This is where you can read the manhwa. https://www.lezhinus.com/en/comic/painter But be aware that this manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. If you want to read more essays, here is the link to the table of contents: https://bebebisous33analyses.wordpress.com/2020/07/04/table-of-contents-painter-of-the-night/
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.

Because the manhwaphiles are witnessing the downfall of the protagonist, people get the impression that history is repeating itself. It was, as though nothing has ever changed. Besides, in my previous essay, I had already outlined the similarities between the past and present and explained the reasons behind this resemblance. However, as you can imagine, we are not back to square one. Thus in this composition, I will elaborate the changes. And this can only be possible by contrasting the present with the past.
1. Monsters in Joseon society
1. 1. Yoon Seungho and his peers
The Painter Of The Night-philes can certainly recall how in the beginning of the story Yoon Seungho was perceived. He was introduced as a brutal and bloodthirsty monster, for he killed a servant in the open.
(chapter 1) He was even called a psychopath, for he resorted to kidnapping
(chapter 1) sequestration, threats
(chapter 2) and blackmail and he initially showed no remorse.
(chapter 7). On the other hand, he never got into trouble for his wrongdoings. Why? It is because he wasn’t violating social norms.
(chapter 10) It was his right to punish servants, for they are not considered as humans but as propriety. As a lord, he could treat commoners, like it pleased him. Though murder is prohibited, even against a lowborn,
(chapter 43), the reality is that nobles would never get into trouble!! As you can see, there exists a discrepancy between laws on the paper and the reality which was exposed by the rumors in episode 106.
(chapter 107) The fathers would use their position and influence in order to cover up their children’s wrongdoings. And we have the perfect illustration, when the elder master bribes the governor.
(chapter 127) That’s the reason why the younger generation could do everything! Though the lord appeared as a monster first, he became a “normality”, the more we got to read this story. Under this explication, it becomes comprehensible why lord Min was so sure not to get bothered by the authorities.
(Chapter 101) He had bought the officers (“the guards”). This explains why Black Heart could threaten No-Name.
(chapter 76) He didn’t need to dirty his own hands, he could simply frame him. Consequently, I deduce that he had learned this misconduct through the elders’ behavior.
1. 2. The old bearded men and their roles
Interesting is that in season 4, Yoon Seungho gets protected from prosecution by his father’s power, however the latter did not do it for his sake, rather to protect the Yoons’ reputation and influence.
(chapter 116) This shows that neither Black Heart’s father nor Yoon Chang-Hyeon truly love their children, as according to Erich Fromm, love is knowledge, respect, care and responsibility. However, the elder master Yoon is totally ignorant about his son’s talents and good nature. Thereby, I see lord Seungho from season 1 as the perfect illustration of the corrupted world of the nobility. The monster “Yoon Seungho” was just a reflection from this ruthless and immoral society. Since he committed wrongdoings, his karma was to pay for his sins. It starts with a murder, and the main lead ended up killing people. He might have not broken “traditions” like the disregard of the yangbans against lowborns, but it is considered immoral. He had sinned and now, he is paying for his sins. Therefore his words in the prison resonate differently.
(chapter 126) He expresses regret. He confesses his crimes, he killed people! This means that he is now siding with the lowborns. Their life is as precious as the ones from the nobility. Yet, note that in this image, the author didn’t drew his eyes. Why? It is because in the moment he executed people,
(chapter 102) he was either not himself or he did it out of reflex to protect himself. He was influenced by his past experiences and as such traumas. In the shrine, it becomes more obvious, for he has a lost gaze. He is not even looking at his target. Finally, when he met lord Song, he did it to “protect” himself.
(chapter 123) For me, in episode 1, the execution was triggered by his desire to protect himself and his traumas. And what is the common denominator between these three scenes? The father Yoon Chang-Hyeon! Don’t forget that the petition was the reason for their meeting. And now look at the actions from the patriarch.
(chapter 116) He had given the order to eliminate all the servants, for they could represent a threat to his “treason”. This explains why the butler describes himself as the only survivor and witness.
(chapter 86) And we see him giving the order to kill the surviving guard
(chapter 125) Besides, he had no problem to order the assassination of his own son which was stopped by the intervention of a helping hand. The father had never asked to spare the main lead’s life.
(chapter 124). He was his bad role model. But he is not the only one. There is another one…
And if crimes were to take place, then the nobles would find scapegoats in order to avoid punishment. Hence No-Name got so many tattoos in the end.
(chapter 51) Once a criminal, always a criminal… therefore it is not surprising that the joker chose assassination as second work. By working for the nobles, he would be able to escape punishment, because if he got arrested, he could denunciate them. To conclude, justice is inexistent in Joseon. Yes, we are witnessing the downfall of Joseon, or precisely the king’s bad ruling. The latter is not capable of providing justice to anyone. And this coincides with the purge!
(chapter 37) What is a purge?
to get rid of people from an organization because you do not agree with them
to take names off an official list, sometimes in a way that is not legal Quoted from https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/purge
The purge is the symbol for injustice, because it is connected to violence and intolerance. As you can see, the “fake servant” was exposing his true nature through his words. He should have said “sentenced” or “punished” or “executed” but not purged for treason! I am more than ever convinced that the old bearded man in episode 37 is the king. Those two words (“purged”; “treason”) are contradicting each other. In the first case, the authority is committing a crime by abusing its power, while in the second case, a group is plotting against the authority and as such is breaking laws. Finally, I would like to outline that Yoon Chang-Hyeon and lord Song got evicted from the government which coincides with the second signification of “purge”
(chapter 107) “Stepping down” was actually an euphemism for removal. The officials were chased out,
(chapter 80) but their evictions were turned into stepping down.
(chapter 122) No wonder why lord Song came to resent the protagonist. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the purge was not noticed by commoners. There was no fire and the staff was sparred.
(chapter 37) And if they knew, people didn’t feel concerned… for they were violent, filthy nobles. Remember how the woman came to curse the gentry:
(chapter 106) Moreover, we could see how an official came to murder lord Shin.
(chapter 103) The boots were the indication that this person was working for the government. And it was an elder, for he was wearing this particular headgear.
(chapter 103)
(chapter 67) The murder of lord Shin is the evidence of the anarchy in Joseon. But actually, the monsters are actually everywhere, and not just among the nobility. The Chungin with the scholar and the physicians who have no problem to lie, participate in a kidnapping and drugging people… the kisaengs, the maids, the servants. They are all accomplices, for they feigned ignorance or chose to remain passive, for they preferred avoiding trouble. What people failed to realize is that no one is safe from this tyranny. Hence people could get killed and thrown into a well so easily
(chapter 97)
(chapter 101) and their perpetrators got scot-free. Why? It is because the mastermind and the helping hands are protecting each other, like we could see in the Joker’s case. However, the latter in season 3 had no idea that they would face divine retribution and pay with their life.
(chapter 102) In front of gods, humans are all equal. There is no distinction between gentry, Chungin and commoners. That’s the reason why I come to the conclusion that Yoon Seungho is the divine hand of justice, he is bringing the “divine retribution”. This explicates this vision:
(chapter 83) Under this new approach, it becomes comprehensible why he is called “the bird of misfortune”. People around him got to suffer, for they received their karma. Funny is that lord Song mocked him by calling him a grim reaper.
(chapter 123) He underestimated his opponent, not imagining that the latter would use his sword against him. So he became a grim reaper. Lord Song Haseon must have thought that his minions, just like his age and status, would protect him. But no, someone had planned his death and counted on the main lead’s decision.
2. Karma and Baek Na-Kyum
What caught my attention is that Min even expressed the disinterest of the authorities towards peasants.
(chapter 99) Thus Min’s karma was to die in the total indifference of others. No one is missing him, for he was turned into a brigand himself.
(chapter 113) But wait… Why did Black Heart get killed in the end? One might say that it was his karma, for he had planned the murder of Baek Na-Kyum in the past. In my opinion, the uke serves as a representative of the divine retribution. The artist is the “judge” and his lover is executing the sentence: death. And we can detect this gods’ intervention through the learned sir’s case as well. Jung In-Hun had looked down on the artist for his origins and education. When the generous main lead chose to accept his apology (attempted rape),
(chapter 120), the latter reminded him that contrary to Yoon Seungho, he was admired. He had such a good notoriety! Since he betrayed the artist and had almost him killed, the scholar ended up losing everything.
(chapter 127) He became the scapegoat for this incident, for he played a huge role in the painter’s suffering (kidnapping, assault, murder and brainwashing). His success at the civil service examination was erased within a few weeks and now he is viewed as a brigand. How could such a person get selected as an official? His fate gives a bad impression of the civil service examination. And what is the common denominator between these two villains? They both belong to different social classes. Their cases is exposing the king’s negligence and arbitrariness. The latter is the perfect personification of this corruption. Not even Confucianism is respected, for fathers are abusing their own children or even killing them. Season 4 is exposing the chaos in Joseon. Therefore it is not surprising that the sacred tree and the shrine got burned.
(chapter 106) The gods were using the humans to voice their anger. At the same time, when the woman made this comment, the Manhwa lovers can detect the huge gate in the background, the symbol for royalty. And now, you comprehend why Yoon Seungho was pushed to go to Hanyang. It is his fate to face the king! His task is to clean the palace of these old bearded men.
(chapter 44) I had already portrayed him as a black shaman in the essay “Spirits and the lustful shaman“. And since he became a believer in episode 126, this means that he can fulfil his task, giving the king’s divine retribution.
(chapter 65) Don’t forget that the monarch is the only one who stands above the laws, though he is controlled by social norms and his officials. In my opinion, this can only take place, when a new scheme takes place. How so? Note that in the scholar’s case, Jung In-Hun received his karma, but not real human justice. For me, he is not dead. Besides, don’t forget that someone took the petition from lord Song, before Yoon Chang-Hyeon came to the bloody place. There is no ambiguity that the accomplices and schemers didn’t get happy with the last outcome. The couple might be separated physically, but they are attached to each other by their strong love. And since the main lead kept wearing hanboks with the phoenix
(chapter 34)
(chapter 45), it indicates that someone saw him as his bird of fortune. And this can not be Yoon Seungho, for the latter was full of self-hatred. Finally, his own father, Kim and Heena called him as a bird of misfortune. As you can see, the king could no longer see the main lead due to the artist’s presence. He is his bird of fortune, for he could live out all his dreams thanks to him, and at no moment he got into trouble. No one is suspecting his intervention.
3. Though fate parts us once more
As soon as I read this whisper from the main lead
(chapter 127) I recognized why the painter and Yoon Seungho had to go separated ways. It is because the schemers wanted him to return to Hanyang. Remember the learned sir’s suggestion before his departure.
(chapter 44) Why? It is because now the main lead is an adult. Since my theory is that the pedophile is the ruler, he can no longer approach the protagonist like that. The latter is no longer visiting the gibang. He wants their path to cross again so that they can rekindle. Hence he had to create an opportunity proving that their meeting is not a coincidence. Under this new approach, it becomes comprehensible why Yoon Seungwon encouraged his brother to reconcile with their father.
(chapter 37) That way, he would be “following” the tradition and become an official. But since Yoon Seungho developed a fear of “old bearded men”, he had no reason to go there.
(chapter 44) This exposes that in his unconscious, the young man was aware that his suffering was related to the officials. But in season 1, their attempts (Jung In-Hun and the brother) failed because of Baek Na-Kyum. The latter had to leave the lord’s side. And this brings me to the following observation. Since the beginning of the story, people were used to make the commoner leave the protagonist’s side:
- Lee Jihwa with the ruined painting and the murder
- Min: the party at the kisaeng house, the orgy in episode 33, the kidnapping and murder
- Heena:
(chapter 46)
(chapter 68)
(chapter 97) - Jung In-Hun
(chapter 111)
(chapter 120)
I could mention Ýoon Seungwon, the staff, butler Kim, Deok-Jae and the kisaengs. And now, it is time to examine the circumstances of their farewell.
(chapter 127) As you can see, the painter was feverish. Why? From my perspective, he was drugged. He was not allowed to see his loved one, because they don’t want him to remember their departure. The schemers desire him to feel abandoned like in the gibang (chapter 105). The reason why I am suspecting a drug is that this panel
(chapter 127) is similar to the first Wedding Night:
(chapter 21) At the same time, this scene is also a reflection from the night after the massacre in the shrine.
(chapter 103) Back then, he was also under the influence of an aphrodisiac. They don’t want him to remember his last words. And since he didn’t take care of him during that night, though he was unwell, they hope to create the illusion that Yoon Seungho neglected him. He broke his promise. But their trick can no longer work because of the lord’s visitation in the prison and his words.
(chapter 126)
(chapter 127) The separation arc is there to prove these plotters wrong. Their affection is not trivial and momentary. He is not a plaything, but his “partner”. In fact, they have absolute trust in each other, and their source of strength will be their short happy moments together. Besides, I am quite certain that the artist will remember the lord’s whisper from that night, since he had problems to recall the First wedding Night and the incident in the shrine. Both are related to his bad conscience. Besides, I have another reason for that, the power of the unconscious knowledge.
The underused power of unconscious knowledge
Fromm considered that the unconscious not only contains irrational passions – which would occupy only a small part – but also all knowledge of reality. He believed that our unconscious mind has infinitely greater power than consciousness – which is fundamentally a social construction – so it can warn us that one person is dangerous and another is trustworthy, tell us which is the best path to follow, help us detect the lies or pointing out when we are being manipulated or making mistakes. Fromm was convinced that through the unconscious we can know everything we need to know to orient ourselves in life. However, we often repress these contents and do not pay attention to our intuition – which is one of the main means of expression of the unconscious – because socially this information is considered too “dangerous”. Quoted from https://psychology-spot.com/unconscious-knowledge-erich-fromm/
Thus I am suspecting that neither the painter nor the lord will be in touch through a correspondence. They have to create the illusion that the main lead is forgetting him. This explicates why Byeonduck created 3 episodes where the silence and miscommunication between the two protagonists played a huge role.
(Chapter 108) Though both were close physically, they still allowed others to manipulate them, for their trust was not complete. In other words, the schemers are thinking that time is working for them!! On the other hand, since Kim is by his side, the painter can only consider his presence as the evidence of the lord’s care.
(Chapter 127) This coincides with the beginning of the Manhwa, when the lord was seen without his butler.
(Chapter 1) The latter only appeared in episode 7, and back then Yoon Seungho had to dress himself.
(Chapter 7) Finally, I am expecting schemes again.
4. Yoon Seungho a servant again
I have to admit my surprise, when I saw Yoon Seungho’s bow in front of his father. I really didn’t expect this, yet his decision makes sense. He swears to become his father’s servant.
(chapter 127) This means that he is giving up on his status and freedom for Baek Na-Kyum’s sake.
(chapter 127) And naturally, this reminded me of this scene with the straw mat beating.
(chapter 127) Here Yoon Seungho had been treated like a servant, because he had been submitted to the straw mat beating. Exactly like in the past, there was a promise. Notice how similar the words are: “No matter”.
(chapter 77) However, there exists a huge difference. Back then, the vow was made between the butler Kim and Yoon Chang-Hyeon. As you can see, Yoon Seungho is now copying his surrogate father’s behavior.
(chapter 127) This shows that the young master is following Kim’s path. On the other hand, the domestic employed the future tense in his pledge (“I will do as he commands”), whereas the “spiritual son” is using the present (“I swear to live as you command”). Moreover, the main lead is talking about his way of life and not “order”. And what does the father desire?
(Chapter 86) Making connections so that the Yoons can become influential again!! But how can he do that? By showing his talent? I have my doubts about it. Why? It is because in season 1, the lord was having sex with his peers, and back then they were like battles… for an exchange of favors. I hope, I might be wrong, but I fear that he is about to become a male kisaeng again. Or if not, then this is what the king is expecting from him. And we have the best example in this scene:
(chapter 80) Sex against favors. Yoon Seungho has become the symbol of nepotism, though in reality he is the biggest victim of this. According my investigations, Yoon Chang-Hyeon was left in the dark about the pedophile. But now by asking his eldest son to “become his servant”, he is now responsible for his fate. This means that he can no longer “feign ignorance”. What is more important to him, his hatred for sodomy or his dream of power? By using his elder son, Yoon Chang-Hyeon can maintain his reputation and have a clear conscience. However, this makes him a hypocrite. Besides, why would Yoon Seungwon keep pestering his brother to change his life and go to Hanyang, when he “succeeded” with the exam?
(chapter 118) Why does he need the protagonist? It is because he needs “connections”. And how can he get these connections? Through his brother. But with the last incident, it looks like Yoon Seungwon jeopardized the remains of his influence, for the noble ignored him.
(chapter 127)
But let’s return our attention to the contrast between Kim and his adoptive son.
(chapter 127) Another common point between Seungho and Kim is the bow.
(Chapter 56) Yet, the domestic is only bowing with his head and not his body. The protagonist is dressed exactly like his father. This comparison exposes that my past interpretation was correct: the butler had awakened his master during the night by lighting the candles. And after receiving this letter, Yoon Seungho dressed himself in order to meet his childhood friend, which reinforces my theory that the valet won’t follow the protagonist.
Interesting is that the butler and his “adoptive son” are acting for someone else’s sake. Yet, the second divergence is that the protagonist’s vow is not affecting the painter’s life
(chapter 127), while the butler’s oath was describing Kim as the helping hand to “fix” Yoon Seungho! In other words, at no moment, the valet was risking his life, whereas the main lead is now “sacrificing” his own life (“as a willing servant”) for the painter. And this brings me to the following observation. Why did Yoon Chang-Hyeon order the straw mat beating for his own son in episode 77? It is because the latter had failed the father’s expectations. He had not been able to have sex with a woman.
(chapter 86) However, back then, he was considered as the eldest son. One of his duties was to continue the lineage
(chapter 82) and because of the stolen kiss, the patriarch became obsessed with sexuality. Observe how lord Song Haseon described the father’s attitude. He knew about the atrocities that the young master was exposed to
(chapter 123), but he chose to turn a blind eye, for he believed that the end justifies the means. This explicates why he left the room so quickly and abandoned his son. Yoon Chang-Hyeon’s resent for the eldest son came from his high expectations. This can only reinforce my past interpretation that Yoon Seungho is a new version of Prince Sado. Thus the elder master Yoon’s personality is based on king Yeongjo. Moreover, lord Song alluded to the execution of a prince ordered by the monarch.
(chapter 107)
Most of what we know about Prince Sado comes from a memoir that his wife, Lady Hyegyeong, wrote in 1805. It paints a picture of a tragic young man, who thanks to a youth of constant abuse and tragedy, was driven insane. King Yeongjo was a hard man with a fiery temper. His son was a constant disappointment to him. Yeongjo saw Sado as weak from an early age and would often lash out at him. The young prince grew increasingly timid around his father, which in turn caused his father to lash out more. From a young age Sado, who adored his father and only wanted his approval, was left a wreck. In 1745, at the age of 9, Sado had his first brush with ill health during which he often lost consciousness. His disapproving father was disappointed at this seeming weakness and grew even harder on the young prince. Sado was made regent when he came of age at 15. His father hoped that giving him the ability to make decisions on administrative matters would teach him to be a good king. Sadly, in his father’s eyes, every decision Sado made was the wrong one and he constantly second-guessed his son’s decisions. Quoted from https://www.historicmysteries.com/prince-sado/
Yoon Seungho has a similar disposition. He also hoped to be recognized and loved, thus he was constantly looking at his father’s eyes.
(chapter 55) But what did he see in his father’s gaze? Anger and disappointment, for he was never able to satisfy Yoon Chang-Hyeon’s expectations.
(chapter 55) With the release of episode 127, I had this sudden revelation concerning this memory. In the past, I used to think that he had been submitted to the straw mat beating. But now, I think that in this scene, Yoon Seungho was forced to bow to his father by the servants or guards!! Yes, the former version of this scene.
(chapter 126) This idea came to my mind, the moment Yoon Seungho emphasized his bowing!
(chapter 127) The protagonist’s words imply that he had never done it before!! And now, you know why Yoon Chang-Hyeon agreed to make a deal with his eldest son.
(chapter 127) Yoon Seungho’s bow and oath stand for blind obedience and loyalty. This explicates why the author drew him without eyes.
(chapter 127) He believes that he has finally been able to tame Yoon Seungho. He has become the perfect “puppet or tool” in order to make his dream come true: POWER! Actually, he is hoping to restore the Yoons’ reputation and glory.
(chapter 87) That way, he can act, as if the purge and the humiliation had never happened. So by submitting himself to his father’s will, it looks like Yoon Seungho is put in the same position than in the past. He is “exposed” to the harsh judgement from the patriarch. However, it is just an illusion. How so? First, what caught my attention is the absence of the protagonist’s eye.
(chapter 127) The blue color and the absence of the eye are displaying the coldness from Yoon Seungho. He is not looking for recognition and love from his father. He is now totally indifferent towards him. Moreover, if you read my previous essays, you already know that the absence of “eyes” is indicating a lie, like here for example:
(chapter 11)
(chapter 35) Does it signify that the protagonist has the intention of betraying his own father? I don’t think so, but the manhwaphiles shouldn’t forget the lord’s wish in the kitchen: “I shall remember this moment for as long as I live”.
(chapter 118) This shows that when the lord bowed to his father, he was thinking of Baek Na-Kyum in the kitchen. His body might be by his father, but his mind and heart were elsewhere. Thus I couldn’t help myself thinking that Yoon Chang-Hyeon will get betrayed and abandoned by his own son. During the same night, he made 2 vows. It was, as though he had two “lords”! His goal is to meet his loved one again.
(Chapter 127) Finally, don’t forget that the main lead is following Kim’s path. He will have to choose between his father and the painter. Yoon Seungho is actually applying the father’s principle: the end justifies the means. So if necessary, he can break his vow to his father.
And now, you are wondering why. It is related to the deal between the father and son.
(Chapter 127) It is because Baek Na-Kyum represents a leverage for the father to control his son. He is now replacing the petition. This coincides with Yoon Seungwon’s words:
(chapter 116) I still believe that the painter has the original petition. And who is by Baek Na-Kyum’s side? Kim!!
(Chapter 127) He is now in charge of the painter so that his pledge to the lord becomes a reality.
(Chapter 108) By living by his side, he can lead a quiet life far away from Hanyang. However, this signifies that the artist has become a “prisoner”. As long as he lives in Yoon Chang-Hyeon’s claws, his loved one can not return to his side. Interesting is that a carriage was used to carry away the protagonist.
(Chapter 127) Such a transportation was utilized for noblewomen. This can only reinforce the rumor that the protagonist has a fiancee!
(Chapter 78) But where is the painter going? To the mansion? Or to another secluded place? In my eyes, the location is important. His existence is still a source of problems for the schemers. I see a future conflict in the lord’s life, for one oath stands in opposition to the other. Moreover, should the patriarch lose Baek Na-Kyum, he can no longer control his son. He can not suddenly blame the painter for the death of lord Song, for Jung In-Hun has been now convicted for the crime.
(Chapter 127) The latter is now stigmatized as an arsonist and murderer.
Another reason why I believe that the actual situation diverges from the past is that the patriarch becomes “responsible” for his decisions.
(chapter 127) He can no longer blame Yoon Seungho, for he is now just a “servant”. The expectations are also much lower. He just needs to follow his orders. Yoon Seungho is exempted from continuing the lineage. Moreover, Yoon Chang-Hyeon is now as the lord responsible for his son’s protection. Since he is his servant, he has to ensure his safety as well. That’s why he can no longer abuse like in the past. He is his tool to become powerful. This means that he is now dependent on him. Moreover, note that the father and son have a deal.
(chapter 127) In other words, there is a certain equity. The painter serves as a leverage which reminds us of the deal between Baek Na-Kyum and his fated companion.
(Chapter 7) In exchange for sponsoring the learned sir, Baek Na-Kyum had to go to his bedchamber and paint there.
(Chapter 7) Now, the positions are switched. He is the one getting coerced! And this brings me to the following observation. Why did the elder master agree to this deal in the end? First, he refused to assist his son.
(chapter 127) He believes that he has the petition, therefore he can no longer be blackmailed by his eldest son. The latter has no longer any leverage over him! However, he changed his mind.
(chapter 127) For me, it is related to the bow. I noticed that the patriarch pays a lot of attention to “manners” and etiquette. Therefore the guards apologized on different occasions, yet the elder master always accepted their excuses
(chapter 125)
(chapter 126) Yet, in reality they were fake excuses. I have already pointed out that the servants would act on their own. But more importantly, their fake apology hid their failure as guards. How could they let the young master barge into the lord’s bedchamber? With a simple apology, this wrongdoing was overlooked. And now, observe what happened during the same night:
(chapter 127) Yoon Seungho was followed by the guards! It looked like they were serving him. This scene reminded me of the officers’ appearance in front of the mansion.
(chapter 94) This can only reinforce my theory that the main lead will turn against his father in the end. Keep in mind that there is a deal, so should the situation change (the painter’s desertion or the discovery of the second petition for example), the lord is no longer forced to keep his vow towards his father. Moreover, since Baek Na-Kyum got lied, “brainwashed”
(chapter 125), “drugged” and slapped by Yoon Chang-Hyeon, he is destined to receive his karma through his son. And what was his dream?
(chapter 86) He imagined that his second son would bring him fame and power. But now, the main lead is on his way to become “influential” turning the father’s words into a lie. Yes, the father and son needed to be together again so that the patriarch’s life lie would get exposed and ruined. Since he took the bloody paper
(chapter 125) and paid the governor
(chapter 127), he could get into trouble for it was, as if he was admitting his responsibility.
In addition, I would like to point out that the protagonist’s mentality is different from Kim’s! The latter advocates immobility and resignation.,
(chapter 87), whereas Yoon Seungho stands for change and hope.
(Chapter 127) The latter is neither nihilist nor defeatist, for the painter has become his “god”, his religion. The hope to meet Baek Na-Kyum again will be his source of strength. He believes that the gods will help him again to have his wish come true. It is their destiny to meet again!
(Chapter 127) Like announced in the last analysis, the lord is a changed man due to his new found religion. But this is not visible to the eyes. And the schemers are thinking that they are pulling the strings, while in reality they are themselves utilized as pawns by the spirits. Finally, the painter called himself a “plaything”, hence the schemers can jump to the false conclusion that they have still a chance to achieve their dream, like to punish the Yoons or to win the main lead’s heart. Finally, for me, this story is encouraging people to distinguish between fake heroes and from real saviors.
(chapter 127) Where was Heena noona, when her brother was in prison? This rumor can only create the illusion that the painter is still devoted to the learned sir. Yet, after the last incident, the painter came to regret to have trust the learned sir. Both characters are now healed from their traumas (abandonment issues) and they are in full possession of their mind. This makes them less weak to manipulations.

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(chapter 126) to another
(chapter 126). He allowed his father to humiliate and abuse him
(Chapter 126) once again. It was, as if the story was back to square one and the protagonist had learned nothing at all. Under this perception, my avid readers can comprehend why I selected such a title. However, instead of thinking that the author was a bad writer, I decided to ponder on the following question. Why did the author choose such an evolution?
(chapter 7) Like Baek Na-Kyum, he rushed to his loved one’s side. However, he was first stopped
(chapter 126), because it was not the right time. How so? Notice that his brother had fetched him at the port
(chapter 125), but he never followed him to the bureau of investigation. And the same happened later. Why didn’t he go to his shed, when he was trapped there? Where was he, when the eldest son visited the father?
(chapter 07) Therefore Yoon Seungho didn’t notice the presence of a civilian next to the governor.
(chapter 126). Striking is that the governor knew about Yoon Seungho’s whereabouts before his arrival: the coast. As you can see, I am detecting a link between the governor and the younger master Seungwon. Yet, it was disguised as a rumor behind the expression “I had heard”. My assumption is that Seungwon came from the bureau of investigation in order to inform his brother. Therefore it is not surprising that Seungho was invited by his brother to visit the prison during the night.
(chapter 126) And the moment I perceived the protagonist as a fool in love, I realized that chapter 126 is a reflection of episode 7, 29
(chapter 29) and 40
(chapter 40). Here, the painter was trying his best to protect Jung In-Hun’s interests (life, high position). Moreover, in episode 40, the painter had a dream, when he saw the announcement for the civil service examination. He smiled, for he was looking forward for the future.
(chapter 40) And what have these episodes more in common? A betrayal, abandonment from a loved one and a paper (painting, poem). Hence I am more than ever convinced that the petition will resurface very soon and play a huge role in the downfall of the schemers and haters. Besides, chapter 40 represents the negative reflection of the conversation in the prison.
(chapter 40) There is neither disdain nor mockery. The mentioned scenes are similar, for the present resembles the past. And this brings me to the second reason for the Webtoonist’s decision.
(chapter 123), Yoon Chang-Hyeon considered Yoon Seungho as a human, for he employed the personal pronoun “he”. He was still his son. Then in episode 77, he judged him as a slave
(chapter 77), hence he was submitted to the straw mat beating and was held captive. He even refused to send for a physician.
(chapter 83) Here, the father is denying his humanity, he is just an animal. In their next confrontation, he describes him as a monster, hence he wished that he had never been born.
(chapter 86) However, his words exposed that he was still viewing him as a living being. Therefore it is not surprising that he accepted lord Song’s request to order the murder of his son! In the gibang, he decided to no longer acknowledge Yoon Seungho as his son.
(chapter 107) The tragedy is that the protagonist still viewed the Yoons as his family because of Yoon Seungwon, who keeps calling him “brother”. This explicates why Yoon Seungho sponsored his brother to have an official position.
(chapter 115) Therefore it is not surprising that he followed Yoon Seungwon’s advice again.
(chapter 120). He would bring the petition to his own father. This means that he is acting like the painter who listened to his noona Heena so well.
(chapter 126) He is not even a thing. This means that he is actually discarding him. This explicates why he sent him to the shed.
(chapter 126) It was, as if he had become a merchandise. Or we could say that the elder master had been using him as a tool, which he can now abandon.
(chapter 126) Interesting is that the idiom “plaything” has for antonyms tool, implement, instrument and utensil. And this brings me to the following remark. The father’s words are reflecting the last scheme. Yoon Seungho was used as the sword to get rid of an enemy, lord Song. It was, as if someone had decided to get rid of lord Song, for he represented a danger or threat. It also mirrors the trick in the shrine. Min and the others got killed, because Lee Jihwa went to his childhood friend. And who had seen the main lead using this sword, when he was enraged? Father Lee!
(chapter 67) But let’s return our attention to the patriarch and his son. Yoon Seungho is no longer recognized as a Yoon member. Therefore I come to the conclusion that Yoon Seungho will make the following decision: to become an orphan. And this is symbolized by the loss of hair. I am expecting him to cut off his hair, something the painter has been doing for a long time. That’s why Byeonduck showed us the lord without a topknot.
(chapter 126) This would coincide with my previous statement. The lord is going through the same experience than his loved one. However, people will come to the conclusion that this was done by the father. How so? Remember how each rumor became a reality.
(chapter 1) I had already demonstrated that Yoon Seungho was not a fiend for sodomy with no regard for time and place, until he met Baek Na-Kyum. But once a deed is done, it can never be repeated.
(chapter 101) So should Father Lee claim that he has long disowned Jihwa by cutting off his topknot, no one will believe him, for the young master was still seen with a topknot after confessing his feelings in public.
(chapter 57) In other words, the topknot incident at the kisaeng would be brought up. It is impossible for 2 fathers to act the same way. Besides, the loss of the topknot has another signification: Yoon Seungho would cut off ties with valet Kim, for the latter was the one who gave him the topknot. And episode 126 reflected one more time his position:
(chapter 126) He is the one dressing him. It was, as if he was the pope.
(chapter 116) It is because someone had reported to him the conversation between lord Song and the painter.
(chapter 122) There was a spy listening to their conversation. Since all the guards died
(chapter 124)
(chapter 120) And who was present there? Jung In-Hun! But there is more to it. Since leaving Baek Na-Kyum behind is considered as an abandonment, it means that the patriarch abandoned his son too.
(chapter 27) By speaking to Yoon Seungho, the elder master Yoon didn’t realize that he was admitting his own wrongdoings. Actually, he had abandoned him many times… like here for example
(chapter 87) Therefore his words will come back to bite him. But these words are also exposing the valet’s betrayal and abandonment towards Yoon Seungho!! How so?
(chapter 122), then he should have been at the patriarch’s house. The absence of the valet is the evidence of his treason. For me, he is now working for Jung In-Hun which explains why he never mentioned his presence in the mansion, only lord Song. Besides, keep in mind that once deed done can not be repeated. In episode 27, the lord was too angry and busy to notice the learned sir’s spying activities.
(Chapter 27) Moreover, Kim didn’t report the interrogation to his master. This means that the butler covered up for the teacher’s wrongdoing. But here is the deal:
(chapter 120) The library was ransacked, hence this crime is bound to be discovered. Finally, his intervention in the shed is exposing his deception.
(chapter 83) That’s why I am convinced that these words
(chapter 126) He is no longer suicidal, in fact he is full of hope! Though he was sent back to hell for a short moment, he came out of this as a winner. My evidence is that the lord has now become a believer.
(chapter 126) Yes, episode 126 exposes the return of his faith! And where could we see the atheism of Yoon Seungho in the story? In chapter 92!
(chapter 92) He didn’t believe in the spring poetry to ward off bad luck! That’s why he was sent back to the past. He needed to lose everything in order to find hope! In his darkest moment, he expressed a wish: to meet his loved one! And where did he pray to the gods? In the shed!
(chapter 126) Observe how he is kneeling in direction of the bars. He is hoping to meet Baek Na-Kyum again. As you can see, though this scene
(chapter 126) He was showing resistance and anger towards his father. Moreover, he was no longer shaking in front of the patriarch or the guards.
(chapter 86) Thus I deduce that though he was mistreated and insulted like in the past, he was no longer suffering from his traumas. He is healed. His will is now really strong, supported by his new found faith.
(chapter 62) Even if they were hugging, they were not close emotionally and mentally. This stands in opposition to the scene in the jail. They might be separated by the bars, but they are touching each other tenderly.
(chapter 126) They are able to see each other.
(chapter 126) Try Meditation
(chapter 126) or Prayer
(chapter 126) 
(chapter 126) Quoted from
(chapter 126) It is relevant, because light represents knowledge and truth. He is now the bearer of the truth. And he got his blessing from Baek Na-Kyum, when he touched his hands.
(chapter 120) Yes, chapter 126 mirrors 92! This somehow confirms my theory that the butler was the one hiding under the purple hanbok.
(chapter 92) Moreover, we have another reference to this episode, the pouring of alcohol!
(chapter 92)
(chapter 126) It was, as if someone wanted the lord to pay for Min’s insult! That’s the reason why I come to the following conclusion: Yoon Seungho is now opening up to Baek Na-Kyum. He is confessing to the painter about his wishes.
(chapter 85) The manhwaphiles should keep in mind that the request from the artist in the study was strongly connected to forgiveness. And Baek Na-Kyum could also confess what happened in the past: his guilt and regret asking for the lord’s forgiveness. Right now, both are blaming themselves for the incidents, although they got fooled by many schemers. Because the lord proved his loyalty and blinded trust in the painter, I see the scene in the jail as a new version of this confession:
(chapter 75) Thus I consider the prison cell as a sacred place, where both characters are about to be freed from their guilt!
(chapter 11) thus he could escape justice!
(Chapter 11) Simultaneously, the first definition of life lie corresponds to Yoon Chang-Hyeon. The latter blames his eldest son for the downfall of the Yoons.
(chapter 125). They fail their duty, for they allowed the main lead to barge in the room.
(Chapter 126) He is actually encouraging his son to hate himself and indirectly his own father! However, the son made the exact opposite decision: love!! Hence I am more than certain that the elder master is about to experience a harsh awakening.
(chapter 101) Thus they got punished. And now, the two main leads are about to face human justice.
(chapter 65) But strangely, the painter is showing no fear at all.
(chapter 126) He is ready to sacrifice himself. So why was Yoon Seungho dressed up in the end? One might say that with the topknot and the hanbok, the abuse from the patriarch got covered up. That way, Baek Na-Kyum wouldn’t detect Yoon Chang-Hyeon’s lies and abandonment!
(chapter 125) The latter brainwashed him to take the fall for everything, implying that way, his loved one would be protected! However, I am suspecting that if the lord were to leave the prison, he could meet someone in the office. That way, this person is not confronted with the reality: the main lead was “abused”. According to the butler, he was supposed to meet his brother at the office.
(Chapter 92) In episode 92, we have a mysterious man in the background dressed in black, but he is not wearing his gat. Besides, I would like my avid readers to remember this image from the trailer:
which reminds us of the office:
(chapter 98) This place symbolizes power and strength. And because episode 126 is a reflection of chapter 7, 11, 29 and 40, I think, Yoon Seungho is about to receive a deal, for these episodes are focusing on the deal between the painter and the protagonist: protection from the father and punishment in exchange for entertainment. He would appear as a fake savior in the end. Remember what in episode 11 the artist said in front of his fated partner:
(chapter 11) He would do anything except painting!! He was not willing to give up on this principle, which reminds us of faith. So when Yoon Seungho faced his father, he experienced powerlessness for one reason.
(Chapter 105) Then in episode 122,
we discover that lord Song employed the pipe to beat the painter. Moreover, I detected a progression. In season 2, Yoon Seungho was still smoking.
(Chapter 74) But once the painter showed that he didn’t like smoking, Yoon Seungho stopped taking the drug. This explicates why in season 3, he was no longer seen with the item in his hand. Even under stress, he chose to hunt instead of smoking in front of the window. We have two scenes where the pipe is present. One is when the lord is throwing it out of anger,:
(chapter 86) which reminded me of the incident with the music box.
(Chapter 85) This shows that this item had no value to the protagonist. Then the pipe appeared in the gibang on the table.
(Chapter 96) However, here the lord had only eyes for the painter or Heena. Hence I have the impression that the pipe could resurface and serve as an tool to identify the perpetrator, just like the glasses were used to recognize the scholar.
(Chapter 102) Finally, since the pipe appeared in the gibang twice, it indicates that this hobby is linked to the kisaeng house!! And this brings me to my final observation: the pipe is connected to paper
(Chapter 1)
(chapter 1) However, there exists two books!! And one has no PIPE! This coincides with the decision of the painter to stop drawing erotic pictures! Yes… dropped amusement! At the same time, Yoon Seungho has long lost his interest for erotic publications. He also dropped this hobby. On the other hand, the books were dropped in front of the painter.
(Chapter 1) Finally, the petition was dropped in front of lord Song
(chapter 123) which announced his death sentence. To conclude, the papers have a strong connection to punishment and death.
(Chapter 126) Yoon Seungho went to the father’s mansion, and it didn’t take him that long! As you can see, I consider this trip with Yoon Seungwon as a diversion.
(Chapter 121) So why didn’t the elder master return to his old home? It is to drive the Yoons out of their propriety. In other words, the lies from the past are becoming a reality exposing the liars in the end. Their life lies will be ruined.

(chapter 37) This explains why more and more manhwaphiles are dropping this story. But here is the deal. Jinx can only be enjoyable, as long as the readers try to grasp the Webtoonist’s intentions. It is the same for Painter Of The Night. In my eyes, this can only happen, when Manhwalovers are able to understand the champion’s personality. Here, I am not talking about finding excuses for his misbehavior. And this brings me to the topic “life lessons”. Exactly like the physical therapist, Joo Jaekyung needs to be taught life lessons, but for that he needs to commit wrongdoings. Consequently, he needs to experience pain and regret so that he doesn’t make the same bad decisions again. At the same time, these life lessons are also destined to the readers, for this fiction works like a “fairy tale”. I have already pointed out the similarities between “Sleeping beauty” and “Belle and the Beast”. One of these lessons would be: “Don’t judge people by looks or by rumors”
(chapter 36) Mingwa is here criticizing the attitude of netizens writing hateful and gloating comments behind anonymity. This is no coincidence that since certain BL-readers came to hate this character, they start transferring their resent towards the author or Jinx-philes. If the latter like Joo Jaekyung, they must be deranged or they are advocating rape or violence. They are confusing fiction and reality. However, the purpose of stories or fairy tales is to reflect and internalize life lessons. And now, you are wondering what Mingwa has planned for the champion. For me, chapter 37 was important, because it outlines the champion’s flaws which are linked to his mindset. He can only change through tough life lessons.
(chapter 37) He embodies the positive reflection of Kim Dan. The latter lacks experiences and proper guidance. Besides, when the physical therapist makes decisions
(chapter 15)
(chapter 22),
(chapter 35), he often changes his mind. He doesn’t stick to them. Why? It is because he listens to others. Consequently, he doesn’t appear as a competent physical therapist. This signifies that the champion is the exact opposite. Once he makes his choice, he won’t change his mind. Therefore he can only appear as stubborn and selfish. Consequently, one of his previous lessons was to listen to Cheolmin and accept his advices concerning his sex life.
(chapter 13) He learned that he could ask for his help in a case of an emergency.
(chapter 13) Notice that there was no scandal after this incident. So since Kim Dan drank a drug
(chapter 37), Joo Jaekyung is now incited to listen to Oh Daehyun and Potato, and as such to trust them. He needs to figure out how the physical therapist got poisoned.
(chapter 37)
(chapter 37)
(chapter 37) One might reply that he needs to respect people. In other words, he has no notion of politeness. He behaves like a tyrant outside the ring. The manhwaphiles shouldn’t forget his nickname: “Emperor”.
(chapter 14) Thus I deduce that the champion is making no distinction between inside the ring and outside the ring.
(chapter 1) This signifies that he views life like a fight which never ends. This would explicate why Joo Jaekyung can never relax.
(chapter 29) He needs to be constantly on his guard, and at the same time, this means that he judges everyone as his “enemy” or “rival”. Only the hyungs are exempted, for they are no longer fighting in the ring. Besides, they were the ones who helped him to become a legend. Under this new perspective, it becomes comprehensible why Joo Jaekyung listens to Jeong Yosep and Park Namwook. They don’t represent any danger for him. Therefore it becomes comprehensible why the champion was always so rough with the other members, when he was sparring in the ring.
(chapter 1) Why should he restrain himself, when his life and career are always on the line? If he were to lose during the sparring, he imagined that people would question his talents or position. For him, sparring was a synonym for fighting and not playing! This explicates why he is not resting in the end.
(chapter 29) Under this new light, the Manhwa lovers can comprehend why the champion refused to invite the members from Team Black to his penthouse.
(chapter 22) It was, as if he was invited a competitor to his place. Therefore I come to the conclusion that one of his life lessons is that he needs to differentiate between life inside and outside the ring. Moreover, he has to internalize that life is like a “game” in order to be able to enjoy life. Yes, he is taking things too seriously. Hence the physical therapist’s suggestion for the day-off was not bad for a start.
(chapter 27) This let him reconnect to his past and how he liked swimming. Moreover, we have the best example for “life is a game” in chapter 26.
(chapter 26) He had fun here with Kim Dan, he was restraining his strength. Therefore it is not surprising that after his defeat, he had no problem to accept Potato as his sparring partner!!
(chapter 26) And because life is like a battle for him, it is not surprising that Joo Jaekyung is not capable to say
(chapter 37) the doctor’s reaction. He is feeling for him.
(chapter 37) Consequently, it is not surprising that Joo Jaekyung is not complimenting the doctor either. The former is not receiving encouragements and support from his hyungs. In the ring, the fighters are silent too.
(chapter 30) However, he was violating the doctor’s privacy. This explicates why he had to find an excuse for his sudden appearance.
(chapter 30) And now, what is the common denominator between these two scenes? SHARING!! Observe that in episode 37 they were eating together, and they were sharing the chips. In the bathroom, Kim Dan was forced to share “his toothpaste” to his roommate. And what is the common points between all these scenes?
(chapter 9)
(chapter 18)
(chapter 21)
(chapter 22)
(chapter 37) The champion is never eating with others!! He is not sharing his meals to others. This signifies that he has no notion of a family dinner. This was perceptible in this scene as well.
(chapter 13) Joo Jaekyung had prepared two plates, but in South Korea the tradition is to put all the dishes in the middle of the table, and people take bits from the plates, like at the restaurant.
(chapter 9) This is important, because once again, it outlines the coaches’ flaw or bad decision. Neither Yosep nor Namwook tried to convince Joo Jaekyung to assist to the meals. I am quite certain that his abstinence
(chapter 9) and the argument “he never messes with his weight”
(chapter 36) were used as excuses not to intervene. I am not saying that these two hyungs had bad intentions or excluded him on purpose. It is just that they simply didn’t bother. They could say that he wouldn’t listen anyway.
(chapter 27) So why bother to invite him? Moreover, if he were present, he would represent a source of trouble. Under this light, it becomes comprehensible why he had to use the company card for his appearance.
(chapter 9) But this interpretation exposes the hyungs’ hypocrisy. They are not truly caring for the athlete. The irony is that in the same chapter, the champion “shared” his drink with the doctor.
(chapter 37) Consequently, Team Black has now an interest to investigate the matter, for this could happen to the other fighters. Thus I conclude that Joo Jaekyung will learn to share Kim Dan. However, he needs to differentiate between private and professional life. And that’s how his obsession for the physical therapist will become visible. Little by little, the physical therapist will change the atmosphere at Team Black’s. We could see this through Heesung’s meddling.
(chapter 31) Thanks to Kim Dan, the fighters’ life improved.
(chapter 7) Joo Jaekyung got jealous, for the doctor was asked to treat the other members. By taking him away, he refused to share him with the other members. And note what happened in the next chapter. Joo Jaekyung accepted to share the shower room with the other sportsmen.
(chapter 8) Interesting is that each time, Kim Dan was focused on others, he took the initiative to approach them.
(chapter 7) He would even talk to them.
(chapter 30) As you can see, I see a strong link between sharing and communication. Why? It is because conversing is sharing thoughts.
(chapter 29) Because the champion had shown an interest in the doctor during the day, the latter reacted the same way during the night. Spending time together is like sharing time.
(chapter 2)
(chapter 34), it symbolizes that he was willing to share his home to someone. This is no coincidence that later, he proposed to Kim Dan to live with him. Thus I deduce that Heesung will also become Joo Jaekyung’s real friend, as he had been invited to enter his penthouse.
(chapter 37) In reality, he was feeling lonely, and probably hungry. Then he suddenly smelled the ramen ,
(chapter 37) which could only make him feel more excluded. But the final straw was, when he heard that Kim Dan was having fun with the others. Not only he was not sleeping like usually, but also he had decided to chat with Potato and Oh Daehyun.
(chapter 37) He could only get envious of the other fighters. Kim Dan had not tried to visit him… like during this night.
(chapter 29) He had not been seeking his company. Thus I deduce that he got envious of the chow chow and the eagle! This was the reflection of the doctor’s thoughts.
(chapter 37) Moreover, it is important to recall that each time Kim Dan spent time with his partner, he would often fall asleep so easily or sleep for a long time.
(chapter 12)
(chapter 28) However, with Potato and Daehyun the physical therapist behaved differently.
(chapter 37) As you can see, this episode exposes the lack of communication between the couple. Why? It is because both are relying on Park Nawmook.
(chapter 37) This panel exposes the tyrant Park Namwook who is drawing an invisible line between the athlete and the members. This means that the coach has the same impact on the protagonist’s life than the grandmother on her grandchild! Both ended up without friends due to the surrogate parent. I have long portrayed the athlete as a mirror of truth, and the best evidence is the halmoni.
(chapter 21) Joo Jaekyung was gentle and well-mannered, because the grandmother was nice and polite to him. But we all know that the athlete is not a hypocrite.
(chapter 34) It was, as if the latter was an object, a plaything. He didn’t treat him like a human. Moreover, later he utilized him as sex toy.
(chapter 36) This scene contrasts so much to this picture:
(chapter 36) Therefore it is not surprising that Kim Dan was no longer seeking his company or was distancing more and more from him. And now, the legend is confronted with reality. Kim Dan is not an object, for he is now sick.
(chapter 11) He exposed his vulnerability to the protagonist. Then the grandmother gave him one yoghurt.
(chapter 13) Both scenes are the perfect illustrations for sharing is caring. Thus I deduce that this “family dinner” was fake
(chapter 37) He remained silent contrary to episode 1. It is not just Park Namwook’s task to compliment him. However, as long as he doesn’t give any feedback to the insecure physical therapist, the latter won’t open up to him. Why does Kim Dan feel close to Potato and Oh Daehyun? It is because they are sharing their thoughts and emotions. But why is it so important for the champion to share the doctor? It is because through him, the doctor can get recognition and advance in his career. If he secludes him, Kim Dan is bound to make no progress. That’s the reason why I consider Joo Jaekyung’s intervention here as inappropriate.
(chapter 31) It was not his place to decide for the main lead. Kim Dan could have had another client, even though it was just an excuse.
(chapter 31) Because he treated Kim Dan like an underling, he received the same treatment later. He was not allowed to defend himself
(chapter 31), just like he replied instead of the doctor! Thus I conclude that the moment he sees Kim Dan in pain, this will remind him of his lover’s human nature
(chapter 37) and as such his vulnerability. In my eyes, this will move his heart… exactly like in that scene.
(chapter 21) In other words, the champion has to recognize that all his actions have consequences. As long as he is not treating Kim Dan properly, he is doomed to suffer and as such face adversity. But this perception is also valuable for the doctor. As long as he neglects his job due to his low self-esteem, he is fated to be treated like an errand boy. To sum up, both characters have to recognize their own flaws and misbehavior. Furthermore, I deduce that as long as Joo Jaekyung doesn’t expose his true position within the company in front of Park Namwook, he is bound to be treated like a prize. To conclude, Joo Jaekyung needs to confront his hyungs for their negligence. How come that they let Kim Dan fetch the drink and no one questioned its origins? Why was Yosep Jeong on the phone?
(chapter 37) In my opinion, the coach is not involved in the conspiracy, for it looks like Mingwa has no intention to turn the members into bad guys. Nevertheless, this man was not talking to his wife, for the latter had blocked him. This raises the question. Who was he talking to? I have the feeling, that the person on the other side of the phone must have involved in the scheme in order to distract Jeong Yosep: MFC manager or the agent from the entertainment company?
(chapter 29) Observe that here, the main lead was sleeping in the middle of the bed… he had been placed exactly like Joo Jaekyung would sleep.
(chapter 13) That’s the reason why the champion didn’t share his bed with Kim Dan. This means that I am expecting a new version of this scene
(chapter 4), but I don’t think that the doctor will sleep in a cocoon. At the same time, we have the explanation why Joo Jaekyung felt so refreshed after his first night with Kim Dan. He had been able to sleep, for he had shared his bed with the doctor. No wonder why the champion got so upset afterwards. However, since the doctor is sick, I doubt that he would sleep next to him. So my idea is that the champion could give his bed to Kim Dan, while he sleeps on the floor. I noticed that the carpet of his bedroom is red
(Chapter 37) Finally, this panel
(Chapter 27) Additionally, both were on the floor. Finally, we shouldn’t forget that Joo Jaekyung has been learning to take care of the “weak” doctor. He is already experienced how to treat him. Taking care of him in his room is no novelty. Moreover, if Kim Dan notices that the champion could fall asleep despite his presence, he could suggest to Joo Jaekyung to share a bed.
(chapter 37) So don’t give up hope! Joo Jaekyung still has his own merits.
(chapter 37), when he snatched the towel from Kim Dan with force without saying thank you or when he poured the coke on Kim Dan’s head.
(chapter 37) Joo Jaekyung was actually put in a similar situation than the grandmother’s. Due to the weight cutting, his body is exposed to mistreatment. Now, imagine that Kim Dan had acted the same way towards his own halmoni. It would have hurt her, for no sick person wants pity and as such sympathy. Why? The reason is simple. Sympathy makes the counterpart feeling inferior, lonely and abandoned. How so? It is related to passivity.
(chapter 37) The latter made him feel worse than before.
(chapter 37) What the boxer needed to hear or see was recognition and encouragements and not sympathy or pity. He should tell him what he hasn’t been hearing so far: “I admire your determination, your strong will, your professionalism”.
(chapter 15) But when Kim Dan was wiping his client, he was not acting like a professional doctor. Thus he got hurt by his rejection, for this felt him more unworthy.
(chapter 37) There is no doubt that Joo Jaekyung was hurt too. The only difference is that the athlete is not allowed to cry or to complain, for he made the decision to take the challenge.
(chapter 37)
(chapter 27) As long as Kim Dan sees himself as the champion’s tool for his jinx, he won’t be able to become a great physical therapist.
(chapter 37), for he is drawing a line.
(chapter 37) When Joo Jaekyung entered the room of the hoobaes and criticized them, the latter apologized. Yet, the doctor’s apology was slightly different. How so? He just apologized for the sound, but with his words, he implied that they would keep eating ramen. Imagine what it means for the champion thinking that once he leaves the chamber, they will keep eating junk food. They have the chance to eat at all, but his companions chose to eat unhealthy food. That’s the reason why the champion was so upset
(chapter 37) The doctor’s excuse could only sound fake to the athlete’s ears. In fact, in that moment, Kim Dan showed no real sympathy for the champion. He was drawing the line between the athlete and himself. However, after getting humiliated,
(chapter 37), while Joo Jaekyung is put on a diet. Moreover, Kim Dan is a physical therapist. Hence he is well aware of the impact of bad nutrition and we are here talking about professional athletes.
(chapter 22) It was, as if he had forgotten his knowledge and his past decisions. Then the next day, Kim Dan pities him, something he also hates!!
(chapter 15) But the irony is that no one encouraged or complimented the champion at all except the reporters at the event.
(chapter 37) This discovery led me to the following conclusion. Park Namwook embodies sympathy and as such cognitive empathy. He can grasp people‘s feeling, as he is able to see from people‘s perspective.
(chapter 37) This explicates why he allows the fighters to buy ramyeon and sodas behind the captain’s back.
(chapter 22) Back then, the champion only showed disinterest to their situation.
(chapter 22) No wonder why Oh Daehyun and Potato had a similar attitude towards Joo Jaekyung in the States.
(chapter 22) He was even more ruthless towards the other members, until Kim Dan made the following suggestion: eating elsewhere. This is applied in the States. The champion’s past indifference reflects the negative influence from Park Namwook. Observe that the latter asked from the physical therapist only “pity and sympathy”
(chapter 36) He was encouraged to remain passive (“be patient”). He is treated like an errand boy
(chapter 37), like holding the towel or pouring the hot water.
(chapter 37)
(chapter 37) Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Park Namwook or the coach accepted the suggestion from the agent so easily.
(chapter 36) They are passive, because they only feel sympathy in the best case. Thus I come to the conclusion that Kim Dan’s low self-esteem was reinforced by the manager’s attitude and advices. At no moment, he acknowledged his work
(chapter 18) and even cooked a meal for him. He was really proactive. Right now, he can not take care of him, as he is himself under immense stress. Don’t get me wrong: he is no saint either. On the other hand, Kim Dan needs to grasp the negative influence from Park Namwook and Yosep Jeong, for they represent a hindrance to his development as physical therapist. But for that, he needs to make a bad experience because of them directly. He needs to learn the difference between cognitive, emotional and compassionate empathy. He needs to recognize that a true doctor should feel empathy at least. The physical therapist experienced it, when Oh Daehyun and Potato complimented him.
(chapter 37) Hence I believe that the closer Kim Dan get to the members, the more he will experience empathy and compassion. This is already perceptible, for the fighters wanted to offer their own jacket to the doctor.
(chapter 36) The hand is the symbol for compassion and empathy. No wonder why Mingwa is focusing on the hands of the boxers.
(chapter 37) Kim Dan thought that this person belonged to MFC, for he was wearing an ID MFC, a cap with the logo MFC and he was wearing black clothes like the other officials.
(chapter 37) This means that he judged this man by his looks. A terrible mistake! This situation mirrors the scene where one agent from MFC questioned Kim Dan about his identity.
(chapter 15) I had already explained in the previous analysis that here he had been mistaken for an agent from MFC. However, the doctor misunderstood the red-haired man. He thought that staff was referring to Team Black.
(chapter 1) However, he was making a mistake, for Joo Jaekyung was just losing water, and not muscles! In my eyes, he was underestimating Joo Jaekyung’s strength.
(chapter 37) In other words, they are underestimating their opponent’s physical condition. This panel exposes that Joo Jaekyung can recover very quickly.
(chapter 37) Thus I deduce that the schemers are judging the fighter based on his “looks”. My assumption is that their scheme is based on the following information: injured shoulder (“incident in Busan”) and the request from Kim Dan that the champion needs to take a day-off!
. (chapter 27) However, he was here speaking on the behalf of the doctor. And who would make such a mistake? Naturally the manager from the entertainment agency. 😉 He had been informed by Park Namwook. This reinforces my theory that he is involved in this scheme. The latter would automatically judge his client as “injured”, for he was changing his way of life. For the first time, he was taking a day-off. But the manager is getting paid for the events he organizes, like Heesung’s manager exposed it!
(chapter 31) If the athlete works less, the manager gets paid less! I would like to point out that Joo Jaekyung’s agent was never seen at the gym! He was never present during his training. Thus he had every reason to think that his client Joo Jaekyung has already reached his zenith! Therefore I am wondering if the manager came to believe the manipulations from the article.
(chapter 36) That’s why there was no interview to deny the allegations. It was, as if he didn’t detect the fake news. The manhwaphiles should pay attention to his words. It was all about the leaking of private information, but not about the content of the article.
(chapter 36) In other words, the manager judged his client by his “cover”! He was tasked to book less events!! Consequently, neither the lawyer nor the manager should be trusted, though they are well-mannered and educated.
(chapter 36) In reality, Park Namwook should have focused more on their words and their body language! However, he judges people based on their manners! The irony is that the coach is himself a “wolf”.
(chapter 7) He is beating his star, yelling, insulting him, he doesn’t allow him to complain or protest
(chapter 5)
(chapter 15) Hence I deduce that Park Namwook will have to learn through bad experiences that the champion is a poor reflection of himself. He spoils the fighters
(chapter 26), then he scolds them
(chapter 36) It is because he thought that he couldn’t change the situation. That way, he was avoiding trouble as well. He was clearly a drawing a line: you and me!
(chapter 37) and Oh Daehyun. Thus he didn’t object to Oh Daehyun’s suggestion to have a late snack party
. (chapter 37)
(chapter 37) Therefore it is not surprising that he followed again his advices.
(chapter 37) Kim Dan is learning through the hard way to develop critical thinking, his so-called third eye. Why shouldn’t people listen to others?
(chapter 37) Therefore I made some research about the drug. This is what I found: Dextroamphetamine. [Note: I am no doctor]
(chapter 29) This was brought up in connection to the drug test. Therefore I deduce that the schemers are quite close to Joo Jaekyung. First, they are aware of his insomnia, but more importantly they know about his sex habits, his jinx! They had two reasons to give him such a drug. First, under the influence of the aphrodisiac, the champion could become even more rough than usually, a new version of this scene
(chapter 13). Moreover, remember that his jinx is based on the following idea: he needs to feel satisfied!
(chapter 2) It is all about a good fuck. But under the influence of the aphrodisiac, the champion would never get this feeling. Therefore I conclude that the drink was there to destabilize the champion mentally. Secondly, remember that the athlete is famous to fuck, until his partners pass out.
(chapter 33) Hence under the influence of the drug, he could call for a second partner, like he did in episode 2.
(chapter 2) In other words, he would hire a prostitute. Anyway, their plan is to cause a new scandal. The moment he ingurgitates the nutrition shake, he will get tested positive.
(chapter 2) Notice that till this night, Kim Dan believed in the existence of Joo Jaekyung’s jinx.
He is drinking an energy drink instead of eating properly.
He is acting the same way.
He is feeling insecure and nervous, a sign of his low self-esteem
An apology : Fear in front of Joo Jaekyung
The loan sharks at the door 
Eating ramen
Here he had no reason to cry. 
: looking at Joo Jaekyung’s body
The physical therapist is the champion’s reward. He is his yeouiju. Like I wrote before, the pink drink is a blessing in disguise. Thus this
(chapter 25) A new version of this scene. In other words, I am sensing the start of “WE” and as such family. They are now bound by secrecy.

(Chapter 36) Striking is that the manager described the match as an urgency. Why should the fight take place a month later, when it is a non-title match?
(Chapter 36) Besides, why should it take place in the US? The purpose is to weaken him… Yes, the match was organized to put him in disadvantage. Far away from home, he would have less supporters.
(Chapter 15) Moreover, he is fighting an experienced MMA fighter. And with the weight cutting, his performance could be affected. So now, it is time to reveal his identity:
(Chapter 14) Yes, Randy Booker! Let’s not forget that this fighter had tried to enter the higher weight category
(Chapter 13) But he failed terribly. Note that the athlete is put in the same situation than the butcher (same weight, travelling). He has to fight in a foreign country. Secondly, he mocked the athlete for his age.
(Chapter 14) He had become a champion, because he had not met any real opponent so far. He had fought only against younger rivals. And this coincides with Dominic Hill’s profile: an older MMA fighter.
(Chapter 15) He had an injury above the eye. And this observation brings me to the following remark. Why did the blond-grey haired sportsman call the athlete a baby?
(chapter 34) and the doctor’s cut
(chapter 36). Under this perspective, the punches from Kim Dan
(Chapter 7: elbow)
(chapter 26) were there to train Joo Jaekyung to get accustomed to be punched. Despite his cuts, he shouldn’t lose focus or become scared. He should keep fighting. But now let’s return our attention to my initial theory: the involvement of Randy Booker. Why would he do that? It is not just out of revenge.
(Chapter 35) Secondly, this person must have resented Joo Jaekyung so much that this schemer wanted him to lose his title for good. It was to “ruin” him. Hence, like Randy Booker, he must have imagined that the weight cutting would weaken his body and mind. This means that he must have come to fear Joo Jaekyung’s strength. And now, it is time to reveal the identity of this mysterious sponsor. .
(chapter 11) Yes, it is Heo Namwoook. And note that he is also connected to blue!
(Chapter 17) Joo Jaekyung made a reference to the hospital in front of the loan shark. So he knew that Kim Dan had Joo Jaekyung as patient. Besides, there is no doubt that the moneylender is aware of the main lead’s formation. He is a physical therapist. But since the champion wanted his sex partner to accompany him to his med check, he gave the impression that the physical therapist was working at the hospital. Moreover, note that the champion is never mentioned as the owner of Team Black in the article.
(chapter 13) The name of the gym is not visible in the poster. This promotion explains why the fans are screaming only Joo Jaekyung
(chapter 30) the name Team Black isn’t brought up in the covers either. It is only about Joo Jaekyung. This explicates why the loan shark’s minion didn’t connect Team Black to the protagonist.
(Chapter 16) As for the loan shark, he associated it with a club providing escorts.
(chapter 36) So the moment you imagine that Heo Namwook is behind the event, it makes sense why Dominic Hill was selected. First, he saw how the athlete could
(Chapter 17) overthrow someone weighting heavier than himself. He was clear-minded and far from being emotional, when he fought Heo Namwook and his minions.
(Chapter 17) But with the scandal and the weight cutting, it is different. The “enemy” is messing not only with his body, but also with his mind. If my theory is true, then the loan shark would be actually acting as a fight promoter:
(Chapter 17) Secondly, Heo Namwook called MMA as fake, for he thought that it was like wrestling.
(Chapter 17) Since Park Namwook is a former wrestler, I can only deduce that Heo Manwook has a common past with the champion’s coach. He was also a wrestler. I would even say, the new Agent Blue is his negative version. But if he had such a profession in the past, how could he have connections in America?
(chapter 17)
(chapter 17), I can only imagine that the former loan shark created this event for one reason: Joo JAekyung should get destroyed! It looks like a show, but the fight will be real. Dominic Hill has been tasked to kill the champion figuratively.
(Chapter 17) He is a hot commodity, because his agent at the entertainment agency is “promoting” him. He is making him work, because the more schedules he gets, the more the agent gets paid. However, it is not the manager’s task to promote Team Black!! This explicates why the other fighters are not famous! In other words, the loan shark is exposing Park Namwook’s lazy nature. Under this new perspective, it becomes comprehensible why the coach spoke about free PR.
(Chapter 30) It is because the coach and manager with the glasses has nothing to do! However, even in this panel, Namwook never realized that Choi Heesung was not promoting Team Black, but Joo Jaekyung! Why did Potato, Oh Daehyun or the others join the gym in the end? It is because of the protagonist’s fame and talent!! In other words, right now, Joo Jaekyung is Team Black! Should he get wounded, the gym is bound to vanish.
(Chapter 9) Interesting is that the man with the red t-shirt only describes himself as the coach of Team Black. So who is the manager of Team Black? And this brings me to the following observation. Why does the coach consider Team Black as his gym? It is because he is managing the bank account of Team Black. Hence we see him ordering new jackets
(chapter 36) or bringing food.
(Chapter 16) But Park Namwook has been just relying on Joo Jaekyung to promote the gym. Contrary to the creditor, he sent his athlete first, while the other would first send his minions.
(Chapter 5) One might say that he promoted Team Black through the clothes. 
(Chapter 14) Furthermore, in episode 23, the fighters left the gym without wearing any uniform!!
(Chapter 23) They all had different clothes, a sign that Namwook had been neglecting them. As you can see, the new clothes made me realize that the coach hadn’t been promoting Team Black properly, until Kim Dan joined the team. And it started with this:
(chapter 9) The name was written on the left side. However, it is not visible, as soon as Kim Dan wears a jacket.
(Chapter 14) It resembles too much to scrubs from a hospital. Therefore the schemers thought that he was working at the hospital. Because the physical therapist had no ID and his uniform was different
(Chapter 14) The man on the left side is not part of Team Black, for he is wearing an ID, whereas the fighter next to the coach is a member of the gym, though he is not wearing any black clothes. The choice for the clothes were truly bad.
(Chapter 36) First, the name Team Black is visible on the side, while MFC vanished.
(Chapter 36) At the same time, this signifies that slowly, he is giving the other fighters more attention. The face of Team Black is changing. It is no longer reduced to Joo Jaekyung. This signifies that the dragon is gradually sharing his burden to others. On the other hand, such a jacket exposes the coach’s arrogance.
(Chapter 36) It was, as if they were taking over the champion’s company. Yet, the latter is the real owner. On the other hand, Park Namwook’s decision represents a blessing. How so?
(Chapter 7) He is the physical therapist of Team Black de facto, especially if he is seen in company of other members.
(Chapter 23) Potato has already planned as the champion’s successor. To conclude, this match in the USA should expose the manager’s selfishness and the corruption. But since Kim Dan has now such a jacket, I am expecting that with his magic touch
(chapter 36) he will get the attention from the MMA world: reporters, fighters and MFC manager. Something that the schemers didn’t expect… As a conclusion, in the next chapter, pay attention to the jackets and the numbers. There were all XXL, except the one for Potato.
(Chapter 32) He will become a real MMA manager promoting his own company and his fighters.


(chapter 27) But his diagnosis in English wasn’t clear enough. Was he referring to the joints of the shoulder or to others? Nonetheless, based on the X-rays and the therapy
(chapter 27), it is clear that Joo Jaekyung’s real issue is his shoulder in bad shape. Hence we see him constantly touching his right shoulder.
(chapter 1) Because of this contrast between title and content, the Manhwaphiles can grasp the writer’s true intentions behind the article. He was looking for sensationalism, hence he exaggerated the champion’s physical condition. But there is more to it. The columnist attempted to create the illusion of a proper and serious investigation by employing the idiom “the doctors”. With this term, he insinuated that he had consulted different doctors and they would all come to the same verdict. Moreover by including the fans, he gave the impression that this topic had been long discussed among the supporters. In reality, he was mixing the cause and consequence. The moment people will read this news, they will start speculating about his future. However, since this was a secret till this publication, I doubt that the lovers had already speculated whether the champion had reached his zenith. That’s the reason why I consider this column as a fake news. It was a hype created on a truth mixed with lies.
(chapter 27), if he changed his way of life and training. Hence he recommended rest.
(chapter 27) Another evidence for this tabloid journalism is the reference to the hospital and the anonymous source. It was, as if the personal from that hospital was not trustworthy, for the “anonymous source” had leaked information from the files. Though the name of the hospital was not mentioned, it is clear that Dr. Lee will feel concerned, for such a divulgation to the public can endanger the champion’s career and his own reputation. He could be held responsible for the main lead. Now, his opponents know his weakness. So such an article can lead to an investigation from that hospital and the chaebol. Who is the anonymous source? Dr. Lee will certainly vouch for his employees, and that’s where Kim Dan comes in. Notice that this article was released shortly, after Kim Dan met the doctor for the first time!
(chapter 27) Moreover, he is the only doctor who read the files!
(chapter 17) People will start suspecting the protagonist and if his past with the perverted hospital director is exposed,
(chapter 1) it is clear that his reputation will suffer. Furthermore, Kim Dan was seen with bruises too
(chapter 11) which could lead to the discovery of the debts and the loan sharks. He had financial problems and a sick halmoni. Finally, let’s not forget that the boxer is the first client of the physical therapist. So people will question the champion’s choice for picking Kim Dan as his personal physical therapist. He lacks credentials. Consequently, the doctor’s integrity and competences will be questioned by public opinion. In other words, Kim Dan could bring bad PR to Black Team and this could create some frictions between the champion, the doctor and Park Namwook. To conclude, it is clear that the target of this article is not just the athlete, but also Kim Dan. The allusion to the “anonymous source” was done on purpose, so that people would ask for his identity. He betrayed the hero and emperor! Someone violated the confidentiality clause. Nevertheless, divulging the existence of an anonymous source was to divert attention from the real issue! The real traitor is the author of this article who broke a rule. He shouldn’t have leaked this to the public! He is responsible, if Joo Jaekyung gets really injured by his opponent. But I would like to outline that the files were left in the office of Team Black and they allowed strangers to enter the gym because of Heesung!
(chapter 30) As you can see, anyone could have access to the files, especially because the physical therapist was absent in the morning. He only joined the company much later. As the Jinx-lovers can observe, this article should be seen as a lesson for the physical therapist, Park Namwook and Joo Jaekyung. They should be more careful, due to money, this rule “bringing strangers” had not been followed.
(chapter 1)
(chapter 35) He is not a greedy, immoral and selfish bump. He embodies true loyalty
(chapter 34) This shows that the doctor is slowly realizing the importance of welfare in such a career. Anger is a sign for stress. The latter is also the cause for damaged “joints”.
(chapter 19) 😂
(chapter 35) Therefore he got angry. I am quite certain that he was thinking like this:
(chapter 35) In his eyes, he had focused too much on Kim Dan. Like explained in the previous essay, I am expecting a relapse from the athlete, but this time, he will be stopped by the main lead, for the latter is now well acquainted with his mental and physical condition. Furthermore, since this news resembles to a challenge, I think that Joo Jaekyung will organize a match in order to prove this exclusive announcement wrong. I see parallels between chapter 35
(chapter 20) For Kim Dan, it was back then a matter of life and death. Now during this night, Joo Jaekyung is put in the same situation. It was, as if someone was attempting to kill him. If he loses his title, he has the impression that he will die, he will vanish into thin air. But why is it so important to him? It is necessary to recall that in his childhood, the athlete was an invisible and silenced child! With this title, he has the impression to “exist”, though he is not truly living. So how will he react to this article? Rush to the hospital and throw a tantrum? Or go to Kim Dan and wake him up?
(chapter 35) Striking is that the latter had the cellphone number from the athlete.
(chapter 35) On the other hand, the content of the message clearly indicates that the two characters didn’t know each other. How did this reporter get the cellphone number from the champion? This shows that there is someone behind pulling the strings. Moreover, note that he was contacted during the night. Since my essay “Magic hours”, my avid readers know that this night sky
is indicating that it is rather late.
(chapter 35) Why did the reporter send this message and article at this hour? For me, there is no doubt that they knew that the champion wouldn’t be asleep. It was, as if they knew about his insomnia. Besides, Joo Jaekyung never leaves his cellphone behind… and a sign that they expected him to see the message very quickly. As a conclusion, this breaking news expose the involvement of people close to the champion. Moreover, notice that he was contacted directly and not through his gym, Team Black. This proves to me that there is a conspiracy in the end. Someone leaked information to this reporter.
(chapter 30) Hence I deduce that the agency will get involved too very soon and the owner could ask for the identity of the anonymous source. Who leaked this information to the author of the article? Since Kim Dan is the newest member, he would be the biggest suspect and the perfect scapegoat, for he doesn’t belong to a hospital and he has no agency protecting him. And this brings me to the following conclusion. Romeo and Juliet is a tragic love story, because these two young people’s families were in a feud! Hence I sense the birth of a conflict between Team Black and the agency. But we have Choi Heesung who is also represented by this agency.
(chapter 33) In the English and Korean version, the actor employed the possessive pronoun “our” and not “my”, this could be an evidence that the agency could belong to Heesung’s family. So because of this breaking fake news, Heesung would be brought in a position, where he can help the physical therapist.
(Chapter 35) If he helps the angel, then he would keep his promise and appear as reliable. And that’s how he would become more responsible and selfless. That way he would learn how to practice “true love”: a choice, a judgement and promise! He would give without expecting anything in return! This is real selfless love.
(chapter 1) The previous physical therapist!! Moreover, the latter got hurt by the athlete. One of my theories was that the man had not treated the champion properly. 

(chapter 122) represents their future, their reunion. Since I saw chapter 124 had references to episode 116
(chapter 116), I am expecting that the painter will be given new clothes, for the assassin switched clothes too and we should have a new scene near a pavilion
(chapter 116). Besides, don‘t forget that Yoon Seungho had ordered clothes for the painter which should have been delivered to the gibang.
(Chapter 106) 