Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx “Joo Jaekyung’s Funny Sleeping Beauty“
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.

In episode 40, the Manhwaphiles assist to the return of the doctor’s faith and hope.
(chapter 40) This signifies that in this moment, Kim Dan decides to cross the line, especially since he likes the emperor. He is accepting that he means much more to Joo Jaekyung than being his toy. Because the champion called him “his person”, he felt moved and indebted. Consequently he started considering himself not only as being a part of the champion’s life, but also as a part of Team Black.
(chapter 40) Don’t forget that the athlete is the face of the gym. Thus the gym put a huge poster of the athlete outside.
(chapter 1) The reference of belief in two panels from episode 40
(chapter 40) led me to associate Kim Dan with a butterfly, for the latter symbolizes faith, hope, change and rebirth. And now, you comprehend why this illustration
contains blue-black butterflies. They are alluding to the physical therapist. The latter is wearing his blue uniform with the black jacket from Team Black.
(chapter 40) And the butterfly got unfortunately caught by a spider.
(chapter 409. Yes, the hand from the MFC security guard reminded me of a spider. But there exists another reason why I came to connect the MFC security guys with the spider. It is because both are related to the web. There is no doubt that the MFC security guards wove a web of lies to Kim Dan. And how can we detect this? There exist different methods to expose the men in Black as manipulators and hunters. First, the MFC security guys are wearing glasses. Another method is to compare the interrogation scene with episodes from Jinx. Finally, it is important to examine their words and as such their speech bubbles. But let’s start with the glasses.
1. The sun glasses
If you read my essay about the significance of masks in Manhwas, you are already aware that spectacles in Manhwas are indicating deception, hypocrisy, ignorance and blindness. Why? It is because the Webtoonists used them as masks. Thus it is no coincidence that the coach Park Namwook is wearing them.
(chapter 40) I have long outlined his flaws. Imagine that he only informed his star about the incident with the drugged beverage after the match, but he knew about it before. However, his words are implying that it was not his fault, for he had been informed too late (“I only found out this morning”). He was not responsible for the incident due to his ignorance.
(chapter 31) Moreover, he was unable to detect the truth, when the artist faked his injury. He chose to put the blame on his athlete, while the one asking for the sparring had been Choi Heesung. Joo Jaekyung could not be held responsible for any injury occurring during a sparring. It was the artist’s choice and responsibility. This scene is important, because outside the ring, the coach, the artist and the other manager not only accused the champion of a wrongdoing, but also sentenced him. They acted like cops, victims, lawyers, doctors and judges!
(chapter 31) The coach’s attitude exposed his partiality. Funny is that while the goddess justice has her eyes covered,
, she embodies impartiality, because she is able to detect the truth through the testimonies. She is not blinded by prejudices (origins, social background, gender…) contrary to the characters in Jinx.
And this is exactly what we are witnessing in the interrogation room.
(chapter 40) The MFC guys are biased, they are acting like cops, prosecutors
(chapter 40) and judges. And this without hearing any testimony from the doctor. This shows their blindness and their hypocrisy. But wait… the MFC guys are different from Park Namwook, for they are wearing sun glasses. Why would most of them do that?
(chapter 40) Don’t forget that they are not outside, but in a close room. First, such glasses are connected to spying. People should not recognize them, they are hiding their identity. The eyes serve to identify people, this explicates why there is this saying, the eyes are the mirror of the soul. For me, the sun glasses have a symbolic meaning. Three MFC guys were wearing sun glasses
(chapter 40), but two were acting as the main accusers.
(chapter 40) It was, as if the latter had no soul. Thus this security ward
(chapter 40) manipulated his colleague with his rhetorical question. As for the other, he bit his lip, the moment Joo Jaekyung entered the room
(chapter 40), a sign of his anxiety, nervousness and anger. It was, as if he had been caught. This little detail displays his knowledge. He knew that Kim Dan was innocent in the end. These two men wearing sun glasses were extremely ruthless and calculating, as if they had sold their soul to the devil. They were determined to frame Kim Dan, for he was new. Moreover, I believe that the sun glasses have another symbolism. According to my interpretation, Joo Jaekyung is represented by the sun, so wearing sun glasses indicates that they are trying to protect themselves from the champion. I will elaborate about this further more. Finally, wearing sun glasses is a sign for coolness and confidence. It looked like this item gave them the assurance to act like the tough and hardworking security agents. In other words, the sun glasses are strongly connected to acting! Yes, we were witnessing a fake investigation and trial! This leads me to the second method, the comparison of panels and scenes.
2. Reflections
What caught my attention is the similarity between this image
(chapter 40) and this one:
(chapter 11) Yes, the MFC security guys are mirroring Heo Manwook and his minions. And not just once, but twice!!
(chapter 16) Their position is not only very much alike, their behavior is the same. They use coercion and force in order to break the protagonist’s will. Both characters “kidnapped” the main lead. They are using an isolated place and the number of minions in order to pressure Kim Dan to admit his wrongdoings. Each time, the thugs threatened to go after the halmoni
(chapter 11) and
(chapter 16). In the interrogation room, the MFC security agents accuse him to have plotted against the celebrity.
(chapter 40). As you can see, Joo Jaekyung is utilized the same way than the grandmother. Moreover, I would like to outline that in episode 16, the main lead got kidnapped in broad daylight, and no one stopped them.
(chapter 16) And the same happened in the arena.
(chapter 40) Though the stadium was plunged in the darkness, the Manhwa lovers shouldn’t forget that the match took place at 11.00 am. So it should have ended around lunchtime. To conclude, the kidnapping and sequestration from the security agents is a combination of episode 11 and 16, therefore we have the same elements: blue and black reminding us of the night and the time as an indicator for the day. But let’s return our attention to the physical therapist in the arena. He was approached from behind, for the mysterious man touched him by the shoulder.
(chapter 40) Secondly, the moment doc Dan turned his head, he could see two people.
(chapter 40) By the way, these two unknown men were not wearing sun glasses in order to avoid raising suspicions and mistrust. This explicates why the gentle doctor followed them without protest. He trusted them. The most surprising is that though the latter was approached by 2 men, Potato didn’t intervene.
(chapter 40) Even, when Park Namwook is informed that the security took away the physical therapist, he showed no concern. For him, it was legal and normal due to the dubious nutrition shake. The Jinx-philes can sense the same passivity from people in Seoul and in the States. Why did no one from Team Black feel the need to follow the physical therapist? In my opinion, it is related not only to their blind trust, but also to a certain indifference. Kim Dan has a special status at the gym. Technically, he is just the private physical therapist from Joo Jaekyung.
Finally, both Heo Manwook and the MFC security agents believe to have the right to act that way. In the first case, the main lead had to pay off his debts.
(chapter 11), hence he was not allowed to move away. He was even forced to expose his private life to them: his job, his home, his family. It was, as if they were entitled to know everything about him and give their consent about each action. This explains why the loan shark thought, he was allowed to abuse Kim Dan physically.
(chapter 11) or even trespass his house and rape him.
(chapter 16) Striking is that MFC has a similar attitude in the end. They control their stars’ life through their regulations: the weight categories and weight cutting
. (chapter 37), they supervise their food
(chapter 37), and finally they take blood samples or urine tests in order to ensure that the fighters didn’t use any drug.
(chapter 29) This explicates why the man with black glasses asked him about his relationship with the physical therapist.
(chapter 40) It was, as if they had a right to know about his entourage. Joo Jaekyung had no right to have a private life. It was, as if the champion had to justify Kim Dan’s presence and indirectly why he had hired him. The reality is that they were trying to spy on him, dig up more information. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the thugs questioned Kim Dan like the MFC security agents. The moneylender desired to know the origins of his income. 
(chapter 11) Funny is that Heo Manwook suspected the main lead to earn his money through illegal means, while in reality, the former is actually the one using illegal means. As you already know, for me, he is involved in the set up against the two protagonists. But it doesn’t end here. MFC guys are acting like legal authorities, thus they are wearing black suits and glasses
(chapter 40) reminding us of FBI agents.
FBI agents typically wear professional attire that allows them to blend into various environments while maintaining a polished and authoritative appearance. The standard FBI attire includes dark-colored suits (navy, black or charcoal gray), dress shirts, conservative ties, and dress shoes, when it comes to special events like court appearances or important meetings. However, despite their appearances, the MFC security agents exposed their true nature. They are fake.😮
(chapter 40) How so? They are not wearing any badge and credentials!! 😉 Compare it to these scenes:
(chapter 15)
(chapter 40) This means what they did was illegal. Moreover, these guys are working for MFC which is a private organization. These agents are not working for the government or for the department of justice. They have no “legal authority” in the end. This explicates why they didn’t provide any translator to the physical therapist
(chapter 40), why they pressured Kim Dan to confess a crime.
(chapter 40) They acted like cops and judges which they are not. Since this image
(chapter 40) resembles a lot to the one from the hospital,
(chapter 5) I couldn’t help myself thinking of a death sentence.
(chapter 40) However, contrary to the hospital, the doctor was not abandoned. His lover came to his rescue chasing away the darkness from the “spider”, the MFC security agents.
But why did they remove their badges? It is because the criminal had been wearing one of their badges and clothes!!
(chapter 37) That’s how Kim Dan assumed that this additional nutrition shake came from MFC! We have here different possibilities. Either they saw the CCTV in the hotel showing the criminal dressed like their security agent (similar to the one in episode 15) after Park Namwook informed them or
(chapter 40) the coach informed that someone from MFC had brought the drugged beverage and they imagined that they could get framed by the physical therapist. Or there exists another possibility: they got tipped off by someone else. With no badge, Kim Dan can not blame them later.
2. MFC agents and Park Namwook
And this brings me to the following observation. Though the MFC agents initially described Kim Dan as a witness
(chapter 40), the man leading the interrogation changed quickly his tone and accused him of being a criminal targeting the champion.
(chapter 40) This explicates why Mingwa changed the colors of the speech bubbles. First, they were light blue before turning into grey and black.
(chapter 40) The pigment reflects the tone and as such their darkness. It becomes obvious that they were trying to frame him. But why? In my opinion, it is related to a law suit!! First, the Jinx-philes will certainly recall that in episode 11, the doctor got himself threatened with an indictment.
(chapter 11) Secondly, Mingwa created scenes, where someone would take action against a person or organization:
(chapter 36)
(chapter 31) In the first case, the hospital got sued for leaking the information, though it was not properly investigated. The lawyer claimed that the journalist had not contacted the agency… but it was not verified. As for Choi Heesung’s fake injury, Park Namwook proposed to pay in order to cover up the incident, until the actor made the following request: Kim Dan should take care of him!! He became part of the compensation. That’s the reason why I believe that the coach Park Namwook played a huge role in the framing. He could have complained to the MFC manager about the incident saying that Kim Dan had got ill because of the drink. The investigators knew about his name, but not his function in the team.
(chapter 40) The coach could have even threatened MFC with a lawsuit. Don’t forget that for the coach, Joo Jaekyung is his payroll and pays a lot attention to money.
(chapter 30) Under this approach, it becomes comprehensible why they were wearing sun glasses, they served as a shield for a trial. No ID and no eyes means no identity.
But then, it occurred to me that episode 11, 16 and 37 have all another denominator: the phone call!!
(chapter 11)
(chapter 16)
(chapter 37) Here, the coach Jeong Yosep was calling someone, maybe Team Black or the MMA manager. As you can see, I am suspecting that as soon as the coach Park Namwook was informed about the doc’s illness and vanishing, he must have made a call and complained! Park Namwook, as an experienced fighter, could have suspected the existence of a drug, especially since Potato and Oh Daehyun came quickly to the conclusion that his “illness” was related to the drink. And he had to frame “someone”, for he had also failed his duty. He should have verified the origins of this additional nutrition shake, but he didn’t. He remained passive. As a conclusion, my theory is that Park Namwook’s complain and menace of lawsuit set a new scheme in motion. For me, he must have called the MFC manager, as the latter appears in Joo Jaekyung’s cell phone.
(chapter 5)
According to me, the MFC manager is involved, for he got informed about the shoulder injury in Busan.
(chapter 14) And that’s how the schemers discovered that their trick had failed. But this could have consequences for MFC, for the reputation of the MFC security guys would have been tainted. That’s why I believe that the manager had to find a way out. He must have advised the MFC staff to find a scapegoat in order to avoid a scandal… Kim Dan had to be framed… because he is the one who said that the nutrition shake came from the MFC!!
(chapter 37) That’s how the MFC guys got informed that the nutrition shake was drugged.
(chapter 40) How could they know that the beverage contained prohibited substances, since they got informed about the incident just in the morning? It takes time to analyze a drink. Secondly, how did they come up with the idea of a conspiracy? 
(chapter 40) The word “set up” and “operation” seems to display their involvement. They know something, but they are hiding the truth, for MFC could get involved in a scandal. I doubt that they were involved from the start… but since the scheme failed, they had to find a solution. And that could only be Kim Dan… the victim of the poisoning, though Potato was a new face too.
(chapter 40) It is because his name was brought up. However, I doubt that Park Namwook explained who Kim Dan was. He is not enlisted as a MMA fighter. Hence he knew nothing about his relationship between Joo JAekyung and the doctor.
Another detail caught my attention.
(chapter 40) He wanted to know about his eating habits and his medication. The reason is simple. If the doctor had been under medication, they could have said that it was not related to the MFC drink!! This fake interrogation is reinforcing my theory that the MFC manager is an accomplice of the scheme. Honestly, the fact that they took a blood sample is worrying me.
(chapter 40) MFC is a private organization, so they are not supervised. So they could do anything with this blood sample, like for example fake results.
The most infuriating is that they tried to act like “saviors”, when the champion entered the room.
(chapter 40) Like Joo Jaekyung pointed out, this trick was exposing their lack of security. They had failed their duty.
(chapter 40)
(chapter 40) They backed off, but note that the “fake investigator” still asked the star about his special relationship with the target:
(chapter 40) It exposes that someone desired to know more about the private life of the star. The man with sun glasses was tasked to dig up information in the end. In other words, the persons involved in the conspiracy is increasing. The MFC security agents are no longer innocent. But I doubt that they will investigate the matter any further. In my eyes, they will try to sweep the incident under the rug.
Finally, I would like my avid readers to keep in mind that this incident could have had terrible consequences for the athlete, if he had drunk the drugged beverage. He could never have proved that he had been the victim of a plot!!
(chapter 40) He would have been forced to pay compensations. Even if they had noticed the drug quickly,
(chapter 40), there is no ambiguity that MFC could have questioned the authenticity of the champion’s claim. He have never taken any drug on purpose.
And now, you comprehend why Park Namwook didn’t show any concern for Kim Dan in the end. It is because for me, he had called someone and delegated the matter to this person. And this can only be the MFC manager. While the coach embodies naivety and superficiality, the MFC guys with sun glasses are closer to Heo Manwook, for they are more corrupt and ruthless. This shows that MFC is not a proper and reliable organization, it is like a Deceit’s Web.

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But be aware that this Manhwa is a Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality. Here is the link, if you are interested in other Manhwas: 
(chapter 3) and Tae Jihwan
(chapter 1). But this confusion was just short-lived, as soon as I got to know these two figures. They might look similar first, yet their personality diverges so much. That’s how I came to realize why the author had selected the title “The Edge Of Ambiguity”. She is playing with turmoil, double meaning and enigma. She is confusing her readers on purpose. Why? EZ is raising the following questions. Who is normal or not, and as such who is the monster or not? Are their actions or words good or bad? However, for that, the beholder needs to have criteria for judging others. So how do we judge people in the end? Through reputation, rumors, actions, words or because of desires and interests? Through her work, the author is showing that perception is related to perspective and knowledge.
(chapter 32) Here, Tae Jihwan’s smile looks rather creepy and manipulative so that the beholder could view him as a freak or even a psychopath. But is this judgement about the protagonist correct? On the other hand, the smirk from Jihwan was directed at Lim Gyujin
(chapter 32), who got so mad at the main character that he assaulted the protagonist.
(chapter 32) Gyujin’s dark aura makes him look menacing and weird as well. Who is the “monster” here in the end? In order to judge these characters properly, it is important to put the whole scene into its context, and this action stands for knowledge and understanding. Therefore the Manhwaphiles can grasp why I chose “Hidden Monsters” for this essay. All her characters are moving along a thin line between normality and monstrosity. Yes, even the cute and sensitive protagonist Shin Soo-Young. 😮
(chapter 1) In this analysis, I would like to present these “hidden monsters”. With the term “monster”, I am referring to “cruel persons” and not supernatural creatures.
(chapter 2) Why? It is because children are supposed to receive the father’s name. To conclude, his birth represents a huge anomality. This explicates why Soo-Young is not mentioning his family situation to others so easily either. Only when he faced trouble, he confided to Gyujin and Tae Jihwan. As the son of a single mother, he considers himself as a burden and stain. This explicates why he is not living with his mother. Even when they are struggling financially again,
(chapter 23), he prefers moving to a cheaper place than returning home. Observe that he is even admitting that his mother’s place is more comfortable than his new worn out flat.
(chapter 27) I am also assuming that since he started visiting high school, he has been living on his own. Under this new perspective, it becomes comprehensible why Soo-Young is trying to act like an adult all the time. He doesn’t desire to add more stress and responsibility on his mother. No wonder why the student is not confiding to his own mother either.
(chapter 23) He feels that if he let her know about his struggles and problems, he would add more trouble to his parent. Because Soo-Young always sees himself as a burden to his “family” (he would cost money), he feels indebted towards them. He needs to repay them by “becoming a contributing member of society”.
(chapter 2) This means, he has to become successful at school and get a college degree so that once he gets a job, so that he can become the mother’s pride. However, this means that he is putting himself under pressure. He promised to his family, he would enter Hankuk University, but his counselor is suggesting to apply elsewhere .
(chapter 28) On the other hand, this imposed exclusion is not entirely voluntary, for this was initially suggested by the mother and uncle.
(chapter 2) Moreover, later he confesses that he feels very lonely. The best evidence that Soo-Young’s decisions are the result of the mother and uncle’s manipulations is their conversation at the hospital. Soo-Young didn’t desire to move away.
(chapter 2) His shaking hand was betraying him. He was upset. But note that the mother portrayed herself as an hindrance to her son.
(chapter 2) Moreover, the manhwaphiles should pay attention to her body language. She was closing her eyes, when she convinced her son to move out and to apply for Hankuk university.
(chapter 2) Finally, during her visit, when her son repeated her wish:
(chapter 23), she had a similar reaction. She turned away her head and closed her eyes
(chapter 23) before adding this peculiar comment:
(chapter 23) She insinuated that it was her son’s wish, yet the reality is that these wishes had come first from the mother and uncle! This explicates why she never objected to his desires. In other words, Soo-Young’s negative feelings about himself are caused by the mother and uncle’s advices and behavior. She told her son that she was a burden to him, thus the latter mirrored these feelings. He was a burden for the mother.
(chapter 6) He is viewing homosexuality as a “stain”, for it is rejected by Korean society. He fears people’s gaze and judgement and in my opinion, this anxiety is also strongly intertwined with his origins, the son of a single mother. This explicates why he rejects to be seen as a homosexual. He doesn’t want to be touched in public or even to kiss. This fear explains also why Soo-Young misinterpreted Tae Jihwan’s words. 
(chapter 18) The latter was not rejecting homosexuality per se, rather Gyujin as partner. Yet, his words were so ambiguous that Soo-Young imagined that Jihwan was repulsed by homosexuality. But here, I have to add that Lim Gyujin played a role in this negative perception of homosexuality.
(chapter 12) The usage of blackmail is exposing the existence of a taboo, a violation of social norms. And how did Gyujin come to this solution? It is because the latter has been hiding his own attraction to Soo-Young as well. He justified their relationship by stating that Soo-Young had a crush on him.
(chapter 5) He went so far as to say that the main lead had been flirting with him.
(chapter 6). That way, Gyujin was avoiding assuming any responsibility. By acting this way, Gyujin was hiding his own sexual orientation. He appears as a hypocrite and coward. No wonder why Soo-Young saw his sexual orientation as a heavy weight. But since the seme got violent with Soo-Young
(chapter 6), the latter decided to break up with him. That’s how the blackmail started.
(chapter 6) Gyujin made sure to isolate Soo-Young. The former made the protagonist feel guilty and dirty, the moment Soo-Young pushed him away. Besides, his first sexual experiences
(chapter 21) with Gyujin were negative, for they were associated to coercion and violence. This explicates why Soo-Young could only see homosexuality as a monstrosity. Therefore he could only view himself as bizarre.
(chapter 1), but he convinced himself to keep his distance from him, for they were so different.
(chapter 26) Finally, the uke’s thoughts
(chapter 2) However, I started doubting this fact for two reasons. First, I would like to point out that Soo-Young has never met his uncle since the beginning of the story. In fact, the latter informs the main lead through the mother
(chapter 18) or through the cell phone.
(chapter 27)
(chapter 23) There is no direct interaction between them. Moreover, observe that there is no picture of this relative. It was, as if he was a ghost. Additionally, the mother even asked her son to limit their communication.
(chapter 18) Finally, Soo-Young stated that the uncle provided money to the mother
(chapter 18) It was, as if he wanted to get rid of the boy… he was the burden. Thus I can’t help shaking the feeling that there is an ulterior motive behind the uncle’s generosity. Moreover, when Soo-Young was moving in his new apartment, none of the relatives were present. Only Tae Jihwan assisted him. The uncle faked his “support” by calling him.
(chapter 27) Interesting that after listening to their conversation, Tae Jihwan asked him this:
. (chapter 27) He utilized the idiom “parents”, because he thought that Soo-Young had been talking to his father. He had not paid attention to the name “uncle”. As you can see, “the uncle” is really suspicious. For me, he has always been the mother’s companion, but he hid his true identity by the title “uncle”.
(chapter 23) He is not affectionate, he doesn’t confide to her.
(chapter 30). He has no one to lean on. Thus the concerns from the mother and uncle appear as superficial and fake, for they are more “empty words”. Their absence in his life is the evidence of their neglect and wrongdoings. They are monsters despite their sweet words, for they are “passive”, putting the whole responsibility on Soo-Young, while they are expecting to get something in return:
(chapter 13) the protagonist learned the following lesson: there is nothing free in this world. Thus he started questioning Tae Jihwan’s assistance.
(chapter 33) What does Tae Jihwan want from him? He wants sex!
(chapter 22) The expression “fuck his brains out” are making the main lead look like a sex monster! 😉
(chapter 2) But the readers are left in the dark about the nature of their past relationship. It was, as if Soo-Young had been a victim of bullying and was coerced to live as an outcast. This panel illustrates his isolation perfectly.
(chapter 2) However, the moment Guyjin witnesses the exchange of greetings between the two main leads
(chapter 2), he stayed outside the classroom. Their brief interaction had caught Gyujin by surprise. He was left paralyzed. He.feels frightened, for he has the impression that Soo-Young could escape from his control. This explicates why later he approaches Soo-Young again
(chapter 2) He desires to separate them. What caught my attention is that his words are actually reflecting his own personality. Gyujin has a good reputation among his peers, but his interaction with Soo-Young exposes that he can not be judged by his cover. This person is very manipulative, and not just with Soo-Young, but also with other school mates, like for example with Hyunwoo. The latter is envious of rich people, especially of Tae Jihwan.
(chapter 1) Yet he was staying close to the main lead, for he could benefit from this relationship. The girls would approach him, for he was Jihwan’s friend and he got the opportunity to party without spending any money. However, the moment Gyujin noticed that the two protagonists got closer, he chose to use Hyunwoo as his pawn. On purpose, he criticized Hyunwoo in public by siding with Tae Jihwan
(chapter 14) so that the latter would feel upset and betrayed by Tae Jihwan.
(chapter 14)
(chapter 14) By confronting him with the truth, he earned Hyunwoo’s trust. Gyujin utilized Hyunwoo’s resent towards Tae Jihwan to blackmail Soo-Young again.
(chapter 21) Hyunwoo became his spy and that’s how he got the picture with the kiss.
(chapter 20) Yes… this little monster is exactly like his mentor Gyujin, a hypocrite hiding behind social norms. Thus Hyunwoo condemns homosexuality.
(chapter 21) and his mentor doesn’t object to this statement.
(chapter 6) In this scene, the main lead didn’t desire to drink from the can, because it would have been like an indirect kiss. That’s how the antagonist realized the main lead’s sexual orientation. But like mentioned above, he forced the young boy to kiss him
(chapter 21) and to do him a fellatio
(chapter 6) But why did he act this way? One reason is that Soo-Young was rather innocent and passive. He discovered his sexual orientation rather late.
(chapter 6) Moreover, Gyujin couldn’t control his urges. Besides, he felt that he had the upper hand, for he had been helping Soo-Young financially.
(chapter 6) And his negative attitude towards the uke becomes more obvious, when you compare his visit .
(chapter 5) with Tae Jihwan’s.
(chapter 10) Criticism after arriving unannounced versus no comment and planned visit. However, Gyujin was never perceived as a controlling and manipulative freak by his classmates. Why? It is because they met in secret. It was always after school.
(chapter 5)
(chapter 5) To conclude, their relationship remained a secret. No one in their class suspected that they were friends, for they were not interacting in the open. However, everything changed the moment Tae Jihwan joined Soo-Young’s class and the former greeted the uke. Because of this small interaction, Gyujin felt insecure and approached Soo-Young again and this was caught by Tae Jihwan.
(chapter 2) That’s how the latter realized that they were “friends” which led him to ask for Gyujin’s help.
(chapter 3) However, the latter couldn’t refuse so openly, for the true nature of their relationship was still a secret. On the other hand, this request pushed Gyujin to act behind the back of Tae Jihwan. That’s how his hypocrisy becomes more and more obvious. However, his hideous side reached a new peak, when he trespassed Soo-Young’s house in the middle of the night and tried to rape him.
(chapter 35) He became a real criminal, thus he covered his face with a mask. So who is he in the end? For Tae Jihwan, he is a parasite
(chapter 35), as he has been clinging onto the poor student while guilt-tripping him. According to Gyujin, Soo-Young used him to discover his sexual orientation. His hypocrisy, manipulations and hidden brutality make him look like a psychopath, or better said as someone suffering from Antisocial Personality Disorder. But he is not, in my eyes he is closer to someone suffering from NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder).
(chapter 22) To conclude, this character is an antagonist, but his monstrosity only comes to the surface, when it comes to Soo-Young.
(chapter 1), then he forced him to smoke a cigarette
(chapter 1). Finally, he had a rather enigmatic smile.
(chapter 1) He was oozing danger and arrogance. We could say that he was introduced as a bad boy, for he arrived late on his first day. On the other hand, he was also described as a very good student.
(chapter 1), thereby he got admitted to class 1, where all the students are hardworking. Another interesting aspect is that when he arrived late in the classroom, the schoolmates called him a psycho! However, only in episode 41, we discover that he is indeed suffering from Antisocial Personality Disorder. 
(chapter 41) But why is it only revealed so late? It is because the author desired the readers to get acquainted with him before discovering his illness. He should be judged based on his actions and not on this diagnosis. Through the two seasons, Tae Jihwan got the opportunity to act like the “knight in shining armor” towards Soo-Young.
(chapter 33) First, Soo-Young got blackmailed and threatened by Gyujin and Hyunwoo with this picture:
(chapter 21), he got slapped.
(chapter 21) That’s when Jihwan entered the room, a sign that he was waiting for the right time. With his entrance, he was able to turn the table to his advantage.
(chapter 22) Then when Gyujin tried to rape Soo-Young, the main lead was able to arrive on time, for they had been talking over the phone.
(chapter 32) He chose to take advantage of the situation in order to have Gyujin expelled from school. And now, you comprehend why Jihwan smirked at the perpetrator!
(chapter 35) His mental disorder is no secret and is even circulating among the upper-class. In my opinion, it is related to this incident. When he was younger, he attempted to strangle a playmate, Han Do-Yoon.
(chapter 41) But why did he do this? He described this as an urge, but when you see his smile directed at his father,
(chapter 41), it becomes obvious that this action was against the father as well. He wanted to show him that he was his true son.
(chapter 41) How so?
(chapter 39) With money, he had helped Choi Yoojin. However, this generosity was not for free. He wanted to obtain her love. He had coerced to marry him and to have a child with him. He imagined that if they had a child together, she would come to love the child and as such him.
(chapter 39) Thus he made the promise to release her, once he had a child. He was hoping that time would be on his side. However, the opposite happened. The woman came to resent Tae Jihwan, as he was a constant reminder of the broken promise. Thus she strangled him on a regular basis.
(chapter 39) Since the father knew that his love was not reciprocated, he imprisoned her. Since she was trapped, she got depressive and aggressive. The worst is that her son was the one who had to take care of his own mother.
(chapter 39) His task was to deliver her medicine. And in order to justify her absence to others, Choi Yoojin was portrayed as a mentally sick person suffering from schizophrenia.
(chapter 39) Seong-Jun hid his crimes behind rumors and deceptions, but his intelligent child was no fool. Yes, he is another monster, but I doubt that his new wife is aware of the true story. This situation escalated to this ultimate threat:
(chapter 39) That’s the moment the mother chose to kill herself.
(chapter 41) She cut her wrists in the bed, while her son was sleeping next to her. Tae Jihwan loved his mother despite her harsh treatment. It is perceptible, because he enjoyed sleeping next to her.
(chapter 39)
(chapter 39) And now, you comprehend why Tae Jihwan chose to provoke his father.
(chapter 40) At the same time, his action was like a reminder to the father. He would be tormented, each time he would see him. This explicates why the father doesn’t like meeting Tae Jihwan and he is already talking about sending him to the USA. He wants him to move out, for he feels his presence as a burden, the reminder of his failure. Let’s not forget that after Yoojin’s suicide, the father cried,
8chapter 41) but he totally neglected his son.
(chapter 41) This shows that this child had never been the fruit of love, but a mean to control the mother. At the same time, the manhwaphiles can grasp why Tae Jihwan hates lies and hypocrisy more than anything else.
(chapter 40) That’s the reason why he doesn’t consider people around him as friends. He knows that they are only interested in him because of his father and money.
(chapter 2) One detail caught my attention is that his “acquaintances” sometimes call him “Taeji”! Tae is the father’s name. They want to be close to him because of his father. In other words, although he is surrounded by people, he is in reality a lonely person. He is in the same situation than Soo-Young in the end. He is abandoned too.
(chapter 39) The scene with the abandoned cat is exposing that Tae Jihwan is not a cruel and violent person per se. He is capable of taking care of people, but by growing up in a toxic environment, he came to see “love” in a negative light.
(chapter 39) Back then, he imagined other methods how to keep his mother by their side
(chapter 39), but her suicide changed everything.
(chapter 39) This made him realize his powerlessness. For me, her action taught him the following lesson: you can not force your love onto someone! This explicates why Jihwan is not coercing Soo-Young to kiss him
(chapter 36) or to have sex with him. He wants to have his consent all the time. If the latter rejects his advances and caresses
(chapter 25), he accepts his refusal. He gives him his free space. He is trying to move at his love interest’s space. The best illustration is visible in this panel:
(chapter 27) He wants to live with Soo-Youngas roommates, but it is not to have sex with him immediately. Though he said this to Gyujin
(chapter 35) Tae Jihwan ruined Gyujin’s hand with the knife his mother used to cut her wrist. This shows that he was seeing his father in Gyujin. But was he a brutal monster here? Yes, because he did himself justice, he was violating the laws.
(chapter 35) On the other hand, Gyujin didn’t get charged for the sexual assault on Soo-Young.
(chapter ), there is no doubt that the latter would have been able to escape from punishment. Just like his father did… he trapped Yoojin, and even drugged her in order to keep her docile and no one intervened. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Jihwan punished him so cruelly. He targeted his fingers, because the antagonist had put them into Soo-Young’s hole.
(chapter 35) Jihwan couldn’t forget the uke’s fears and tears.
(chapter 35) On the other hand, we shouldn’t overlook that Jihwan’s extreme action was actually supported by the father’s assistant, Mr. Jeong.
(chapter 35) He was present, when Gyujin got wounded. He even obeyed the young master’s order, to fetch another tool. He was also present, when the mother got trapped and drugged. 
(chapter 37), a sign that he is not treated properly. Remember that her illness was described as “schizophrenia”. For me, this story is exposing that people shouldn’t be judged based on their reputation, social status or their “illness”. Jihwan is more an antihero, but since he helped Soo-Young so many times, he has been able to move his heart. Thus the latter started desiring to lean more on him.
(chapter 28) Finally, in chapter 42, Tae Jihwan’s revelation about his past and mother
(chapter 42) surprised Soo-Young. He was moved and got curious about Jihwan.
(chapter 42) This scene is truly beautiful, because it exposes the huge contrast between Jihwan and his father. 


(chapter 17) Thus I conclude that Heo Manwook chose to get revenge on the athlete by rigging his fight. His goal was to turn the real fight into a fake one, as if he wanted to mock the sportsman. Therefore the article and the suggestion from the agent
(chapter 36) were part of the script. This explicates why during the meeting, the manager challenged his client, just like a wrestling fight starts with a challenge. But in order to guarantee his defeat 100%, they chose to utilize drugs.
(chapter 37)
(chapter 1) He employed the expression “streak” which belongs to the semantic field “luck and as such gambling”. This observation leads me to the following conclusion: the schemers are gambling. Someone has been betting on his failing. And now, take a look at this:
(chapter 36) Consequently, my theory is that he has become a bookmaker, though first he acts more like an invisible MMA fight promoter. [For more read
(chapter 16)
(chapter 17) The loan shark had employed his private account contrary to the athlete.
(chapter 16) It is important, because Heo Manwook becomes responsible personally for any debts. The moment the athlete wins the fight, Heo Manwook has to pay the gamblers. And this hypothesis is correct, he is doomed to end up like Kim Dan. That would be his karma!
(chapter 1) Misled by his greed and his desire of revenge, he gets ruined by the dragon. But note that a bookmaker is strongly connected to the underworld. What did Kwak Junbeom say about Joo Jaekyung’s past?
(chapter 26) He could have ended up as a criminal. However, such a conspiracy is actually proving the fighter’s words wrong. How so? It is because despite his rough manners, the athlete has a great sense of morality.
(chapter 18) But this was not the case for Heo Manwook who would have raped the doctor, if the champion had not intervened.
(chapter 17) Note the contrast between the two trespassings:
(chapter 10) The violence from the champion was not the expression of immorality, but of distress.
(chapter 26) Funny is that by putting the blame on the hospital
(chapter 26) First, the champion thought that the doctor would ask for money
(chapter 26). As you can see, in this episode, we can find the following topics: sports betting – money and gambling
(chapter 26) Just like he was the lucky winner of the prize draw.
(chapter 36) Thanks to Kim Dan, he is getting closer to his idol. And this brings me to my final conclusion: Kim Dan’s bad luck is actually a blessing for Joo Jaekyung and Yoon-Gu. Remember how the main lead proposed the sparring to doc Dan:
(chapter 25) It is because Yoon-Gu had wounded the doctor which caught the attention from the Team Black members and Joo Jaekyung. So here, we see him drinking the drugged nutrition beverage which actually ruins the plan of the scriptwriters.
(chapter 37) That’s the reason why I am convinced that the doctor’s suffering
(chapter 37) will have positive effects on the champion, like for example to be able to rest before the fight. So why is Kim Dan the lucky charm of Potato and Jaekyung? In the long run, he is bringing happiness to the champion, while he is bringing the young maknae closer to the champion
(chapter 36) so that Potato can become a new champion in his category. The celebrity is not just a champion himself, but he is also the “champion’s maker”.
(chapter 37) I am hoping that my avid readers recall the essay “Magic hours”, where I had outlined the importance of the time and sky. The poisoned beverage was delivered during the golden hour, which is a reference to the expression “between dog and wolf”. The clouds and the sunset were announcing the danger, just like in this scene:
(chapter 17) It was, as though the loan shark had not forgotten this time and wanted to return the favor. He should get backstabbed at the same time. And now, you comprehend why I selected the title “scripting the odds”. Heo Manwook was the scriptwriter and is betting on the champion’s loss. He imagines that he can play god, but the angel Kim Dan symbolizes chance which can only ruin his script. This would teach Heo Manwook a tough life lesson. Don’t confuse real with fake… and the champion’s bad luck is actually the result of people’s words and actions. 

(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.
(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…
(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?
(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 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.
(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 “
(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.
(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 46)
(chapter 68)
(chapter 97)
(chapter 111)
(chapter 120)
(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.
(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.
(chapter 127) This means that he is giving up on his status and freedom for Baek Na-Kyum’s sake.
(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 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)
(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.
(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)
(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 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 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.
(chapter 116) I still believe that the painter has the original petition. And who is by Baek Na-Kyum’s side? Kim!!
(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 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 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 125) and paid the governor
(chapter 127), he could get into trouble for it was, as if he was admitting his responsibility.
(chapter 87), whereas Yoon Seungho stands for change and hope.
(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.


(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)
(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 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 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 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 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) 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 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) 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 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 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
(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 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 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)
(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 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 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) 