- Overview
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A teenagers' bullying problem is discussed in this story of a zombie virus.
- Book Intro
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(English) Z-Camp
Minseon, a middle school student in Seoul, falls to her death. A state investigation reveals that the incident was caused by an outbreak of a highly contageous zombie virus, known as Z-virus. When a dormant Z-virus is activated, it causes hormonal imbalances, inducing dillusion and rage. When the symptoms further develop, the host grows violent and attacks its fellow humans. Further investigation exposed that Minseon was bullied in school, and all the perpetuators are infected with the virus.
Pressed by the urgency to manage the spread of the virus, the administration launches "Z Desk" in coordination with the school under the guise of disciplinary action for bullies in Z-camp located on an island, nominally to receive group consulting and psychological treatment following the death of a fellow student. However, the true purpose of the camp, put together by Z Desk, is to quarantine the infected students and prevent the spread of the virus. Not knowing that they are carrying a fatal virus without treatment, the children are sent to the camp.
There are seven perpetrators involved in the bullying incident. However, the story is narrated from the perspectives of the main five: Jeonghyeon, the leader of the group and the ring leader of the bullying; Daeun who betrayed her friend Minseon to join the group; Gyuri who became jealous when Jeonghyeon became closer with in Daeun; Dodam, whom Jeonghyeon pursues; and Youtaek, Jeonghyeon's cousin and a bystander.
During the camp, an instructor prepares a game of deceit under the guise of group consultation. Each participant shares a story in turn -- either a truth or a lie. The storytelling exercise reveals the social hierarchy as well as Jeonghyeon's true self hidden behind her confident and graceful appearance of the group leader. The revelation of how Jeonghyeon is an ordinary girl striving to get Dodam's attention and how Dodam was behind the bullying leads to an emotional outburst from the other participants. Z-virus breaks out at the same time, leading to a chaotic biting frenzy between the children-turned-zombies.
A month after the biting incident, all the children wake up in a hospital. Everyone but two -- Youtaek and Gyuri -- do not have a memory of the incident. The government finds the benefit of extracting antibodies from the two who were asymtomatic. It is unknown whether there is a correlation with the antibody, but the two also showed signs of guilt.
- About the Author
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Kim Yeongju
Author Kim Youngjoo earned a doctorate degree in biology. Kim likes teaching university students but enjoys writing for young adult readership more. Kim received the MBC Creative Children's Story Grand Prize with her book, The Story of a White Mouse. Kim authored Becoming a Chosun Chef, Operation Mr. Dragun Ascension, Mom's Name is T-165, and Jo Gwangjo and Omen on a Leaf.