My Little Monster

Logline

Yoonseul, a top-ranking student whose life revolves around studying, receives an unusual offer from her teacher: bring the legendary Japanese transfer student Kang Hangyeol—known as the “Monster Boy” who refuses to attend school—back to class, and she’ll get the reference book she wants. As Yoonseul, who lives for grades, and Hangyeol, who lives for friendship, clash at every turn, they slowly begin to step into each other’s worlds.

Synopsis

Yoonseul has spent her entire life chasing first place at an international school. One day, her teacher makes her a proposal: if she can persuade Kang Hangyeol, a Japanese transfer student notorious for refusing to attend school, to come back, she’ll receive the study guide she desperately wants.

When Yoonseul finally meets Hangyeol, she discovers that the rumors aren’t entirely true. Though he looks rough around the edges, he is surprisingly innocent and eccentric. Struggling with Korean language and school life, Hangyeol bluntly tells Yoonseul, “I really like you!” and asks to be her friend. Soon, Yoonseul finds herself becoming his one-on-one Korean tutor to help him adjust.

But Yoonseul, who knows nothing but studying, and Hangyeol, who values friends and fun above all else, constantly clash. Through their daily bickering and misunderstandings, however, the two gradually begin to open their hearts to each other.

Eventually, Yoonseul confesses her feelings—but Hangyeol, who barely understands love, fails to grasp what she means. As Yoonseul’s family suddenly falls into financial hardship and she loses a crucial scholarship to Hangyeol in an exam, their relationship fractures. Hurt and confused, Hangyeol disappears from school without a word.