그럼에도나는, 아주예쁘게웃었다｜Even so, smile brightly

The debut work of the graphic writer " 봉현 ", who is deeply loved by readers for his delicate writing and illustrations, "Even So, Smile Brightly", has been around for 13 years and is meeting readers again.

"This is my story from 13 years ago. Looking back, that was the only time in my life that shone. I re-read the twenty or so sketchbooks I kept during those two years of traveling around the world, and modified some of the text and drawings. Because of who I was then, I am who I am now. I hope that when you read this book, you can also remember a certain time that belongs to you, and live as yourself anywhere."
——《Preface》

In her 20s, 봉현 packed her bags without any plan and embarked on a two-year world tour. During that time when she thought she had nothing, she used her brush to record the scenery she saw and her appearance, leaving behind more than 20 sketchbooks. This book contains the pictures she drew that are more vivid than photos, as well as the most real and original emotions she experienced. When it was published, it triggered a "pilgrimage fever" and made 봉현's name remembered by many people.

13 years later, 봉현 no longer needs to desperately prove herself, and now she is a stable freelance writer. She reopened the memory of this old journey and released the color pictures that were not included in the first edition for the new version. Now 37 years old, she wrote this message : "I have gone through the days of losing the meaning of existence. Now I can live as myself, and I believe you can too."

"Ordinary daily life is actually no different from traveling. Meeting people, eating, and sleeping every day is proof of being alive. No matter where you are, as long as you can cherish it, it is worth it. Even loneliness, scars, and emptiness are part of life." - "Nepal" (page 342)

We all have had a period of time when we didn’t know “why do I exist” or “what is the meaning of life” and felt uneasy. You don’t have to embark on a journey to gain some insights, but you must know that no matter where you are, the only person who can truly find yourself is yourself.

This book tells you that you are stronger than you think and have a deeper heart. It is a gentle but powerful voice telling you that "the most important thing is to be yourself wherever you are."

Dimensions: 15.1 x 20 x 2.5 cm | 356 pages