A Virus of Good Luck explores children’s everyday relationship struggles and self-esteem. By chance, Jehun wins a claw machine game—not once, but twice—drawing attention from his relatives during the holiday. Normally, Jehun is not used to being in the spotlight. He envies high-achieving friends and cousins and is seen by peers as slow, mischievous, and more interested in food than studies.
After winning, Jehun’s life changes. His phone fills with messages, and his quiet social media becomes crowded with online friends. Unsure if it’s a dream, he keeps playing the claw machine, chasing bigger prizes to maintain his newfound popularity. But is this attention real?
In today’s world, where bold self-expression and distinct personalities are often rewarded, introverted children face high social barriers. Social media can make it easy to gain attention, but just as easy to be ignored—leading to emotional challenges. The author portrays these struggles realistically, showing how discovering one’s strengths and staying confident amid external judgment can make children emotionally resilient.