Jinx: Feeling Good? 🤜🤛 😡🥳 😭

1. The origin of this title

The inspiration for this title was the reaction of readers on X. Many were rejoicing that Joo Jaekyung got slapped by Park Namwook. (chapter 52) They felt good, because they thought the champion deserved it. Why? Joo Jaekyung had blamed Kim Dan for the incident. (chapter 51) Moreover, people saw parallels between this slap (chapter 52) and the one in the shower room. (chapter 7) It was, as if the coach had become the cute doctor himself or his representative. Therefore he was authorized to slap the champion. Yes, for them, Joo Jaekyung was just receiving his karma. But when he confronted the doctor, the latter did nothing, except ask a question. (chapter 51) If the celebrity had truly offended the doctor, the latter could have slapped him like in the past. He knew how to overcome his fear and do it. (chapter 26) This contrast outlines that Kim Dan hadn’t been that offended, he was just heartbroken and sad that the latter didn’t trust him, like he imagined.

2. Snow flake and Team Black

The irony is that these readers were reacting exactly like the former fighters from Team Black. (chapter 52) They were abandoning the protagonist, as they couldn’t put up with his bad temper. They were thinking like the athletes. (chapter 52) And the moment you outline the parallels between these two groups, such Jinx-philes appear as superficial and disloyal. I don’t think, it is a coincidence. Why? First, both were influenced by Park Namwook’s remarks. The latter would constantly portray his own boss in a bad light ruining the sentiment of cohesion within the team. The champion was on the one side, while on the other side the fighters, forgetting that the coach was hiding behind the emperor’s success. Once the latter failed, it is not surprising that the members didn’t stay out of loyalty for Park Namwook. He had done nothing for them, except empty promises. (chapter 23) But in my eyes, the main reason why the sportsmen and many Manhwaworms reacted like this is that nowadays people hate pain and suffering. They don’t see it as a source of growth. Why? They only perceive it from one perspective, their own, a sign for selfishness. But emotional and mental pain is not one-dimensional, for in a conflict or argument, both sides are hurting each other. This means that Mingwa portrayed the mentality of the younger generation in her Manhwa. And how is the younger generation called? They are described as snowflake.

We have the perfect example with Seonho who quit immediately, when he received harsh criticism. (chapter 46) He had to leave the gym, for he noticed that he would become the target of gossips. (chapter 46) He refused to face reality. That’s the reason why he became a traitor. He was tasked to bring members to the gym King Of MMA (chapter 52) so that he would become the next champion.

However, in order to turn a wound into something positive, people need to accept it as a normality and meditate. That’s how a painful incident becomes a tough life lesson. Yet, the reality is that the influence of social media is doing the opposite. They encourage readers and viewers to act on their emotions. Thus their judgement is superficial and full of bias. That’s how people can be easily manipulated. And that’s what the medias have been doing in Jinx. (chapter 52) They turned a hero and philanthropist (he organized a charity event) into a criminal, while the Shotgun, a cheater, got celebrated as a hero. It’s not surprising that no one was missing Baek Junmin during the party. In fact, the members talked behind his back. But what were the MMA fighters celebrating then? (chapter 52) Themselves… and their dream. They were imagining that they were one step closer to the spotlight. Through Jinx, Mingwa is criticizing our modern society and indirectly Jinx-philes who would easily jump from one ship to another. Twenty days earlier, the so-called hero was insulted for treating Kim Dan poorly. (chapter 50) If there are “heroes” in this story, it is the main couple. Joo Jaekyung is a protagonist and not a villain, hence the slap was not deserved. The antagonists are Choi Gilseok, Baek Junmin, Heo Manwook, Seonho and other invisible hands.

The former members from Team Black behaved exactly like the snowflake generation. They couldn’t bear any “hard time” at all, for they only saw it from their perspective, showing no empathy for the athlete’s bad mood. (chapter 36) The main lead was here put under immense stress due to the article. (chapter 36) Yet, he still took his job seriously, hence he spent time training himself the fighters despite his shoulder injury. (chapter 36) Here, he had become their coach and sparring trainer. Under this light, it becomes comprehensible why the author often portrayed them as chicken (chapter 43) or chibbies. (chapter 47) They lack discernment and maturity. Hence they chose the easy way out, thinking that they would have a better chance to become rich and famous. (chapter 52) They followed the flow, the symbol for herd mentality, a concept I explained in “Effective  Anguish“. This shows that they chose to throw overboard virtues like integrity and loyalty. Consequently, they are using the athlete in order to hide their wrongdoing. (chapter 52) The irony is that one of them even knew about the origins of Baek Junmin (chapter 47) and still chose to leave the gym. This means that they can not feign ignorance about their involvement in the criminal world. Even the cheating was discussed at the restaurant. (chapter 52) To conclude, they chose to become true thugs, while in the past, they would look like ones. But a bad decision doesn’t mean that their fate is sealed forever. They can change their opinion and redeem themselves.

And if you look back at all the chapters, you will realize that no one got fired, when Kim Dan entered the scene. In fact, the athlete had been very tolerant with the members, though they didn’t bring any success. Secondly, his so-called bad temper was first directed at Kim Dan. (chapter 7) If you read my essay “Guilty Truth or Dare – part 1”, you know that the beating in episode 1 was in fact an anomality. In chapter 36, 45 and 52, Joo Jaekyung never utilized violence, only when he was provoked (chapter 46) I am not saying that he shouldn’t change. But he is a far better person than he is perceived. He is loyal, tolerant, sincere and generous. In fact, he shared his PT with the fighters. (chapter 47). Thus I am already anticipating a rude awakening for the sportsmen, the moment they realize that in that new gym, the law of the jungle is ruling. Moreover, they should realize that they will be used as tools to make money. Choi Gilseok will throw them under the bus, if it is necessary. They will keep rigging the matches, as now MFC has become the official ground for betting. The dark side of MFC is coming to the surface. Baek Junmin is the perfect example. Choi Gilseok and his “Shotgun” provoked the main lead on purpose. However, the fake Angel of Death never realized the consequences of his words. (chapter 52) He lost consciousness and two front teeth. Moreover, he is shaking, a sign that he got severely injured, something I had predicted. This explicates why the corrupt reporter used a picture before the beating (chapter 52) Choi Gilseok used the fake hero’s image to his advantage. On the other hand, this signifies that the incident will leave deep scars in Baek Junmin. He will fear more than before the champion. Choi Gilseok ruined his confidence and mental health. Hence he will do anything to postpone the rematch. Moreover, there is no ambiguity that he and director Choi will cheat again. I have no doubt that he will resort to a bigger crime. Keep in mind that according to me, MFC is corrupted. Though it looks like my interpretation that Choi Gilseok bet on tie isn’t right, I am not giving up this theory yet. Why? It is because the fighters are repeating just what they heard from Choi Gilseok. (chapter 52) Secondly, for me, the director is the epitome of cowardice. Hence he resorted to the cheap trick. Let’s not forget that in the past, he wagered on the champion’s loss with the drugged beverage. I doubt that he would repeat the same mistake. To conclude, the fighters felt good, when they left Team Black. (chapter 52) But reality will catch them quickly. They are the tools to make others to shine as “heroes”. Their happiness is simply short-lived. There is a huge difference between this party and the one in chapter 9. There is no welcome elixir bowl, (chapter 9) King Of MMA stands for the philosophy: “it’s everyone for himself”. Hence the generosity from the director is fake, he will ask for something in return! Remember how he lured the doctor to commit a crime with his “sweet temptation”. I am still expecting the usage of steroids and other tricks. Moreover, through their participation, they become involved in money laundering.

3. Park Namwook’s slapping

Striking is that when bookworms felt good with the slap in episode 52, they resented Park Namwook for his rude behavior towards Kim Dan in episode 50. (chapter 50) The contrast between these two scenes exposed the man as a huge hypocrite. Therefore it is legitimate to state that the manager had no right to slap Joo Jaekyung at all. He had not defended the doctor himself. That’s why I really felt bad, when I saw this: (chapter 52) If I had been there, I would have put myself between the athlete and the manager. Why? It is because the celebrity was a patient at the hospital. It was not the time and place to criticize the athlete. (chapter 52) What was the point of dwelling on the past? And if you compare these two images (chapter 52) (chapter 21), the manager’s violation becomes more obvious. The hospital is a place where a patient needs rest. And what had Kim Dan done in the past? He had not revealed his problems to his grandmother so that she wouldn’t worry too much. He had tried to solve them on his own. Stress is not good for an ill person. In other words, the manager revealed his true face: (chapter 52) He is a wolf with no manner and empathy. (chapter 7) It is no coincidence that we could see his pupils for the second time. (chapter 5) That’s the only moment he revealed his true thoughts and emotions to his pupil. This exposes his hypocrisy and distance. And there was another reason why I condemn his action. (chapter 52) He acted as a parent. However, Jinx-philes should keep in their mind that the main lead is the owner of Team Black. So let me ask you this. Is it right for an employee to slap or beat his employer? No, and Park Namwook knows that very well. Hence he masked his wrongdoing with his weeping. (chapter 52) Through the tears, he not only diverted attention from his bad reaction, but also tried to arouse pity. What an irony! He was standing in front of a man who had a wounded foot, a ruined reputation and a surgery. The latter still deserved some compassion despite his mistakes.

But like mentioned above, each suffering can bring positive changes. So what is the positive effect here? First, it is important to recall that by slapping the champion (chapter 52), Park Namwook was contradicting his previous statement. (chapter 7) In episode 7, he refused to become responsible for his bad manners. He implied that the athlete had been raised by someone else. This indicates that with the slap, he crossed the line. He became his “surrogate father or older brother”. People wondered where his family was. It was Team Black and Park Namwook as the “surrogate guardian”. And now, you comprehend why the athlete said nothing. (chapter 52) But that means as well, the athlete will emancipate himself from his hyung. Furthermore, he showed him that it was okay to weep in front of others, though his weeping was short-lived. (chapter 52)

So why did the manager do it, if it was not for the doctor’s sake? (chapter 52) It is because he didn’t want to become responsible for the mess. All the fighters had left the gym, but he was their coach. (chapter 09) He had failed his task. Keep in mind that Joo Jaekyung had warned him. (chapter 46) He had voiced expectations for the first time to Park Namwook. He should become more proactive. In other words, he was starting putting some responsibility on the manager of Team Black. But the problem is that Park Namwook has the mentality of a child! He fears responsibility and as such making decisions. He is suffering from Decidophobia.

This explicates why he refused to make any decision concerning all the fights with Joo Jaekyung. But in the locker room, he had to say something, for he is his manager. But here, he let coach Jeong Yosep make the choice. (chapter 50) So when he is accusing the champion of behaving like a child, he is simply projecting his own thoughts and emotions, exactly like Baek Junmin: “He’s all talk”. . )chapter 52) (chapter 52) He was the child here. But we have another evidence for this interpretation.

Not only he keeps procrastinating, but more importantly he relies on others. Hence he pushed the athlete to sign a contract with the Entertainment agency (chapter 30). He let the manager and the lawyer to push the athlete to accept the fight with Dominic Lee. When the drug incident was reported to him, he simply notified MFC security guys dropping everything on them and Kim Dan. (chapter 40) He didn’t feel concerned. It was not part of his duty. So when the fighter got switched, he hired more advisors so that if anything went wrong, no one would put the blame on him. (chapter 47) It is no coincidence that he delegates tasks to others. (chapter 36) But his passivity becomes more obvious, when you look at the news. (chapter 52) He doesn’t give any interview to explain the incident in the health center. As his manager, he should have intervened. Under this light, it becomes comprehensible why he had to blame the champion. It is the result of his passivity, fears and ignorance. He never tried to understand the origins of the champion’s anger management issues. That’s the reason why he wished the physical therapist good luck. (chapter 1) He was totally unpredictable in his eyes. But he didn’t ask the right question: why? He neglected his mental health. Then, later he gave himself an answer: he is just a spoiled brat.

But for the first time, the champion didn’t accept his reproach silently, he had to express how he felt. (chapter 52) In front of this confession, Park Namwook was left speechless. The man was completely lost. Out of fear and powerlessness, he slapped the champion. (chapter 52) So did he feel good doing it? No, he realized his wrongdoing. Therefore he cried, though his tears are rather superficial. Because it is a huge disaster, he doesn’t know what to do. Without any fight, the gym won’t earn any money. I believe that his obsession for money is influenced by his situation. He has a family to feed. Because he feels scared and helpless, he simply did nothing. He didn’t go to the gym (chapter 52) or look for Kim Dan . (chapter 52) or go to the authorities. Potato was the one who visited the doctor, for he repeated the same words. Oh Daehyun took care of the training and coach Yosep went to MFC and the authorities, though I fear that this could also backfire, as the weapon and crime got reported. Kim Dan could be incriminated. (chapter 52) But there is another reason why I don’t think, the manager met the physical therapist. Park Namwook remembers definitely that he had not sided with him in the locker room either. And that time, he could put the blame on the athlete, for he was a victim. And now, you comprehend why the manager had to put the whole blame on the athlete at the hospital. So he didn’t slap the champion, for it felt good, but out of anxiety and discomfort. He didn’t want to be confronted with the champion’s pain as well. (chapter 52) That was too much to bear for him. We don’t know what happened to Kim Dan, but there is a high chance that he might have lost his grandmother. Park Namwook has already trouble to deal with the emperor’s suffering and powerlessness, therefore I doubt that he could face the doctor in front of a real tragedy.

Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Park Namwook is following the flow, has a biased perception of his boss and let him carry the whole burden. In my eyes, he doesn’t deserve his high position. Hence this crisis was necessary. It is time for the athlete to take the reins of the gym. But like pointed out above, he did more and more for the gym. From a simple fighter (chapter 7), he turned into a trainer and coach. On the other hand, I doubt that the champion should do everything on his own. Exactly like his hyung, he should ask for help and advices, but contrary to the past, there would be a real discussion where everyone comes to an agreement. All of them should make the decision together. But let’s return our attention to the manager and coach.

I suspect that he has always viewed himself as the protagonist’s savior. (chapter 26) The reality is that MFC is strongly intertwined with the crime world.

And note what is happening right now. Because of a punch, all the members left the gym and joined director Choi Gilseok’s gym. But the emperor’s manager knew that this man was bad news, hence he avoided him. (chapter 48) He has been a coward, he used Joo Jaekyung to boost his ego. He relied on routine (chapter 5) and the emperor’s talents thinking that he could do the same with the other fighters. But that’s impossible. Each sportsman is different. One thing is sure. He hid his fears behind people. His dream was to live a life on a script, like wrestling which is impossible. But now they have all abandoned the ship, thereby it is becoming more difficult to avoid responsibility. At the same time, it explains why he is asking for the return of Kim Dan. It is his way to avoid accountability.

At the same time, it exposes his ignorance and prejudices. He has such a bad perception of Joo Jaekyung that he accepted without problem to let the emperor take the whole blame. He never spoke up in his defense… the two hyungs stood there totally passive and silent in the emergency room. (chapter 52) They did nothing to stop the tragedy, though they knew about his bad temper. To conclude, Park Namwook didn’t feel good for the slapping, hence this action was not truly necessary. On the other hand, this could only make the champion realize how precious Kim Dan is. The latter allowed him to speak up (chapter 51), even to voice his emotions and thoughts without resorting to violence, though the doctor was wounded by them. Here is another contrast. (chapter 31) He slapped him on his neck showing a certain dishonesty.

4. Joo Jaekyung’s punch

And now, we should ask ourselves if the emperor felt good, when he vented his anger on the stupid challenger. (chapter 52) No, because it brought only him misery afterwards. (chapter 52) He has to get surgery and he got suspended. (chapter 52) This terrible situation cornered him. He was forced to admit his unwell-being, powerlessness and cluelessness. He was like his hyung, he felt lost. He didn’t know what to do. We should see this confession as a scream for help: (chapter 52)

Interesting is that the 90 day of suspension is actually a blessing in disguise. How so?

As you can see, the number is strongly intertwined with enlightenment and huge transformation. Hence I deduce that within that time, all these characters, Park Namwook, Hwang Yoon-Gu, coach Jeong Yosep, Oh Daehyun, Kim Changmin, Kim Dan and Kwak Junbeom (probably Heesung) will introduce new habits and develop a new routine. The team will work differently. But there exists another reason why I consider this suspension as a blessing. The champion would have never stopped, had MFC not intervened. The schemers saw the athlete as a problem, for he was earning more and more money, a problem for their business. (chapter 41) Moreover, thanks to the punishment, the champion learned that he couldn’t use his fists in order to solve a problem. Remember what he said to Kim Dan during the breakfast: (chapter 41) He wanted to kill the mastermind behind the plot. From my point of view, the champion is incited to discover the existence of other means to get justice. According to my theory, the fighter is a chaebol. So he has power, but he was never taught to use his power properly. As time passes on, he will realize that he has to report a crime on his own, file a lawsuit but not for himself, for others. Finally, he will come to utilize medias to expose a crime. Hence I am expecting a new version of this scene at some point (chapter 35), where he contacts a journalist and reveals everything with the help from his loved one. From my point of view, he became a fighter because of manipulations. That way, the truth could get buried.

To conclude, if someone had to criticize Joo Jaekyung, then it should have been the physical therapist and no one else. Furthermore, in the locker room, it was the champion’s right to confront the doctor. (chapter 51) Anyone in his position would have reacted the same way. He is not omniscient, like the author or Manhwalovers. Finally, when he saw that he had wounded the doctor, he left the place. Unfortunately, out of habit, he had to mask his shock and wound with his anger. (chapter 51) However, his question at the hospital (chapter 52) shows that my interpretation was correct. Joo Jaekyung didn’t fire the doctor with his words “Get out of my sight”, he just wanted to be left alone. On the other hand, I am certain that the physical therapist took his words too literally. He imagined that he was fired. Hence I saw this argument in the hospital room as a good omen, though I was mad at the coaches and Oh Daehyun. (chapter 52) The only one looking at him was the puppy Yoon-Gu. They are embarrassed, for no one paid attention to Kim Dan except the cute puppy Potato. So what is so positive about this scene? The champion realized that no one was taking his side, ready to listen to this suffering. Only Kim Dan had been patient and understanding with him. (chapter 45) He had never judged him for his yelling and reproaches. He had accepted everything from him, the good and bad.

Through their argument, both are learning how to communicate properly and as such to trust each other. Both are gradually discovering the 4 sides model of a message: Joo Jaekyung must have realized that Kim Dan misunderstood his words in the locker room. (chapter 52) He got to hear a terrible news that took him by surprise. (chapter 52) Hence he listened patiently to his coach. He was calm again, the shock made him forget his misery. However, note that he is not looking at Park Namwook. He is starring in front of him. In my eyes, it is related to the grandmother and her imminent death. Joo Jaekyung was so blinded by anger and fears (chapter 51) that he forgot that Kim Dan used to spend all his money for her. Joo Jaekyung imagined that by paying the bills, the problems had been solved. But money is nothing in front of death. Everyone is equal in front of death. Back then, the doctor had wondered how he could help his loved one, if he were to lose a match. He sensed that the athlete could become depressive: (chapter 29) No matter what happened to Kim Dan, the doctor’s fate is there to teach Joo Jaekyung another important lesson. His pain is nothing compared to his loved one’s. Even if the grandmother didn’t die, one thing is sure: Kim Dan’s in a worse place than the champion. That’s how they can help each other to overcome their tragedy and face the future with confidence. For me, what will motivate Team Black is not money, but the doctor’s happiness. That’s how they come close to each other, they will all discover the importance of mental health and happiness. Being protective can be a source of a strength.

5. Feeling good?

So did anyone feel good after the match? No one .. except the traitors and director Choi Gilseok. I am even excluding Baek Junmin, for he got severely injured and the members are talking behind his back. Besides, the party was ruined by Potato. There was a fight at the restaurant. (chapter 52) There was no second round. In fact, I only felt good, when Kim Dan succeeded in this challenge: (chapter 26) This was the only chapter in Jinx without emotional pain. He discovered that he had power and he could help Hwang Yoon-Gu. Hence he smiled!! (chapter 26) I can only feel good, when the two protagonists are smiling. (chapter 26) Both were listening to each other. (chapter 26) It was the happiest moment, for all the characters were genuinely cheering and smiling. (chapter 26) (chapter 26) And now, look at this: 26 +26 = 52! So we have to envision that Kim Dan must be devastated, even a wreck. And now, you comprehend my illustration. The red and heart were referring to blood and pain, but the hands were to indicate that sharing pain is caring, the symbol for love. (chapter 52) That’s the reason why these fighters will come to regret their decision, especially when they will realize that they didn’t just abandon the bad-tempered athlete, (chapter 52) but also the gentle and selfless doctor! There was no one by his side, when he was suffering. He had been truly abandoned. His pain will make them realize their wrongdoing and selfishness, for doc Dan had always been there to treat their wounds and listen to them. (chapter 36) They will no longer feel good while recalling their decision and even this evening (chapter 52), especially because the other was alone in pain.

My conclusion is that we should never rejoice at the misery of others, because it could happen to us too. We are destined to encounter anguish and failure anyway. Life without pain is impossible. Dwelling on the past won’t change any thing. (chapter 52) A crisis is a moment when people should reflect in order to learn life lessons and move on with life. Any rushed action can only aggravate the situation. And now, the ball is in the champion’s courtyard. He has to find a way to help his loved one. Hence he is listening and starring in front of him. (chapter 53)

PS: Chapter 52 proved my previous theory one more time, the Webtoonist is using Numerology. But that will be the topic for another essay. 😉

Feel free to comment. If you have any suggestion for topics or manhwas, feel free to ask. If you enjoyed reading it, retweet it or push the button like. My Reddit-Instagram-Twitter-Tumblr account is: @bebebisous33. Thanks for reading and for the support, particularly, I would like to thank all the new followers and people recommending my blog.

8 thoughts on “Jinx: Feeling Good? 🤜🤛 😡🥳 😭

  1. This essay reflects what I was thinking as well. I also noticed when commenting on another manhwaphile’s post on Namwook that he was blushing when covering his face. So its for sure he is MORTIFIED by his actions. But this is Korea and he is a senior, hence would never bend down and apologize for hurting someone who is his junior for talking back at him. His action shows a very toxic part of Asian culture which is common in both S Korea and India aka Parents/Guardians/Figures of authority never apologize for hurting their charges especially if they talk back at them. Talking back is seen is as sign of disrespect and undermining authority, so Jaekyung questioning Namwook can be seen as disrespect by many old school , conservative Korean and Asians in general probably. Its ironic the most Liberal, western minded fandom is siding with a guy for hitting a vulnerable, helpless patient for talking back when likely half of or a good portion of them have suffered from parental abuse of similar kind as child too and hated the fact nobody thinks its abnormal🤡 .

    I also am hanging on to Jaekyung’s word of asking Yosep and Namwook to step up their work few chapters to hope he emancipates himself from Namwook. He has to see that he had failed as a Gym manager and his manager. Major crisis to sabotage him happened under him twice, an employee was nearly successfully framed, he couldn’t retain the Gym members and now he is suspended. So far all Namwook has done is …nothing really. He doesn’t manage Jaekyung’s matches truly, he doesn’t help in his injury recovery, he doesn’t help him psychology or spiritually. All he does is occasionally praise when he wins or scolds or barks . Yosep has done a smidgen better job at Understanding Jaekyung as a coach than Namwook did but I am assuming since he is younger than Namwook he doesn’t have the authority to manage Jaekyung like Namwook does nor talk over Namwook no matter what he does.

    I like the idea of the players facing karma for abandoning the Gym and Jaekyung and not appreciating his guidance when he gave them. The irony of them disparaging Jaekyung by saying since he lost he has nothing more “to teach” them anymore only to sit around rival Gym players who openly are discussing how their so called new champion was manufactured by cheating. If Potato heard it, they did too and they didn’t come back shows that they only want the fame in MFC and money. They are hoping Choi will do for them what he did for Junmin but we already have evidence he won’t. Junmin is a recent hire, he racked up manufactured fame within few months at most. While the more long established players were reduced to being Junmin’s lackey who have to risk their career to do crimes and sabotage for Choi so he could win bets with Junmin. That is the fate that awaits them- empty promises and a destroyed athletic career.

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  2. You are so right about Park Namwook. I’ve also noticed, through the story, that he is not only unsupportive of but also actively harmful to Jaekyung. He hits him all the time, outside of the ring, which (as you’ve said) Jaekyung doesn’t do unless someone provokes him with personal and pointed insults. Jaekyung yells a lot and looks scary, but I’m struggling to remember a time when he’s hurt anyone outside of those parameters. You also mentioned how Jaekyung is lacking family and is essentially adopted by his hyungs, Namwook and Yosep. Both tend to roll their eyes and act as though Jaekyung is a child, but they themselves act no better.

    I feel bad for Jaekyung in a lot of ways. After he and Dan’s relationship was just getting good, almost affectionate, Heesung steps in and tries to take Jaekyung’s one major supporter away from him. Then, his injury is publicized and he’s pushed to not only fight again too soon, but to drop an unhealthy amount of weight with almost no emotional support and with the overwhelming desire from the world for him to fail. With enemies surrounding him, he’s just like a cornered, injured animal, biting anyone who gets too close. When Dan became so affectionate after the aphrodisiac, Jaekyung was happier than he’d been in a long time. Someone was touching him softly, praising him, loving him. Even if he didn’t believe it, he was still touched.

    But then his birthday happens, his shoulder is in worse shape than ever, Dan is sneaking out and causing him grief, and no one listens to his wishes. Still, Dan didn’t deserve Jaekyung’s anger—he just happened to be there for the culmination of Jaekyung’s frustration and Jaekyung took it out on him. But I think Jaekyung felt a little guilty or awkward, so he avoided Dan and, like you said, focused on their working relationship.

    Once again, Jaekyung feels that he can’t trust anyone, even Dan who’s kept a number of secrets from him at this point, secrets that would negatively impact Jaekyung directly. The loan sharks, the side job, the meeting with the other gym director. Dan was not truthful about his virginity in the beginning, which Jaekyung ultimately found out the hard way, and wasn’t forthright with the reasons why he needed an advance and why he needed money in general, leading Jaekyung to believe he was just greedy.

    Back to Namwook. This “hyung” hasn’t protected Jaekyung properly. He should also have been checking for spies, for signs of tampering, and isolating Jaekyung from potential enemies by ensuring his privacy during his medical visits. I found that whole scenario where the two fighters who ended in a tie were placed side by side to be absolutely bonkers. No way in the real world would that happen. Jaekyung is so rich and famous that he should have absolute privacy and a team of doctors to himself. If he’s such a big deal, he should be treated as such. But Namwook didn’t secure those things for him, didn’t even take Jaekyung’s very obvious temper into consideration. Like, what!? No matter how much money King of MMA has, there’s no way they could just crash the private rooms designated to the Emperor. So stupid. I was actually annoyed at Mingwa for this but chose to throw the blame at Namwook because he’s Jaekyung’s manager.

    The slap. I also hated that. The man is a patient! In a hospital bed! Even though he was yelling at Namwook, he was provoked once again! Jaekyung didn’t need the discussion about the spray to be had in front of him with such a high-emotion crowd. He didn’t need a crowd at all! They crash his resting space while he’s in a crazy amount of physical and emotional pain and just lay it on him, not taking responsibility for their own part in Dan’s isolation and, essentially, banishment. Sure, part of Dan and Jaekyung’s contract is secretly sexual, but the other part is a professional contract with the gym itself. Shouldn’t those gym leaders take responsibility for an employee of Team Black, regardless of Jaekyung’s temper? They do everything else around his temper, Namwook slapping him around for it included, but never took responsibility for the PT of the gym.

    I’m just baffled honestly. I don’t think this chase arc will be anything like BJ Alex.

    Speaking of… I’m also TIRED of all the BJ Alex praise. It wasn’t even that good. The character arc of Alex (I can’t remember his actual name… oops) changed on a dime, abrupt and honestly very unsatisfying to me. After a quick groveling that we got in retrospect, they were suddenly perfectly healthy lovers. Both characters were emotionally erratic and immature until that point, acting their age, then suddenly matured. I just didn’t feel connected to them at all. At least with Jinx, there is much more trauma to explain the lack of character growth in Dan. Jaekyung’s mysteries are annoyingly persistent, but I’m also consumed by the want for it that I needed to find someone like you to spin fun theories and fuel my imagination.

    Thank you for writing these. It’s refreshing to hear another person standing up for the unpopular protagonist with the pissy attitude. No one likes a jerk, but the hatred is honestly so out of hand. I’m constantly defending my love of the manhwa from people who read much worse crap. I work in a bookstore that sells a lot of manga, so it’s definitely a topic that comes up, especially with the growing consumption of BL. So thank you again.

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    1. Thank you for the support and compliments. I know why Kim Dan acted this way. He was imitating Park Namwook’s behavior, making decisions on his own without consulting him. Park Namwook never bothered to invite Joo Jaekyung for the gatherings. He had the perfect excuses: he doesn’t drink or he has a bad temper. So in the locker room, Kim Dan discovered the truth. Park Namwook would lash out, as soon as there’s a problem. Moreover, he didn’t bother to talk to him afterwards. So imagine that the wounded champion reaches out to him, he will realize the effort from his soulmate, whereas the healthy one didn’t meet him.

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    2. I forgot to say that chapter 37 exposed the hypocrisy of Yosep and Namwook. They let the fighters buy junk food behind the champion’s back. But notice that the food was placed in the fighters’ room so that the manager and coach would be blamed for the party.

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    3. I also agree with the fact that the chase arc will be different in this story. Although I like BJ Alex as well( I think people excessively praise it because its a finished story and they can unfairly compare it to Jinx which is not finished and has not reached the lovey dovey arc that most average manhwaphiles crave- because lets be real, that is what bothers them the most about Jaekyung- not that whether he nonconned someone or is abusive or he is trash or not. Average manhwaphiles have read and are fan of stories with Semes who are genuinely all of these. Their problem has always been that Jaekyung is not the kind of Seme who obsessively falls in love and chases the Uke. Its the OPPOSITE in Mingwa’s stories.) I also think Jinx arc won’t have a “chase” arc because in BJ Alex, Jiwon did something worth the chase aka he was the one who explicitly distanced Dongwoon away from him when he drunkenly but honestly confessed his feelings.

      Compared to that Dan never actually confessed his feelings to Jaekyung at all. Even if we know what the keychain meant, Jaekyung doesn’t and if he sensed it its still not something he chased Dan away for. Dan gave up his job himself regardless of the sabotage fiasco and as such as his PT, wasn’t guarding the medication either. Jaekyung was not even the one who fired him. So as such its more likely its would be direct reconciliation and renegotiation arc rather anyone chasing anyone now- He knows Dan’s phone number, Dan is not exactly running away from him LOL.This is why I think Jinx is a subtle deconstruction of classical BL stories that its based on. It looks similar to many of them on the surface but its actually very different from them in execution.

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  3. P.S. Have you checked out a new BL webtoon called Dreaming of the Dokkaebi? Gorgeous, hilarious, and very dark. It’s sure to be a huge hit. It’s been a while since I’ve found a fantasy BL good enough to rival Lullaby of the Dawn, but I think this one comes close.

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