He climbs, he purrs, and he meows. Bborongi, now 12 years of age, has been a resident of the school grounds since birth. Though most of the student body recognizes Bborongi as the friendly neighborhood feline and simply nothing more, his story is far more complex and intriguing. Before his adoption by Chung Seung-ill, the school’s primary security guard, Bborongi wandered the streets of Seoul day and night. His endeavors were chiefly noted by the local community center.
“It was very easy to spot my lovely Bborongi near the convenience store during most weekdays and afternoons,” Goeun Kim, community center member, said. “Bborongi has a little strut and a waddle that makes it hard not to notice. It has not been very long since we started to feed Bborongi and give him daily pets.”
Now that the weather is warming up, the cat has been seen more often. It is imperative that the temperature be mild and meek in order for Bborongi to be able to fully capitalize on the temperate spring weather. Though now his routine primarily consists of sunbathing and offering soothing “meow-services” to its visitors, Bborongi still remains as the lively neighborhood cat he always was.
“Time to time, I just love how Bborongi takes the initiative to walk up to its frequent visitors,” Carson Park (12), feline behavioral expert, said. “This is a small yet pronounced action that reveals a lot about the internal thoughts and dialogue in the cat. Simply calling Bborongi friendly would be an understatement.”
Though most stray cats tend to be hostile towards new faces, Bborongi makes the effort to ensure that every student who walks through the school gates feels welcomed. Even when he is spotted outside of school taking up space on the GS25 patio, Bborongi stays true to his role as an SIS ambassador.
Apart from his pronounced friendliness, some believe Bborongi has the supernatural ability to predict test scores. Whether it be a lick on a particular finger or a meow of a certain pitch, Bborongi has made a name for itself as a shaman of sorts.
“In an academic rigorous environment like SIS, an emotionally comforting pal could make or break your day and potentially give you a sense of security,” Joonho Kim (12), Bborongi grade predictor, said. “When I feel nervous about an upcoming exam or a looming project, I consult Bborongi and ask for some support. Though it may not react in a meaningful way, its small gestures can mean a lot to some of us.”
However, Bborongi’s influence on campus goes far beyond superstition or simple companionship. For many students, the cat has quietly become part of their daily routine. Whether it is a quick stop to say hello before class or a moment of calm during a stressful day, Bborongi offers something rare in a busy academic environment: a pause.
And if you happen to hear a gentle meow near the school gates or spot a furry figure lounging in the sun, chances are Bborongi is nearby, ready to greet the next passerby with a quiet reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.
