Jinx: “In real bad shape!” 🤕🤒

Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa. https://www.lezhinus.com/en/comic/jinx_en  But be aware that this manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex,  https://bebebisous33analyses.com/2021/06/21/who-are-you-the-significance-of-masks-in-manhwas/  and the 11th essay about Jinx  “I… hate it”  Here is the link where you can find analyses of other manhwas.

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As you can imagine, when chapter 13 was released, I was happy to find my observations written in the previous analysis “I… hate it” confirmed. But because I have already elaborated the causes for Kim Dan’s syncope, the manhwaphiles can understand why the central focus of this essay is the champion again, though the title is actually referring to both. In episode 13, Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung are both “in real bad shape”, though the timing and the causes diverge. As you can anticipate, I would like to explain why the manager Park Namwook described Joo Jaekyung as a “wreck”. (chapter 13) How is it possible? Did he get hurt by his competitor Randy Booker?

1. Ranger Booker, the cause for Joo Jaekyung’s bad shape?

The author made sure to confuse the readers. However, there is no ambiguity that the match has not started yet. That’s the reason why the coach called our beloved protagonist. Imagine that the fight is not taking place in Seoul, but in Busan, a city located in the southeast of the country. It is 4 or 5 hours away from Seoul! This means that the team has to travel to go there. If the match had already started, it would be impossible for the doctor to assist the young athlete. Thus I conclude that on their way there or once there, Joo Jaekyung performed poorly while warming up or showed signs of anxieties. To conclude, the fighter’s bad shape is not physical, but mental. The other boxer even noticed the protagonist’s nervousness before his departure. (chapter 13) But why is Joo Jaekyung so vulnerable right now? In order to answer this question, it is necessary to go back to Kim Dan’s bad shape.

2. Kim Dan’s bad shape

Finally, the champion found an explanation to his own question (chapter 12), the moment he removed the doctor’s clothes. He could see with his own eyes that he had been beaten. (chapter 13) Notice that when the doctor examined the protagonist, he was already naked. So imagine how Joo Jaekyung must have felt, when he realized that his physician had been a victim of violence. Shock and disbelief, for he had not noticed it before. He had simply trusted the doctor’s words, a fall due to his drunkenness. “Why did he lie about this? How could this happen and why?” This is what the champion must have thought immediately. From my point of view, Joo Jaekyung tried to find a reason for this incident while waiting for his friend who is a doctor. And since Kim Dan had voiced the urge for an advance due to his move (chapter 11), the young man must have jumped to the wrong conclusion that the doctor had been a victim of a robbery. Let’s not forget that Joo Jaekyung had already visited the poor neighborhood, so in his mind, the perpetrators must have assaulted the doctor in his home and forced him to give them his whole salary. Anyone could enter his shady home, like during the night he had brought the doctor to his apartment. (chapter 10) He had simply opened the door without utilizing a passcode or key. Because the neighborhood is deserted, Kim Dan couldn’t ask for help… and he could have been attacked in his sleep either. Joo Jaekyung could finally envision how the young man would be left with no money in such a short time after getting assaulted. (chapter 11) But why do I think so? It is because the next morning, the champion showed an interest in the doctor’s relocation. (chapter 13) After their argument, he had no longer brought up Kim Dan’s stay. Finally, he is connecting the money to the move, revealing that he had not forgotten the reason for the doctor’s request. In my eyes, he thinks that the moment Kim Dan leaves the deserted district, the problem will be solved. Moreover, such a conclusion can help him to grasp why Kim Dan lied about the origins of his wounds. He felt ashamed, for he had not been able to defend himself. Let’s not forget that the champion has the habit to project his own mind-set onto Kim Dan. And that’s how Joo Jaekyung would feel, if he had been defeated. Shame, for he is a proud fighter! Besides, they had argued about his home and its bad shape. Revealing the truth would have confirmed that the fighter’s reproach from chapter 10 was true. (chapter 10) Admitting the violence signified the admission of Kim Dan’s mistake. He would be confessing that Joo Jaekyung’s words were right. He had another reason to feel embarrassed. To conclude, the fighter deduced that Kim Dan had hidden the truth out of guilt and shame. But this discovery had other consequences for Joo Jaekyung.

The latter must have definitely recalled Kim Dan’s words from the previous night. (chapter 12) And since the doctor complained about the bad shape of Kim Dan’s rear (chapter 13), the champion could only come to the conclusion that Kim Dan had been honest on the bed. He had not enjoyed the sex at all, though he was not telling the truth either. Every word or reaction from the main lead could only appear in a different light after this new revelation: (chapter 12) Hence I deduce that the champion learned the following lesson from that night. He could no longer trust his own body and judgement. He had sensed that the young man had felt pleasure, (chapter 12), but with this discovery and the doctor’s statement, Joo Jaekyung came to believe that he had been wrong all along. He had been able to outlive a dream, but now he was paying the price for this short intense sex session. Exactly like I had predicted… Karma.

Striking is that when the doctor pointed out the poor shape of the doctor’s anus, the fighter was crossing his arms and looking away. (chapter 13) His gestures and his silence were betraying his own inner toil: guilt. He couldn’t deny his responsibility. Moreover, his guilty conscience could only increase, as soon as his chingu doctor declared this: (chapter 13) He warned him about Kim Dan’s delicate constitution. He could end up losing him. He was encouraging him to treat the doctor better. As you can see, the doctor’s health was putting an end to the champion’s upper hand in their deal. The latter can no longer use this terrible condition. Since he was paying him for his services, he could do whatever he wanted. Kim Dan had no right to protest or reject him. (chapter 12) To conclude, the sportsman realized through the doctor’s observations that from now on, he couldn’t do whatever he wanted. His money can’t buy everything, especially Kim Dan’s life. On the other hand, the doctor’s words were not full of reprimands and criticisms.

The nice physician admired the protagonist’s beauty. (chapter 13) He was voicing a certain envy. This remark had a positive effect on Joo Jaekyung as well. For the first time, he started paying more attention to his visage. (chapter 13) The doctor’s question could only make the boxer more possessive. Thus after his friend’s departure, he kept looking at the sleeping man. (chapter 13) And now, you have the explanation why Joo Jaekyung is not able to move on and find a replacement. He is slowly realizing that he is not just interested in his body… he is also falling for his face. Thus he called him later “Sleeping beauty”. (chapter 13)

In addition, when the champion was eating with the protagonist, he was looking at his behavior and facial expressions. (chapter 13) This truly exposes that the champion is more and more changing. He is learning to become more considerate towards others, especially towards his sex partner. When he noticed the physician’s hesitation, he asked if he wanted to eat something else. (chapter 13) This attitude represented the epitome of the fighter’s selflessness in that scene. Even the doctor noticed the care from the champion. He had cooked a meal for him. What the fighter didn’t realize is that he was fulfilling Kim Dan’s dream, (chapter 13), a home-cooked meal. This is important, because this exposes the boxer’s good will and selflessness. Since he is so rich, he could have ordered a meal from a restaurant… but he chose not to. Why? It is because of the doctor’s comment. (chapter 13) Since the boxer had seen Kim Dan at the restaurant with the others, he must have jumped to the conclusion that his malnutrition was the result of eating at restaurants. 😂 I doubt that he knows ramyeon, for he comes from a different world. Moreover, don’t forget that Joo Jaekyung usually doesn’t go to the gatherings, (chapter 9), so he has no idea what people are eating there. This reaction was exposing his innocence. (chapter 13) To conclude, the fighter cooked for him, for he had the impression that the meals from the restaurant are not good enough. They can lead to malnutrition which is not wrong either. His behavior displays the champion’s determination to give him a balanced meal. As the manhwalovers can detect, Joo Jaekyung followed the chingu’s recommendations to the letter. He let the doctor rest to his heart’s content, and after his awakening, he offered a balanced hot home-made meal. This exposes that the athlete is not simply a spoiled and stubborn brat, he listens well to his “hyungs”. Furthermore, the chingu could admonish the young athlete, (chapter 13) without getting punched right away or threatened. The latter only got upset, when he actually received a well-meant advice: the kiss and embraces. (chapter 13) Their interaction exposed a certain closeness and respect between them.

On the other hand, one might say that the fighter’s generosity is rather superficial, for the latter was mentioning the content of their deal again. (chapter 13) He needed to mind his own physical conditions. As you can see, he was still requesting from the doctor to have sex before the match. (chapter 13) Yet, it is important to keep in mind that the champion’s offer was coupled to his jinx. (chapter 2) And now compare both statements. You will detect the divergence. Joo Jaekyung’s jinx is not just connected to intercourse, but also he needs to feel pleasure and even procure pleasure!

3. Joo Jaekyung’s bad shape

So when the couple had their sex session before the match, the champion only had one round. (chapter 13) That’s why only one condom from two had been used. The champion had restrained himself. Secondly, he had been careful and less rough, for he “feared” a negative reaction from Kim Dan. The latter had less backache at the end. That’s the reason why I deduce that they didn’t talk during this sex session either. As the manhwaphiles can sense, this sex session contrasts so much to the last one with the toy! (chapter 12) No blushing…no talking… He had still the doctor’s words in his mind. He couldn’t act like in the past, where he was “rough” due to his passion and selfishness (chapter 13), for he feared for the physician’s conditions. Yet, he wished to keep him by his side. At the same time, we shouldn’t overlook Kim Dan’s inexperience which led to his passivity. (chapter 13) Because of his inertia, Joo Jaekyung has always had to take the lead… As long as money was in the center of their relationship, it didn’t matter. But now, it is no longer possible. Hence Joo Jaekyung has no idea what he can do and not. Finally, since Joo Jaekyung has never kissed or hugged the doctor, it is not surprising that the young man has never made such a request either. (chapter 13) So far, the physical therapist had showed no interest in sex and love. Thus we could say that the fighter had sex with the main lead out of habit or obligation (chapter 13)… hence he couldn’t feel pleasure. Thus he sensed that his jinx would come true. That’s the reason for his bad shape. As you can see, I believe that during the last session, Joo Jaekyung was plagued by many thoughts and worries.

Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Joo Jaekyung was turning his back from the doctor. He was actually lying to the young man. (chapter 13) His face and eyes would have betrayed him. He had not been able to have a satisfying sex. But he couldn’t expose his true thoughts and emotions. Therefore the champion’s real bad shape is not physical, rather mental. This exposes that Joo Jaekyung’s true weakness is not his body, but his mind contrary to Kim Dan. As a sportsman, Joo Jaekyung needs to possess a strong mental health, but since he is hiding his “jinx” from his coach, this signifies that he is hiding his true mental state from his manager. In other words, what Joo Jaekyung requires now is not a physical therapist, but a doctor for his mental health.

Mental conditioning is a type of training where an athlete becomes familiar with his or her mental skills and ability to improve or optimize those skills. This means that Booker’s words are not totally wrong: (chapter 13) His jinx is exposing his true mind-set, he is not confident enough. His success is based on fears and superstitions. A true champion would never doubt his talent and confidence. The goal of mental conditioning is to improve performance in sport by improving mental skills such as focusing, confidence and intensity. From my point of view, Joo Jaekyung is not possessing mental toughness.

“A person with mental toughness faces challenges directly and is effective in solving them. I believe that someone who’s mentally tough has a combination of willpower, skill and resilience.” Quoted from https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-psychology-of-mental-toughness#1

But this is what Joo Jaekyung has never done so far. He utilized money and substitutes to face his rivals. This is no coincidence that he is hiding his homosexuality from his coach and manager. This explicates why he never called Park Namwook, when the doctor fainted. I had overlooked the significance of his secret. However, Kim Dan embodies mental thoughness, for he was always able to overcome any hardship. He has never lost hope so far.

“The “4Cs model” of mental toughness was developed by my colleagues and I, and is the most widely used model for defining and measuring mental toughness.  It comprises four components: confidence, control, commitment and challenge.” Quoted from https://www.hud.ac.uk/news/2019/october/teaching-mental-toughness-peter-clough-hudds/#:~:text=The%20%E2%80%9C4Cs%20model%E2%80%9D%20of%20mental,%2C%20control%2C%20commitment%20and%20challenge.

And if you click the link to the 4Cs model, you will find that it is related to sport psychology. That’s what the young physical therapist will teach to his champion. How to become a true champion… And by taking care of Kim Dan, he is gradually learning how to become responsible and as such to be committed. But in order to become a true king, he should no longer hide his sexual orientation from Park Namwook and the other fighters. He shouldn’t fear people’s gaze and media either. Besides, if my theory is correct that Joo Jaekyung suffered from TBI in the past, it is not surprising that he has developed such a fear before a match.

“Athletes may be vulnerable to developing mental health issues for a number of reasons. First of all, the stress and pressures of competing on a daily or weekly basis may leave the athlete with the potential to develop feelings of depression or anxiety. There is also reason to believe that “hidden” head injuries from contact sports may leave athletes with a predisposition to developing depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, other physical injuries, bad performances, issues with teammates or coaches, overtraining, aging and of course the dreaded retirement, may leave the athlete vulnerable to the development of mental health problems. Athletes should not feel pressured into masking the problem; instead, the “gladiator barrier” that they often possess should be dropped, as this remains the primary barrier for seeking treatment. The idea that seeking help for mental health problems makes the athlete appear ‘weak’ needs to be addressed from both a general media perspective and from the perspective of the athlete themselves.” Quoted from https://believeperform.com/the-stigma-of-mental-health-is-it-increased-for-athletes/

It is definitely a taboo for a boxer to admit having mental problems. As you can anticipate, the champion has every reason to hide his mental problems. And now, you are wondering what Kim Dan can do to change Joo Jaekyung’s mental state! I am quite sure that you are all thinking about sex… Well, I am expecting something else.

4. Sleeping beauty

Interesting is that Joo Jaekyung associated Kim Dan to Sleeping beauty (chapter 13), and the latter is a victim of a curse. This comparison exposes the champion’s obsession for his jinx. But simultaneously, it reveals his vulnerability and his huge desire to break free from his jinx. Since the doctor is his sleeping beauty, it was, as if Joo Jaekyung had become his Prince charming. With his help, Kim Dan’s bad shape due to abuse, poverty and malnutrition can end. On the other hand, the princess helps the prince charming to have a family, to no longer feel lonely and have a true support. And because Joo Jaekyung’s chingu suggested to him to be more tender and as such to kiss and embrace his new lover, (chapter 13) I believe that we should expect a kiss very soon.😘 Besides, remember how Sleeping beauty’s curse was broken: by a kiss!! Imagine that so far, the couple has never kissed. Kim Dan couldn’t initiate such gestures, for he had spent no thought about love and sex. Has no one ever wondered why there was no kiss so far? It reflected their relationship: client and escort (prostitute). It is said that prostitutes don’t kiss. However, the moment they kiss, their bond gets affected, for emotions are now getting involved. Besides, note that in this episode, the main lead paid attention to the doctor’s face and mouth. Thus the author drew such a panel from Joo Jaekyung’s perspective. (chapter 13) Besides, remember my previous observation: the protagonist was presented as the “reward and trophy” for the champion in this image: (chapter 1) Finally, do you think that it is a coincidence that the rival Booker stuck out his tongue while mocking the Korean athlete? (chapter 13)

Moreover, the manhwaphiles should keep in their mind how the champion reacted, when he saw his doctor surrounded by the other athletes. (chapter 07) He got jealous! As you can see, the doctor’s presence next to the ring can have a huge impact on the fighter. It motivates him, for he is able to feel many emotions: jealousy, anger, frustration… (chapter 05) That’s how he turns into a killing machine. But for that, Kim Dan needs to take the champion’s jinx seriously (chapter 13) which he didn’t so far. He has to witness the athlete’ struggles in order to grasp the seriousness of the situation. Until now, he could only see his strengths during the transmission and the training sessions. (chapter 7) Secondly, he has to recognize his own true value. He has already become precious to Joo Jaekyung. But maybe he will remember his home-cooked meal… From my point of view, Kim Dan has to take the initiative to motivate his lover so that the latter can regain his confidence and face the challenge from Ranger Booker. Therefore I conclude that from that moment on, the coach and the fighter himself will come to the conclusion that Kim Dan’s presence is a necessity for the athlete’s performance. Hence Kim Dan will appear on TV at some point.

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