A Strange Joke is a completed manhwa at eighty five chapters divided into two manhwa seasons, in addition to the epilogue. The series is written and illustrated by Cho Hyerim. First released in 2018, it has been originally published by JusToon (which has since expired) and Wisdom House, which was later published and licensed in English by Pocket Comics (which was removed January 8, 2023).
Synopsis[]
This is the story of two people living out their campus romance, the returning transfer student Min Kim, who has a tough time with love, and the department legend Sijun, who's scared of romance.
Manhwa Seasons[]
- Season 1: Chapters 1~40 (40)
- Season 2: Chapters 41~85 (45)
Characters[]
Min Kim[]
From class 15, Min has recently returned to school from the military. Min finds he sees Sijun often now and wonders if he likes him. Having told his friends Yeon and Eunji about it, Min really wants to be in a relationship. Keen to attend school, Min also likes the idea of joining various clubs.
Character Article: Min Kim[]
Sijun Choi[]
Approaching him, Sijun is for some reason keen to befriend Min. Finding that his ex Jina is in the same class as him, Sijun thinks he will have to drop it. Noticing Min there, Sijun thinks how that guy also came back to school. Having placed a note for the queer club in the men's room, in heading in after him, Sijun determines Min took a note. Seeking him out, Sijun is very shy as he speaks openly about needing a friend. A dramatically different demeanour is clear when he is speaking with Jeong where Sijun says he needs to find out more about Min.
Character Article: Sijun Choi[]
Jina Lee[]
The year before last Jina appeared in a music video and suddenly shot to fame. Sijun's former girlfriend, their breakup is mentioned to have been complicated. Displaying it, Jina slaps Sijun's hat off him. Having spoken with Jiseok and hearing it from others in class, Jina is surprised that Sijun would have gone to the beach with others since he hates social events like that. Stating that Sijun has never meant anything he said to her, Jina asks that he prove he is sorry by getting back together with her.
Yeon Yu[]
Described as a friendly girl, Yeon is known in the department for her bright and personable disposition. Min's friend, she is said to be unusually obsessed with his love life. Aware of what Min is thinking, Yeon teases him on whether he is feeling lonely. Twice as happy to be a student again, Yeon shares she has decided to go on a blind date today. Yeon is pleased to joke if all goes well maybe she will have a child. Just kidding, as a returning student Yeon would not want to be too bogged down. Crushing a juice box in fury, Yeon mentions a date should be better taken care of after her own one. Commenting without seriousness that she is nervous, there is only two years left until graduation and Yeon wonders if she can survive society like she is now. With the excuse that she is helping Min, Yeon uses the chance to observe the exchange between Jina and Sijun outside.
Jeong Sehun[]
Said to be a delinquent, he is Sijun's friend. A part-time student and barista, Jeong loves coffee and studying. Currently preparing to study abroad, meanwhile he spends time with Sijun. Having observed him with Min, he asks Sijun how it went. Comfortable around Sijun, he is more like a confidant to him. While he observes a lot and knows a lot about Min, it is in the context of helping to ascertain if he is who Sijun feels he is.
Character Article: Jeong Sehun[]
Eunji[]
Appearing behind Min and Yeon, she can reveal the rumor that Jina was coming back to school until she graduates. Discussing matters with Yeon, she also speaks with Min as a friend. In the middle of a relationship now, Eunji declares that it is with Satin. She is surprised that Min is apparently friends with Sijun. On a college trip, Eunji proceeds to help other committee members arrange events.
Jiseok[]
From the class of 2009, Jiseok turns up at the beach where students have gathered. Approaching Eunji, he congratulates her for becoming the department group leader. Also knowing Sijun, he questions how long has it been before mentioning how they could have reminisced about the good old days. Boisterous, Jiseok arranges volley ball based games for others. Taking advantage of the cheery environment, Jiseok pulls Min onto his lap and states he would rather be with him than an ugly girl which he attempts unsuccessfully to pass off as a joke.
Chan Ho[]
At the beach, Chan is unsure what the deal is with Min being friends with Sijun which he finds really weird. Friends with Eunji, he shares her view on Jiseok. Not taking part in the volleyball game Jiseok is arranging, Chan feels he has aged out but is still acting like this.
Story[]
Min is found by Sijun
As Min walks he exchanges messages with someone, and finds he is approached by Sijun. Where Sijun has taken to helping him with errands such as lifting boxes, Min finds he is also hugged by him. Having told his friends about him, although they are suspicious, Min wants to be in a relationship.[1]
With a new school year commencing, there are many things that Min wants to do. From the clubs he is interested in, Min also finds a notice to join the queer club. Seeing that is at the school, Min considers a lot has changed. What he really wants to do though involves him heading outside, where he surveys many people forming relationships with one another.
Since it is still March, Min has questions on who decides how others date and how did they even begin. Min is alarmed at finding Yeon beside him who asks whether he was thinking that. As they walk, Yeon mentions she is happy to be a student and has decided to go on a blind date today. After stating that he is too shy to go on a blind date, Min and Yeon notice a commotion since Jina has returned to the school.
As for why, Eunji appears to provide details that Jina will be back until she graduates. Where a man is said to have returned, Min wonders who. After Yeon and Eunji discuss what they understand, it is in class that Min gathers that Jina returned because of her ex-boyfriend. As Min wonders is it hard to be in a relationship even when beautiful and smart, Jihun is also present in the lecture theatre. Wearing a hat and seeing Jina in the room, Sijun thinks he may have to drop this class. Also noticing Min there, Sijun is surprised to see him back at school.
Yeon heads to her blind date
Walking with Eunji after Yeon heads on her blind date, Min and her discuss how clothing was borrowed from Yeseul Shin. One hour later, Yeon is livid. Venting on Min and Eunji she details how her date told her he liked Yeseul and can he help him out a little. As Yeon wants to know if she is attractive like a star, Eunji questions why do they want to date. With two years until she graduates, Yeon comments how she is nervous she will not be ready for society until then. Where the cherry blossoms are blooming, Yeon wants to feel that thrill and excitement too.
Affected by the words, Min becomes emotional and Yeon and Eunji discuss whether he is crying. On who Eunji is interested in dating, she answers she is already in a relationship with Satin. Come to think of it, Eunji decides Min has never heard of love, and Yeon follows up to ask does he not ever wonder. As they press him for answers, Min flees to the men's room. On the mirror is the notice for the queer club. Remembering that there are two years left until graduation, Min takes a note.
Entering the bathroom after Min leaves, Sijun notices there is a note from the queer club poster missing.[2]
Images[]
References[]
Wiki Link[]
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