"I'm So Glad I Found This Book Before I Died!" — A Review of *The Arrogant Training of Geonbang-i*
What if a child told you a book was life-changing? Not a parent. Not a teacher. A child.
That's exactly the review that Korean elementary schoolers left for 『건방이의 건방진 수련기』 (The Arrogant Training of Geonbang-i) — a book that caused literal library borrowing wars among Korean kids and became the most buzzed-about children's novel series in recent memory.
Today, we're reviewing it. And yes, it's that good.
1. What Kind of Book Is This?
The Basics
Attribute Detail
| Title | 건방이의 건방진 수련기 (The Arrogant Training of Geonbang-i) |
| Author | Cheon Hyo-jeong |
| Illustrator | Kang Gyeong-su |
| Publisher | Biryongso (비룡소) |
| Award | 2nd Biryongso Story King Award — chosen by 100 child jurors |
| Genre | Children's Martial Arts Fiction (a first in Korean children's lit!) |
| Series | 5 volumes (complete) + Season 2 series |
The Plot in Brief
Geon-i is an ordinary elementary school kid who loses his grandmother—his only family—and faces the prospect of an orphanage. In a twist of fate, he stumbles into a "Secret House" and meets Obang Dosa, a master of an ancient fist technique.
Geon-i boldly declares himself a disciple on the spot.
What follows is a hilarious, touching, and surprisingly deep coming-of-age martial arts story. Geon-i works as a street vigilante called "Money Man," battles local bullies, trains under his eccentric master, and slowly discovers what it means to be truly strong.
2. Why This Book Breaks the Mold
It's the First of Its Kind
Korean children's literature is rich with fantasy and adventure, but martial arts fiction for kids simply didn't exist before this series. The author took a genre beloved by adults and rebuilt it from the ground up for young readers—with humor, energy, and genuine heart.
This isn't a watered-down "kiddie" story. It's a fully realized narrative that respects its young audience's intelligence.
It Was Chosen By Children, For Children
The Story King award isn't judged by literary critics or publishing industry veterans. 100 child jurors cast the votes. This matters enormously. Children don't vote for what they should like. They vote for what they actually love.
The verdict? This book won in a landslide.
3. The Hidden Depth: What Kids Absorb Without Realizing It
On the surface, Geonbang-i is a laugh-out-loud adventure. But beneath the humor lies something more important.
True Strength Isn't About Never Losing
Geon-i fails. Constantly. He's arrogant, makes mistakes, and gets knocked down—literally and figuratively. But the book's quiet message, absorbed through every chapter, is this:
Real growth doesn't come from being undefeated. It comes from getting back up every single time.
This is the lesson children need most, and it arrives wrapped in so much fun that they don't even notice it's teaching them something profound.
Confidence in the Face of Adversity
Geon-i's backstory—a child facing loss, instability, and uncertainty about his own future—resonates with readers going through their own difficult moments. He doesn't have a perfect life. He makes do with what he has and keeps going.
For a child who feels small in a big world, that's incredibly powerful.
4. What Readers Are Saying
The reviews from young readers are some of the most enthusiastic you'll find anywhere:
"I'm so glad I found this book before I died!" — Elementary school student
"The best book I've read this year, regardless of gender." — Elementary school student
"Even adults will be surprised by the twists. Genuinely exciting." — Adult reader
"I had to order extra copies because of the borrowing wars it caused." — School librarian
5. Who Should Read This?
This book is ideal for:
- Kids who "hate reading" — this is the gateway drug
- Children who love action, fantasy, or martial arts anime/manga
- Parents looking for a book to read together — it's funny for adults too
- Adults who want a reminder that courage, resilience, and humor can coexist in even the most difficult circumstances
6. Final Verdict
The Arrogant Training of Geonbang-i is a rare achievement: a children's book that children actually chose, that teaches without preaching, and that makes reading feel like the best kind of play.
In a world where kids are over-scheduled and under-rested, this series offers something precious—a story that says: It's okay to be messy, funny, and imperfect. Just keep training.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — An absolute must-read for children aged 8–13 (and the adults who love them).
This review is part of our ongoing series on books that build character, courage, and a love of reading in young readers.