cha Ryeon:
Min: My name is An Min.
Two people who transferred to the same school, same class, at the same time.
Teacher: Everyone, let's welcome our new classmates.
*sfx: clap clap clap*
Ryeon: (It's that kid from next door.)
Min: (It's that girl from next door.)
Teacher: You two can sit with each other until the next time we switch deskmates, okay?
Ryeon and Min: Yes ma'am.
Teacher: Then let's start class!
Min: I want to nap
Ryeon: *sfx: fidget* who cares about studying
It's said that they felt a strange kinship.
Present Day
Teacher: Okay then, if you know where you'll be sitting, let's move!
Min: Hey!
*sfx: background noise (conversation/babble)*
Min: We're sitting together.
Ryeon: Oh!
*a girl's voice in the background: Oh no, I'm far away from Min now!*
Min: It's been really long since I sat next to you, it makes me happy for some reason. first time since middle school
Ryeon: ...
Did you return the video?
Min: What?
Ryeon: The one I lent you!
Yesterday was the due date, did you return it?
Min: I didn't return it. (Lie)
*sfx/text: miffed*
Ryeon: I knew it!!!!
*sfx: slam*
It's not even under your name so why did you procrastinate?!
that video store guy is scary
*text: exaggerated punch*
Min: this is making me mad...
Ryeon: what? get your hand out of my face!
Chapter 4: Future Hopes
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=4&weekday=mon
Classmate: Ryeon, take a look a this.
[poster: Your Talents - Don't waste them]
Ryeon: Eh?
[reading] The beauty of youth, start it anew from your fingertips.
Um. What is that?
Classmate: It's the flyer for the Nail Art Club.
Ban Ha-ri (2nd Year, Class 7; Favorite Food: Donkkatsu): They said second-years can join, too, you want to go with me?
Ryeon: Why?
Ha-ri: Why do you mean why... if you learn something like this, you could use it in the future.
And don't you think it's pretty?
Min: Probably better not.
Ryeon: Hey Min!
Min: Whether she dresses up or puts on makeup or not, Ryeon's a long way from being feminine.
Ever since elementary school she would go around picking fights with boys.
*text: Cha Ryeon (11 years-old)*
I learned this from TV it's called a headlock
Ha-ri: Really?
Ryeon: haha... A long time ago...
Min: Oh yeah, but I hope you don't give up on being a girl though.
Ryeon: Shut up!!
Classmate: Min! Let's go play basketball!
Min: Okay.
Bye.
Ryeon: *text: yeah go whatever*
Ha-ri: ...
You said you were friends, right? Ever since you were little.
Ryeon: As you can see.
Ha-ri: This is the first time I've seen Min act friendly with a girl. [Was in the same class as Min as a 1st Year]
I used to think he always kept a distance.
Ryeon: It's not that he makes friends with just guys or girls.
Ha-ri: It's not?
Ryeon: Nah.
I guess you can say he's kind of picky. He's rather sensitive.
Unlike me, he has a kind of a feminine side.
I figured it out after hanging out with him for so long.
Ha-ri: That's amazing.
*sfx: school bell ringing*
Homeroom Teacher: That's it for today.
Cha Ryeon, bring your self-reflection and future hopes survey to the office!
Ryeon: why just me
*caption: Because you're the only one who didn't turn them in.*
Min: You still didn't turn in that self-reflection?
Ryeon: I forgot. I finished it so that's okay.
You don't have to wait for me.
Min: I'm stopping by the basketball club before I go.
Ryeon: Basketball club?
Min: A third-year added my name to the sign-up sheet without asking me. I have to go talk to them.
Ryeon: You're so popular...
Min: It's annoying.
Teachers' Office
[Self Reflection
Year 2 Class 7 Cha Ryeon
I committed a terrible crime.
I will not attempt another escape from the classroom ever again.]
Homeroom Teacher [signing off on the paper]: You've been a troublemaker from the beginning of the term!
If you play hooky again I'm going to make you weed the entire school grounds! Got it?!
Ryeon: Yes sir.
(Jerk. Put on a show why don't you.)
Homeroom Teacher [putting out his hand]: Here!
Ryeon [gives him a low five]: *sfx: slap* heh
Homeroom Teacher: !!!!
*sfx: grip*
Ryeon: OWWWWWWWWWWWWWW my hand
Homeroom Teacher: Who said give me your hand?!
Give me your Future Hopes Survey! Future Hopes Survey!!
why are you giving me a high five
Ryeon: ...you should have said so...
here you go *sniff*
Homeroom Teacher: geez
...
What's this?
It's blank!
You want to mess with me? Are you playing around?
Ryeon: No, I'm not!!
I really...didn't have anything to write about...
Homeroom Teacher: So just write something!! Anything!!
Ryeon: But I really can't think of anything.
Chapter 5: Mi-na
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=5&weekday=mon
Ryeon: What are your hopes for the future?
Homeroom Teacher: ...Do you think it's appropriate for you to ask me that?
Ryeon: How should I know?
geez
Homeroom Teacher: That means you shouldn't be asking me!! We're talking about your future, so why would we talk about mine??
there's nothing like that
You're at an age where you can do anything. Whether your grades are good or bad, there's tons of things you could do.
A blank paper. I have nothing to write about! That's teenagers for you.
Ryeon: I can't help it.
Homeroom Teacher: Then look for something. You have to think seriously about your future.
Ryeon: Are you happy being a teacher?
Homeroom Teacher: What?
Ryeon: You don't seem so happy.
Homeroom Teacher: Don't make judgements about other people's life choices!
Ryeon: Nothing's interesting.
I feel like nothing will be interesting.
Homeroom Teacher: *sighs* You. You feel like there's no point to schoolwork, right?
Ryeon: None at all!
Homeroom Teacher: Then why don't you join a club?
(i've seen a lot of kids like you)
Ryeon: Club?
Homeroom Teacher: Our school's famous for having a lot of clubs. Some don't accept 2nd-years, but if you can find an activity you like, don't you think that might help?
Ryeon: I don't want to!
Homeroom Teacher: What? Why not?
Ryeon: Because it doesn't seem interes...!!
[rolled up textbook: Supplementary Math]
*sfx: smack*
Homeroom Teacher: How do you know it won't be interesting until you try it?!?! I don't care which one!
Ryeon: That hurt...
Homeroom Teacher: Join a club by next week!!!!
You've got to be kidding.
Why should I listen to you?
Ryeon: (Just 'cause it's not your life, doesn't mean you can say whatever you want about it.)
Student: Whoa!! Min is hanging out with a girl!!!!
Students: She's fine. Is she a first-year?
Is she giving him something? What is that?
Isn't it a box lunch?
I'm so jealous he's getting a lunch from a babe! Should I ask for an introduction?
What if that's his girlfriend?
They said he's not going out with anyone.
You believe that?
Students: Hey, she's looking this way!
Whoa!! What? No way, at us?!
...or not.
Ryeon [waving]: ...
Student: Cha Ryeon! You know her, too?
Ryeon: Yeah.
Student: What's her relationship to Min?
Ryeon: Very close.
Students: Really?! That bastard!
Ryeon: (Idiots.)
Students: Huh? Look.
They're fighting.
A love fight?
What?! Min just hit that girl!! I'm gonna kick his ass!!
*sfx: headbutt*
Students: WHAT?!?!
*sfx/text: arguing sounds; Min running away*
Students: ...
Ryeon: ...
Min: Here! Mi-na said to give this to you.
Ryeon: ... Thanks.
Min: That brat!! I thought she'd change once she became a high schooler but nothing's changed! *sfx: shaking with anger*
Ryeon: Why would you think that?
Ha-ri: Who are you talking about?
Min: My little sister! She just started school here.
Ha-ri: Oh wow, your little sister made you lunch? That's so sweet!
Min: What do you mean, sweet! Take a look at it first!
[Caption for Min's lunch box:
Theme: The Tenacious Survival Ability of Insects
Ingredients: steamed rice, pickled black beans.]
Ha-ri: B-but, Ryeon's lunchbox looks really nice!
*sfx: flash*
[Caption for Ryeon's lunch box:
Theme: That Which Shines from Out the Darkness Is Love
Ingredients: steamed rice, ketchup]
Ryeon: I...don't like ketchup...
Min: This is unfair! How come she's always nicer to you?!
Ryeon: You can't even eat mine!
Min: It doesn't matter!
Ryeon [smirks]: I wonder. Maybe she respects me that much more?
Min: I don't have to listen to this, you know?
Ryeon: Ha-ri, you want some?
Min: Mine too.
Ha-ri. No thanks.
Chapter 6: Crossroads
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=6&weekday=mon
Min: The Student Council?
Student Council Vice President: Yeah. We'd like it if you'd join.
Min: Um, I cant! That's a place for top students.
Student Council Vice President: Exactly. You have good grades, you're good at sports, popular with everyone, and the teachers trust you as well.
Your homeroom teacher recommended you especially.
Min: (That asshole!!!!)
Min: I...I really cant. I'm anno- I mean, busy enough being the second-year representative! If I also had to do student council I'd be so pis- I mean, it'd be too much!
Student Council Vice President: Hahahaha- Don't get too excited.
Aren't you going to run for President next year? Think of it as practice.
Min: I'm not gonna run!
Student Council Vice President: If you really don't want to, that's fine, but can you at least think about it?
I'd like someone trustworthy to join.
Min: Even if you say that...
Student Council Vice President: We'd really appreciate it.
*text: we'd really appreciate it*
*sfx: sparkle*
Min: *text: Stop looking at me with those eyes.*
Ha-ri: Where's Min?
Ryeon [doing homework for the next class]: Some upperclassman wanted to talk to him.
Ha-ri: Looks like he's still busy.
Ryeon:...
Ryeon: Ha-ri.
Ha-ri: Yeah?
Ryeon: You're not joining the club?
Ha-ri: Club? Oh, right!
Are you worried I'll make you join Nail Art Club with me? I'm fine.
Actually I think I should concentrate on studying.
It's true I was interested, but I just wanted a chance to hang out with you more.
Ryeon: Really?
Have you decided on what you'll do in the future? Like a goal...
Ha-ri: The future? Well...
There's lots of things I want to do.
I want to try being a writer, or a teacher, or a housewife is okay, too.
Well, for now my goal is to do well on the college entrance exam. i don't know if i'll do well or not but
Ryeon: Ah-
Ha-ri: What about you?
Is there something you want to do?
Ryeon: I guess...
I feel restless.
I don't even know what I should be doing now, nevermind the future.
Where am I right now?
Ryeon: Why is there so many of them?
I had no idea there were this many...
Do the students at our school even study?
Student: What's up? You're joining a club?
Ryeon: It's you.
An Mi-na (Year 1, Class 5, An Min's sister): Did you eat the lunch?
Ryeon: Yes.
Mi-na: How was it?
Ryeon: Don't make any more.
Mi-na: Why not?? I made it so you could have a nice lunch!
*text: sincere*
Ryeon: Because it's impossible, that's why!
Now that you're in high school, grow up a little!
Ryeon: But you're always going through life with the switch turned off!
Mi-na: [caption: The type to speak whatever she's thinking.]
Ryeon: [caption: Shock.] what switch
Mi-na: Is there one you like?
Ryeon: No. They all look boring.
Mi-na: You're not just annoyed?
Ryeon: Shut up! Leave me alone!
Are you joining a club?
Mi-na: I already did.
Ryeon: What?! When??
Mi-na: I got casted.
Ryeon: Casted?!
Mi-na: Scouted.
Ryeon: What does that mean?!
Mi-na: I was walking in the hallway when someone asked me if I wanted to join their club.
It seemed fun, so I said okay.
Ryeon: (Are you sure you're Min's sister...) Good for you.
It's not some weird club, is it?
Mi-na: No way!!
Ryeon [nervously]: Don't get some upperclassman angry.
Mi-na: Why are you acting protective all of a sudden?
If you're worried, you can join, too.
Let's join together! I'm sure it'll be fun.
Ryeon: Hm.
Which club is it?
Chapter 7: The Choice (1)
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=7&weekday=mon
We met seven years ago and we've always been together ever since.
I thought it would be like that forever.
We'd like you to be a member of the Student Council.
Can you think about it, at least?
Min: (This is driving me crazy...)
(I somehow made it to the Student Council Room!!!!)
Student Council Vice President: This is Min, who might become our new member. I ran into him so I thought I'd bring him over.
He hasn't said yes yet, but it'd be a shame if he didn't, so everyone should say hi.
Min, you say something, too!
Min: Huh? But I'm not a member yet.
Student Council Vice President: That's okay.
Min: (I have to refuse.)
I'm-
Student: You're An Min?
Student Council Vice President: Seon-jae.
Im Seon-jae (Year 3, Class 5, Student Council President): I really don't like your face. Especially that expression like you're chewing shit.
Min:
Mi-na: Well? Well? You will, right?
Ryeon: No...wait...let me think...
I... think... a more ordinary-sounding club would be better. Like Cooking Club. Art Club. Origami Club. Poetry Club...
Something as fulfilling as the time and effort I put into it.
Mi-na: Liar!!!! You just said they all looked boring!!
Ryeon: They're better than that weirdo club.
Mi-na: Weirdo club!
It's the Mystery Club!!!!
Ryeon: Don't say it out loud!!
I mean, what the heck is it? Mystery Club?? Do we sit around a round table discussing the Seven Wonders of the World?
[Ryeon's image of the club: discussing various occult topics.]
Ryeon: Once you join, you can never leave...
Mi-na: You're overreacting.
Ryeon: You better quit before it's too late!! Join a more normal club.
Mi-na: What!!!! No way I'm quitting! Why should I??
Ryeon: As your guardian, I feel for the sake of your school life...
That place is full of negative energy. Bad stuff.
Mi-na: How are you coming up with this?
It's not a weird place! Go see for yourself.
Ryeon: Why would I go there?!
Mi-na: I thought you were worried! If you go, you can see exactly what kind of club your precious sister has joined.
Ryeon: That's right!!
*sfx: fired up*
Let's go! If it's weird then you're automatically quitting.
Mi-na: (You're so simple.)
Min: ... You don't like my expression?
Seon-jae: Yeah. You look like you were dragged here even though you didn't want to come.
I don't know how talented you are, but working with someone who doesn't want to be here?
No thanks.
Student Council Vice President: Im Seon-jae! You're being rude!
Min: He's right.
Student Council Vice President: Eh?
Min: He's right. This place doesn't seem right where for someone who doesn't want to be here.
I'm sorry I wasn't clear before. Let's forget about me joining the Student Council.
Student Council Vice President: Min...
Seon-jae: If you leave here like that, you know you'll probably get caught up in something else?
The important thing is not whether or not you can refuse, but whether or not you can learn to like the work.
Min: That's easy for you to say.
Seon-jae: 'Cause it doesn't have anything to do with me.
It looks like he really doesn't want to lose you...
I don't know about being a member.
You can be our gofer instead. then we'd welcome you
Student Council Vice President: Hey!!!!
Min: I've changed my mind. I want to be a member.
Student Council Vice President: What?? Really?!
Min: I'll join the Student Council. But
You shouldn't expect too much.
Seon-jae: Of course not.
Ryeon: Hello...
I'm... the student who...
just joined... the Mystery Club...
Cha Ryeon...
(They're so scary!!!!)
( This is the Mystery Club?!)
Chapter 8: The Choice (2)
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=8&weekday=mon
2nd Year, Class 1
Kim Do-hui
Nickname: Razorblade
1st Year, Class 5
Jang So-ree
Nickname: The Living Dead
3rd Year, Class 9
Na La-la
Nickname: The Mad Lynx
1st Year, Class 1
Oh Yeon-joon
Nickname: Hawkeye
[Definitions of nallari which I'm translating as 'delinquent' for now (other possibilities: punk, troublemaker, cool kid, etc.) - translating this panel takes a lot more brainpower than dialogue so I'll come back to this later...]
Ryeon: (This... is an assembly of delinquents.)
()'Mystery Club' is a front for them to hide behind.)
(Inside is a pit of villanny where young delinquents gather to foment their evil plans!)
(What have you done?!?! Why are you here?!?!)
Mi-na: Hello!
Glasses: He~y. You brought a friend today, Mi-na.
Is she the friend you mentioned before?
Mi-na: Yep! She's the new member I'd like to sponsor.
Ryeon: (New member?! Who says?)
(Sponsor?! Yeah right!)
Mi-na: But I have a question.
Glasses: What is it?
Mi-na: Why do you wear sunglasses indoors? It's really weird.
Ryeon:
Ryeon: (We are so ****ed...!!)
(For delinquents outward appearances are more important than anything (probably). Delinquents' accessories signify their self-respect. Now that we've disrespected that we are in major trouble.)
Glasses: This...
is because I get embarrassed easily...
Ryeon: (I don't believe it!!!!)
Glasses: So I wear them sometimes when I meet new people.
There are other reasons, but I can tell you about them later. Can you introduce yourself again?
Ryeon: Ah... m-my name is Cha...Cha Ryeon. Second-year...
(Is she the boss?)
Glasses: Nice to meet you, Cha Charyeon.
Ryeon: It's Cha Ryeon, not Cha Charyeon...
Glasses: Now that you've come here, what do you think? Do you like our club?
Ryeon: Of course I like the club. It's like looking into a new world.
(Their expressions changed! They're giving off a black aura.)
Glasses: That's good. Then...
[Club Application Form]
Ryeon: Um... what is this?
Glasses: The application form.
Ryeon: No, I know that.
Why are you giving this to... do you want me to fill it in?
Glasses: ?? You said you liked our club.
Ryeon: Of-of course! But...!
Glasses: Then why are you here, Miss Cha Ryeon?
Ryeon: That's...
*caption: The Reason*
Mi-na: Ryeon...
Ryeon: ...
Ryeon: The truth is I came to see what kind of club Mi-na joined.
But after having seen it, it gives me a bad feeling.
Glasses: I see.
Why haven't you joined a club yet, Miss Cha Ryeon?
Ryeon: Huh?
Glasses: It's my understanding that you have to join a club by next week.
Ryeon: Wha- How do you...?
Glasses: We happen to have an informant. Is there a reason you haven't joined a club?
Ryeon: I...haven't found the right one yet...
Glasses: Is that so? From what I can see, it simply seems you don't want to.
Ryeon: ... Excuse me... why do I have to sit here and listen to you?
Glasses: Because you're looking at us with colored glasses. [rose-colored glasses?]
Well...we don't care how you see us. We're used to it.
You said we gave you a bad feeling, right?
You seem like you want to take your little sister out of the club.
But Mi-na is one of our members. So. You. Can't.
Ryeon: ... Then... I'll join.
Mi-na: Really?!
Glasses: You've changed your mind?
Ryeon: No! This still seems like an iffy place. So I really can't leave Mi-na alone here.
*text: we're going to have a talk about this outside*
*text: ryeon your hands are shaking*
Glasses: That's fine. We have no problem with that. You're a member of our club from now on, too.
Congratulations!
[caption: Yang Han-na (3rd Year, Class 5), Mystery Club President]
Ryeon: (For some reason...
I feel like I've been suckered into something...)
Chapter 9: Day By Day
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=9&weekday=mon
This happened in middle school.
Ryeon: Oww... my shoulder...
Min: You didn't sleep well?
Ryeon: Yeah, I was working on beating a quest... don't know if I'll get the item.
Min: ... Do you even know we're having reviews starting tomorrow?
Come here. I'll give you a massage.
Ryeon: It's fine. You don't have to...
OW!!
*sfx: crunch*
Ryeon: Ow! That hurts! Let me go!
Min: Hold still.
Ryeon: Haa... that's good... ha...
Min: Stop making grandma noises.
Students [collectively]: Are they going out? / They're going out.
*caption: Two often misunderstood people.*
Student: Are the two of you going out?
Ryeon and Min: ...
We used to get asked that before, too.
Ryeon: That girl's one of your fans. Definitely.
Min: Shut up.
Min is the perfect model student.
I'm a useless troublemaker.
A lot of people seemed not to understand why we hung out together.
Min: I want to eat curry today.
Ryeon: What? Again?
Min: Let's go grocery shopping on the way home.
Ryeon: Why don't you eat it at your house?
Min: You know why, my Dad's cooking...
Mina says she likes your cooking best, too.
Ryeon: Just do your own cooking.
But the reason was simple.
Should we buy donkkatsu, too?
Woo~
Because we're most comfortable with each other.
Mi-na: It must be nice for you two...
Ryeon: What is?
Mi-na: You're going to the same high school.
I have to be apart from you for another year!
Ryeon: You live next door so you see me every day. You're also eating at our house...
Min: You're not sad about being apart from me at all, it seems.
Mi-na: Phooey to you! You're the kind of person who's not there even when you're there.
Min: What does that mean?
Ryeon: (High school...)
Boring, meaningless days.
Will things change once we're in high school?
Announcement: New students, please come to the main courtyard. The entrance ceremony will begin shortly-
Ryeon: Di-different...classes?!
Min: Ah. It's finally happened.
Ryeon: No way!
Waa! What are we going to do!!
Min: What do you mean... it's just different classes.
Ryeon: I didn't even think of this! We were in the same class all the way through middle school...
Min: Truthfully that's weirder.
Ryeon: You're cruel!
Min: It's time you and I became independent.
Ryeon: Really cruel...!
Min: Oh yeah, I want to eat BBQ beef today.
Ryeon: You figure it out!! Jerk!
Nothing changed.
Ryeon: Hey!
Min: Hey.
We're in the same class this year.
Ryeon: Maybe it's fate?
I've become a high school student.
Everything is still stifling.
Chapter 10: One Step
http://comic.naver.com/webtoon/detail.nhn?titleId=58526&no=10&weekday=mon
Homeroom Teacher: Wow, you've finally joined a club!
See, didn't I tell you there'd be one if you just looked?
But...Mystery Club. First time I've heard of it.
What kind of club is it? You investigate the Seven Wonders of the World or something?
Ryeon: It's because our president likes mystery novels. Agatha Christie fan...
Homeroom Teacher: Oh! I know, like 'The Tragedy of Y'!
that's ellery queen
Homeroom Teacher: Does that mean you'll become a mystery writer? Or a detective? Hope you don't become a criminal! Hahahaha!!
Ryeon: *text: what are you talking about...
Homeroom Teacher: Okay, then. Good luck. Work on your grades, too.
Ryeon: (You're being fooled.)
(Mystery Club? Detective novels? Don't make me laugh.)
It's actually a pit of villanny where young delinquents gather to foment their evil plans...
*sfx: bump*
Mi-na: Ohmigosh!
Mi-na: (I've killed Ryeon.)
Ryeon: (My life...)
Mi-na: Are you okay?
Ryeon: You were going to do that from the start, weren't you?
Mi-na: No, it was an accident...!
Ryeon: I mean the club.
This is how you were going to get me to go?
Mi-na: That's...
Because otherwise you wouldn't have done anything.
Ryeon: ...Don't be melodramatic.
And... why a club run by delinquents? That kind of club's very existence is dangerous.
Mi-na: Don't say that...
They're all good people. I know this because I've hung out with them three days.
Ryeon: How can you know anything from three days?!?!
Mi-na: The feminine intuition you don't have...!!
Ryeon: ... I'm going to hit you.
I'm going to quit.
Even if my teacher is making me join a club, I don't want to hang out at one like that.
And when I quit, you do too. That was my plan, so we're just temporary members.
Mi-na: How can you be like that?
Ryeon: That's what I should say to you!
: Today we've decided on the new members for the Student Council.
Some of us know each other, but let's go around and formally introduce ourselves.
First, I'm Yi Su-yeol, a third-year. Vice President.
Seon-jae: Third-year Im Seon-jae. President.
: I'm second-year Chae Seung-eun.
: I'm first-year Kim Hui-wan.
Min: I'm second-year An Min, the new member.
Su-yeol: So, where should we have the new member welcoming party?
Seon-jae: You're too transparent.
I get the feeling that
something is not going right.
*caption: lunchtime*
Min: You look tired.
Ryeon: Huh? Really?
Min: Is it because of your club?
...I'm surprised. I didn't think you'd really do it.
Mi-na says it's some suspense club, what do you do there?
Ryeon: ...
You don't need to know. I'm going to quit soon.
Min: What? Why?
Ryeon: I'm just joining temporarily 'cause I have to.
Aren't you the one who got forced into joining the Student Council?
Min: Yeah. This time I said I'd do it, so I can't back out.
I have my reasons too.
Ryeon: Heh...
Min.
Is it bad not to be doing anything?
Min: Who knows... just because you're doing something doesn't mean it's good.
Ryeon: *text: that's right*
That's that in life, probably.
Ryeon: (Stupid world, be destroyed...!)
Min: ?
Ryeon: Oh, look at the time... I have to go to a club meeting (because of Mi-na).
Min: Since you're in the club already, don't quit and give it a go.
Ryeon: Quit the Student Council if you don't like it, Min.
Min: Haha.
See you later then.
Ryeon: See you.
