The protagonist, Dong-hoon, is small in stature and dreams of becoming an arm-wrestling champion. He first won the second-grade arm-wrestling tournament by chance and became convinced that the secret lay in chocolate milk laced with cocoa powder.
Dong-hoon firmly believed he had to drink chocolate milk before every match to boost his strength.
Whether it was really the chocolate milk’s doing, or the result of training alongside his uncle while pulling ramen noodles, remained a mystery.
Yet gradually, he found himself no longer able to draw on the power of cocoa powder…
One day, he couldn’t find any cocoa powder; another day, a bout of gastroenteritis left him unable even to drink milk, and Dong-hoon lost all confidence.

“Where does true strength really come from?”
In truth, real strength doesn’t come from chocolate milk—it comes from the belief: “I can do it.” This book tells a story of growth, showing how the protagonist learns the importance of believing in himself and uses that experience to overcome adversity.
The story is lively and engaging, helping children easily grasp the concept of “bad luck.”
They discover how to trust themselves without being held back by misfortune, and build confidence through a series of hilarious and entertaining arm-wrestling scenes.
This is a picture book perfectly suited for teaching children about bad luck and genuine self‑confidence.
—How to Gain True Confidence (Reader)

★The short‑statured Dong-hoon becomes a campus arm‑wrestling champion, and his secret weapon turns out to be chocolate milk.
★Using “lucky rituals” as a starting point, it vividly portrays children’s playful psychology as they draw strength from their rituals.
★From relying on rituals to discovering inner strength, the story brings the protagonist’s growth and transformation to life.
★Rooted in everyday childhood experiences, it easily resonates with young readers and prompts them to reflect on their own inner power.

What’s the secret weapon of a wrist‑cracking champion!?

The short‑statured Dong‑hoon somehow became the second‑grade wrestling‑arm champion. Was it because he often practiced hand‑pulled noodles with his uncle at Ding‑hao Wah Restaurant, or because he worked his arms extra hard on a regular basis? In fact, there’s one move Dong‑hoon always makes before a wrestling‑arm match: he sprinkles chocolate powder into milk, shakes it up, and then gulps it down in one go!

The secret weapon that turned Dong‑hoon into a wrestling‑arm master is none other than chocolate milk laced with cocoa powder. Every time he sees the lion with its fluffy mane on the packet, he inexplicably feels a surge of strength in his fists. Ever since he beat the boastful Hyun‑tae, chocolate milk with cocoa has become his inseparable companion—both his pre‑match secret weapon and his very own “lucky ritual.” In truth, everyone has their little rituals, big or small: not drinking seaweed soup before an exam, keeping the same soccer cleats after a win, or feeling oddly uneasy when the clock strikes 4:44… “The Secret of the Wrist‑Cracking Champion” vividly and entertainingly tells the story of how Dong‑hoon goes from being bound by the rituals he’s set for himself to, after weathering many twists and turns, finally discovering his true inner strength and achieving personal growth.

Shin Chae-yeon
Works: “The Talking Diary,” “The Smartphone Observer,” “My Best Friend, Robot Jenga,” “The School of Lies,” “The Suspicious Praise Account,” “The Hamster That Ate Perfect Scores,” “The Appointment Letter from the Nuisance,” “I Want to Change My Birthday!” “The Fart Class,” “The Booger Virus,” and “The Battle of the Century.”

A heavyweight showdown, a lightweight match
General Bob’s challenge
Chocolate powder, not a chocolate straw
The Last Supper
Even masters face their trials
The betrayal of chocolate milk
My uncle is a debate master
The secret of the arm-wrestling champion