Rules for rationally organizing our debt relationship,
'Between us, five hundred won!'

Chansu lends Siwon the money he needs to buy supplies after Siwon offers to pay 500 won more.
But even though the promised day has arrived, Siwon does not return the money that Chansu lent him.
Chansu, who had been suffering alone, confides in his friend Hyungshik about this, and learns that Hyungshik also had a difficult time with his friend because of money.
The two report this to their teacher, and the children of Class 3-3 of Maryong Elementary School hold a 'meeting to create rules for rationally resolving debt relationships.'


How do children resolve debts between friends? After a heated debate, the children in the story establish rules: not to pressure a friend who refuses to buy something, to buy exactly 500 won worth of something for a friend, and to repay a friend's debt within three days.
What on earth is the basis for such a rule? Once you understand the circumstances, won't you find yourself slapping your knee and nodding along? Shouting, "Between us, 500 won!"

People are better when they are together than when they are alone.
I try to find a better way and become a better person.

"Our Class Debt Relationship" is a story about money problems that arise between children, and it makes you seriously think about how to wisely resolve the problems that inevitably arise between people.
The reason this story, which deals with the most unfamiliar subject matter in Korean children's literature, "money," is so vivid and relevant to our society today is probably because it is a story drawn from reality.
This is something that every child has likely experienced at least once, so you will quickly become engrossed in the story as soon as you open it, and you will find yourself cheering for the wisdom of the children in the story, who are filled with kindness and innocence.
The kids said, “It’s okay.
With just one word, “It’s only 500 won!”, he shows his insight to see through the essence of the problem and solve it.
This work is not limited to a realistic narrative and an interesting plot, but also contains deep thoughts that will make even adults nod their heads.


“When I was at school, I would discuss and resolve various issues that arose in the classroom with the children.
From first grade to sixth grade, there wasn't a single child who couldn't share their thoughts on their problems.
(Omitted) This story is one that I picked up during many meetings with children.
I came to believe it after meeting with children.
“People find better ways to do things together than when they are alone, and they try to become better people.”

As the author says, I hope that the children who read this story will develop the belief that 'putting our heads together can lead to better ideas.'

The only evidence of learning is change!
The joy of witnessing changes in children's minds and behavior

This work is also the first work published by the author, who worked as an elementary school teacher for a long time, concluding his time as a teacher.
The author said, “Because I have a job that gives me a lot of opportunities to talk to children, there have been many funny, nodding, and absurd things.
“But I feel very sorry that I wasted time not being able to write everything down one by one.”
Perhaps it is because of this regret that the author's identity as a teacher is so deeply embedded in every aspect of his work.

The author states throughout the work that the only evidence of learning is change, and that if there is no change, one cannot say that one has learned properly.
Artist Woo Ji-hyun, who drew the pictures, vividly reveals the changes in the hearts and actions of these characters in a four-panel cartoon format, showing how children learn and grow.
The joy of witnessing how children's minds and behaviors change through a certain process lingers long after the book is closed.
Like the scene in front of Marongmun-gu after all the children have left.