Even If You Don't Love Me is an ongoing manhwa written and illustrated by Pando. First released in 2020, It has been published by Beyond and serialized in Ridibooks. The author had announced that the manhwa will be published in English in 2021.
Synopsis[]
Min Ji Wook, a student trapped in poverty, manages to get accepted into Daehan High School which is the premier high school for children from rich and affluent families. His main goal? Escape poverty by graduating high school with the best rank and entering a top university. To achieve this, he decides to focus on his studies but it's not an easy path when he meets: Joo Seung Eon, youngest son of Korea's largest conglomerate JS Group, who wounds Ji Wook's pride at any given chance. And Kwon Hyung Seo, eldest son of Ilkang Group, who treats Ji Wook with a kind façade but occasionally shows a vague mysteriousness. Ji Wook who's thrown into chaos by when both show their interest in him... will he be able to live the life he wants?
Characters[]
Min Ji Wook[]
Upset, Wook asks Eon how he could do this to him regarding his financial state and the accident that his father experienced. If he had known, it would come to this Wook continues he would have never gotten involved with Eon. Presently, after returning to school after two years Wook is 19 and thinks to work hard because this is the fastest way out of poverty. Wook studied all day and slept for only three hours every night to barely make it into the school. He questions whether Eon has to speak to him like he is and sitting in front of him Wook concentrated on just ignoring him. Even with no money left for the reference books, Wook's pride dissuades him from accepting textbooks from Eon. He had seen him on TV when working at his part-time job. Cleaning is a hobby of his and a recent interest is studying the stock market. Speaking to his dad, Wook assures him that school is good where the students and teachers are really nice. Telling his dad to go ahead and have his food Wook says to not worry about him. Finding Seo, he offers him money for the books he gave him. Eating together Wook mentions it is delicious but also is nervous while thinking he should have refused and given him the money. Eating tteokbokki, Wook contemplates how his mother used to make it for him. Noting how quietly Eon is eating Wook wonders if chaebols eat like this. Considering that Eon was fine when they ate Wook speculates why he got angry. Wook concludes it must have hurt Eon's pride being offered the small amount of money. Thinking how he is new, Wook also acknowledges that no one is class is even trying to talk to him but resigns himself to being fine with it. Remembering Seo and thinking how he is really good looking Wook also thinks he looks like a bad guy. His determination to excel at his studies and feeling he is being looked down on for being poor contribute to him avoiding others.
Joo Seung Eon[]
If it were not for him, Seung-Eon feels that Ji-Wook would have already died from selling his organs. At first seeing him in what he called his seat, Seung-Eon asked who Ji-Wook was and why he was there before saying he should just move. Hearing that Ji-Wook was two years older than him, Seung-Eon retorted that he looked like a child now is talking like one too. Giving Ji-Wook some textbooks since he said he was poor, Seung-Eon also hands him something to go and buy food with. With Ji-Wook approaching, Seung-Eon told his friend Junyoung who he was was with to go. Aware that he is being watched while eating, Seung-Eon asks Ji-Wook if he has never seen a person eat before instructing him to stop staring and eat. With Ji-Wook saying he has more to pay back, Seung-Eon tells him to throw the cash away. When Junyoung tried to call him, Seung-Eon instructs him to buy the medicine for indigestion, and coffee. Seung-Eon speaks further freely how the food tasted like trash, he only ate it since Ji-Wook was there. Entering the room to see Hyungseo speaking with Ji-Wook, he asks the latter what was said for him to smile like that, even though Ji-Wook had no such expression. Seung-Eon tells Ji-Wook not to speak to him, and his anger is then directed towards Hyungseo. Outside he gently pokes Ji-Wook's cheek and tells him when someone is speaking to look at them. Seung-Eon's hobbies are listed as reading and exercise.
Kwon Hyung Seo[]
Coming across Wook after he dropped his books Seo merely glanced at him before walking away. Observing Wook and Eon he asks the former how he is and suggests next time for them to eat together. Enjoying listening to classical music, Seo is also good with knife tricks. He is curious as to why Eon is interested in Wook. Approaching him in class Seo happily shares that he is also a returning student. He was not feeling well so took a year off. Answering that he is fine now, Seo then questions where Wook's dad is. What he means is Wook's brother's company, the Ilkang Group, belongs to his family. At seeing Eon, he chooses that moment to suggest he and Wook have lunch together and for him to bring snacks.
Baha[]
In class he happily noted how Eon was here early. Stating he would be in his care this year as well Baha was very glad to be Eon's homeroom teacher again. Addressing Wook he mentions the textbooks that were left in the office are on his desk. In charge of the first class of the third grade Baha asked that everyone save his phone number that he had added on the chalk board. Baha stated that students could call whenever they needed anything then light-heartedly added that no prank calls were allowed. Introducing Wook and revealing that due to difficulties at home he had to stay away from school Baha continued that Wook was older than the rest of the class. Continuing that Wook got in with excellent grades Baha says others should feel free to approach him for help and vice versa.
Shim Junyoung[]
Seung-Eon friend and right-hand man, who is close enough to him to gather and provide details on Ji-Wook. His father works for Seung-Eon's family's company, JS. For his and Seung-Eon's friendship, he knows everything but there is a barrier to being close.
Story[]
Min Ji Wook is upset as he questions whether Joo Seung Eon had a hand in the money, loan sharks and his father's accident. In class Wook means to study hard to get out of poverty. Handed the Math Practical workbook, Standard of English textbook, and Korean History textbooks by Eon but declining them, Wook is then spoken to by Kwon Hyung Seo.[1] A scenario of Wook confronting Eon occurs. When Wook and Eon are first meeting in class the teacher Baha mentioned Eon by name. Wook recognizes him since Eon was reported on the news as attending the school that the children of the wealthy and powerful attend. Retrieving his books Wook sees Seo before affirming to study hard and escape poverty.[2]
Entering a full class Wook locates a free desk, but it is in front of Eon. As Baha begins the class, he introduces Wook to others. In another class on a modern poem Wook is handed reference books by Eon. By night fall Wook arrives home and speaks to his dad over the phone. After the conversation Wook begins studying.[3] In class Wook finds Eon is not there. As other students discuss lunch, Wook takes his and outside finds Eon there. Intending to pay him back instead they eat together. Near class 3-1 Eon speaks with Junyeong how the food was trash. At home Wook thinks why Eon got angry when he was the one who suggested they eat together. Seo approaches Wook in class and turns to discussing his father and their families.[4]
Images[]
References[]
Wiki Link[]
- An overview article on the entire series, create the Even If You Don't Love Me wiki for total coverage details!