Following the widespread resonance of the first book, bestselling Korean author Lee Jae-moon returns with the sequel My Guardian 2: Is This Love?, continuing to explore themes of self-discovery in relationships - this time through the tender lens of first love.

While the first book served as a guide to breaking free from emotional manipulation, this second installment becomes a growing-up fairy tale that accompanies young readers through another crucial life experience: budding romance. The story follows protagonist Hwang Bareum's perspective when the person who makes their heart race suddenly confesses, when the word "like" unexpectedly enters their life - how does a young person navigate this emotional storm?

With his keen observation as an elementary school teacher, Lee Jae-moon delicately portrays the innocent yet authentic psychology of upper-grade students experiencing first love - from heart-fluttering moments and hesitation to brave attempts, and ultimately finding themselves amid sweetness and confusion. The author gently comforts young readers' anxieties about "feelings," "liking," and "romance" while sweetly sketching a coming-of-age story about discovering something more precious than romance itself - self-identity - while navigating special relationships.

This realistic fairy tale continues to demonstrate that the shiniest "guardian" isn't anyone else, but the self that learns to protect and understand its own heart.

Following the powerful exploration of emotional manipulation between close friends in My Guardian 1: For You Who Bravely Say "No", which established Lee Jae-moon as a master of "realist fairy tales," the author now returns with a tender and bittersweet elementary school romance. More specifically, this is a story about "sixth-grade love." How do sixth-graders, experiencing their final year of elementary school, view romance? What does "dating" mean to them, and what joys and struggles do they encounter along the way? My Guardian 2: Is This Love? began with these very questions.

Why did the author choose "love" as the theme for the second installment of his K-realist fairy tales? Must love be a self-sacrificing, noble emotion? Can a faint fondness not be considered love? Is a feeling that brings easy laughter love? If there’s no electric spark, is it not love? Lee wrote this book hoping to give children an opportunity to reflect on the emotion called "love." Through this story, readers are invited to contemplate their own understanding of love and seriously consider what kind of love they truly desire. Within these pages, they may find clues to navigate their emotions more flexibly and rediscover themselves.

Can a sweet, innocent first love become my "guardian"?

The protagonist, Bareum, often finds herself glancing toward Tae-ha—until one day, he confesses: "I like you!" From that moment, Bareum longs to become a better version of herself—someone more compatible with Tae-ha, someone as remarkable as he is, someone who can impress his friends. She feels joy when the person she likes compliments her. It’s this very feeling of liking someone that makes her want to polish herself into someone better. So, for a while, Bareum believes Tae-ha is her "guardian."

But after they start "dating," Bareum faces all sorts of dilemmas. What should she do when their interests and desires don’t align? How much physical closeness is okay? Is it acceptable to go on a real date? That uneasy feeling about Tae-ha’s female friend—is that jealousy? And if it is, how should she handle it?

Just as she’s overwhelmed by these thoughts, a secret comes to light—Tae-ha’s confession, "I like you," was a lie! Bareum feels deeply betrayed. Yet, even so, her eyes still follow him. Even when she covers her ears, his voice lingers. Her heart still races when she thinks of him. Bareum can’t help but wonder: If she still feels so attached, can they ever return to those simple, beautiful days? Can Tae-ha truly become her "guardian" again?

My shining "guardian" isn’t you—it’s myself!

As the subtitle suggests, My Guardian 2 poses a question to Bareum and Tae-ha: Is this really love? While innocent, budding feelings are precious, this story shows us how Bareum learns not to drown in her emotions but to navigate the flutterings of her first love while staying true to herself. When Tae-ha apologizes, Bareum tells him, "I can’t do a relationship that started so lightly." This book allows young readers to step into Bareum’s shoes, envision the kind of love they want, and understand that if a relationship isn’t heading in the direction they hope for, it’s okay to say it’s not the right time and learn to refuse. In the end, Bareum bids farewell to Tae-ha, thanking him for the beautiful memories they shared.

Bareum is no longer confused by her first love with Tae-ha. Even though the relationship "failed," she gained precious memories and learned a great deal. She firmly believes that even if it’s not necessarily with a romantic partner, by pouring more effort into the things she loves, she will eventually understand what love truly means. Perhaps that’s why, when she runs into Tae-ha at the library while reaching for her favorite book, her heart remains calm. It seems she has finally realized: at thirteen years old, her shining "guardian" wasn’t Tae-ha—it was herself! By striving harder toward what she loves, she will eventually grasp the deeper meaning of love. And right now, simply realizing that her true "guardian" is herself—that alone is priceless.

As young readers immerse themselves in My Guardian 2, they will see themselves in Bareum or Tae-ha, and ultimately understand: No one else can take the place of "my guardian." The only one who can truly protect me is myself. It’s for this reason that My Guardian 2 stands as a coming-of-age fairy tale with a clear and powerful message.