Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwas. Doctor Frost – Jinx But be aware that the last 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 “Tragicomic loss of innocence“ (locked)
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1. The origins of this essay
Since the beginning, people have been wondering about Joo Jaekyung’s past and family and this interest keeps increasing, the more the champion interacts with Kim Dan. Why? It is because Jinx lovers are sensing the tyrant’s transformation.
(chapter 1) Slowly, he is getting tamed and as such he is becoming a social being! Right now, he has become much more considerate towards the physical therapist.
(chapter 25) Note that he is standing in the ring, but he is smiling. And this change can only push the manhwaphiles to question about Joo Jaekyung’s raising and past. His metamorphosis is referring to the famous debate “nature versus nurture” in psychology.
“The expression “nature vs. nurture” describes the question of how much a person’s characteristics are formed by either “nature” or “nurture.” “Nature” means innate biological factors (namely genetics), while “nurture” can refer to upbringing or life experience more generally. […]
A person’s biological nature can affect a person’s experience of the environment. For example, a person with a genetic disposition toward a particular trait, such as aggressiveness, may be more likely to have particular life experiences (including, perhaps, receiving negative reactions from parents or others). Or, a person who grows up with an inclination toward warmth and sociability may seek out and elicit more positive social responses from peers. These life experiences could, in turn, reinforce an individual’s initial tendencies. Nurture or life experience more generally may also modify the effects of nature—for example, by expanding or limiting the extent to which a naturally bright child receives encouragement, access to quality education, and opportunities for achievement.” Quoted from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/nature-vs-nurture#:~:text=The%20expression%20%E2%80%9Cnature%20vs.,or%20life%20experience%20more%20generally.
This shows that Joo Jaekyung’s environment played a huge role in his mental and emotional development. Because of Kim Dan, it becomes obvious that the boxer has a big heart. In addition, he had no loved one by his side. He has definitely trust and abandonment issues. In other words, he had not opened up his heart to anyone else before. But does it mean that he has always been on his own till his fateful meeting with the doctor? No, I don’t think so. Why? First, he trusts the coaches Park Namwook and Jeong Yosep
(chapter 5) and the doctor Cheolmin.
(chapter 14) He listens to them, hence he calls them all “hyung”. But here is the question. How did he come to meet them and even trust them? Imagine that he is still keeping his distance from other fighters, yet he is the unofficial owner of Black Team. He can determine the salary and the transferring. This displays that his mistrust is not just a matter of time. Consequently, my hypothesis is that someone introduced the hyungs to him. Here, I feel the need to remind my inquisitive readers that I had found many clues in the name Joo Jaekyung [For more read “The bright calamity“] which had triggered many new ideas. One of them was that the protagonist could be in verity the real heir of that chaebol family, because Joo can have the following significations: master/owner/host and helmet/descendants!! I had also voiced the possibility that he might have lost his parents due to a terrible incident (crime). With this, we would have the explanation of the abandonment issues and the absence of motherly affection. If this theory is true, then it means that he would be an orphan. Therefore he needed to have a guardian. Yes… exactly like Kim Dan. He was raised by someone else. And don’t forget that Kim Dan is his fated partner, thereby they share some common denominators. Therefore in my eyes, the only difference would be that the doctor was abandoned by his parents on purpose which would not be the case for the famous MMA-fighter. And now, it is time to reveal my theory concerning Joo Jaekyung’s past. Actually, I had made this discovery much sooner, and even planned to present it in the essay “The bright calamity”. Yet, as the latter had become so long, I decided to postpone it! I was waiting for the right time, until I couldn’t help myself announcing on Twitter the discovery of a clue in episode 5, when @jaekyungxdan wondered about the athlete’s childhood. Thus people got intrigued about my new finding and theory.
2. “I just tried a little something new”
Do you recognize this quote? Joo Jaekyung mentioned it in the car after his match in chapter 5. And now, if you take a closer look at the illustration
, you will identify that two images are from episode 5.
(chapter 5)
For me, it is a very important episode. So what do these panels have in common? The main lead’s cellphone. In fact, the latter exposes a lot about the athlete’s private life.😮 We have the best example from Kim Dan.
(chapter 16)
(chapter 16)
(chapter 16) The minions saw the amount and came to the conclusion that Kim Dan was selling his body.
And now, it is time to study the emperor’s recent calls more closely.
(chapter 05) According to me, the mysterious doctor from episode 13 is Cheolmin hyung. Consequently, I had only one name left: Seo Gichan. Who is this man? Because I had made a connection between the names and personality, I immediately started reading the information about his name. Yes, the website giving significations to Korean names has become my little something. Moreover, observe that Seo Gichan appeared first! For me, the order is exposing the importance of a person in Joo Jaekyung’s life. This explains why Kim Dan was only called 8 times after talking to the faceless man. I have the impression that this man had reassured the young fighter. Since Cheolmin hyung is connected to the club, it is comprehensible why the main lead called Kim Dan 23 times after his conversation. He had dropped the idea of finding a lover through the club!! And now, I would like to outline another relevant detail. When did we see the champion using his cellphone?
(chapter 1)
(chapter 2)
(chapter 19) They are all related to sex and as such prostitution. So when he called the MFC match manager, it is related to his jinx. Hence the champion got upset. I could even include this scene as well.
(chapter 17) The champion paid off the doctor’s debts, thinking that he was freeing him from “prostitution”.
(chapter 18) And guess what? The name “Gi” can signify “prostitute” or “flesh, muscle”.
(chapter 5) A coincidence? I don’t think so. Hence I came to the conclusion that this man is responsible for the athlete’s negative perception of sex. The latter is connected to prostitution. How so? Gi can also mean “man of sixty or seventy“. This means, he is an older man! That’s how I deduced that Seo Gichan has been the champion’s guardian! The negative version of Kim Dan’s halmoni!
(chapter 22) He is the reason why the champion became a fighter, just like Kim Dan became a physical therapist for his grandmother. This explicates why the athlete knew how to talk prettily to an elderly and how to assist the sick grandmother
(chapter 21). Joo Jaekyung is used to this. But there’s more to his name. However, before exposing more about his name and his personality, I would like to examine this panel again.
(chapter 5) When the protagonist is starring at his cellphone, there’s a fighter standing behind him. For me, this image represents a metaphor. There exists a shadow in the athlete’s life. Yet the champion is not detecting the colleague’s presence, too blinded by his frustration and anger. He had never been ignored and as such rejected before!! Nevertheless, we shouldn’t overlook the fact that the main lead had called Seo Gichan and Cheolmin hyung before! This exposes the increasing obsession of the athlete for the main lead. Kim Dan is Joo Jaekyung’s shadow, but when I selected this title, I was naturally thinking of Seo Gichan! He is the one who had been influencing the athlete’s life so far. However, for me, the last image represents the transition. Kim Dan is little by little taking over the old man’s place. Yes, we are actually assisting to the champion’s spiritual and mental emancipation. He’s maturing into a real adult by rediscovering his inner child. Thus on one hand, he is taking care of the doctor and the halmoni, on the other hand, he plays more and more pranks.
(chapter 24)
3. Seo Gichan: the ghost in Joo Jaekyung’s life
How can I be so sure that he’s been acting as the athlete’s guardian? First, Seo can signify “son-in-law” or “husband“, an indication that he is like family to the main lead. Furthermore, his name is related to food: potato, yam (sweet potato) and millet/broomcorn millet. It was, as though the man had been making sure that Joo Jaekyung would eat properly. This would explain why Joo Jaekyung is eating on a regular basis.
(chapter 13)
(chapter 18) As a child, he was encouraged to drink his glass of milk and not to drink these sweet yoghurts.
(chapter 21) They were definitely judged as unhealthy, for they contain a lot of sugar. It is no coincidence that Seo can mean “order, discipline and age”. This man was definitely strict. Hence the main lead never experienced a caress and a warm hug from his guardian.
However, since the elderly man is not wearing the same name than the fighter, this means that they are not directly related. Hence Joo Jaekyung had never tasted a family meal!!
(chapter 22)
(chapter 22) Seo Gichan must have never cooked for the athlete, he simply hired a nutritionist!
(chapter 22) However, I doubt that Seo Gichan is living like the athlete. I am suspecting that he enjoys good meals. Why? It’s because Chan can mean “meal, eat, food, delicacies“!! Moreover, Seo can refer to hungry. Hence I don’t think that he is as slim and fragile as the halmoni, quite the opposite! Why? First, his name Gi can signify “rhinoceros” or “piebald horse“, an indication that he must be robust. Additionally, this ghost is linked to “west”, “dawn” and willow, which reminded me of Park Namwook. The latter is represented by “morning sun, rising, mountain cherry and camphor tree“!! How does the coach look like?
(chapter 7) Quite chubby! Thus we can assume that he resembles to the coach and the emperor is taking after his mentor to a certain extent.
Moreover, we know the halmoni’s face, but we don’t know her name… and it is the opposite for Seo Gichan! This is not random for me. We all read his name, yet we haven’t seen him in person. He has a similar role than the halmoni in the champion’s life.
(chapter 22) Is he actually real?
I have to admit that after reading all the different meanings of Seo Gichan, I came to the following conclusion: he is one of the villains of Jinx! First, Seo means “daybreak, dawn“, while Joo Jaekyung fears the night and is suffering from somniphobia. This contrast could only raise my suspicion. On the other hand, this would explain why he would trust this man and rely on him. At the same time, the faceless man could feign ignorance about the main lead’s suffering.
What caught my attention is that his name always embodies opposite notions. Seo stands for loyalty (oath, vow, swear), for forgiveness and generosity (to forgive, to give, have mercy, to assist, to give, to live), while Seo is also connected to scheme, stratagem, to weed, to dig, to hoe, to die. In addition, Gi can embody plot, to deceive, to cheat, to abandon, relinquish, discard, exile, banish and scuttle! Then Seo can allude to weird, odd, strange, divergent or WISE. This is another contradiction. How is it possible? For me, this mysterious man is a hypocrite, but Joo Jaekyung has not detected it yet. While Seo can signify “perch”, “rest of birds”, “to dwell“, “relax“, Gi can represent “bridle, halter and restrain“! I perceive that the elderly gave Joo Jaekyung a fake home, where the latter was restrained and manipulated. Seo was the willow where the dragon could rest
, the reality was to divert his attention. Under this new aspect, you can grasp my illustration. In addition, Seo can also signify “to narrate, chat, express and relieve”, a sign that he has been manipulating the athlete filling his head with prejudices. Hence Gi can also mean “to ridicule“.
This ghost is definitely selfish and greedy, for his name is connected to the following notions: “wish, want, hope, hungry, oneself, self, her/his/its, sixth in order, numerous, to hoe” (in Australian, it means eat eagerly) and “to store, to compile, to gather”. Due to the words “craft, skill, wise, chess, chess piece, stratagem, plot”, I deduce that he must be very intelligent and even cunning. Nonetheless, I can not be sure 100%, but since Seo can represent villa, office and bureau, I have the impression that he is running the chaebol company in Joo Jaekyung’s name. By becoming a fighter, Joo Jaekyung has not the time to deal with business. Further, the name Chan can represent “to carry on, to inherit“, while it can also mean “to exile, banish and scuttle“. In other words, he took over the young man’s place. Hence Joo Jaekyung lives in a recent and modern penthouse and not in the family villa.
But how did I come to this hypothesis?
Look once again at the illustration on the left side on the bottom. What do these little images (plow, winnow basket, millet, yam) have in common? They are all related to agriculture and farming. Besides, Gi can also signify woodworking chisel, hoe, tool/utensil and finally “headland“. In agriculture, headland is the area at each end of a planted field. Hence I came to the following deduction: Seo Gichan comes from the countryside, from the peasantry. As soon as I made this connection, I couldn’t help myself thinking of Potato
(chapter 23) For me, their path will cross, especially since Potato is a reflection of Kim Dan. The former could view the physical therapist as a source of danger for his idol. But let’s return our attention to my interpretation. Seo Gichan comes from a humble background, but he could raise socially, the exact opposite of the grandmother’s destiny. This is not surprising that Gi can signify “rise, raise and get up“. Hence he was not rich and powerful from the start. So how could he come close to a chaebol heir? It is because he was his guardian. He must have gained the chaebol family’s trust. Thus he could indoctrinate his pupil telling him that poor people are to blame for their misery. In other words, Seo Gichan must have sold himself as a self-made man which would explain why Joo Jaekyung is such a hardworking athlete and he is not living on his wealth. I have the feeling that in reality, he is more like Heo Manwook, the loan shark. He took advantage of the situation. (“Gi”: machine, opportunity”)
Because he is not related to the champion directly, it becomes comprehensible why the penthouse contains no direct reference to Seo Gichan. However, I believe that he did leave a trace there, though it is not obvious. It is the painting:
(chapter 18) In the analysis “The bright calamity”, I had elaborated that this painting was reflecting the protagonist’s name and as such his personality. But we know that Joo Jaekyung has no knowledge about culture:
(chapter 19) For me, the painting reflects not only the champion, but also the mysterious man. Why? His name can also signify “book, divination, lucky, auspicious, oath and libation cup“, hence I included the bowl from episode 9 in the illustration. All these idioms belong to the semantic field of religion and faith, thus we have the church in the picture. And that’s how it dawned on me why Joo Jaekyung came to choose abstinence and is refusing to drink alcohol with his fellows. It is because he is drinking with his “master Seo”, his priest!! Besides, Gi can refer to “base, basic, foundation“. He is the owner of the champion’s past (Gi= to record, note and remember“). Thus he could distort the champion’s past memories and childhood. Under this new light, it occurred to me that Seo Gichan is the cause for the champion’s false belief:
(chapter 18) How so? It is because Seo Gichan must have presented himself as his lucky charm (“Seo: lucky, auspicious, propitious; Chan: libation cup, praise, compliment, brilliant, glorious“). And this leads me to the following observation, Gi 麒 can also mean mythical male unicorn. As soon as I found this, I looked into it and discovered Qilin.

“qilin, Wade-Giles ch’i-lin, in Chinese mythology, the unicorn whose rare appearance often coincides with the imminent birth or death of a sage or illustrious ruler. (The name is a combination of the two characters qi “male,” and lin, “female.”) A qilin has a single horn on its forehead, a yellow belly, a multicoloured back, the body of a deer, and the tail of an ox. Gentle of disposition, it never walks on verdant grass or eats living vegetation.” Quoted from https://www.britannica.com/topic/qilin
This discovery could only reinforce my hypothesis that the protagonist is the real heir, the true ruler, but he has been fooled by this old man. The latter presented himself as a qilin, thus the dragon felt a connection with his spiritual guide. He had the impression, they were similar and as such close. Both are creatures of water (Gi: Yi River), and to fire and as such light (bright, brilliant, summer heat, hot weather). No wonder why the protagonist would trust Seo Gichan so much. However, the reality is that the elderly man stopped Joo Jaekyung from turning into a dragon by keeping him by the coast. Headland has another signification: it is also a narrow piece of land that projects from a coastline into the sea. Under this aspect, my avid readers can grasp why I selected the yellow and blue picture in the illustration.
It is an allusion to the coast and ocean, to fire and to water, but also to border, as Gi can mean “flag, border, breakwater, jetty and boundary“. In my eyes, Seo Gichan is the red flag. But the fake qiling used “cotton wadding, the perch and willow” to stop Joo Jaekyng from flying over the ocean and find his yeouiju! He wanted him to remain an imoogi! [For more, read the essay “Tattooed identity”]
So while Seo Gichan poses as qilin, in reality he is just a rat, mouse and rhinoceros. As you all know, the rat symbolizes betrayal, greed, but intelligence. The mouse inspires no danger, and it is known for its gentle and nurturing nature. No reason to mistrust him. As for the rhinoceros, it is also connected to the positive features:
- strong,
- reliable,
- private,
- protective,
- wisdom,
- loyal
However, in the theater play “Rhinoceros” written by Ionesco, this animal embodies different notions: brutality, intolerance, blindness, indoctrination and dictatorship! Interesting is that Seo Gichan is connected to “gas, vapor and steam” which was used in Doctor Frost as a metaphor for hatred, indoctrination and manipulation as well! 
(Doctor Frost, 175) And that’s how I realized another divergence between the halmoni and Seo Gichan. Kim Dan’s grandmother might have played a role in Kim Dan’s suffering, but it was not done on purpose. She had trouble herself, the main culprits were the parents. Moreover, though both (Seo Gichan and the grandmother) wanted the main leads to remain “boys” and “children”, the grandmother was more focused on the past because of her imminent death, while I am quite certain that Seo Gichan is more thinking of the future! He wishes to take over the inheritance, though he must be quite old. In other words, he is not realizing his own immortality. That’s the reason why I believe that he will be the biggest enemy of our beloved couple, for Kim Dan represents a threat to his power. Gi means “afraid, careful, abnormal, unbalanced, lopsided“, hence I am suspecting that he will use tricks to get rid of the physical therapist.
While Seo Gichan is connected to “valuable stone, fine jade, virtuous/refined thoroughbred horse, irregular pearl, delicacies, addicted of/fond of“, I deduce that he is living in luxury and comfort and this thanks to the protagonist. He is living happily, whereas his pupil is still suffering from a trauma. The reason is that he can feign ignorance, for Joo Jaekyung can have everything. Gichan might have suggested “fighting” in order to help the protagonist to overcome his issues, his “violence”, well aware that in reality, he needed a therapy. This “fragile peace” could be maintained, until Kim Dan entered his life. To conclude, the “guardian” had a reason to ignore the champion’s suffering. Hence his life was trapped in the winter: his true nature was dormant like in the painting. The tree is not blooming.
(Chapter 18), for the sun Seo is ruling elsewhere, probably in the villa and the company. If you recall the description of the fighter’s name, the latter can symbolize gem and pearl. So the two characters are both jade and pearls, though Gi is referring to “irregular pearl“. This exposes that this ghost has less value than the true gem.
And because Seo Gichan can symbolize “deceive, cheat, discard, exile, banish“, I could only come to the conclusion that he will use tricks to separate the couple: Randy Booker, Heo Manwook, the green haired uke, probably Hwang Yoon-Gu (though it can be only temporary), the perverted hospital director (if he is not Seo Gichan), and Kim Miseon, like for example an arranged marriage. But the dragon is not alone!! How so? After discovering the Qilin, I searched for mythical Chinese creatures. And this is what I found:
“In ancient Chinese astronomy, the sky ecliptic was divided into four sections. Each of these sections contained seven mansions, and together they formed the 28 Mansions. The 28 Mansions may be considered to be equivalent to the zodiacal constellations in Western astronomy, although they reflect the movement of the Moon through a sidereal month rather than the Sun in a tropical year. This enabled the ancient Chinese to mark the travelling positions of the Sun and the Moon, as well as to determine the time and seasons. Each section of the sky is assigned to a mythological creature, collectively known as the Four Symbols. These creatures are the Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, the Black Tortoise of the North, and the Vermillion Bird of the South. Apart from their astronomical significance, each of the Four Symbols is surrounded by various mythological associations.
The Azure Dragon is the mythological creature in the East, as it is said that when the seven mansions in that area (Horn, Neck, Root, Room, Heart, Tail, and Winnowing Basket) are joined up, they form the shape of a dragon. The Azure Dragon corresponds to the season of spring. […]
The mythological creature in the West is the White Tiger, and its seven mansions are the Legs, Bond, Stomach, Hairy Head, Net, Turtle Beak and Three Stars. The White Tiger corresponds to the season of autumn. The White Tiger’s element is metal, and it was held to be the God of War. […]
In the North, the mythological creature in the Black Tortoise, and its seven mansions are the Dipper, Ox, Girl, Emptiness, Rooftop, Encampment and Wall. The Black Tortoise corresponds to the season of winter. The element of the Black Tortoise is water, and this mythological creature is commonly associated with longevity and wisdom (just as these virtues are traditionally attributed to ordinary tortoises in Chinese mythology).
The mythological creature in the South is the Vermillion Bird, and its seven mansions are the Well, Ghosts, Willow, Star, Extended Net, Wings and Chariot. The Vermillion Bird corresponds to the season of summer. Interestingly, the Vermillion Bird has been considered to be identical to the phoenix. The phoenix is traditionally associated with fire, and this is also the case with the Vermillion Bird. As a mythological creature, the phoenix is considered as a symbol of good luck. Quoted from https://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends-asia/four-mythological-symbols-china-001792
Thus I came to associate the following characters to these mythical creatures:
- Azure dragon: Joo Jaekyung
- Vermilion bird: Kim Dan. By living with Joo Jaekyung, the duck is taking over the vermilion red (life) from his lover. This means that for the transformation to be complete, the athlete has to bring his partner to the ocean, to the beach.
- Black Tortoise: Hwang Yoon-Gu (his name can refer to tortoise).
White Tiger: Park Namwook 
And now, you are wondering why I didn’t pick up Jeong Yosep as the tiger. It is because the Black tortoise is always accompanied with a snake on its back and I am expecting that Potato and Yosep represent the second couple in Jinx. The coach is rather a discreet person, quite the opposite of Namwook. Besides, the latter considers Team Black as his gym.
(chapter 22) Moreover, the White tiger is the king of terrestrial beings which coincides with the manager’s function. Namwook is the representative of Team Black.
(chapter 7) Thus I believe that together, they will be able to free Joo Jaekyung from his suffering and his mental prison changing his destiny. In reality, the main lead was destined to greatness.
Okay, all this was based on an analysis of the name Seo Gichan, so there is no guarantee that it is the truth. But so far, many of my assumptions were confirmed later. Now, it would be great, if you could give your thoughts after reading this.
Feel free to comment. If you have any suggestion for topics or manhwas, feel free to ask. If you enjoyed reading it, retweet it or push the button like. My Reddit-Instagram-Twitter-Tumblr account is: @bebebisous33. Thanks for reading and for the support, particularly, I would like to thank all the new followers and people recommending my blog.










(chapter 109) He discovers that Baek Na-Kyum has already prepared himself, as he is longing for him.
(chapter 109) He never expected such a reaction. The reason why the evolution of Painter Of The Night is flowing at a snail’s pace is that season 4 is now focusing more on the past. First, Byeonduck needs to divulge the lord’s suffering and its causes. And this can only happen, if memories are brought up. Hence in episode 109, the painter’s memories stood in the center. Why? It is because he is trying to understand why his loved one is now avoiding him. Thus he is remembering what happened just before. The readers are actually put in the same situation than the artist. On the one hand, the focus on recollection is a method to unveil how the young master was turned into a “sodomite and pariah”, for the painter is going through the same experience than his partner. In episode 109, he is isolated from his “lover” and as such from his family, for he has now maids by his side. The latter are supposed to be his new “family”. On the other hand it helps the manhwaphiles to anticipate the future main events,. as the progression is in slow motion. This means, the Webtoonist left all the elements in the previous seasons in order to decode the past, the present and the future. That way, the manhwalovers are capable to unveil the mystery. Besides, the author has to answer all the questions the beholders had while reading the previous seasons, like this one:
(chapter 27) What book was the scholar looking for? Up to now, we have no clue, though I had developed the following theory: Jung In-Hun was a Christian and had a bible.
(chapter 109) How did this happen? One might reply that the book fell from the shelf, when the painter kissed his lover.
(chapter 109) This interpretation can be easily refuted, for the noble stood next to the shelf and not in front of it. Besides, the counter stands on the noble’s left, while the ledger was on his right. However, one detail caught my notice, the beholder can not see Yoon Seungho’s hands!! That’s how I realized that the book came from the protagonist! He had carried it hidden in his right sleeve. This explicates why the book stands on the right side.
(chapter 109) Besides, contrary to the previous panel, now the lord’s hand is visible! This is no coincidence. But if he was hiding the copy from Baek Na-Kyum, I deduce that it is related to the painter. But there is another person associated to manuscripts in this story, Jung In-Hun!! But what have the low-born and the scholar in common then? The erotic publications!
(chapter 34) Note that in the background, there’s a book open on the desk, and it has the exact opposite position than in episode 109! And now, you comprehend why Yoon Seungho rejected the painter’s company next to his table. He didn’t want him to see the publication, for he feared that the painter would be reminded of Jung In-Hun. In the lord’s mind, the young artist still treasures his former teacher. He heard his confession on the bridge next to the pavilion.
(chapter 94) However, Yoon Seungho is suspecting that the learned sir was behind the trick in the shaman’s house due to the glasses Min had in his hand before dying.
(chapter 102) Hence he doesn’t want to break the main lead’s heart and mind. In other words, the main lead is determined to hide the past from Baek Na-Kyum so that the latter’s memory and agony won’t be triggered. The book could definitely remind the low-born of all the events which led to the massacre in the shaman’s shrine. Besides, I feel that the noble must feel guilty as well. If only he hadn’t admired the erotic publications which led to Baek Na-Kyum’s stay in his mansion. Consequently, I think that the noble is also in agony because of the work.
However, there exist two reasons why I came to this deduction. I detected similarities with the first encounter between Yoon Seungho and his nemesis in the scholar’s home and the painter’s kisses.
(chapter 6) Both were standing in front of the cupboard, while the learned sir suddenly took away the copy and closed it to put it back on the cupboard. This made the protagonist smirk. Due to the characters’ reaction,
(chapter 6), I had assumed that the protagonist was making fun of Jung In-Hun. He had played a prank on the host, especially after asking about his occupation. I have always wondered about the content of the volume. Therefore I had developed the idea that this could be the bible. However, it was clear that the book was not for children which is visible due to the writing.
(chapter 6) In fact, the learned sir should have the manual Thousand Character Classic (Chinese: 千字文; pinyin: Qiānzì Wén), also known as the Thousand Character Text.
(chapter 6) In reality, he wasn’t teaching them reading and writing at all. But Yoon Seungho had feigned ignorance with this discovery. With his indifference and praises, the false teacher had the impression that he was supporting his attitude. This scene is relevant, because the learned sir had lied to the protagonist about the painter’s education.
(chapter 6) This means that the book represents the evidence of learned sir’s betrayal and abandonment. He is responsible for his illiteracy. To conclude, this scene contains the following elements: a prank, a lie, a confession which was triggered by a book that Yoon Seungho had picked up by chance. But wait… it could be the book from the scholar’s home!
(chapter 06) But this image can be used to refute this theory. How so? It is because this book has a title, hence there is a white rectangle!! However, take a closer look at the copy on the floor.
(chapter 50) Finally, I would like the readers to keep in mind that they could only see the content of the books
(chapter 1), but they never got the chance to see the cover.
(chapter 6) He proposed him to sit and have a cup of tea to divert his attention from the books on the cupboard. Besides, I would like to outline the huge contrast between these two scenes. The scholar needed the assistance of the prestigious family Yoon, while the protagonist replied this to his loved one:
(chapter 109) Needed versus not necessary!
(chapter 6) He was here very vague (“bizarre and vulgar”), he spoke of a scolding, but never of rejection and abandonment!! This is important, because Yoon Seungho also experienced something similar in the shed:
(chapter 77) Back then, the butler’s words must have wounded him terribly, he must have felt dirty either. Under this new perspective, it becomes comprehensible why I came to this conclusion that the book is related to the learned sir and to the erotic publication. But this doesn’t end here. In my eyes, episode 109 clearly outlined the importance of the library in the protagonists’ life. This is the place where both main leads got betrayed and abandoned.
(chapter 40) When the scholar wounded the artist with his words, he implied that the artist was responsible for his lack of education. With the idiom “I thought, you could be educated”, he gave the impression that he had put some effort, but due to the artist’s disposition, he had failed. We had another scene where the learned sir was blaming Baek Na-Kyum.
(chapter 70) He would fall asleep instead of studying. And who knows about the learned sir’s hypocrisy? Yoon Seungho!! That’s the reason why the goddess Byeonduck let them meet in the library. It is to heal their wounds. In this room, Yoon Seungho’s suffering started and later, the painter got betrayed by his former teacher, someone whom he viewed as his “family and mentor”.
When Yoon Seungho got kissed by the painter
(chapter 109), he got surprised, and he had the same gaze and facial expression than the one during the First wedding night
, in the gibang
and in the study
(chapter 42), though here the artist kissed his companion twice!
(chapter 49) And what had these scenes in common? Paintings and the artist’s confession. And now, you comprehend how I made the connection between the book and painting.
(chapter 19) This scene could only break the artist’s heart, because he was reminded of the learned sir’s reaction: his rejection. The latter got angry and jealous that the low-born would be treated as someone special. Furthermore, Jung In-Hun had only got the noble’s sponsorship thanks to Baek Na-Kyum and not thanks to his own talent! In verity, the learned sir had been the tool to submit Baek Na-Kyum. Shortly after the exposition, the protagonist went to the study. There he got confused for Jung In-Hun, hence he received a wonderful confession
(chapter 19) before getting kissed and embraced!
(chapter 42) Yet, the artist was unable to explain the situation, for he had internalized Jung In-Hun’s criticism.
(chapter 42) So we could say that the yangban tried to get a confession from the painter, but he failed. Hence they had just sex. The artist’s heartbreak was the reason why he never got to confess the truth! And what had happened in the study after the painter kissed the main lead? The lord saw the inauguration illustration and got jealous of Jung In-Hun
(chapter 48), and the painting had exposed the main lead’s uneasiness and pain. The drawing was not refined, barely finished.
(chapter 47) The behavior from the painter and the new painting had not only wounded the main lead, but also pushed the lord to discover why the artist was behaving this way. After the rough sex session, the artist had made a confession: he was dropping the rules he had been raised.
(chapter 49) He was admitting his sexual orientation and his own pleasure, but he still kept his distance from Yoon Seungho. Why? It is because he was reminded of the learned sir’s fake embrace and betrayal.
(chapter 49)
(chapter 94) which incited the artist to recall his childhood. That’s how he came to unveil his past and confess his love to the noble!
(chapter 94) And what do have all these kissing scenes in common?
(chapter 19), the parties after the separation
(chapter 51), his visit in the gibang and his tricks
(chapter 96). In episode 109, the painter confused Yoon Seungho’s shadow with Black Heart’s. In his nightmare, he was brought back to the shaman’s house and the lord’s smile was similar to Min’s.
(chapter 109)
(chapter 99) Besides, let’s not forget that during that terrible night, Black Heart never touched the artist himself, as if he didn’t want to touch a trinket sullied by another man”. On Twitter, the author revealed that Min would help Yoon Seungho. Through this comparison, the beholder can confirm this. Thanks to Black Heart, the couple got closer in the end.
(chapter 19), the spying on the painter – though here it appears like a good thing –
(chapter 41), the stones in the rice
(chapter 47) and the words from the maid who repeated the noona’s principle
(chapter 109). Here, the maid was triggering the painter’s memory and as such fears. That’s the reason why the readers can see the laugh of someone outside the building
(chapter 109). She was acting, as if Baek Na-Kyum was not present, but in reality she knew that he could listen to her. How do I know this? The evidence are the sweets on the windowsill.
(chapter 109) They never encouraged the tormented boy to eat the sweets!! Besides, this episode confirmed my interpretation about the complicity of the maids. As their role is to comfort Baek Na-Kyum, the readers should question themselves about their absence.
(chapter 108) Why is the room dark? Where are the maids during that night, as they are supposed to sleep next to the painter?
(chapter 109) The absence of the light is truly noticeable, an indicator that they are not in the bedchamber. Moreover, I had detected that the brown bed cover symbolizes the meddling of Kim. [For more read the essay
(chapter 87) Sincerity versus fake concern; own choice versus manipulation, happiness versus sadness. Under this perspective, you comprehend why I view the maids as traitors. But since season 1, the women were never punished. Hence they felt free to badmouth Yoon Seungho or Baek Na-Kyum. So while he was preparing himself, where were the ladies-in-waiting? I doubt, the painter would give them orders. The painter was left alone on purpose. Finally, the manhwalovers should question why there is a bottle of oil in the bedchamber. So far, Yoon Seungho utilized it once
(chapter 20) and it was during the first Wedding Night. And oil comes from the kitchen, the lord had fetched it from that room!! Naturally, there is an exception, and it is the kiss in the gibang. Yet, here the kisaengs had just replaced the maids. In other words, they had played a role in the confession. And this explains why the noona’s words are superposed with the maids.
(chapter 109) That’s the reason why I am convinced that the book is strongly connected to the learned sir. In my eyes, it can only be the erotic publication of sodomy!! Why? It is because it represents the painter’s biggest wound. It explains his low self-esteem. Consequently, I am expecting the appearance of this panel:
(tweet) The teacher told him “It’s dirty”, and wounded him the most with his gaze full of hatred, the symbol of rejection! Note that in episode 109, the painter always focused on the mouth and not the gaze,
(chapter 109)
(chapter 109)
(chapter 25) Moreover, during that night, we have the same elements: a painting, a confession, sex, a book that the scholar was looking for. From my point of view, in chapter 34, Baek Na-Kyum only recalled the beating from Jung In-Hun.
(chapter 34) But like I wrote above, this place is also where Yoon Seungho got betrayed and in my opinion, the schemers are planning to use this place to ruin the protagonist!!
(chapter 106)
(chapter 106) And if Yoon Seungho gets caught having sex with the painter and he has an erotic publication of sodomy, he can be framed for the murder of lord Shin and the other nobles. He will be guilty by association. Thus I deduce that the schemers needed the father to report him to the authorities.
(chapter 107) That way, he can prove that his son is a depraved lunatic and regain the control of the mansion.
(chapter 86) And if they are not caught having sex, the schemers are hoping for an argument between the two main leads because of the separation. This was planned to incite Baek Na-Kyum to resent his lover, to accuse him of „abandonment and betrayal“, a new version of this scene.
(Chapter 105) As you can see, the staff had encouraged the lord to keep his distance from his companion on purpose, to create a misunderstanding… they used the painter’s anxieties. Why? That way, the artist would be more inclined to betray his lover, if the latter was in difficulty. He could put the blame on him. In my opinion, the book was planted there on purpose. Remember how the artist denied that he was the author of the erotic publications.
(Chapter 1) Besides, there is no doubt that the father refuses to take any responsibility in his son’s suffering. And now, you comprehend why this copy was put on the lord’s desk. He was supposed to be the owner of the erotic book and even the author! I am suspecting that he was accused of the „same crime“ in the past. Then this observation raises the following question. Which erotic publication is it? The original
(chapter 1) or the copy
(chapter 1) This would stand in opposition to the scholar’s rejection (dirty), as the artist was just the helping hand. Besides, there is no ambiguity that Yoon Seungho blames himself due to the erotic book. If he had not brought the painter to his mansion, none of this would have happened. But the painter’s confession would make him realize that his misery started long before he met Yoon Seungho. And how did the puppetmaster come up with such an idea? From my point of view, this plan was inspired by the learned sir.
(chapter 27) Notice that he has a drop of sweat on his face, a sign that the book is really important and could be even dangerous. He was diminishing the value. In the past, I had already pointed out that the learned sir had planned to backstab the main lead and denunciate him to the authorities (my first theory was the bible or the the absence of jesa in the mansion). But the erotic publications of sodomy would fit the profile.
(chapter 37) Back then, he imagined that the man hidden under the green hanbok was the learned sir, but he was mistaken. Both father and son believes to have seen the relative’s sodomy. Besides, the brother mentioned letters and these usually are written on a desk and as such in the library. Yes, this night should trigger the lord’s memory… his brother’s betrayal and abandonment.
I am still waiting for this picture. Yoon Seungwon had definitely tattled on his brother out of jealousy in the past. Don’t forget this flashbulb.
(chapter 55) Finally, Heena could serve as a witness, for she did hear their conversation in the annex and saw their intercourse:
(chapter 96) She would tell the truth… yet it wouldn’t serve her, because she reported it too late. She could be perceived as pathological liar. Besides, she was not supposed to be in the kisaeng house. Moreover, note that all the erotic paintings the painter created vanished. There is no evidence that the artist is the author of the erotic publications of sodomy, as his notebook contains images of nature.
(chapter 84) Finally, the childhood paintings could be used as an evidence. But what about the book in the library? Both could decide to burn it…
the burned letter
the shrine
(chapter 109) Note that there is no rejection from the lord, just surprise and shock. Besides, in the kisaeng house, the artist’s confession had led the main lead to confess as well.
(chapter 96) Striking is that he had hidden his gaze from the artist first. As if love was a sin…Hence I am expecting a confession from Yoon Seungho in that very room too, something he has never done before! Why? It is because he was not the owner of his own past. Kim acted, as if he possessed his memories. Finally, the moment the painter divulges this incident to his companion,
(tweet), the latter can only come to the conclusion that the scholar would have no problem to hurt Baek Na-Kyum and even get revenge on the artist, for he received the favors from the protagonist. Yoon Seungho would no longer feel obliged to respect Heena’s wish, for her words wouldn’t reflect reality.
(chapter 105) And it was Yoon Seungho’s luck, when the book fell from his sleeve!
(chapter 27) The goddess Byeonduck is on their side. But the problem is that the readers have the impression that both are followed by misfortune due to their misery. The reality is that they are both victims of manipulations and tricks. That’s their tragedy. But by repeating that the two figures are “birds of misfortune”, the accomplices are trying to deny their own involvement and as such responsibility. The maids are the perfect example. They blame Baek Na-Kyum for his own illness. He eats like a bird and he would hide his illness.
(chapter 108) To sum up, he was responsible for his own suffering, for he was in denial and the maids could do nothing to help. But the lord can see the truth, when he touches his lover’s butt.
(chapter 109) He lost weight in such a short time. And their presence by Baek Na-Kyum’s side was supposed to help him. They were responsible for his well-being, but the women never realized it.

(chapter 108) But then I changed my mind about the lord, for Yoon Seungho didn’t rely on just one testimony contrary to his father:
(chapter 86) Finally, thanks to the argument in the shed, I had another revelation which I will explain more details below.
(chapter 108) He blames himself for everything. For me, these women were lying to their master. Why do I think so? The first proof is that the painter’s fate is to go through the same experiences than his lover. And what did the valet admit in the shed?
(chapter 108) There was not a soul in this household who was standing by his side back then and now! This signifies that there is not a soul in the mansion truly standing on the painter’s side as well!! Back then (before the massacre) and even now… Moreover, while these maids’ attachment was sincere
(chapter 51)
(chapter 63), this doesn’t signify that it is the same for all the female servants. This would be just another prejudice.
(chapter 108) Yes, this woman is not the same than the one from chapter 51, for her clothes diverge despite the same pigments. She is wearing a white ribbon around her waist.
(chapter 108), whereas the other wears the belt more around the hips, hence her skirt has a bump on her butt.
(chapter 38) Moreover, the painter had long stopped eating with the maids, he would share his meals with the main lead.
(chapter 46)
(chapter 74) This explicates why the artist returned the table with the porridge to the kitchen himself.
(chapter 98) This means that they couldn’t witness how the artist would eat. To conclude, the statement from the staff was once again a mixture of truth and lies, for they were combining different situations together. Hence their apology was not genuine despite their gesture.
(chapter 62) The painter had been faking his “submission”, hence the “valet” got fooled. He had trusted the artist blindly. Thus the lord got angry, and resented the butler, for he wished the opposite. He didn’t want to admit that the artist had been acting. Yet, the seed of doubt was implanted in his mind. Consequently, in episode 108, we have the exact same situation, yet contrary to the past, the lord didn’t get angry at his lover. He never condemned the painter for his dishonesty, though he was not truly lying either. To conclude, chapter 108 is a reflection from episode 62. Thus it dawned on me that the valet could have attempted to fool his master once again. The artist was a hypocrite, for he was acting in front of the lord hoping that he wouldn‘t cut ties with him. It was for his best interests to send back to the kisaeng house. Yet, nothing like that happened.
(chapter 104), a sign that he was recovering. But due to the two incidents during that day, Baek Na-Kyum had been feeling unwell and was hiding his discomfort out of fear of getting abandoned. This means that the deceivers were trying to portray the painter’s actual disposition as something unchanging. Since the painter had trouble with eating now, his eating disorder existed in the past. And this perception got reinforced, for the lord could notice afterwards that the maids’ statement had become a reality. What they had described, truly happened afterwards. Due to worries and anxieties, the artist lost his appetite. He would fake his “happiness”. The manhwalovers could witness how the painter had slimmed down
. (chapter 108), a new version of episode 51. This time, the roles had been switched, the painter was sitting in the patio. To sum up, the schemers and the accomplices were creating a prejudice, a so-called universal truth. This is the negative reflection of season 1, where the gossips about Yoon Seungho were turned into a reality. In many of my previous analyses, I had outlined that these rumors about the protagonist had been false.
(chapter 1) He couldn’t have a proper erection, and it was never his choice to have sex at any time and any place, because he was treated as a male kisaeng. And now, it is the painter’s turn. Gossips about him would become a verity. Yet the other difference to season 1 is that in season 4 the artist is exposed to the same “prejudices” than Yoon Seungho in the past: He is ill!! He needs to be treated and the “gibang” is the right place for that🤮. He would be with his noonas, a new version of the lord’s past. And now, you comprehend why father Yoon said this to the physician in chapter 57:
(chapter 57) A single incident was turned into a generality, implying that it was the same in the past!! To conclude, the noble is put into the same situation than his own father, the only divergence is that Yoon Seungho has indeed the painter’s best interests in his heart. He is determined to provide him with the best!! Thus he blames himself contrary to the elder master Yoon.
(chapter 104) This statement implies that the painter is responsible for the bloodbath, for he left the propriety. Yet, instead of confronting the painter, he was encouraged not to talk about the past. He was suggested that way, he would protect the artist’s mind and heart. Besides, his choice was influenced by his own anxieties. The lord fears argument, because the last time they had quarreled, the artist had threatened his lover to leave the place.
(chapter 85) I would like my avid readers to keep in mind that the lord wished to keep the artist by his side, sending the artist back to the kisaeng house was just a temporary measure.
(chapter 105), yet the painter had heard something different from his noona.
(chapter 105) That’s how a misunderstanding was created, provoking the painter’s abandonment issues to resurface. The lord had selected secrecy and silence out of love for the artist. Therefore when the lord sensed Baek Na-Kyum’s agony, he could only jump to the conclusion that the painter was acting the same way than him. He was also hiding something from Yoon Seungho. That’s the reason why the lord didn’t argue with Baek Na-Kyum.
(chapter 107) He imagined that the artist was doing it out of concern for the noble. He was projecting his own thoughts onto the artist.
(chapter 68) According to this belief, the lord brings bad luck to others. This rule can only incite the main lead to doubt himself, to judge himself in a negative light, to doubt his own judgement. Moreover, the perfidy is that this principle pushes the protagonist to deny the existence of his own misery. It was, as though the lord had never suffered, only the others. This “faith” represents the biggest lie and hypocrisy. However, the main lead questioned this rule in front of Yoon Chang-Hyeon,
(chapter 108) He remains seated by his side, because he is projecting his own reaction onto his loved one. Remember how Yoon Seungho reacted in the past with Lee Jihwa: he pushed his childhood friend away.
(chapter 59) It was, as if Yoon Seungho feared to taint the painter by sleeping next to him. However, the artist’s biggest wish is to share the same bed than his lover.
(chapter 97) To conclude, Yoon Seungho’s life is still influenced by a false cult, by propagandism. This faith is is based on Rene Girard’s theories about mimetic desire and scapegoat mechanism.
(chapter 250) Hence the man created the following theory which is inspired by religion.
(Doctor Frost, chapter 250). Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the author from Doctor Frost utilized the image of a black sheep as the future scapegoat. IT was selected, because it stood out. And you comprehend why Yoon Seungho became the target in the end. His good reputation attracted envy and jealousy.
(chapter 57) Why? It is because each noble family aspires to the same: power and wealth!
(chapter 86) I had already detected father Lee’s jealousy and greed, just like Kim, Yoon Chang-Hyeon and Yoon Seungwon. The butler and the father might have desired the same (recognition and fame), but this could only end up in resulting in rivalry and jealousy.
(chapter 107) This explicates why Yoon Seungwon was mentioned by the man with the purple hanbok. He implied that the son might have been well educated, yet he must be lacking elsewhere: his sexual education…. as his other task is to have a heir. This means that by standing out, Yoon Seungwon caught the jealousy and envy from other yangbans, though I have my doubts if he truly passed the civil service exam first. In other words, it is better not to stand out.
(Doctor Frost, chapter 183) Since deprogramming is like brainwashing, it signifies that for the brainwashing, the victim needs to be isolated and even imprisoned too. And in order to be effective, the target of the brainwashing has to be exposed to stress and lack of sleep.
(chapter 187) Fatigue and exhaustion are necessary in order to lower the target’s defense mechanisms. This explicates why it has to take place during the night, for the night is the time for humans to rest. Therefore the place of brainwashing is called “the fox’s hole” in Doctor Frost.
(Doctor Frost, chapter 187).
(chapter 187) The Ganzfeld effect happens when you undergo sensory deprivation for some time, and your brain tries to make sense of what is happening. Just 15 minutes of sensory deprivation can induce vivid hallucinations, according to researchers. This process involves muffling the ears and blindfolding, so people are unable to see or hear. And note what had happened to Baek Na-Kyum during the abduction. His head had been covered
(chapter 66), and according to me, while his head was covered, he got strangled. Hence he had this nightmare.
(chapter 61) But he lost notion of time and chronology, hence his nightmare is not coherent. One feature of altered states of consciousness during Ganzfeld exposure is an altered sense of time. In general, regardless of the induction method, altered states of consciousness can be characterized by changes in the sense of self and time. But this can only happen, when the brain is deprived of stimulations.
(chapter 187) I had already outlined that Yoon Seungho had lost not only the notion of time, but also all his senses. And the nightmare is displaying the evidence of the Ganzfeld exposure. Hence the young master viewed himself flying
(chapter 74), and at the end his eyes and ears got covered by hands and blood.
(chapter 74) Besides, he was trapped in the dark room which looked like the servants’ quarters. Only thanks to the painter, the lord could recover his own senses, slowly he became the owner of his own body again. In addition, remember what he said to his own father:
(chapter 86) The darkness he was referring to is the indication of “Ganzfeld effect”. Because he was trapped in this nightmare, he lost the sense of reality. He had to rely on someone else’s senses and words. That’s how his memories got repressed and even distorted. Consequently, a new past could get recreated. That’s the reason why the lord had no memories for a long time. The valet was the “owner of the truth and as such of the time”. We could say that till the meeting with the painter, he possessed the lord’s memories. Besides, one of the side effects of scapegoating is becoming vulnerable to gaslighting.
(chapter 62) Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the lord didn’t lose his whole sanity and as such didn’t fall completely into despair. The warmth and light served him as a guidance. Consequently, I deduce that in his childhood, he was trapped there in the dark for hours!! Because he was jailed in that room, he was exposed to the Ganzfeld effect. Therefore he relied on the valet’s words.
(chapter 77) He trusted the butler, even after getting betrayed and abandoned each time. He developed blind faith in the butler. Why? It is because he was the only one “talking to him”. Though he wounded him so many times, he still remained by the lord’s side. That’s the reason why I come to the conclusion that the shed is not just a room for punishment, but also for “faith”, the place where the scapegoat was placed: “
(chapter 62); “beg”, “trust” a synonym for faith,
“soul”, ”
(chapter 108) Moreover, I would like to outline that the main lead was seen sitting while looking up
(chapter 83) It looks like Yoon Seungho was praying, when Lee Jihwa opened the door. This means that Yoon Seungho has been treating Kim as his idol, his highest priest. Besides, doctor Frost explained why people become victims of brainwashing.
(doctor Frost, chapter 191). This description fits to the shed, the lord was not only cornered mentally, but also physically.
(chapter 32) What was he doing there, and why was he looking at the bedchamber? It is because he imagined that after the sex session, Yoon Seungho would send the painter to the shed as a punishment for his desertion. Let’s not forget that during the day, the whole staff had been beaten by their master. Besides, I would like to point out that the staff in season 3 viewed the painter as a spoiled brat, for he was receiving the lord’s favors.
(chapter 98) Consequently, I deduce that when the valet got punished in season 3, he portrayed the painter as a tattler for that reason. He didn’t want to become the scapegoat in the end.
(Chapter 77) At the same time, receiving treatment from the physician, Kim could say that the lord regretted his decision. These new discoveries reinforce my prediction that the painter is doomed to become the next scapegoat!! Yet, chance is on the couple’s side. On the other hand, this signifies that someone will have to become sacrificed!
(chapter 108) for his wrong choices, I come to the opposite interpretation. Naturally, if the manhwalovers compare the butler’s apology in the shed to the one in the library,
(chapter 77) it really looks like Kim is sincere. He is no longer standing, he is now weeping. Finally, he is not blaming someone else (the kisaeng), but himself.
(chapter 108) Nevertheless, for me, everything is an illusion, and you can only detect the manipulations, the moment you examine closely Kim’s words.
(chapter 108) Kim feigned ignorance, and the lord confronted him with his lie, he admits that in reality he knew something.
(chapter 108) He had not told him about the shaman’s house on purpose. He had hidden the truth by omission. He justified his decision by using the “townsfolk” and their liking of creating gossips. However his real task was to protect his lord’s interest and inform him about everything. He made a decision without his lord’s permission, and as such he usurped his authority. He acted, as if he knew what was the best for Yoon Seungho. But this doesn’t end. What infuriated me the most are these two declarations:
(chapter 61) The red-haired master utilized the present perfect tense, which is a combination of the past and present!! This time reveals that the young man was about to move on. On the other hand, the butler is either referring to the past and to the future, but not to the now! This means, he has no regret right now. He is projecting himself in the future. He implies “regret”, but he is not truly admitting it. Finally, when the childhood friend came to regret his choice, he voiced it outside the barn!!
(chapter 61) This contrast outlines that the storage room is the place of illusion or false faith.
(chapter 108): Here, my blood was literally boiling, when I read his second “confession”, because here he was now omitting Yoon Seungho. It was, as if the protagonist was not existing. His words were actually reflecting a new betrayal towards the main lead. Here, he was vowing loyalty to Baek Na-Kyum and not to Yoon Seungho!! He insinuated that if he was taking care of the painter, he was protecting Yoon Seungho’s interests. However, the artist and the noble are two different persons. Imagine the following situation: The main lead gets arrested for “murder”, the butler could justify his vanishing, passivity and silence by saying that he needs to take away the painter from the mansion so that the latter avoids getting into trouble as well. As you can see, he would keep his promise, but he would sacrifice Yoon Seungho. With his words, he was insinuating that he only had two choices: the elder master Yoon or the painter. Besides, once the lord were to be removed, Kim could put the whole blame on the painter afterwards. If he had not left the house… That’s the reason why I viewed the last statement as the biggest treason. In reality, he was not vowing loyalty to the main lead. This scene was a reflection from episode 30, where the artist had pledged loyalty to the main lead
(chapter 30) and this in front of people. This explicates why the butler got grabbed in the storage room
(chapter 108) like the painter in the courtyard.
(chapter 30) We could say that it was the butler’s karma for his past manipulation. He had been the one who had encouraged the painter to flee the mansion (chapter 29/30). But this doesn’t end here. When the artist vowed his loyalty to the protagonist in the courtyard, the latter was present, which is not the case here. The artist is left in the dark.
(chapter 108) Where is the personal pronoun “I” here? Nowhere. Only the lord cares for the painter, this was the butler’s declaration in the end. But what about the tears? How could he fake the crying?
(chapter 81) When the lord had wounded his lover, when he was in a dissociative state, he had perspired so much that his sweat was falling like tears!! As you can see, fear could be the reason why drops of water were falling. Let’s not forget that the main lead had treated Kim very harshly and even threatened to have him killed, something he had never done before.
(chapter 108) Kim had reasons to get scared and to sweat.
, chapter 108, or my lord
(chapter 108) However, the manhwalover should question this. Why did he regret that day? It is because he had revealed his true thoughts about Yoon Seungho to the painter, and he got reprimanded from the artist. Besides, according to me, he had hoped that the artist would leave the mansion due to the altercation. In addition, when he mentioned this scene, he wanted to appear as honest, because he had no idea if the artist had leaked this conversation to Yoon Seungho. Finally, just because he told the truth here, we shouldn’t judge the butler’s confession as verity. To conclude, for me, the valet was not really remorseful, he was more acting.
(chapter 108) However, this is another illusion which can be easily refuted.
(chapter 108) This memory is the same than the painter’s
(chapter 108) In other words, the butler had acted on his own, and informed his master afterwards, when this information was necessary in order to protect himself. As you already know, for me, the butler had definitely acted on his own. But why does Kim need to deform reality so much? It is because he was present, when the young boy was abused sexually and he did nothing. He needs to erase the “traces” of the rape so that his culpability will not come to the surface. Just like the painter, Yoon Seungho has totally forgotten the sexual abuse. Besides, he never mentioned the incidents about the shed to the painter, only the bedchamber.
(Chapter 87) Here, he was already hiding his guilt by turning Yoon Chang-HYeon into the main culprit. He is responsible for the lord’s suffering.
(chapter 68), but he had heard a different story from the painter.
(chapter 93) However, now I understand why Yoon Seungho was not able to discern the hypocrisy from the assistant.
(chapter 188) It is related to the long brainwashing he was exposed for so many years and the lord’s low self-esteem. Thus I perceive this argument in the storage room as a new version of episode 40, a confrontation between the painter and the scholar. But who had been defeated in the shed? Yoon Seungho was still the loser, for he kept his distance from his lover afterwards.
(chapter 108) He was making sure that no one would know that the painter was his weakness.
(chapter 108) The new version of episode 50-51!! However, this was totally pointless, for the painter was living his bedchamber. His position was the proof that the painter was still favored, though the artist feared to be abandoned by the painter.
(doctor Frost, chapter 187) This means that the couple has to communicate and the painter will interrogate his lover.
(chapter 187) But this deprogramming is not pleasant, for the destruction of believes leads the victim to question everything afterwards. What caught my attention is that the painter went to the library, the symbol for “knowledge and education” which stands in opposition to the shed. This is no coincidence. Brainwashing is the antonym for insight.
(chapter 108) In addition, the lord was dressed like in episode 36, he had the green hanbok.
(chapter 36) Back then, the painter didn’t talk to the owner of the mansion. Finally, this episode is connected to the lord’s memories:
(chapter 36) That’s how I had this revelation. The lord’s suffering is also linked to the library. From my perspective, the young master was dragged from the library to the shed at some point.
(chapter 77) I had already pointed out that in episode 77, the main lead had been dragged on multiple occasions, for he was dressed differently, and the servants would be different. Because I had described that the lord’s mind had been manipulated by indoctrination and the butler had confessed, I deduce that the next episode will contain elements from episode 48/49.
(chapter 49) That’s the moment the painter dropped the last principle from the scholar and kisaeng. For me, something similar will take place, but such a deprogramming is painful. From my point of view, Jung In-Hun will be mentioned, as in the same place, the scholar had mentioned the painter’s past and future.
(chapter 40) Since the shed embodies the valet’s betrayal, the lord voiced his abandonment issues there. On the other hand, the library symbolizes the teacher’s abandonment. This is not random. Baek Na-Kyum can not read, the symbol of the learned sir’s negligence. Hence I am expecting a new confession from the artist, like this scene: 

(chapter 106) strolling through town, they jumped to the conclusion that this must be lord Song! They remembered the recollection from Lee Jihwa.
(Chapter 83) However, since I have been examining Painter Of The Night so closely, I learned to pay attention to details. Consequently, I recognized very quickly that Yoon Seungho was not chasing one ghost, but he was running after 3 different people
(chapter 106) impersonating „lord Song“
(chapter 106) If you look very attentively at the hanboks, you will realize the slight differences. First, the shade of the cloth diverges, then one cloth has a pattern, the other hanbok none. The form of the gat is also a little different, just like the color of the hair diverges. Besides, the readers should keep in their mind that in season 3, we had at least 3 bodies, though I am suspecting 4 corpses:
(chapter 94)
(chapter 97)
(chapter 97) and
(chapter 101) Thus I come to the following conclusion that these 3 persons wearing the purple hanbok are not the “real lord Song”, the one who tormented the protagonist. In my eyes, he was watching the protagonist from the tower!
(chapter 106) Let’s not forget that each scene is reflected in each season! And in episode 37, we had this memory from the fake servant:
(chapter 37) The empty street was the indication that the monarch was present in the city. And now pay attention to the situation in episode 105:
(chapter 105) Why is the street empty, when it was not the case during the night in episode 69?
(chapter 69) For me, the pedophile was in the kisaeng house. But let’s return our attention to episode 37.
(chapter 106) To sum up, for me, the 4th “lord Song” was present in this scene, but the protagonist couldn’t detect his presence, for the other “shadows” were there to divert his attention.
(Chapter 106) As you can see, they used a prank to wound the artist. Their goal was to incite the painter to return to the kisaeng house. He should cut ties with the main lead, as the latter is a man with a fickle nature. Yes, episode 106 was the negative version of chapter 75.
(chapter 75) That’s the reason why the couple was sent to the same inn. However, I don’t think that they had expected the painter’s fainting.
(chapter 106) For me, this is a blessing in disguise.
(Chapter 106) The latter had to be informed not to send the new clothes to the kisaeng house, but to his own mansion. That’s the reason why Baek Na-Kyum asked this question to the butler.
(chapter 106) That’s how the schemer and his accomplices knew for sure that their original plan had not worked out. And if you read my previous analyses, you are aware that I had discovered the existence of two tailors!!
(chapter 45) and 74
(chapter 74) This tailor is wearing the scarf the same way than the artist‘s. Finally, in episode 64, the manhwalovers could see the face of the second tailor. :
(chapter 64) In the past, I had already outlined the divergences in the body shape and the clothes, but the most visible evidence is the scarf!! Finally, I would like my avid readers to detect that the tailor from chapter 64 has been calling the main lead master Yoon, and not lord Yoon Seungho. This shows that this man is involved not only in the recent prank, but also in the main lead‘s suffering. He is not recognizing Yoon Seungho as a real lord. The usage of different hanboks is the proof that the tailor is an accomplice in the latest trick. But this also explicates why the tricksters had not planned the artist’s fainting. First, he had been able to run after his lover.
(chapter 105) Besides, this is how Baek Na-Kyum acted, when he saw his lord looking at him:
(chapter 106) The fake smile from Baek Na-Kyum was hiding his true condition, he was still suffering from PTSD. Nonetheless, for the tailor and the other witnesses, it looked like the artist was strong. Nonetheless, since the main lead had learned in the past to fake his smile, he could detect that his lover was far from feeling well.
(chapter 106) But there is another reason why they had not predicted such an outcome: the doctor!! They had to ensure that the lord’s path never crosses the physician’s! That’s the reason why the manhwaphiles never saw him in episode 106. He was like a ghost. But there is more to it.
(chapter 106) Yet, in the Spanish version, the butler informs them that it’s soon their turn. This means that they are next to the medicine store. But let’s return to our main observation. Why was the couple pushed to „eat“? For the painter had wounded his hand, the first priority would have been to ask for an immediate treatment. Since the valet mentioned that it was about time to go to the medicine story, the manhwalovers should wonder why it was time. Thanks to the Spanish version, we know that according to the valet, the doctor had been treating other people before indicating that lord Yoon could not receive special treatment.
(chapter 57) Yes in the kitchen of the physician! Then in a different image, you can the kitchen with the stool and the circle with the shamanism drawing right behind the lord’s back.
(chapter 106) We assumed that the couple was eating in an inn, but it is true? Finally, in the shelves, the manhwalovers can see small packages hanging around,
(chapter 106), they look exactly like the medicine Kim fetched in episode 55.
(chapter 55) Because of these parallels, I started wondering if the couple and the readers had not been fooled in the end. They were actually sitting in the medicine store, but due to the butler’s words and episode 75, the manhwalovers had the impression that the couple was in an inn. And the Spanish version seems to confirm my suspicion. I had already outlined that the furniture and shelves in the library had been switched. So it could be the same with the doctor’s office. Besides, the form of the building reminded me a lot of the house from the physician’s.
(chapter 106)
(chapter 74) Once you remove the cupboard from the side, you have a patio where you can eat. Under this new light, it explains why Yoon Seungho would say this to the butler:
(chapter 106) It is because they were already there! And this would explain why the painter went to the restroom!
(chapter 106) This coincides to the night of the abduction executed by No-Name!
(chapter 59) To conclude, there was another ghost in episode 106, the invisible doctor. No matter what, the couple was not supposed to see the physician. Why? It is because he would have noticed the existence of two different doctors. That’s the reason why Kim acted as a mediator!
(chapter 106) This was not to help his master and the painter at all. Quite the opposite. He had to cover up his own wrongdoings and help the schemer. Therefore it is not surprising that the valet was confronted with the artist’s fainting!
(chapter 106) The latter had played a mean prank on Baek Na-Kyum!! Yes, you are reading it correctly. Now, you are wondering when the valet fooled the pure painter. Observe that Kim had joined his master
(chapter 106) He had barely moved… maybe run for 4 meters! How could he be out of breath? Besides, why would he scream like that, when the lord was standing next to him?
(chapter 106) It is because he needed Baek Na-Kyum to hear his lover’s departure!! Because we see this panel, we assume that the valet was left in the dark, especially after witnessing such a scene.
(chapter 106) Our brain is trying to fill the blanks. But the moment you realize that Kim didn’t run such a long distance to be out of breath, you will realize that this “abandonment” was staged. This was the reflection of chapter 85, another fake run!
(chapter 85)
(chapter 86) Thus the butler got punished for his acting. He has now to take care of an unconscious painter.
(chapter 58) Kim had usurped his authority, he had made a decision without his master’s permission.
(chapter 24) The gate serves as the indication.
(chapter 24) And in that episode, the artist got dragged twice.
(chapter 24) First, it was the scholar, then the butler. However, in that scene, the butler had lied to the artist, for the noble had never requested to meet the artist in the pavilion. From my point of view, he was still hunting in the woods. As you can see, episode 24 contained all the elements of an abduction, though it was not perceptible. That’s the reason why I am suspecting that Yoon Seungho might think that his lover has been kidnapped again, especially after hearing such horrible gossips. Nonetheless, since the painter fainted, the valet will be forced to take care of Baek Na-Kyum. In addition, observe that the butler brought back the unconscious painter to the mansion, though the doctor was right next to them! This shows that Kim and the physician had not the artist‘s best interests in heart. He should have been treated right away.
(Chapter 76) Coincidence versus trick! They wished to scare Yoon Seungho, to let him think that „lord Song“ knew about his crime and was about to denunciate him. Yes, in my eyes, the man with the purple hanbok embodies treason and was the reason why Yoon Seungho got arrested and tortured in the past!! Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the lord would get so mad at his childhood friend.
(Chapter 59) But the moment Yoon Seungho’s mother killed herself, it became clear that her son had been unfairly arrested and tormented. So someone had to take the fall for the injustice, the real lord Song.
the (chapter 82) Nonetheless, there is no ambiguity that in reality the one behind the denunciation was father Lee. But the purple hanbok is connected not only to the arrest and torture, but also to the sexual abuse. Thus the painter had such a memory in the gibang:
(chapter 102), Lee Jihwa was behind the scheme… and what had Lee Jihwa done in the past? He had sent a letter in his name.
(chapter 59) Back then, Yoon Seungho assumed that his childhood friend knew nothing… but now, he is seeing the ghost lord Song circulating in town. So he could jump to the conclusion that the Lees have been helping lord Song. Finally, the manhwaworms will certainly recall the red-haired master’s confession, he knew everything!!.
(chapter 57)
(chapter 106) And this scene is a reflection of episode 64, where the two women were ignorant about the incident of the previous night.
(chapter 64) Once again, this proves that the tailor is involved in the scheme.
(chapter 106) The Spring Poem is actually reflected in this scenery:
(chapter 92) Yet this doesn’t end here. Episode 92
(chapter 92) is the positive reflection of episode 106:
(chapter 106) If nobles were involved in this, why did they kill the son of lord Shin? Besides, let’s not forget that Yoon Seungho never ordered the fire in the shrine and he never killed lord Shin! This means that he is innocent. That’s the reason why I come to the conclusion that contrary to their expectation, the lord won’t decide to leave the painter behind because of the imminent misfortune! From my point of view, Yoon Seungho could ask his lover to paint a lucky charm on their house, the tiger!
(chapter 105) That way, the artist would feel that his master needs his help and talent. Moreover, I have the feeling that the main lead will go to the authorities and ask for their assistance.
(chapter 103) Why are such rumors circulating in town and who are the witnesses?
(chapter 103) As you can see, the schemers are no longer able to control Yoon Seungho and his lover, for both are supported by the gods. Chance stands on their side!
(chapter 100)
(chapter 104) Though there is a manhunt, where is he?
(chapter 106)
(chapter 98) To conclude, while the schemers thought that due to his crime, Yoon Seungho would lie low and cut ties with his lover, due to their meddling, they achieved the opposite. The lord will request an investigation… something he has never done before. He could even denunciate Lee Jihwa
(chapter 67), that way he can escape punishment. This means that Black Heart’s last confession (and lie) could help the lord to protect himself and his lover. Finally, if Yoon Seungho were to mention the purple hanbok to his lover, the latter’s memory could get triggered and he could remember this night: 

(chapter 105) „Thank god, he didn’t see nor hear a thing about that awful matter“. This is what Heena said in the original version. [Here I would like to thank my follower @katamins again for her help]
(chapter 105) He desired to spare his heart. To conclude, “that awful matter” is referring to the whole prank and its consequences.
(Chapter 97) At the same time, the idiom includes the staff‘s tricks as well: the corpse in front of the gate and the maids‘ badmouthing
(Chapter 104) However, he had been silenced by his lover, when the latter suggested to him to view everything as a nightmare. The lord made the mistake not to listen to the victim and witness.
(chapter 105) With such a contrast, the manhwalovers can detect the link between ignorance and absence of memories. To conclude, in both versions, the main lead is “lying” out of ignorance. This is the positive version of “ignorance is a blessing”. Hence the noona thinks herself safe.
(Chapter 99) It was clear that her brother would meet the noble, as their meeting didn’t surprise her. She was more upset that Baek Na-Kyum was unconscious.
(chapter 99) However, her question „What’s wrong with Na-Kyum?“ divulges her hypocrisy and acting. How could she not realize that her sibling had been beaten?
(Chapter 99) His head was bleeding, and the black guards were carrying sticks. It was clear that his state was not caused by an illness. To conclude, the calling “lord Jihwa” is the proof of her complicity, though in front of Yoon Seungho it serves as an excuse to portray herself as a victim.
(chapter 105) Thus I deduce that Heena thinks, the painter could not witness her acting in front of the scholar’s house, for his head was turned around and he was not moving. She feels secure concerning that night, while I am expecting the opposite. Nonetheless, her past behavior in the kisaeng house represents a source of danger for her. That’s the reason why she has to hide the “attempted murder” from her brother. The moment Heena mentions that she has been hurt, the painter won’t believe her. Why? It is because in the kisaeng house, he has not forgotten her words:
(chapter 97) Even if she was “fooled”, the artist can only reproach her stupidity. Remember her harsh words, she had called him stupid:
(chapter 97) She had helped Min, and she can not claim ignorance. As you can see, Yoon Seungho was encouraged to hide the “attempted murder” from Baek Na-Kyum for selfish reasons. Therefore it is no coincidence that when the lord visited Heena, he made sure that his lover wouldn‘t see Heena in bed.
(chapter 105) She has now the perfect excuse to avoid nobles. She has been hurt, hence she can not work. The lord never questioned her attitude, for he wished himself that the painter would take a rest and remain in bed.
(Chapter 104) This explicates why later the lord was hugging his lover under the cover.
(Chapter 104) Hence I conclude that Heena must have thought the same way about Yoon Seungho. „Thank god, he didn’t see or hear a thing about that awful matter“. He has no idea about her altercations with her brother in the kisaeng house. It is important, because our beloved seme has the impression that the noona has her brother’s best interests at heart, but actually he is wrong. In my opinion, the relationship between Heena and his lover serves as a mirror to his relationship with Yoon Seungwon. So far, the young noble doesn’t suspect his brother to have betrayed him. Note that he blames his father more than his younger sibling.
(chapter 105) Yet, this incident was presented as Yoon Seungho’s memory. This panel could be used as an evidence that my theory, Heena was present next to the shaman’s shrine during the bloodbath, was wrong. Nonetheless, this image didn’t make me change my mind. Why? I paid attention to details and judged this rescue as “fake” again. The servants had a drop of sweat on their face, the symbol for deception. Secondly, the kisaeng was wet, while the staff’s clothes weren’t damp. How did they save her then? Besides, where are the foot prints? Moreover, where was the head cover?
(chapter 99) Finally, her hands and feet were not tied. So where did the items go? Since we saw her “execution”, we are the witnesses, and as such we know the truth about that “awful matter”, but it is not the case for the lord. This image contains so many errors, hence it can not reflect reality.
(chapter 103) Hence he could have never been outside the mansion. That’s how I realized that the author was presenting us a false memory. This means that the manhwalovers are facing an implanted memory. But how could this happen? First, false memory is quite normal and is often of no consequence. But a false memory relayed during criminal testimony might lead to the conviction of an innocent person. As the manhwalovers can detect, it represents a serious problem.
(chapter 58), it makes him particularly vulnerable to false memories.
(chapter 104), the lord and even the readers imagined to see medicine in the white bowl!
(chapter 105) Besides, the author had always connected the drug with the tray.
(chapter 23) As you can see, the readers interpreted this scene due to associations. Nonetheless, like mentioned in the previous analysis, the different color and the traces on the edge were the evidences that it was ink.
(chapter 36) Besides, Heena was in bed indicating that she was still weak. The circumstances led people to have a different perception of “verity”!! Only through the mind’s eye, the manhwalovers can detect that this scene was staged.
(chapter 103) The protagonist projected his own thoughts and emotions onto one servant: shock!
(chapter 61) This was interference by excellence. Besides, emotions can affect your memories. Since the lord was so under shock after witnessing the painter’s unconsciousness, it is not surprising that he imagined to have witnessed this scene. At the same time, when he left the shrine in trance, he could have overlooked the presence of a third person… similar to Lee Jihwa next to the shed. That’s how he doesn’t recall anything from that night except his crime. He didn’t see and hear the person by his side. Where is the sword? Where did he get the hanbok from?
(chapter 102) Therefore it is not astonishing that he imagined a similar scenery.
(chapter 1) This shows that the artist had only heard his name without seeing his face before. This explicates why the main lead’s gaze and facial expressions were similar
(chapter 1)
(chapter 1)
(chapter 103)
(chapter 104) My avid readers can certainly recall the rule I had detected: each chapter will be reflected in the next!
(chapter 94) Furthermore, the painter is associating the learned sir to the moon and as such the night.
(chapter 94) Thus I am now suspecting that this image
is a false memory. But I have another reason to think that the painter’s idolization was more the result of “brainwashing” and as such “false memories”.
(chapter 105) How can she date this incident so precisely? The moment I read her testimony, I discovered that in episode 94 the author had never shown us the painter crying!
(chapter 94)
(chapter 94)
(chapter 94) It was, as if the noonas had never been informed about the painter’s suffering and tears. This shows that Heena has been hiding many things from her colleagues. But there is more to it! The manhwaphiles saw the artist’s tears in his childhood.
(chapter 68) But here he was much older!! Under this new perspective, I realized that the following image could have been a false memory:
(chapter 68) Heena was misremembering that night, and she was misattributing the painter’s tears. In other words, she was confusing two incidents.
(chapter 105) It is the same facial expression, though the redness around the eyes is more pronounced. This observation confirms that the noona’s memories in the kisaeng
(chapter 86), so the painter must have made a similar experience. In my analysis “
(chapter 105) He had run after his lover in socks. While in “Baek Na-Kyum’s foot”, I thought that this memory was true, I come now to a different signification. It was a false memory in order to hide a crime related to Heena. I would like to outline that in the kisaeng’s comment, we have the notion of “shame” and as such “guilt”. First, I thought of rape, but then it could be much simpler. The painter could have witnessed his noona having sex with the learned sir. But because he was too young, he misjudged the situation… as a virgin, she had to bleed. Because he saw blood, he imagined that the learned sir had hurt Heena. This would explain why the artist was afterwards anxious around the teacher. One might think that this is not terrible. But let’s not forget that as a kisaeng, she can not have sex like that.
(chapter 105)
(chapter 68) Through suggestions, she had been able to convince her brother that the learned sir was a nice person. This explicates why the caresses and hugs were used to silence the artist. By repeating to her brother, he liked Jung In-Hun, he came to develop such feelings. The kisaeng’s statement implies that the admiration for the teacher was not constant.
(chapter 46) A change of heart versus “eternity”. This shows that the painter’s decision to go to the learned sir’s house was never his choice. He had simply followed Heena’s suggestion. She was definitely distorting his past. Furthermore I detected a strong connection between love and memory.
(chapter 94) If it is a loved one, then it can only be a good memory. Therefore it is not surprising that by saying constantly saying that the painter likes the scholar, he is repressing the bad memories with the scholar (the beating in episode 34, the betrayal in chapter 29, his words in the library and his reproach about his job). So far, he only mentioned one negative incident.
(chapter 105) In the original version, this is what the artist thought:
(chapter 76) So while the painter was following his lover, the latter turned around and hugged him. Afterwards, he asked him to go to his noonas, for he needed to talk to Heena. Moreover, contrary to Yoon Seungho, Baek Na-Kyum paid attention to time. He was not lost in thoughts or had lost the sense of time
(chapter 105) But the latter acted, as if his hand was not wounded.
(chapter 105) He ignored his physical pain and heartache.
(chapter 105) This is important, because the stumbling symbolizes the intervention of the gods… We have the perfect example at the end of season 3. The lord fell on his knees in front of the scholar’s house, hence there is a hand print on the snow.
(chapter 100) That’s how he refused to view Lee Jihwa as the murderer of his lover, Baek Na-Kyum”. YES, the falling is the real manifestation of CHANCE! How so? I would like the manhwaphiles to keep in mind that chance is the antonym of trick and scheme! The latter are connected to plan and organization. Thus I come to the conclusion that the noble will decide to go to the doctor’s office in order to treat his lover’s hand.
(chapter 57) he was feverish so that he couldn’t pay attention to the physician. Besides, the man never remained by his side. Finally, in episode 74, the man never left the office!!
(chapter 74) I conclude that Yoon Seungho never saw the physician for commoners! Besides, I doubt that he remembers him from his childhood. But this is not the same, when Baek Na-Kyum was ill. He met the other doctor twice.
(chapter 33)
(chapter 103) On the other hand, the artist assumes that the man in the office is Yoon Seungho’s doctor!! He heard his confession:
(chapter 57) There exist two physicians in the city at least. That’s how a part of the truth will come to the surface! And who had fetched the doctor?
(chapter 103) The staff… I would like to outline that in this panel, Kim was no longer seen next to the couple.
(chapter 105) So where did he vanish? Probably to the mansion, for he had to warn the domestics that the artist would be returning! But if he left the couple behind, this means that he can’t witness what Yoon Seungho and Baek Na-Kyum will do next. And if they don’t go to the doctor, there is no ambiguity that the main lead will send for the doctor again. But according to me, the man disappeared.
(chapter 103) To conclude, I am expecting that Yoon Seungho will make a huge discovery in the next episode… just like the painter did in the gibang.
(chapter 105) Imagine that despite his rush, he was clear-minded enough to take the yellow scarf, a present that the noble had just bought him before. 😢 The item had more value than the mituri (shoes). Thus he was running in socks. His gesture displayed how much the lord means to the painter. He cherishes everything the lord does for him. At the same time, it indicates his heartache. He was so desperate and scared, for he felt that he was about to get abandoned one more time.
(chapter 105) According to my follower @katamins, in the Korean version, this is what Baek Na-Kyum yells:
(chapter 105) it works like a spell or a prayer. The artist is clinching onto this phrase hoping that the noble is remembering his promise. The irony is that the low-born was smiling like a fool,
(chapter 83)
(chapter 85) This means that Baek Na-Kyum was put in the same situation than his lover who wished to keep the artist by his side, but feared to open up to him out of self-hatred and guilt. The painter could get burdened or horrified by his revelations. Hence the painter’s reaction at the end mirrors the yangban’s in the study. Both were or are pleading the partner to stay by their side,.
(chapter 85)
(chapter 105) Nevertheless, their behavior diverges so much. The aristocrat couldn’t raise his voice or become violent by using his hand, because he could scare the artist and as such break his previous promise. Finally, by destroying the music box, he had already witnessed that he had pushed his lover further away.
(chapter 85) At the same time, since he had been taught that no noble should lower himself in front of commoners, it is normal that he couldn’t beg Baek Na-Kyum on his knees. To sum up, the noble had to restrain himself extremely, his face and words were the only way to show his emotions and despair. And the artist sensed it, though the lord was not weeping. The proof is that when the father appeared, the artist changed his mind. He was no longer willing to leave, in fact he chose to look for his lover.
(chapter 87) This shows that through communication, the lord had been able to affect the painter‘s mind and heart. On the other hand, we shouldn’t underestimate the lord’s flashback and Na-Kyum’s conversation with the butler which played a huge part in the artist‘s decision to vow loyalty to Yoon Seungho despite the secret.
(chapter 105) Why did he change his mind? Is he responsible for this? As you can see, the painter came to voice his guilt and the remains of his deeply rooted self-hatred.
(chapter 105) He must have committed a wrongdoing, he is responsible for the situation. He feels like a burden, for the lord had to take care of him each night.
(chapter 104) He wished to help, that way he wouldn’t be seen as a spoiled child. He has to justify his presence in the mansion. Who is he exactly that he is sleeping in the lord’s bed? I am suspecting that there is a rumor circulating within the propriety, a new version of this scene:
(chapter 38) which I will explain more in details below. Thus the artist is making sure to cause no trouble to Yoon Seungho and the staff, especially the maids. Hence he folds the cover and clean the bedroom.
(chapter 104) Then he washes clothes. He makes sure that he is no burden to anyone. Yet, my impression is that the staff is taking advantage of the artist’s goodness. That’s how they fuel his guilt and shame.
(chapter 104) He was told not to question what he had heard… he should simply consider everything like a nightmare. However, this method is actually wrong.
(chapter 07)
(chapter 104) Not only he knows about the lord’s traumatic past, but it is the same for the painter. In addition, we have another explanation for Yoon Seungho’s insomnia and dissociative state.
(chapter 57) Not only the latter was turned into the scapegoat for the downfall of the Yoons, but also he was not allowed to reveal the incident, the so-called treason. Why? It is because if he had spoken, the truth would have come to the surface. He was simply a victim. And now, the schemers and accomplices are repeating the same MO. Who suggested to Yoon Seungho to say this to his lover?
(chapter 104) Naturally, Kim, because he is now the only one in the mansion who knows his past. Besides, why do you think that the lord’s past is coming to the surface as a nightmare? It is because he was incited to repress everything. But since the painter is going through the same experiences, this is not surprising that the noble’s memory is triggered and the past emerges again.
(chapter 27) Put yourself in the young man’s shoes. You suddenly witness how the whole family is moving houses and leaving you behind! This must have been terrible for Yoon Seungho. One might argue that Kim stayed by his side, so he was not alone. But it is false for 2 reasons. The white bearded servant had been working in the mansion
(chapter 27), when the other domestics left the propriety. This was his memory. Besides, like the servant confessed to Jung In-Hun, a huge part of the staff got replaced. This means that the lord was suddenly surrounded by people he didn’t know. Because my theory is that the young man was treated as a male kisaeng, this signifies that the new staff could never view the main lead as a noble. Besides, despite the betrayal, the elder master and Yoon Seungwon were his real family. Finally, Yoon Seungho had no saying in this, and I can imagine that the reason for this decision was not explained immediately. This must have been a huge blow for him as well. He must have felt lost and homeless. The result was that from that moment on, he became more dependent on the butler. And we have to question ourselves what the butler did with this huge responsibility, when the elder master moved to the second house.
Since this phrase appears in connection with the staff (maids and servants) in the courtyard, I come to the conclusion that the authors of this gossip are in the domain. “Fellows” indicate that they are speaking among themselves. But I have two more clues proving that the traitors are the domestics. First, observe how they call the protagonist: Young Master Yoon.
So far, people in town only calls the protagonist lord Yoon
(chapter 45)
(chapter 45) or lord Yoon Seungho
(chapter 39) or my lord.
(chapter 76) Only the staff addresses him as “young master”.
(chapter 103), and this since season 3. This coincides with the meddling of the Yoons. The servants treat him, as if he was not an adult, no real lord. But they are wrong, because he is wearing the topknot with the gat. Hence he is a lord. Finally, only people close to the couple could know about the painter’s tragedy.
, because in the village and town, there exists another gossip: 
(chapter 104) Thus I conclude that the gossip from the trailer is spread among the staff on purpose. They wished Baek Na-Kyum to hear it so that he will feel responsible, especially after hearing this.
He is responsible for the lord’s lunacy. Under this new perspective, it explains why the painter is leaving the bed and working. He wishes to prove the words wrong. On the other hand, I think that Yoon Seungho also heard a grapevine in the domain, but a different one:
(trailer). “He has many enemies”. How did I come to this idea? It is because he is addressed as Yoon Seungho! By underlining the painter as his weakness, the author of this rumor wishes to separate the couple. If he were to place the painter elsewhere, not only the latter would no longer be targeted, but also the lord would have no longer any weakness. Since there is always a reflection within the same chapter, I conclude that a second grapevine was spread in episode 104. This happened, while the lord was away. Thus the painter smiled like a “fool”, when he saw the lord:
(chapter 104) As you can imagine, for me the maids were the perpetrators, a new version of episode 79
(here, the woman implied that the artist was responsible for Yoon Seungho’s insomnia, thus the painter has a drop of sweat on his face, a sign for shame) and chapter 98
(chapter 103) Finally, the staff has every reason to get rid of the artist, for he is the witness of their wrongdoings. They definitely played a major role in the “prank”. They didn’t learn their lesson.
(chapter 29) This time, the one smiling like a fool
(chapter 29) was Jung In-Hun who acted, as if he knew nothing and had seen nothing.
(chapter 29) However, I have already pointed out that he was present, when the rape took place, for he knew where Yoon Seungho would meet the artist: the pavilion. And what have all these episodes in common? The first thought would be to say: abandonment and betrayal. The painter in front of the gibang felt “betrayed” and abandoned, but what shocked the lord so much was when the artist started blaming himself:
(chapter 105) “I had known, I would have never confessed” Nonetheless, he never finished his phrase, for in reality, he had no regret!! He was sure that he had made the right decision. It is because he had pondered a long time about this. He had observed his lover. That’s the reason why he mentioned their mutual love confession and as such their promise to stay together. And this brings me to the next observation. All these scenes have another common denominator: BAD DECISIONS!! The lord had made the wrong decision to entrust the painter to the kisaengs. Thus he came to regret this. He had made his lover cry, and even wounded him, though he desired to do the opposite. Therefore it is not surprising that he apologized to his lover.
(chapter 105) This shows that the painter is showing him what true love and loyalty are. Moreover, he is teaching to make good decisions.
(chapter 246), I realized why Yoon Seungho suffered so much. Self-made decision implies a conscious choice. It is made deliberately and thoughtfully, considers and includes all relevant factors, is consistent with the individual’s philosophy and values. As you can see, it implies knowledge. This definition exposes that making a choice for the sake of another person without his consent or knowledge can never be a good decision. One might argue about this, because children are too young to make decisions. In Doctor Frost, this man
(Doctor Frost 246) decided to support a terror attack, and justified this by saying that this was for his daughter’s sake. But like the counterpart pointed out, he questioned his decision. Was it truly his choice, or was he simply following the leader’s suggestion? As you can see, the daughter was used as an excuse, it was never for her sake. This shows that children are the exception, besides they are often raised by two parents. Thus they are making deliberations together. But like the author revealed in Twitter, Yoon Seungho’s mother hated her husband so much that she neglected her eldest son. The patriarch made decisions on his own, but observe that it was always for the Yoons’ sake. This means that the father never took his son’s well-being into consideration, he never asked him about his opinion. He imposed his will, but he listened to others, like we could see in different occasions.
(chapter 57) He fed his son with the drug prescribed by the physician, though the latter stated that he had no idea about the illness. Then he listened to father Lee’s complains and reproaches. He never questioned the intentions behind his actions and words.
(chapter 82) Here, the red-haired bearded man was encouraging the elder master Yoon to return to the mansion and claim his rights. Finally, the young master admitted this to the messenger:
(chapter 80) If someone stroke his ego, he would follow their advice and never doubt their words.
(chapter 104) But he simply employed reverse psychology.
(Chapter 85) Yoon Seungho was coerced to open up. If he did not, he wouldn’t be forgiven. Naturally, the painter meant it well, yet the main lead was pressured to reveal his „bad action“. The main lead feared his negative judgement and rejection. We could say that the artist had made this request for the lord’s sake, however this was not a conscious and long deliberated decision. And now, you comprehend why the main leads suffered both so much!! Yoon Seungho’s mother neglected her eldest son, but she kept her distance from her husband. They never talked to each other, and as such never made decisions together. And it was the same for the painter. The kisaeng Heena was the one who made the decision without the noonas’ consent and her brother‘s opinion.
(chapter46) Even in season 4, she has not changed her mind-set entirely.
(chapter 105) She is still viewing the painter’s decision as a bad choice. But she is simply wrong, for the painter listened to her advice and after deliberations, he chose to open his heart. His confession was not made in the heat of the moment.
(chapter 62) The lord’s vision
(chapter 62) became a reality
(chapter 63) Because the painter has always been betrayed and abandoned himself too, such words could only move the artist. There was someone willing to be by his side and to give him a home. Therefore it is no coincidence that the artist brought up these words from that night.
(chapter 105) This signifies that the noble will decide not to follow the noona’s advice:
(chapter 105) with the noona’s statement, the painter looks happy with Yoon Seungho despite the tears, it looks like the noona is slowly coming to terms with her brother’s relationship. But I have to admit that I believe that her “decision” is just short-lived. First, in season 2, the noona had accepted to let her brother stay at the Yoons’
(chapter 69) But then she had changed her mind after hearing the menace from the servant. However, I have three other reasons to expect a change of heart from the head-kisaeng. First, Heena is the younger reflection of the butler. The manhwaphiles shouldn’t forget that the valet had almost come to terms with the painter’s presence
(chapter 65), but the ruckus caused by the kisaeng had provoked a change of heart in the valet. Then, the lord had made the following condition to the kisaeng:
(chapter 105) The lord is keeping his lover by his side, as long as nothing happens to him. So if he gets into trouble… she could achieve her goal, the painter is returned to her. But the most important clue is for me the bowl!
(chapter 36)
(chapter 77) Besides, it never leaves traces on the edge.
(chapter 36) The painter used white bowls while painting. On the other hand, the lord wrote a letter during that time. As you can see, in episode 36, we have the combination of painting, seduction (touching) and medicine… exactly like in episode 105. The artist tried to paint a lucky charm, a tiger, but he didn’t finish it. He got interrupted… which is very similar than in chapter 36. So the letter should represent another common denominator. 

(chapter 105) onto Yoon Seungho. Will she come to regret her action or not? One thing is sure, the painter accepted the sincere apology from his lover. How could he not forgive him after calling „Nakyumah“ and embracing him!
(Chapter 76) By making the same decisions, it is not surprising that the same deed can never succeed. It was not a real self-made decision. They simply followed a pattern. 

of season 4 for this essay, though my focus is the past, and more precisely Yoon Seungho’s suffering. It is because the darkness surrounding the protagonist not only refers to his tragic youth, but also it reflects the situation of the manhwalovers. The latter are still in the dark concerning his torment. His terrible secrets have not been totally unveiled. So far, the author allowed the readers to see glimpses of his past, like f. ex. the gangrape or the suicide of his mother. But these were just small pieces of the puzzle, thus it is still impossible to have a complete picture of his martyrdom. There are many reasons for this. The main victim never testified about his suffering, he refused to open up to Baek Na-Kyum.
(chapter 84) Then many witnesses vanished
(chapter 86) or the ones alive preferred telling lies in order to hide their own wrongdoings or are simply in denial about their own culpability. Finally, the victim, the perpetrators and accomplices had no idea about the whole truth. They only know or knew certain facts, because many of them were deceived as well. What exactly happened to Yoon Seungho? How could this take place, though he belonged to one of the most powerful noble families? Now, you are probably expecting that I will give you answers to all these questions, and recreate the past. But I have to admit that it is not possible, for I don’t know the whole chronology. Consequently, I added “shadowy” in the title. To conclude, my real intention is more to offer new pieces from the riddle than create a whole new “story”. The main source for this new insight is the painter’s fate which is a reflection from the noble’s past and torment. This means that Byeonduck left traces in season 1, 2 and 3! That’s how I discovered that he had been abandoned and betrayed by everyone, kidnapped, treated as a male kisaeng, robbed, abused, raped and even gangraped at least twice, tortured and finally drugged! But like mentioned above, it is difficult to give the proper order and the persons truly involved in the crimes. On the other hand, what I can guarantee is that Yoon Seungho’s nightmare is linked to conspiracies. I came to this conclusion, because if you compare all the seasons, you will detect the presence of plots. There exists at least 3 main plots in each season, though there definitely exist more. The conspiracies are all connected to incidents.
(chapter 9), so that the latter visited Lee Jihwa to arouse his jealousy. It was to push him to commit a crime so that Baek Na-Kyum would be removed from the main lead’s side. As you can see, there were 3 people involved, though the readers only saw the result.
(chapter 12) They had the impression that the red-haired master had acted on his own. However, he had been manipulated, incited to commit a crime. But my point is not to diminish his wrongdoing, rather to expose the involvement of the schemers. Hence at the end of season 1, the author unveiled their true role and as such their identities.
(chapter 43) However, observe that when Lee Jihwa went to the pavilion, the noble with the mole had other guests. 2 nobles left the place, as they refused to participate in a murder.
(chapter 43) Funny is that they are now witnesses of Min’s crime. This can have repercussions in season 4. Black Heart had been the one who had suggested the assassination to Lee Jihwa. And the aristocrats were still there, when he had made this proposition.
(chapter 91) and the servants
(chapter 8) Thus in season 2, he came to this resolution:
(chapter 56) He had planned to rape him before having him eliminated. This shows his inner conflict. From my point of view, the painter’s death is connected to the incident in the gibang.
(chapter 16) This doesn’t look like a crime. However, it is one! It was done on purpose, to separate the couple. Someone had intervened in order to interrupt this session, and as such someone had been spying on them. Deok-Jae only revealed his spying activity from chapter 16 in season 2:
(chapter 53) Yet, the one opening the door had been Kim. This gesture can be considered as trespassing and invasion of privacy, the new version of this scene.
(chapter 16) But instead of revealing the truth, the butler sided with Lee Jihwa, and allowed him to trespass the propriety again. In my eyes, the butler thought
(chapter 17) that Yoon Seungho would come to perceive the painter as a man consumed by lust. He imagined that he would caught them fooling around. As you can see, this ruckus was also a plot, though it doesn’t look like one. Why would the maids gossip in the courtyard?
(chapter 18) From my point of view, the valet expected that the lord would fear people’s gaze and a scandal. Thus he would send away the painter to protect his “reputation”, but the opposite happened. Under this perspective, the manhwalovers can grasp why it is difficult to calculate accurately the number of plots and accomplices. Besides, some were naïve pawns, others not. And since I examined the first season more closely, it is necessary to analyze the vanishing of Jung In-Hun. His disappearance is strongly intertwined with Yoon Seungho’s secret. How so? The learned sir was determined to find the lord’s vulnerability and as such secret.
(chapter 88) Thus many readers jumped to the conclusion that the learned sir had already switched sides and was plotting against the main lead. They had his following words in their mind:
(chapter 29) Thus many concluded that he had participated in the prank, faking his death. On the other hand, the manhwalovers believed to have seen Heena’s death!
(chapter 37) who is the king in my eyes. [For more read the essay “
(chapter 86) However, in reality, he was relying on the king’s help and intervention. And this confession to the “fake shaman” represents the learned sir’s karma. He had asked the painter to act like a spy
(chapter 24), not realizing that he could be spied himself! He didn’t grasp that he exposed his weakness to the commoner: the civil service examination. Thus the man had constantly drops of sweat
on his face and interrogated Jung In-Hun.
(chapter 29) The girl was there to create a certain closeness. He was acting like Kim, asking why! But the stupid and arrogant learned sir thought that because the man was a commoner, he was ignorant and could be manipulated like the painter!
(chapter 29) He thought that the low-born would buy his lie here… but in my eyes, it was the opposite. He had already perceived the learned sir’s true nature. But he acted, as if he was agreeing. In other words, the scholar fell into his own trap. He envisioned that the man was “powerless”, but he overlooked his connections. The manhwalovers can see the contradiction, for he had approached the man due to his connections! .As you can see, I am more than ever convinced that the scholar has long been murdered. He was betrayed, exactly like he had planned to abandon Yoon Seungho! The pedophile must have heard from the servant about Jung’s plan, as he had confided it to the worker!!
(chapter 37) Yoon Chang-Hyeon was portrayed as a traitor! The “fake servant” implied with his statement that there was a conspiracy, and the patriarch was involved. But in exchange to save his own skin, he had tattled on the others! He was trying to insinuate that if Jung In-Hun interacted more with the Yoons, his reputation could get tainted. He could get suspected of “treason” too, or he could get betrayed too. While the man met the learned sir during the day, the brother went to the villa in a hurry during the night.
(chapter 36) Hence he chose a different approach: filial duty. And the brother’s observation could only corroborate the pedophile’s perception. The scholar was Yoon Seungho’s lover, but he was also a backstabber. But let’s return our attention to the “mysterious lord Song”‘s statement: Yoon Chang-Hyeon is a denunciator, not a man of honor.
(Chapter 67) Lee Jihwa had not only been denunciated, but he had been confronted by his friend! And the traitor was right by his side. As you can see, chapter 67 was a reflection from episode 37!! These two episodes have another common denominator: the betrayer had made the following suggestion.
(chapter 67) In exchange for his “survival”, he should help Black Heart and allow him to act on his behalf. This was the new plan. That’s how he started impersonating Lee Jihwa. That’s the reason why I come to the conclusion that in the past, the impersonation must have happened, but it took place in the beginning. Secondly, I am assuming that a traitor must have suggested to Yoon Chang-Hyeon to leave the mansion and abandon his son behind!
(chapter 27) Someone had tattled on the Yoons in the past, but the patriarch was turned into the traitor himself which the young main lead came to believe. Thus Yoon Seungho could say this to his father:
(chapter 86) However, I am suspecting that this is not true, someone else tattled on the powerful family and made a false accusation! As you can imagine, I am inclined to think that father Lee must have been behind this! Why? It is because he can no longer do it! Thus in season 3, he approached the patriarch Yoon.
(chapter 82) If the lord Seungho had truly committed a crime, he should have reported it to the authorities. The stupid Yoon Chang-Hyeon never wondered why the elder Lee visited him during the night and asked for his assistance. Furthermore, the elder Lee had been allowed to enter the bedchamber and see the huge drawing which could have been perceived as a sign of treason. He was eyeing at the throne.
(chapter 82) Note that the aristocrat mentioned “punishment” in this context. So maybe, he denunciated the patriarch so that the whole family would get punished. Father Lee was definitely played in this scene, hence I believe that someone had already anticipated his reactions. He would seek revenge. But this doesn’t end here. I had connected “rash departure” to “treason and spying”. And now, observe what Yoon Seungho said to his butler
(chapter 50) He had sent Jung In-Hun away in order to get rid of him! However, because of the expression “I thought”, I am quite certain that this idea had been suggested to him by the valet! I would like to underline that in this episode, the valet was acting as a tattler!
(chapter 50) But in order to hide his own crime, he portrayed it as a rumor (It may not be accurate”). This truly underlines the butler’s MO. He used information and turned it as gossips to hide his spying activities. The shadow… Simultaneously, he turned gossips into a verity!! This is no coincidence that in season 3, the same method was employed. Yoon Seungho was supposed to have murdered the scholar and Deok-Jae! My avid readers can sense the leitmotiv in all these episodes. RUMORS are turned into a reality, and as such a CRIME! Even here…
(chapter 37)
(chapter 86) But since our beloved man started living in the bedchamber, this became a reality. That’s the other reason why Yoon Seungho was encouraged to live in debauchery and not to take the civil service examination. But this only occurred, the moment the lord returned living in the mansion and not before!! Secondly, I realized that this statement about Yoon Chang-Hyeon will become a reality for the “fake servant” himself.
(chapter 94) This means that he acted as a traitor, tattling on his own relative. Finally, observe that once confronted with brutal reality, the father did run away.
(chapter 87) The white bearded man’s words became a reality. However, since the fake servant, the mysterious lord Song, judges the elder master Yoon as a troublemaker and hypocrite, there is no ambiguity that the elder master Yoon will get into trouble. Since he did it in the past, he can only get suspected in the present.
(chapter 86) But the worst would be that the painter is blamed for his assassination. He did it out of resent! But this would expose the true thoughts of the schemers, the pedophile and Kim. That’s how they act, when they feel offended and bothered.
(chapter 44) He had given the ruined painting to his father, putting the blame on his brother, well aware that the latter would get angry. He was observing his father’s reaction.
(chapter 44) Yet, there is a difference to the past. Here, he had been fooled! He truly believed that this was his brother’s doing, whereas in truth the butler had been the one who had fooled him.
(chapter 38) And this is important, because when the letter was given to the brother, Jung In-Hun witnessed the wrongdoing from the butler!!
(chapter 38) And now, you know why the learned sir had to die!! He had caught the valet in the act. He had betrayed Yoon Seungho, though he didn’t realize it. The learned sir tried to discover the content of the letter, and as such was prying on his sponsor’s weakness.
(chapter 38) Hence I come to the conclusion that KIM played a huge role in the learned sir’s death as well. I would even say that he was the one who pushed the others to have the scholar and the painter killed. Both knew about the butler’s tricks without realizing his significance.
(chapter 37) Hence I deduce that as the story progressed, the role of the butler started changing. Now, I see him as a the main plotter, while all the others are now his pawns. We could say that the valet has gradually followed the pedophile’s path. However, there is no ambiguity that it was not the same in the past!
(chapter 83) How can he be the same than the one from episode 37? The change of his hair color could be explained by a huge shock. But this is rather thin as a justification. Besides, now I am more inclined to think that these are two different persons, and that the main culprit is the one from episode 37. Why? It is because he smoked and utilized the same expression: “strange”.
(chapter 37) An idiom that Yoon Seungho constantly utilized: chapter 16, chapter 21
, chapter 50, chapter 71
(chapter 71). This means that he couldn’t understand, for he has a different way of thinking. This outlines his narrow-mindedness and his tendency to plan everything. He doesn’t like surprises.
(chapter 69) Hence I started wondering if the mysterious man with the beard was not impersonating someone, for example “lord Song” and in reality he was just a merchant. Why merchant? It is related to the shungas and the hanboks. The king can not be involved in trading directly. However, this is what Yoon Seungho told to the learned sir:
(chapter 22) Nevertheless, the main lead could have never been involved in commerce, for he lived as a prisoner for many years. And this is what was said about the ruler:
(chapter 76) He is not so wealthy. How come? Yoon Seungho’s fortune must have a different origin.
(chapter 102) Min had never predicted that the young master would run to his friend and denunciate him to Yoon Seungho. However, since Black Heart had employed the assistance of servants
(chapter 95)
(chapter 98), No-Name, the doctor with the drugs and butler Kim, this signifies that behind the name Lee Jihwa stand many people! As you can see, the name “lord Song” doesn’t refer to one person, but many… My theory is that No-Name is the true owner of the title, but that’s how he ended up losing his home and his name! That’s the reason why I believe that in this image
(chapter 71)
chapter 87) and
episode 92. The schemers in the past had definitely played with illusions and tricks. Thus I am expecting that it is now the pedophile’s turn to get fooled.
(chapter 54) and 3.
(chapter 100) The nobles made him smoke opium or drink the aphrodisiac. The purpose of such drugs is to obtain the painter’s submission and control his mind and reactions. Striking is that each time, the perpetrators were “punished”. Kim was insulted and his plan didn’t work out.
(chapter 37) As for the young lords, they were evicted like commoners and later the others were even killed. As you can see, each time the poison was employed, there was a retaliation.
(chapter 47)
(chapter 47) If the painter had not eaten with the lord, the latter would have never noticed the incident. However, he believed the maids’ words.
(chapter 47) Hence he never investigated the matter. But this prank represented a serious issue. This could have been judged as an attempt against the owner of the mansion.
(chapter 47) And now look at this panel:
(chapter 83) Yoon Seungho had refused to take the drug! The bowl reminded me of the one from chapter 47! Finally, the butler had tried to give his master the drug in season 3
(chapter 77) Kim calls the drug “medicinal tea”, truly an euphemism. It is also possible that the real target of the poisoning was Yoon Seungho, but since he was protected by the gods, someone ended up taking the “drug”. Because he was wearing a purple hanbok, the investigator mistook his identity, a royal member. Hence the Yoons were suspected of treason. Don’t forget that during this party, there was a kisaeng by their side.
(chapter 56), he came to adopt this title in order to hide his identity and actions. Byeonduck explained in her notes that Baek Na-Kyum had no idea about Min’s name. And this is the same for Yoon Seungho. The pedophile could continue hiding behind “lord Song”, as the latter was blamed for everything. The pedophile could divert attention from his own tricks. That’s the reason why he would never write any letter to Yoon Seungho under this name. This means that at the end, the main culprit, the king, will be perceived as the main responsible for Yoon Seungho’s torment, similar to Min’s situation, just before got killed. Though many other people were involved, Yoon Seungho was able to judge the joker’s actions correctly, he was the main mastermind behind the plots. This explicates why the gods made Yoon Seungho forget the old bearded men’s face.
(chapter 44) This was a blessing in disguise. The moment the main lead faces the king, Yoon Seungho will be able perceive the truth. The king was behind his torment, and the butler had been his helping hand all along, the professional spy planted in his family. However, I don’t think that the monarch will admit his crimes and apologize for his wrongdoings. He will need a scapegoat, and this can only be the butler, the only one who knows the truth! 
, as Baek Na-Kyum was still viewed as a boy. Moreover, according to social norms, it was impossible, for his lover is a man. Then in front of Yoon Chang-Hyeon, he made fun of his father. 

, (chapter 2) the other sleeps in one room apartment in a small house.
(chapter 5)
(chapter 1) This signifies that while the champion is at the top of Korean society, the other is at the bottom. This is no coincidence that their social status is mirrored in their relationship. While the athlete owns an expensive car
(chapter 9), the other uses public transportation.
(chapter 1) As a conclusion, one character embodies wealth, while the other stands for poverty.
(chapter 1)
(chapter 3)
(chapter 9) Their position was reflecting not only their respective social status, but also the social gap, as they were not standing side by side. Since the champion belongs to the high society, Kim Dan had to look up at the celebrity initially. This was not just a question of height. Striking is that in the first two pictures, the protagonists were facing each other at a certain distance, they had nothing linking them together, indicating that the two main leads were living in two different worlds. However, there was a first change, when Kim Dan
(chapter 6) Hence the main lead was positioned much lower than the doctor first.
(chapter 9) It even looks like manager Park Namwook was also recording this event. Striking is that for the first time, both main leads are interacting together in front of others. The drink is supposed to bring Kim Dan closer to the team and as such closer to Joo Jaekyung, which indeed happens afterwards. The latter is forced to enter Kim Dan’s world, and discover a new face of reality.
(chapter 9)
(chapter 9) is a metaphor for the future link between the two protagonists. The doctor is there to help the athlete to win competitions, or like I had mentioned before, he is his reward and prize for his long and painful career. I would even add,, they will bond through sport, just like it occurred in the shower room.
(chapter 8) Thus we had the challenge with the cup full of alcohol.
(chapter 9) This is important, because the doctor has truly earned the respect from Black Team, he is definitely accepted as one of them. Thus from that moment on, neither money nor the contract can have an influence on the relationship between the physician and the fighters. Observe that they keep calling him “doc”, which shows that they respect him not only due to his seniority but also due to his education. He studied hard to become a physical therapist. Hence Oh Daehyung refuses that Kim Dan acts as a servant, it is not his role and place to fetch ice cream for the boxers.
(chapter 9) He is no errand boy. They don’t judge him based on his social class, but on his college degree. As you can see, sport is a place that can bring people from different social classes together. This explicates why we have famous sport events like Olympic games or World cups. Here, people from different countries are competing against each other, but it is the same principle. These events were created to generate friendship and avoid military conflicts. In tournaments, talents matter more than money and social status, though this statement has to be relativized, for “poorer countries” offer less chances to develop talented sportsmen. Hence some athletes decide to change their citizenship. Nevertheless, we can definitely state that sport generates bonds among the different social classes and as such serve to reduce the gap between the top and bottom.
(chapter 6) Secondly, there was no one by his side except his hyung, Park Namwook, when he won his fight.
(chapter 5) Finally, this theory got reinforced, when I saw this panel.
. (chapter 9) We could also say that it was his karma, for abandoning him before in the shower. Because the main lead had to bring the doctor home, he discovered a new world which left him speechless.
(chapter 9) He couldn’t even imagine that someone would live there. Thus he got skeptical.