Jinx: Breathless in the Light 🫀(Part 1)

The Wrong Forecast

Many readers were happy to discover that Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan are about to spend a day at an amusement park. (chapter 82) Jinx-Lovers consider it as their first real date, a long-awaited moment of levity after so much pain. But perhaps we should pause and ask: why this place?

Among the brochures (chapter 82) scattered on the table, one displays the Eiffel Tower — the obvious choice, symbol of mastery and control. Built for the Exposition Universelle of 1889, it was meant to celebrate France’s industrial power and the centenary of the Revolution — proof that bourgeoisie and steel, not kings and nobility, now ruled the sky and ground. It was even supposed to be dismantled after twenty years, yet it remained, and has since become the symbol of Paris and of France. A monument to progress, modernity, freedom, national pride and endurance.

But the man who picked up these brochures was never a tourist. In the past, Joo Jaekyung would not have chosen any destination at all. He would have stayed inside or trained, untouched by the world outside his window or the gym. (chapter 38) Hence in the States he is here turning his back to the window and his only connection to others was through the cellphone. The cities he visited were backdrops, not experiences. He was always alone. And yet, here, something changes in Paris. (chapter 82) His hotel room opens onto a broad window and a balcony — an invitation to look out. Secondly, observe that he only proposed this activity after the other members had fallen sick. When doc Dan barged in his room, the champion was doing a one-handed handstand, holding his entire weight as if defying gravity itself (chapter 82) and proving his recovery. The posture seemed like control, yet it was closer to self-punishment — an immobility that devoured strength. Blood rushed to his heart and head, but his lungs stayed empty. It was, unconsciously, his way of treating his breathlessness. This also shows that he had no real expectation about the “rest” his manager had suggested (chapter 82) — the drinking, the empty and aimless trip (“check out the area”). For the wolf, such a downtime could only mean endurance, not release and excitement. By the way, such a suggestion from Park Namwook borders on stupidity and blindness. How could he propose drinking, when he had seen his “boy” indulged in alcohol before? (chapter 54) I guess, he must have taken the celebrity’s words at face-value. But let’s return our attention to the panel with the brochures selected by the champion. If you look carefully, you will detect the presence of 4 stars. (chapter 82) They reveal the protagonist’s thoughts and emotions. He is happy!! The news brought by doc Dan was actually good news! 😂 (chapter 82) How do I come to this interpretation? We have seen these stars before, during Kim Dan’s Summer Night’s Dream: the same glittering symbols of softness and excitement.

(chapter 44) Yet, this time, the little “stars” belong to the celebrity.
For once, the fighter blushes, smiles, and dreams. (chapter 82) His choice of the amusement park is not really about himself and his desires— it is an act of care, a wish to give happiness to someone else.

And here, I feel the need to add this information. The most famous theme park next to the capital is Eurodisney which is strongly intertwined with fairy tales (The Little Mermaid , Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast ).Hence there is the castle on the brochure. (chapter 82) This shows that my connection between the fairy tales and Jinx was correct. Eurodisney is a place built for children, stories, and families, where a person’s worth is measured not by conquest but by joy and time shared together. On the other hand, such a funfair cannot be separated from money; it is a space of paid joy, accessible only to families with a certain income. This alone explains why neither Kim Dan nor Joo Jaekyung has ever visited it before. (chapter 82) For both, it was financially and emotionally out of question. It grounds the symbolism of the amusement park in social reality, reminding readers that “fun” is also a form of privilege. This means that the champion is actually on his way to replace this picture: (chapter 65) So yes, this may look like a simple date. Yet beneath its playful surface lies the quietest revolution of all: the man who once ignored every view now opens the window, looks outward, and chooses wonder and fun over war.

When I first speculated about France, I imagined Cannes — the realm of spectacle, trophies, and bright façades. I was wrong about the destination (chapter 81), but not about the geography and air. I had truly detected the importance of this image and its symbolism. The plane that opened this arc spoke not of luxury, but of altitude — of a life lived too high, where oxygen is rationed by pride. Below the aircraft stretch the Alps, which I had correctly identified. From there flows the athlete’s own water – Evian (chapter 82) (written Evien in the manhwa) — drawn from the mountain that sustains him and starves him at once.

And now, let me you ask this: what happens to a candle’s flame at high altitude? It flickers, gasps, and finally dies for lack of air. This is exactly what Mingwa foreshadowed in the promotional poster (chapter 81): the rising smoke, the suggestion of a light already suffocated. The higher they bring him, the closer he moves to extinction. Besides, the higher he climbs, the harder the fall. In other words, they are trying to break him — to make him fall — something the athlete has already sensed. (chapter 82)

It is no coincidence that his opponent in France is an eagle (chapter 82) — a creature of heights and thin air, born to dominate the skies where others can barely breathe. The metaphor could not be clearer: altitude is his arena, but also his undoing.

Now they are in Paris, and it is fall — not yet cold because of the presence of the sun. (chapter 81) The air remains clear and generous, the sky washed in blue as if nothing could go wrong. Yet the trees, touched by the first copper tones, announce the slow turn of the year. It is a calm, lucid atmosphere, the kind of weather that hides transition inside serenity. The unseen Seine glides through the city like a long breath, steady and effortless.

In this luminous stillness, the champion tries, for the first time (chapter 82), to build joy outside the ring (chapter 82) — to borrow light for someone else’s smile. Paris welcomes him not with spectacle, but with ordinary clarity: air that holds both change and peace.

So yes, this may look like a simple date. Yet beneath the gentle brightness lies something deeper: the rest is supposed to treat Joo Jaekyung’s breathlessness. (chapter 82) Everyone has noticed that the athlete has been burning out quickly during training. (chapter 82)
So why is he struggling so much with breathing? It is more than just an altitude question.

Airport – Exhaling for the First Time

Like mentioned in the previous essay, the airport symbolizes transition, a sign that both protagonists are gradually changing, but their metamorphosis is not complete. Interesting is that Mingwa focused on the champion’s reaction at the airport which only Jinx-lovers could notice. (chapter 81) A single breath — huu — escapes, white against the air. It looks like calm, but it isn’t. It’s the sound of a man forcing his body to obey. The clenched fist that follows betrays him: anxiety condensed into muscle. (chapter 81) The champion has descended, yet the altitude still lives inside him.
Every cell of his body is trained to equate success with survival, control with oxygen. Even here, standing on solid ground, he breathes as if a fight were about to begin. His chest expands too sharply; his breath leaves in bursts. The nervous exhale isn’t relief — it’s containment. To conclude, he is tense, because he is anxious. This time, his shoulder is not betraying him (chapter 14), but his lungs and heart. Yet at the airport, the sportsman doesn’t realize it (chapter 81) — he is drawn eyeless, suspended in a state of self-control rather than awareness. His brief moment of meditation is still ruled by habit: the reflex of an athlete who measures calm through dominance. For him, success has always been synonymous with survival and such life. Hence later in his bedroom, he recalls his first tournament and defeat and makes the following resolution: (chapter 82) But there exists another reason why the athlete’s heart and lungs are betraying him.

The truth behind Joo Jaekyung’s breathlessness

Let me ask you this. When did we hear and see the champion’s breathlessness in the past? (chapter 69) Back then, he feared for doc Dan’s life and ran as if his own heart depended on it. His breathlessness wasn’t exhaustion but panic: the instinctive terror of losing the person who keeps him alive. Thus when he saw him alive on the dock, he could start breathing properly: (chapter 69) From HUFF to HAA… exhale versus inhale.

Seen under this light, his current symptoms are no mystery. What burns him out in training isn’t merely overwork—it’s fear disguised as stamina. (chapter 82) His brain and heart remember that night at the dock; every harsh inhale during practice echoes that same dread of separation.

Before his collapse, the opponent Arnaud Gabriel had casually flirted with his “fated partner.” (chapter 82) And how did the champion respond to that provocation? Like a cornered animal. (chapter 82) He became the wolf again, not out of jealousy, but out of survival reflex—his body screaming its panic in place of words. In that instant, he was reminded that he could lose doc Dan as a partner, that the bond he relies on might not belong to him forever.. The roar emptied his chest; his lungs gave out before his pride did. There was no air left in his body… thus the heart and lung couldn’t work properly.

That’s why the “burnout” (chapter 82) after training feels different this time. It’s not a failure of strength but a signal from the body, revealing what he refuses to confess: his greatest fear is no longer defeat—it’s loss. And that’s what makes him so human. For the first time, the indestructible champion stands on the same ground as Oh Daehyun—both breathless, both weary, both trapped between expectation and emotion. The difference is that Jaekyung’s fatigue is not born of rivalry but of love. In other words, this scene announces the vanishing of the monster the manager had tried to create and preserve. (chapter 75) The fearsome beast who once fought for dominance is gone. What remains is a tamed wolf, following his master’s voice (doc Dan) — not out of submission, but because he finally trusts where it leads. (chapter 82) He is now a tamed wolf following his master’s suggestions! (chapter 82) Thus the coach is now facing the couple. And now, my avid readers can understand why the champion seems almost radiant when he finds himself alone with doc Dan at the amusement park. It is not mere joy or freedom; it is the relief of finally acting from desire instead of duty (chapter 82) For once, he can do what he truly wants — to make the man beside him breathe.

The motivation behind this “date” goes beyond playfulness. It is his way of returning the gift he once received. Remember the birthday card (chapter 55): (chapter 55)

“Thanks to you, I finally feel like I can breathe again.” That card became the emblem of hope — a promise of redemption. Joo Jaekyung had been able to bring the physical therapist comfort and support in the past, so he can do it again. If he can help doc Dan breathe freely, without fear or debt, then perhaps he himself can breathe without fear as well. In other words, we should expect a confession in the future episodes.

“I Won’t Fall Again” — Gravity, Shame, and the Vow

Falling is actually the champion’s biggest fear. (chapter 82) That’s why Mingwa confronted him with reality, when she stages doc Dan’s unconscious suicidal attempt in front of the railing: (chapter 79) The scene functions as both mirror and revelation: it forces the fighter to face the truth he has avoided all his life. In the past, he had never truly fallen. His defeats were painful, but never fatal; his failures never signified the end of a life. He could always stand up again — until now. Watching Kim Dan lean over the edge forces him to confront the difference between metaphor and mortality.

But this rises the following question. Why does he associate his first tournament (chapter 82) with fall (chapter 82)? After all, that match ended only in a knockout, not in death. The answer lies at home. The boy’s first image of defeat was not his own body in the ring, but his father’s corpse on the floor (chapter 73) – surrounded by bottles and syringes (chapter 73). Addiction, gambling, and intoxication: all ways of trying to rise above reality, to feel high, if only for a moment. Joo Jaewoong quite literally died from altitude, from chasing a false form of air. His father had tried to climb the social ladder through sport, to escape the poverty that trapped them, but he had failed. Those words (chapter 73), thrown like stones by the father at his son, buried themselves in the boy like shards.. They echoed like a curse — a prophecy Joo Jaekyung would spend his whole life disproving.

The young Jaekyung saw and understood. When he collapsed during his first tournament, finishing third because there were no other opponents (chapter 82), he has the same posture of that corpse — arms spread, breath gone, waiting for someone to call him back to life. Back then, his father was still alive, but didn’t care for him. However, such a position announced the future demise of Joo Jaewoong. He had fallen out of excess; he fell out of weakness. Both were conquered by gravity, one literally, the other symbolically.

But the mother’s departure turned that fall into reality. She left the house claiming that the father’s violence and failure were to blame (chapter 72) (chapter 72), yet she made no attempt to build an independent life. Her survival had always depended on his success — and when his career crumbled, she vanished with it. That’s the reason why the trash remained uncollected — a visual proof of abandonment (chapter 72) But the little boy failed to notice it, because he was suffering from the father’s abuse. Before leaving, she gave her son a phone number, as if absence were only temporary, as if love could be reached through a dial tone. That small gesture sustained an illusion: that she would come back if he became strong enough, rich enough, worthy enough. That illusion became the foundation of his life.
Thus he trained obsessively, demanding to compete even as an elementary student (chapter 72) His first fight was not about trophies — it was an act of filial negotiation: a promise to buy her return. But of course, 300 dollars could not rebuild a family. His first fall became the confirmation of her silence. This explicates why he recalls his first tournament and considers it as “fall”. He had not been able to win, thus the mother could not return. He doesn’t fight for glory or passion; he fights to avoid being discarded again. So, when he says “I won’t fall again,” what he really means is “I won’t let myself be unloved again.”

In other words, he wanted to climb in order to rebuild the missing bridge to his mother. (chapter 72) But the problem is that when he was finally able to reach his mother, the latter answered that Joo Jaekyung was too late. The mother’s words sealed the curse. He was “already grown up now” (chapter 74), hence he no longer needed her — as if maturity meant he no longer needed love. She actually implied that she had been all this time by his side. (chapter 74), while in reality, she had long abandoned him. Her departure turned growth into punishment, and independence into exile. This explicates why as an adult, he used money to buy people and turn them into toys. This could only make appear as a spoiled brat.
He built his entire life around that promise, standing against gravity like an inverted pillar. The body that once touched the ground became a monument to refusal. He had to reach the sky, to remain in the air. Thus he chose the penthouse as his new home.

But defying gravity comes at a cost. He trained to stay upright until breathing became difficult due to the thin air. Breathing itself became rebellion. Every gasp of air reminded him of the father’s last exhale. Every victory was a way of proving that he could resist both descent and inheritance. Yet the same vow that kept him standing also froze him in place: a man always in motion, never resting.

When Kim Dan almost fell from the railing (chapter 79), the scene echoed this primal fear. The champion’s hand reaching out was more than reflex — it was salvation in reverse. By catching the doctor, he was symbolically catching his father, his mother, and the child he once was. In that single gesture, he refused to let history repeat itself.

The sentence “I won’t fall again” is no longer just a boy’s defense; it is a man’s confession. It reveals the weight he carries: the fear of becoming the very body he once found on the floor, the terror of losing the one person who gave him air. Through doc Dan, Joo Jaekyung learns that grounding himself is not failure but healing: he must get closer to the ground to draw air back into his lungs.

And now, we can understand why he chose the amusement park over the Eiffel Tower. The fighter who once chased altitude now seeks balance at earth level. His goal is not to impress through grandeur or wealth, but to care, to laugh, to rebuild joy together.

By choosing play over pride, he is attempting to rewrite his history — to erase the legacy of his parents’ abandonment and failure. What once was a vow against falling now becomes a lesson in how to stand, breathe, and love on common ground. Hence he looked for attractions and found these brochures. He didn’t want to leave it to fate contrary to his hyung.

Breathlessness and Youth

Before focusing on the funfair, I would like to give another explanation for his sudden breathlessness. (chapter 82) In chapter 82, both Yosep and the manager interpret the champion’s shortness of breath in purely technical terms. Yosep assumes it comes from his long absence from the ring, while Park Namwook agrees — eager to reduce fatigue to mere physiology. Their reasoning sounds plausible, yet it misses the core truth.

Joo Jaekyung’s breathlessness was never an issue before. (chapter 79) Even Park Namwook himself, only days earlier, had described the French match as (chapter 81) “a breeze” — a fight so effortless that it would bring some fresh air into the champion’s career. But that metaphor betrays its irony: what was supposed to refresh him is now suffocating him. The “breeze” promised by his manager has turned into lack of air.

If his lungs are giving out, it is not from lack of training, but from an excess of negative feelings. This is the paradox of his transformation. The man who once lived like stone — unyielding, heavy, immovable — is now becoming light, emotional, alive. His body, once used only for control, now responds to affection, anxiety, and loss. He is breathless because he has begun to feel again.

Interesting is that (chapter 79), the break is perceived differently, depending on the situation. (chapter 82) In one scene, the break is seen as a good opportunity, in the other not(“out of the game”). Besides, at no moment, they are using the word “recovery”, as if the man had never been surged.

What neither man notices is that the athlete’s body had already changed during that so-called “break.”
In truth, he had caught a cold (chapter 70) — a detail no one around him ever learned. This simple fact overturns their interpretation. (chapter 70) The breathlessness they see now is not a decline in performance, but the residue of transformation. His body, once trained to suppress every weakness, had finally surrendered to nature.

The cold, therefore, was not an illness but a rebirth — the first genuine sign of rejuvenation.
The first sneeze burst out like a leftover gasp from the night of panic at the dock (chapter 69): an involuntary release of fear and tension. Flooded with air and emotion, his body responded the only way it knew how — by collapsing into vulnerability. It was the moment when the emperor turned into a man, when the monument learned to breathe.

This was not simple fatigue; it was renewal.
For the first time in years, his system behaved like that of a human being, not a machine. The flushed cheeks, the runny nose, the dazed look — all marked a regression to childhood, an age when feelings could still flow freely. Before, he had never been breathless, because he was living like a zombie or a machine ignoring pain. Breathlessness had once been a symptom of repression; the cold became the body’s quiet revenge, proof that he could still react, still feel.

In this sense, the cold acts as metaphorical cleansing — an expulsion of the stale air he had been holding since childhood. The “monster” that Park Namwook wished to preserve (chapter 75) was finally dissolving. What replaced it was something fragile yet alive. But Yosep and Park Namwook, more obsessed with performance and profit, mistook this renewal for decline.

This connection between breathlessness and youth extends beyond Joo Jaekyung. We’ve seen another fighter gasping for air — Seonho (chapter 46), whose clash with the champion exposes two different forms of frustration.

It begins with Jaekyung’s own accusation. (chapter 46) He reproaches Seonho for using his title and image to promote himself, for bragging about their sparring sessions to boost his career. From his perspective, Seonho lacks both endurance and authenticity — he performs strength rather than living it. (chapter 46) For Jaekyung, such behavior is intolerable because it cheapens everything he has sacrificed to achieve.

But Seonho’s retaliation strikes closer to the heart. (chapter 46) He turns on Jaekyung and accuses him of arrogance — of using his champion title to look down on others. What Seonho perceives as disdain is, in truth, the athlete’s defense mechanism. The star’s detachment is not born from pride but from obligation and trauma (abandonment issues).
For years, he has been forced to be perfect — the faultless product that Yosep and Park Namwook can market and control. (chapter 46) His perfection is not freedom; it is captivity.

The irony is cruel: Seonho envies what Jaekyung himself resents deep down. He is not happy.
One gasps because he cannot reach the summit; the other because he can never descend and have a family. Both are breathless — trapped at different altitudes of the same illusion. In this light, breathlessness becomes the shared symptom of youth distorted by ambition. For Seonho, it signals decline — the body’s inability to keep up with the illusion of eternal strength.
For Jaekyung, it marks the end of the illusion itself — the beginning of human fatigue, emotion, and rebirth.

Under this light, it became comprehensible why Seonho (chapter 52) tried to recruit Potato, the youngest member from Team Black. He wanted to become the new idol of Hwang Yoon-Gu. He imagined that he could replace the main lead and Potato would be happy to become the new sparring partner of Seonho.

And this prepares the ground for his encounter with Arnaud Gabriel, the “eagle” who embodies yet another version of false air (chapter 82) — a beauty that glides but never lands. Like Seonho, Gabriel thrives on appearance — on surfaces polished by attention. His beauty, elegance, and social charisma are his weapons. He lives in the air of visibility, relying on wind — the shifting currents of social media (chapter 81) (chapter 82) and press coverage — to lift his name higher. That’s why Mingwa made sure to show him at the press conference. (chapter 82) Every post, every camera flash, every headline serves as borrowed oxygen.

We see him carefully maintaining this illusion of effortless flight: (chapter 82) posing in his new suit for the press conference, his public image as flawless as his wings.

(chapter 82) Yet beneath that composure lies dependency. Gabriel’s power exists only as long as others keep watching, as long as the wind keeps blowing. His world is made of altitude — but the higher one flies, the thinner the air becomes. But if there is no wind or air, the eagle can no longer fly. This is palpable on two occasions, his encounter with the two male leads.

When he flirts with doc Dan (chapter 82), Gabriel still speaks in French — creating an act of exclusion. The physical therapist can’t understand a word, but the eagle doesn’t care; comprehension isn’t the goal, impression is. The wink replaces language, turning seduction into spectacle. It’s not meant for dialogue but for display — a gesture meant to be seen, not felt. He imagines that he has wooed the physical therapist.

He doesn’t wait for a reply; he simply turns away, leaving Doc Dan behind. (chapter 82) The grin that follows is one of self-satisfaction and superficiality, not connection. It’s the smile of a man admiring his own reflection in another’s confusion — proof that he controls both the scene and the gaze. This shows that he had no intention to make the protagonist jealous. And it is clear that he never saw the wolf’s rage afterwards. (chapter 82)

But why did he approach the Emperor, after he had left the spotlight? One might say that it was to get his attention and provoke a reaction. The same arrogance colors his handshake with Joo Jaekyung. Gabriel greets him with a polished smile and an extended hand, yet his words carry a double edge: (chapter 82)

  • “I know this is your return match, but I won’t go easy on you.” Behind the polite phrasing hides mockery and calculation. The smile is diplomatic; the tone, predatory. By choosing to speak in French, through an interpreter, he asserts distance and superiority. It is not a language barrier — it is a form of hierarchy.
  • “Good luck with your training,” he pretends to wish him well while quietly diminishing its target. The implication is clear: you’ll need it. The eagle knows about the champion’s surgery and exploits that knowledge beneath a façade of charm. Every word he utters, whether to Jaekyung or Dan, is a performance — a test of power disguised as civility.

Everything is pointing out that Gabriel knows more than he admits. His remark reveals that he is fully aware of the champion’s surgery and the rumors surrounding it. He could even know about the drinking and his “lack of stamina”. (chapter 82) The line echoes in irony. On the surface, it invokes sportsmanship; beneath it, it suggests that Jaekyung’s previous victories were not clean — that his reign was tainted by aggression or controversy. Yet the true paradox lies elsewhere: Gabriel himself knows that this match is anything but clean. He is exploiting Jaekyung’s weakened condition, confident that he will prevail against a half-healed opponent. That’s why the athlete was encouraged to appear in a suit. (chapter 82) That way, his “vulnerability” would be masked. No one would question the champion’s health. And this brings me to my next observation.

This duplicity mirrors the logic of Hwang Byungchul, the old coach who once criticized Jaekyung for fighting too soon after his shoulder surgery (chapter 70). Both men embody the same cruelty disguised as professionalism — one in the ring, the other from the shadows. They blame the champion for the new match, none of them question the system.

Gabriel’s arrogance, therefore, is not personal but systemic. He represents the world that raised Jaekyung: a world where weakness is mocked, empathy is absent or a lip-service, and “clean fights” exist only as public performances. That’s why he stands for fun. He has never truly challenged “dangerous opponents”. The eagle’s flight is powered by the same wind that once blew through the director’s gym — the cold air of superiority. This means that unlike Joo Jaekyung, the eagle has never faced real turbulence.
Gabriel has lived in an atmosphere of praise, never subjected to the kind of hostility that constantly surrounded the champion. He has not endured the venom of hateful comments (chapter 36) or the media’s harsh verdicts after defeat (chapter 54), when analysts accused Jaekyung of recklessness for returning to the ring too soon, though he had problems with his shoulder. Gabriel’s fame soars above such storms — sustained by admiration, not endurance. Hence he is posting selfies.

(chapter 82) However,, Joo Jaekyung is no longer attached to his cellphone and the virtual world. What he truly wants now is real and true love from doc Dan. (chapter 82) This explains why he is seen interacting more and more directly with fans and this outside! (chapter 82) He is now seen signing autographs (chapter 82), whereas in the past, he was only seen in company of reporters in a secluded area. (chapter 40)

But this match carries a hidden danger. It was secretly arranged by the CEO, a fact still unknown to the public. Should Jaekyung win, the backlash could fall not on the loser, but on the victor. Critics could accuse the champion of avoiding a real challenge — of selecting an easy, lower-ranked opponent (chapter 81) rather than facing the fighters in first or second place. (chapter 69) The victory would be branded as hollow, a publicity stunt rather than an athletic achievement.

Yet this very accusation could threaten Gabriel as well. By calling him weak, the same commentators who once worshipped his image would strip him of his core identity: that of an athlete. (chapter 81) He wants to be admired as the hottest male figure in the sport, but admiration without credibility is only ornament. If his skill is questioned, his entire persona collapses.

Thus, both men stand on fragile ground — one condemned for winning, the other diminished by losing. Gabriel’s elegance and Jaekyung’s strength mirror each other’s curse: both are trapped in a world where value exists only in the eyes of others, and where even victory can feel like a fall. However, this can change, if this fight becomes a true spectacle, and is born out of love! But the air that sustains Gabriel is not the same that now fills Jaekyung’s lungs.
The eagle rises through applause; the wolf begins to rise through love. Liebe verleiht Flügel (German) — love gives wings — but these wings do not lift him away from the world. They carry him closer to it, toward the ground, toward life and fun.

The Amusement Park and its Ferris Wheel — Circles of Breath and Light

If the Eiffel Tower was built to celebrate height and conquest, the Ferris wheel, (chapter 82) first unveiled at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, was created to transform height into play. Conceived by engineer George Washington Ferris as America’s answer to the Parisian tower, it sought to outshine France not through steel alone, but through motion — a structure that would rise and fall, carrying ordinary people with it. Unlike the fixed tower, the wheel invited participation: passengers would move together, share the air, rise and descend without fear. It was both monument and moment — a way to democratize the sky.

That is the kind of altitude Joo Jaekyung chooses.
After years of living at the top — in the isolating stillness of the champion’s penthouse, the rooftop — he now turns to a form of shared elevation. The Ferris wheel becomes his antidote to the rigid hierarchy that once defined his life. Here, there are no rankings, no first or second place, only circular motion. One rises while another descends, but both will meet again. It is the geometry of equality — and the perfect metaphor for breathing. This means that, by choosing the Ferris wheel, Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan experience a gentle form of falling — one that no longer hurts.

Each rotation of the wheel is an inhale and exhale; ascent and descent, effort and release.
Inside the small cabin, air is shared. Love and life become visible through motion rather than achievement. The attraction’s design embodies the very thing Jaekyung and Dan have been learning all along: balance.

For the doctor, whose childhood was shaped by financial limits and emotional debt, the wheel offers what he never had — the chance to look at people from above, to rise without cost or guilt. For the champion, it restores what he lost — the ability to enjoy altitude without suffocating, to associate height not with fear, fame, or trauma, but with wonder. In that cabin, surrounded by laughter and sky, they can both breathe again.

But the symbolism extends further.
The Ferris wheel stands in sharp contrast to the highway, the modern symbol of depression and disconnection. As psychologists have noted, this kind of highway thinking characterizes the depressed and overdriven mind. It is the mental state of someone who keeps moving forward in a single direction — not out of purpose, but out of inertia. The brain becomes trapped in one lane, incapable of detouring, exploring, or slowing down. Over time, this creates a kind of perceptual tunnel: a world reduced to one goal, one fear, one story.

I watched this documentary, but it is in French https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5YcH5X5Xgo

In depression, this narrowing becomes pathological. The mind loses its ability to imagine alternatives, to see side roads or landscapes beyond the straight line ahead. Reality shrinks into a one-dimensional track — progress without perspective. The obsession with direction replaces the experience of life itself: one keeps accelerating or slowing down, chasing milestones, yet the inner landscape remains unchanged. This is how I came to connect these three scenes:

Chapter 33Chapter 56Chapter 69

That reflects the champion’s mind-set, his narrow-mindedness. But keep in mind that during that evening, the champion made a detour, he was disturbed by the destination/ goal:
Here the athlete has only one goal: talk to doc Dan and clean the air. He has no intention to truly rekindle with him Thus he is still stuck in a traffic jam. Here, there is a progression, because he can switch the lane. However, he is still driving in one direction, not looking out of the window. He is not taking his time either. These scenes illustrate the champion’s psychological confinement and mirror doc Dan’s mindset as well.

And now, look at the streets of Paris. (chapter 82) They look rather empty, yet we can see a crossroad — a sign that the champion’s mentality has improved. He is no longer narrow-minded or trapped in one lane. However, the high peak ahead represents the amusement park, because there, the destination is not important. There is no order or hierarchy either.

This is why healing requires not just rest but multi-perspectivity — the rediscovery of curves, loops, and crossings. The the funfair and Ferris wheel become the perfect antidote: it teaches that movement can be circular, playful, shared, and above all, reversible. Instead of racing toward a fixed destination, the wheel allows return, variation, and exchange. It reawakens the part of the brain that knows how to wonder. But the funfair offers other possibilities as well: the roller coasters. (chapter 82) The latter teach courage.They carry within them the echo of Jaekyung’s greatest fear: falling. But here, the fall is transformed into exhilaration. What once symbolized loss, shame, and trauma now becomes thrill and laughter. The mechanical descent reclaims the forbidden emotion; it gives the body permission to scream, to release control, to fall without dying.

Joo Jaekyung’s life before Kim Dan was precisely that: a mental highway.
Every victory led only to the next, every title erased the one before. The more he advanced, the less he lived. His body, disciplined into automation, had forgotten the curve of joy — the possibility of turning, pausing, returning. The Ferris wheel and the roller coasters break that pattern. The Ferris Wheel reintroduces circularity, where movement is not escape but rhythm, where the goal is not ascent but repetition with difference and observation. From there, you can look at your surroundings. (chapter 75)

This is where Mingwa’s visual irony reaches its height.
The man who once swore, (chapter 82) now voluntarily steps into a machine that promises nothing but falling — and smiles. What once represented humiliation now produces joy. This reversal is the purest expression of healing: when what once wounded becomes what restores.

Together, the Ferris wheel and the roller coasters offer two complementary forms of breath.
One teaches rhythm — the inhale and exhale of life. The other teaches release — the scream that clears the lungs. And then, it came to my mind that such a theme park could offer bumper cars — small machines of collision and laughter. Unlike the Ferris wheel or the roller coaster, they don’t offer height or speed but contact. Here, impact is stripped of danger; the crash becomes a form of play. The goal is not to avoid others but to meet them — to touch, collide, and burst out laughing. In this attraction, aggression loses its sting and turns into connection.

One shows that peace is possible in repetition; the other shows that freedom lies in motion. Laughter becomes medicine for the two breathless men, but contrary to the past, this time, doc Dan will see the happiness written on his loved one’s face. So far, he has never paid attention to his genuine smiles: (chapter 27) (chapter 80) He has not grasped that he can make the champion happy. In fact, this day would represent a real break and rest, as they would learn nothing, only make new experiences so that life can appear colorful again. Here, we can see two balloons in the form of heart: green and yellow. (chapter 82) Once they enter this world, they will discover a world full of magic and lights.

And now, imagine this. If there was a love confession in that theme park, this could bring tears of joy, the opposite of these scenes (chapter 52) a kid versus a grown-up, both rejected and silenced. (chapter 74) Joo Jaekyung would have achieved his goal: even vulnerable or childish, he is still lovable.

Both stand against the straight line of the highway — the depressive geometry of one-way thinking. The park and its attractions offer circles and loops instead, motions that bring one back to the self, not away from it. They turn fear into fun, control into connection.

If the highway is the architecture of burnout, the amusement park with its attractions is the architecture of recovery.
On the road, time accelerates; in the air, it expands.
On the highway, one is alone even among traffic; on the wheel, one is secluded but among people — the paradox of safe intimacy. Inside the cabin, the couple is both visible and hidden, surrounded by other voices yet enclosed in their own breath. It’s a fragile cocoon where public space becomes private moment, where affection can exist without fear of intrusion.

This is the healing structure of Jinx’s Paris arc. (chapter 82) The wheel is not a symbol of escape from the world but reconciliation with it. At the same time, it feels like a reverence to the fairy tales and their famous ending: (chapter 41) They were destined to be together and lived happily.
It redefines air: no longer something to conquer or control, but something to share. The circular motion mirrors the psychological rhythm that both men have been denied — the ability to rise and fall without shame, to let life move through them rather than resist it.

Even the mechanics of the wheel resonate with their journey. It turns slowly, patiently; it demands trust. Once aboard, there’s no way to force speed or direction. One must surrender — to the mechanism, to the air, to the view. It is the perfect opposite of Jaekyung’s former life, where every second was measured, every breath controlled. Now, he can do nothing but sit, look, and breathe.

And there is more. The wheel’s origin — a response to France’s Eiffel Tower — completes the symbolic circle between the two monuments. The Eiffel Tower represented competition between nations, a masculine monument to progress, mastery, and endurance. The Ferris wheel transformed that spirit into something inclusive: it turned height into experience, individual triumph into collective wonder. Hence the Ferris Wheel exists in France and in other cities. This is exactly the transformation Jaekyung undergoes. The fight is no longer vertical — him against the world — but circular, relational, shared.

Seen from a distance, the wheel glows like a moving constellation — a ring of stars rotating in the night.
In the earlier chapters, stars appeared above Jaekyung’s brochures (chapter 82) to signal his quiet happiness, mirroring the stars that once surrounded Kim Dan’s laugh (chapter 44). The Ferris wheel reanimates that motif. Each cabin is a star, and together they form a galaxy of moments — proof that light can move without burning out, that joy can repeat without fading.

In that sense, the Ferris wheel is more than a date setting. It is a machine of breath: a gentle, mechanical reminder that even steel can carry tenderness, that love — not ambition — is what truly gives flight.
Love gives wings — but not the kind that seek altitude. These wings move in circles, not lines. They return to where they began, bringing both men back to the ground lighter than before. To conclude, the birthday card contained the key how to rekindle with the physical therapist and win his heart: (chapter 55)

Feel free to comment. If you have any suggestion for topics or Manhwa, 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.

Jinx: Lavender-Tinted 🪻Pillow Talk 🛏️ – Part 2

Revisiting the Symbolism of Intimacy

In the first part of Lavender-Tinted Pillow Talk, the focus was on Kim Dan’s subconscious struggle with intimacy, as reflected in his body language, verbal hesitations, and use of physical barriers such as the pillow. It explored how his journey toward rejecting touch and emotional closeness paralleled his growing bond with Joo Jaekyung. He fears attachment out of pain. (Chapter 63) The presence—or absence—of clothing during their encounters symbolized the gradual dismantling of their emotional walls. Now, shifting the perspective to the champion, another layer of complexity emerges. Joo Jaekyung’s evolving approach to intimacy is not just a reflection of his growing feelings but also a silent, deeply ingrained struggle with dependence and control.

His behavior in Episode 63, particularly his decision to remain in his black boxer briefs while on the bed, invites a closer look. Given the kaleidoscopic storytelling of Jinx, where patterns and motifs repeat with shifting meanings, this small yet significant detail connects to previous moments of exposure and concealment. What does Jaekyung’s retention of his underwear reveal? (chapter 63) Why does he hesitate to strip entirely, even as he succumbs to desire? Notice that he released his erected phallus before removing his cloth. (chapter 63) To answer this, a comparative analysis of earlier sex scenes is necessary, unraveling the hidden dialogue between physical exposure and emotional vulnerability.

The Hidden Shame: Dependency Veiled in Fabric

A key parallel can be drawn to an early scene featuring Kim Dan’s embarrassment in the bathroom when confronted by the wolf. (chapter 30) The doctor instinctively tried to cover his gray boxer shorts with his t-shirt, prompting the champion to question his reaction:  (chapter 30) In Episode 63, this dynamic appears subtly reversed. (chapter 63) The champion, despite holding the dominant role, is now the one retaining a piece of clothing. This suggests an unconscious act of concealment—not of shame in the traditional sense, but of a growing dependency on Kim Dan.

In addition, the star’s arousal in Episode 62 was heavily emphasized by the author, (chapter 62) with a zoom-in shot on his erection still hidden by gray sweatpants. Striking is that on the one hand he let the doctor feel his reaction to his naked body, when he embraced the doctor: (chapter 62) The “hamster” could sense with his leg the excitement. On the other hand, these pants were only removed once he entered the bedroom and was on the bed (chapter 63), reinforcing the idea that vulnerability, for him, is confined to this private space. Moreover, the choice of attire in Episode 62 (chapter 62) —ridiculous floral-patterned pants—serves as an indirect reference to shame (in a good way), an unfamiliar emotion for the undefeated fighter. This pattern culminates in Episode 63, where Jaekyung’s thoughts confirm his internal battle:  (chapter 63) Only at this point does he fully expose himself. Yet, observe that during the intercourse, he is not looking at his companion. (chapter 63) Thus I deduce that exactly like the presence of the black underwear, the athlete’s low self-esteem hasn’t been removed completely. He still expects fear and rejection.

A Mirror to Episode 12: The Champion’s “Lucky Night”

Joo Jaekyung has always been a man of control. In the ring, in his career, and especially in his personal relationships, he has dictated the terms, ensuring that he is never in a position of vulnerability. Throughout Jinx, his approach to intimacy has been no different—he takes without giving (chapter 63), dominates without seeking connection (chapter 55), and ensures that every encounter follows his carefully constructed narrative. However, in Episode 63, a subtle but undeniable shift occurs. For the first time, Jaekyung’s actions reflect something deeper than mere desire or dominance. They reveal his growing emotional investment in Kim Dan, exposing a side of him that even he does not fully comprehend. (chapter 63)

This transformation becomes even more evident when comparing Episode 63 to the infamous “lucky day” scene from Episode 12. (chapter 12) In the earlier encounter, Jaekyung presented himself as a generous partner, offering Kim Dan a so-called privilege—an opportunity to enter a whole new world, thanks to him. However, his so-called generosity was nothing more than a facade, a way to conceal his inexperience in genuine intimacy. The tool he used was not just an object of pleasure but a mask for his own shortcomings as a lover. He did not know how to pleasure Kim Dan, nor did he care to learn. His focus was not on Kim Dan’s enjoyment but on reinforcing his own power and dominance.

In stark contrast, Episode 63 presents a very different Joo Jaekyung. (chapter 63) Here, he no longer portrays himself as the benevolent provider of an experience. (chapter 63) Instead, he openly admits his inexperience in giving pleasure, stating that he has never been on the giving end before. This moment of self-awareness is crucial because it marks a departure from his earlier arrogance and lack of honesty. No longer does he assume that his presence alone is a gift—he is beginning to recognize that intimacy is a two-way street. Moreover, unlike in Episode 12, where his so-called generosity was partially performative (chapter 12) – seeking both to display dominance and to elicit validation (chapter 12) —this time, in Episode 63, he prioritizes Kim Dan’s pleasure without explicitly expecting anything in return. (chapter 63) However, there remains an unspoken desire for recognition, as he unconsciously longs for Kim Dan to acknowledge his efforts in a way that he was once too proud to admit. I believe that this night is there to make him discover the power of giving.

Additionally, the impact of rejection in this scene cannot be ignored. (chapter 63) Up until this point, Jaekyung has never truly faced rejection. (chapter 63) His wealth, power, and physical prowess have ensured that people comply with his desires. However, in Episode 63, Kim Dan does not simply comply—he resists on an emotional level. While he consents to sex, he actively rejects any deeper connection. He avoids eye contact, creates physical distance, and refuses to acknowledge Jaekyung beyond the act itself. This rejection unsettles Jaekyung because, for the first time, his usual methods of control no longer work. He cannot use money to bridge the emotional gap, nor can he rely on his dominance to make Kim Dan want him. (chapter 63) This moment forces him to confront an uncomfortable truth: power and status cannot buy emotional intimacy.

What makes this shift even more significant is how Jaekyung reacts to Kim Dan’s rejection. In the past, his response to resistance was often intimidation (chapter 03) or passive-aggressive remarks. (chapter 6) However, in this moment, he does not react with anger or coercion. (chapter 63) While he does voice his frustration, he does so without force, showing an unprecedented level of emotional regulation. Instead of demanding compliance, he chooses a different approach—he focuses on Kim Dan’s pleasure, attempting to bridge the emotional gap through physical intimacy (chapter 63) rather than control. This decision is not merely about sex; it is an unconscious attempt to regain Kim Dan’s attention, to re-establish a connection that he does not yet fully understand but deeply craves.

Furthermore, his desire to see Kim Dan’s face highlights another key development. In earlier episodes, Jaekyung reduced their relationship to mere physical pleasure, going so far as to state that (chapter 29) This remark exemplified his detachment, his refusal to acknowledge Kim Dan as a person rather than just a body. Once again, the intercourse was linked to achievement and work. However, in Episode 63, he actively seeks Kim Dan’s gaze, subtly pleading for recognition. (chapter 63) This reversal is crucial because it indicates that he no longer sees Kim Dan as just a means to an end. However, his desire for recognition still lingers beneath the surface—just as he once sought validation through dominance, he now seeks it through Kim Dan’s acknowledgment. He wants something more, though he cannot yet articulate what that is, and his actions reflect a subconscious craving for emotional reassurance.

And since Episode 63 is mirroring Chapter 12 and the champion declared back then that it was Kim Dan’s lucky day, I come to the following deduction that in episode 63, it was the champion’s lucky night. He felt comfortable despite the doctor’s coldness. At the same time, it implies that Kim Dan’s lucky Day is about to come!! My avid readers should keep in mind that in the penthouse, the athlete was actually lying, (chapter 12) because this intimacy was taking place under the moon. However, notice that the next day, the doctor’s dream came true: he could rest, eat a warm home-made meal from the champion. (chapter 13)

The Wolf’s Shifting Approach to Intimacy: A Chronological Exploration

From the outset, the celebrity’s insistence on keeping his clothing on during intimate moments reveals a deep-seated struggle with emotional exposure. In Episode 2, (chapter 62) the sportsman welcomes the physical therapist in blue pajamas and a robe—an overt attempt to maintain distance and control. Even as the encounter begins, he leaves his pajamas on (chapter 3), removing them only (chapter 3) – this image marks the change) when the doctor’s back is turned. Then in Episode 8, during the shower, he continues wearing shorts and underwear (chapter 8), and his choice of the doggy style further reinforces his desire to avoid direct, face-to-face vulnerability.

Like mentioned above, in Episode 12, Jaekyung was not entirely naked. First, he was wearing his black briefs, (chapter 12) before removing it and adding the pink sex toy. (chapter 12) His erection was deliberately obscured by a sex toy, while Kim Dan, despite being partially undressed, was still concealing his injuries with a black pullover and a swollen eye. The layers of fabric and obstruction in this earlier scene signified emotional and physical distance. (chapter 12) Their bodies might have been close, but their minds remained divided. That’s why he couldn’t detect the huge bruises on his companion’s body. (chapter 12) This guarded approach is further underlined in Episode 20 (chapter 20), where even in the midst of nakedness, the athlete deliberately positions the doctor in the dog stance. At the same time, he uses another MO: the darkness of the room to hide himself. This calculated arrangement maintains an emotional buffer, allowing him to remain physically exposed yet emotionally detached—a recurring theme in his behavior.

A notable turning point occurs in Episode 29. Here, the champion initiates sex on the couch (chapter 29) while still cloaked in his familiar blue robe and pajamas. Interesting is that the room is not totally dark like in episode 20, the bedroom is illuminated by the huge TV screen. Importantly, this episode marks the first time they face each other in the bedroom, signaling a significant shift in their dynamic and announcing a switch in position. This newfound mutual visibility lays the groundwork for later developments.

Episode 33 deepens the narrative further. In this instance, the sportsman parks his car next to a light (chapter 33) —a deliberate act imbued with symbolism. Unlike earlier encounters, the champion remains fully clothed throughout this episode, (chapter 33) contrasting sharply with previous moments of exposure. The car scene, where they are now facing each other, reinforces the announced switch in intimacy; the light not only illuminates the scene but also serves as a metaphorical spotlight on his desire to see the doctor’s face and body (chapter 33) —a silent assertion that only he can truly satisfy the physical therapist. Let’s not forget that before having sex together, the fighter resorted to a dildo (chapter 33) rather direct physical intimacy, because he felt insecure after witnessing the actor’s advances toward Kim Dan. His goal? To reaffirm his dominance and make Kim Dan admit that he needed him for pleasure. It is important because it exposes that deep down, the champion views himself as a bad lover. There is no doubt that Heesung‘s criticism resonated with him. (chapter 33)

In Episode 39, another instance of calculated concealment unfolds. (chapter 39) While receiving fellatio, the champion keeps his t-shirt on, only removing it later when he invites the doctor into bed. (chapter 39) Maintaining the doggy style during this phase, he uses such intimate acts to mask his true longing and attraction—an effort to control the encounter while keeping his emotions under wraps. Then I noticed that they switched positions, when doc Dan asked for a break. (chapter 39) The wolf chose to lie down on the bed: (chapter 39) As you can see, through the different intercourses, we can see the different methods the star used to conceal himself, to hide his “weakness”, his growing feelings for the doctor.

A poignant recollection surfaces in Episode 61. (chapter 61) The physical therapist remembers an encounter bathed in bright light, where they stood before a couch: the doctor had removed his pants while the champion remained fully clothed, positioned behind him. (chapter 61) After both reached climax, the sportsman swiftly departed—a stark demonstration of his habitual retreat into distance and fear, even as he ensures the doctor’s pleasure. (chapter 61) This calculated “running away” underscores the return of old insecurities and the persistent need to assert control. Since the doctor was still living in the penthouse and as such was still working as the star’s physical therapist, it becomes comprehensible why the athlete could only resort to strength to keep his fated companion by his side. He had rejected his “gratitude” and “emotions” before.

Finally, in Episode 63, the dynamic evolves once more. (chapter 63) Now lying on the bed facing each other, the pair’s physical closeness appears more genuine. Yet, even in this seemingly intimate configuration, they avoid locking eyes during penetration. This subtle divergence speaks volumes: despite their newfound positioning, the champion’s reluctance to engage in mutual gaze highlights an enduring emotional barrier—a lingering fear of fully exposing his inner self. Simultaneously, pay attention that (chapter 63) the champion’s torso is not resting on his partner’s body, revealing the existence of the remaining huge gap between them. Finally, the star views this sex session as an action, and not as a moment of peace. Finally, though Kim Dan is now completely bare, yet he shielded himself with a pillow before, maintaining a psychological barrier. Meanwhile, Jaekyung retains his black briefs until the final moment, symbolizing an invisible boundary he has yet to overcome—his reluctance to fully embrace Kim Dan, not just physically but emotionally. This evolving pattern of clothed versus unclothed intimacy highlights how their relationship is progressing beyond a mere transaction into something neither of them fully understands yet.

Taken together, these episodes chart a complex evolution in the champion’s approach to intimacy. His behavior oscillates between acts of control—whether through maintaining a layer of clothing or strategically using light—and moments that hint at a deep-seated desire for connection. Each carefully choreographed encounter, from the early defensive postures in Episodes 2 and 20 to the conflicted displays in Episodes 29, 33, 39, 61, and 63, reveals an ongoing inner conflict: a yearning for closeness intertwined with a persistent fear of vulnerability.

The Meaning of the Black Underwear: Distance and Disguise

The black underwear Jaekyung clings to is not just a remnant of concealment—it is also a recurring symbol of his emotional armor. A significant clue can be found in the way he wakes up after sleeping with Kim Dan. In Episode 4 (chapter 4), we do not see whether he is wearing anything the morning after. After their “magic night” in the United States (Episode 39), the next morning, he is only shown taking a shower (chapter 40) —meaning the audience never sees him leaving the bed. However, in Episode 45, the author deliberately includes a shot of Jaekyung leaving the bed while still wearing his black boxer briefs. (chapter 45)

His reaction in this scene is telling. He expresses regret:  (chapter 45). This is just a rhetorical question, as he clearly remembers the night. (chapter 45) In reality, he was wondering why he had acted this way. This contradiction—pretending to forget while consciously recalling their time together—reflects his internal denial. His next thought,  (chapter 45) is a transparent excuse to avoid confronting his emotions. The presence of the black underwear in this scene confirms that he had not fully lowered his guard; he still maintained a psychological barrier between himself and Kim Dan.

Shame, Expectations, and the Invisible Chains of Control

Joo Jaekyung has built his entire existence on the foundation of invulnerability—physical, emotional, and psychological. The champion’s ability to endure, to dominate, and to suppress any sign of weakness is not merely a personality trait but a deeply ingrained survival mechanism. Unlike Kim Dan, who was shaped by guilt and self-sacrifice (chapter 53), Jaekyung was conditioned through shame and rigid expectations. His worth was not inherent but conditional, entirely dependent on his performance. (chapter 54) If he was not good enough, if he did not win, he was nothing.

This belief system did not emerge in a vacuum. (chapter 54) The specter that haunts him—an unnamed figure whose words still echo in his nightmares—was the architect of his relentless pursuit of strength. Striking is that in his nightmare, he is facing the mysterious ghost, a sign that he saw hatred and rejection in his counterpart’s eyes. While Kim Dan’s halmoni took his hand and provided warmth (chapter 22), Jaekyung’s guardian likely did the opposite. (chapter 54) The presence of the champion’s hand in his nightmare while recalling the parent’s words is telling. The contrast implies that in his youth, there was no comforting touch, no guiding hold—only harsh words and the looming specter of failure. He was left to fend for himself, to prove his worth in a world where physical prowess was the only currency. I came to this interpretation for two other reasons. First, in the doctor’s memory, we see Shin Okja holding her grandchild’s hand, while she is going to work (chapter 5) This represented a source of support for the elderly woman. Secondly, during the intercourse in the lavender-tinted bedroom, neither the champion nor the doctor are trying to take each other’s hand: (chapter 63) In the beginning, the champion grabbed doc Dan’s wrist. This shows that the athlete was not used to touch Kim Dan’s hand. And notice how the “hamster” reacted (chapter 63), when he felt his lover’s hand approaching his own: (chapter 63) He pushed it away. This means that taking the doctor’s hand represents the biggest challenge for Joo Jaekyung right now. In addition, the last panel indicates the champion’s transformation, he is now willing to seek the doctor’s closeness. It also implies the vanishing influence from his past guardian.

The guardian’s influence was likely tied to the world of sports or medicine, a figure who saw Jaekyung not as a child to be nurtured, but as a body to be molded, a tool to be sharpened. His physique was shaped to meet the guardian’s standards, his every action dictated by an unrelenting expectation of excellence. (chapter 54) There was no room for imperfection, no tolerance for hesitation. Thus I deduce that the champion’s choice of career could have been decided by the guardian, similar to the grandmother’s attitude with Kim Dan. Remember that he loves water and swimming. (chapter 27) Under this new light, it could explain why the fighter forgot his passion. They made sure that he would train restlessly. In this environment, vulnerability was a defect to be eradicated, not a human trait to be acknowledged. This description reminded me think of Park Namwook and his family. The manager is a former national wrestler who is married to an athlete too.

The manager’s dream of opening the gym to children may appear as a strategic business decision (that’s where the money is), but it also raises an ethical concern. Will these children truly be nurtured, or will they be trained with the same rigid expectations that shaped Jaekyung? Parents who have achieved a level of success in sports—or, conversely, those who failed to reach their own aspirations—often project their dreams onto their children. This creates an environment where a child’s worth is tied not to their happiness or well-being but to their ability to perform and meet external standards.

This concept aligns with Jaekyung’s upbringing and could suggest that his guardian was someone deeply involved in the athletic world, someone who saw him not as a child but as a future champion, an extension of their own ambitions. The emphasis on performance, endurance, and strength suggests that Jaekyung was never given the option to define his own path—he was molded into what was expected of him.

This perspective also adds another dimension to the conflict with Park Namwook. If Jaekyung’s guardian resembled the manager in some way—someone deeply embedded in the sports industry and medical world, someone who placed performance above emotional well-being—it would explain why Jaekyung instinctively resists authority figures like him. (chapter 5) At the same time, it would highlight the potential danger of Park Namwook’s vision for the gym: an institution that might perpetuate the same cycle of control, shame, and expectation rather than fostering true passion and individuality in young athletes. That’s how I realized why the manager slapped his “boy” after the funny sparring: (chapter 26) He explained that the main lead was just a doctor. However, I am quite certain, underneath, the manager thought that doc Dan was not fit to spare: so small and weak. He doesn’t fit the criteria to become a sparring partner. Look at his reaction, when Seonho faced the champion: (chapter 46) Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Potato was also neglected by the manager. The young maknae belongs to a different weight category. There is this invisible rule that only strong people can become member from the gym. However, the purpose of such an institution shouldn’t be reduced to titles, strong and muscular men or boys. The gym should be opened to anyone who desires to have fun and improve their health.

This rigid conditioning is reflected in Jaekyung’s relationship with his own body and sexuality. He was formed into this model. I don’t think, the champion was able to perceive his own beauty in the past, (chapter 1), until he received the doctor’s massage in chapter 1. His attitude toward sex mirrors his training in the gym—focused on endurance, performance, and control. His body is a tool, a machine honed for efficiency. (chapter 63) Pleasure is secondary; the real goal is lasting, enduring, proving his stamina. Even in his most intimate moments, he is competing against an invisible opponent—his own ingrained fear of inadequacy.

And yet, despite this carefully maintained control, the cracks are beginning to show. In Episode 63, Jaekyung’s actions reveal a subconscious desire for validation, (chapter 63) for something beyond mere physicality. He wants Kim Dan to see him, to acknowledge him beyond his strength. But the conflict remains—his very conditioning tells him that intimacy is a weakness, that emotional attachment is a liability. This is why he hesitates by keeping his black briefs (chapter 63), why he keeps barriers between himself and Kim Dan, even when his body betrays his true desires.

The contrast between Jaekyung and Kim Dan is striking. The doctor grew up with an abundance of emotional connection but was shackled by guilt, while Jaekyung had all the resources necessary for success but was starved of love. Both were conditioned by their pasts, but where Kim Dan was shaped by an overbearing sense of duty, Jaekyung was forged in an environment that equated worth with winning. Hence he is still thinking of his title: (chapter 62)

In the end, Jaekyung’s rejection of vulnerability is not a sign of strength but a deeply ingrained fear. The unseen guardian may no longer be present, but their influence lingers in every step he takes, in every fight he wins, in every moment he suppresses his true emotions. He is still proving himself—to a ghost, to a voice that once told him he was never good enough.

Conclusion: The Last Invisible Barrier

Jaekyung’s struggle with exposure, mirrored through his gradual abandonment of clothing, speaks to the deeper conflict he faces. In the early days of their relationship, (chapter 4) nudity was a tool of dominance, a means of asserting control. Now, it has become a sign of submission—not in the physical sense, but in the way he is slowly relinquishing the emotional armor he has always relied upon. (chapter 44) His decision to keep his underwear on for as long as possible in Episode 63 is not a sign of detachment (chapter 63), but of his silent battle against the vulnerability he is beginning to feel.

The presence of fabric in their most intimate moments is not incidental; it is a subconscious language of distance and closeness. With each layer removed, Jaekyung is forced to confront an uncomfortable truth: for the first time, his body does not just crave release—it craves Kim Dan himself. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the champion rejected this wonderful night in the penthouse: (chapter 44) He had violated all his rules: rather passive and submissive, light was on, while he was totally naked. Then he was facing the doctor. He could only justify his odd attitude with the alcohol.

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-Tumblr-Twitter 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.

Jinx: A Body’s 👂🏻 Worth 💵 ❤️‍🩹

The Commodification of the Body

Throughout Jinx, the concept of value is inextricably linked to the body. (chapter 27) This aspect becomes particularly evident in Kim Dan’s perception of himself and his interactions with Joo Jaekyung. (chapter 62) In episode 62, Kim Dan reproached the champion for only being interested in his body, reflecting his own inability to see his body as something valuable. Hence he never wondered about the true cause for such a huge bruise. (chapter 61) While with his words, he implied that his fated partner was a man obsessed with sex, his complaint reveals his mindset. First, he is the one longing for human warmth (chapter 59), hence he felt terrible sleeping alone. Secondly, he does not attribute worth to his own physical being beyond its utility for others. This explains why he has consistently neglected himself—avoiding food, disregarding his own injuries, and refusing to seek medical help when necessary.

This cyclical pattern suggests that Kim Dan’s actions are not just self-sacrificial but deeply ingrained behaviors passed down from his upbringing. Mingwa’s decision to portray Kim Dan’s declining health is crucial. (chapter 60) It underscores the reality that without his body, he cannot work. In this way, his physical deterioration forces him to confront an undeniable truth: (chapter 59) his body is not just a tool for others, but the very foundation of his survival. I would even so far to say that his sick and stressed body would question his identity as PT and caregiver.

As my avid readers can sense, the doctor is going through a similar path than the celebrity’s. Both Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung struggle with their own worth, but their journeys take vastly different paths. While the champion has learned to commodify his body, turning strength into currency and dominance into power, he has also been conditioned to disregard his own well-being. MFC viewed him as a commodity, using him as long as he remained valuable in the ring. Once his body is worn out (chapter 43), they will replace him with a new ‘doll.’ This exploitation shaped his relationship with his own body—one that prioritized its use over its care.

Unconsciously, Joo Jaekyung projected this treatment onto his partners (chapter 2), using sex as an extension of combat, mirroring the way MFC dehumanized him. His encounters were never about intimacy but about exerting control, reinforcing the notion that his body—and by extension, others’—only mattered as long as it served a purpose. Under this new light, Jinx-philes can grasp why the identity of the sex partner didn’t matter in the past too, for the champion avoids to fight against the same opponent in the ring.

Kim Dan, on the other hand, internalized a different form of self-neglect, seeing his body as an instrument of service rather than a source of personal value. As I analyzed Jinx, I noticed striking parallels between episodes 26 (chapter 26) and 62 (chapter 62) that highlighted a crucial shift in how each of them perceives their own worth—and, more importantly, each other’s. The mirroring of these two episodes suggests a deliberate narrative structure that showcases their evolving dynamic, with each character taking on a role the other once held. This realization led me to explore how their perspectives on strength, vulnerability, and agency transform over time.

Episode 26: The Submission and the Challenge

Episode 26 presents a crucial turning point in Kim Dan’s journey, one that lays the groundwork for the mirrored themes in episode 62. Several common denominators connect these two episodes: the imbalance of power, the nature of the challenge faced, the poor health condition of the doctor (chapter 26) (chapter 62), Kim Dan’s smile (genuine versus fake) and the characters’ shifting roles in confrontation and protection. The numerical structure of this episode—where Joo Jaekyung (2) represents dominance (chapter 26) and Kim Dan (6) embodies the nurturing, protective role—establishes a foundation for their evolving dynamics. (chapter 26)

But there’s a reason why I connected these two episodes together. Beyond the nature of their respective battles, another common denominator is Joo Jaekyung’s implicit care for Kim Dan, which is evident in both episodes despite his usual harsh demeanor. In episode 26, this care is symbolized by the red protective gear Joo Jaekyung gives Kim Dan before their sparring session. (chapter 26) This small yet significant act reveals that the champion does not see Kim Dan merely as a ‘sex doll’ but as someone worth protecting, even when challenging him. The protective gear is a contrast to Joo Jaekyung’s usual treatment of his one-night stands, reflecting an unconscious distinction between how he views Kim Dan versus his other partners. Finally, this sparring day exposes the doctor’s biased perception about the athlete in episode 62 once again. (chapter 62) Though he is portrayed as an arrogant man who had no respect for Kim Dan as doctor, he was only invited for sex services. (chapter 62) It was, as if he had no real talent. But let’s return our attention to the safety gears. The latter underline the high sense of responsibility of the champion, which readers could detect in episode 62. With the red accessories, Joo Jaekyung was showing his respect to the doctor as a man. In that scene, Kim Dan could choose his destiny. It is clear that “the hamster” has long forgotten this happy day (chapter 26) – he was smiling genuinely here- , and has reduced his time spent with Joo Jaekyung to sex:

One of the clearest parallels lies in the nature of the trial each character undergoes. In episode 26, Kim Dan was pushed to face his biggest fear (chapter 26) —a powerful, intimidating man who mirrors the threat of Heo Manwook (chapter 16) and his minions. At the beginning of the fight, the doctor was not fighting for himself but for someone else, reinforcing his deep-seated belief that his worth was tied to service and sacrifice. However, during the match of the century, there was a short change. Kim Dan was reminded of his own past and fears. Thus, I deduce that in episode 62, it is Joo Jaekyung who must face his own greatest challenge—not a physical opponent, but the emotional vulnerability that comes with loss and uncertainty. Though he helped others, his generosity remained unnoticed by Kim Dan. Hence the latter was still unwilling to return to Seoul. (chapter 62) On the surface, it looks like Joo Jaekyung lost. (chapter 62) More importantly, Kim Dan’s words (chapter 62 push Joo Jaekyung to confront his deepest fear—his own self-perception. Kim Dan has depicted him as a ruthless, inconsiderate man who views him purely as an object, reducing him to someone fixated on sex and control. This challenges Joo Jaekyung’s fragile self-worth, compelling him to question the unsettling possibility that this is how others and in particular Kim Dan see him. That’s why it was important for the champion to help the inhabitants during that day. The genuine admiration and constant requests from the community could only boost his ego. Thus he remained calm, when he heard the doctor’s blame. If Kim Dan’s accusations hold truth, then Joo Jaekyung has indeed been embodying the ‘spoiled brat’ Kim Dan claims he is (chapter 62) —exploiting people without genuine regard. This reckoning is not solely about emotional vulnerability but about identity itself. If Joo Jaekyung wants to validate his worth beyond his physical abilities, he must present his authentic self, proving his depth not just through his body, but through his emotional sincerity.

And what happened in the ring? The celebrity talked to Kim Dan, (chapter 26), was happy to demonstrate his talents and kept smiling all the time: (chapter 26) For the first time, fighting had become a source of joy for the athlete. He felt not only good, but confident about his skills, as a teacher and fighter. In both instances, this moment serves as a turning point, pushing each character to redefine their role and perception of self.

Though in episode 26, Kim Dan took on a maternal role toward Joo Jaekyung and Potato, prioritizing another’s well-being over his own, it is important to recall that the starting point for the challenge was “envy”. (chapter 25) Kim Dan was interested to know more about this sport for the protagonist’s sake, whereas Potato was jealous of Kim Dan’s closeness to the star. How did the celebrity react, when he heard the doctor’s desire to learn fighting moves? He was totally pleased, hence he lowered himself smiling (chapter 25) before returning to the ring: (chapter 25). Notice that he employed the word “happy” here. This shows that the athlete liked to be a teacher and mentor to a novice.

Later, Kim Dan knelt before Joo Jaekyung (chapter 26), reinforcing his belief that his worth lies in service, and he requests an opportunity for someone else. The physical challenge that followed, in which the champion invited him into the ring, was meant to teach Kim Dan to overcome fear, though the original idea was to learn jujitsu moves for the champion’s sake. As you can see, there was a switch in the intentions for the “lesson”. This moment also highlights Joo Jaekyung’s approach to the body—power, physicality, and dominance, which will later be subverted in episode 62 when emotional resilience becomes the true test of strength.

However, Joo Jaekyung forced Kim Dan to step into the ring, forcing him to confront this fear head-on. (chapter 26) Though the doctor was initially immobile and passive, the experience became a significant lesson: fear was something that could be faced and overcome. From that moment on, he became more proactive (chapter 26), though he lacked speed, strength and endurance. (chapter 26) This is a moment of physical initiation for Kim Dan, teaching him resilience. Nonetheless, he was still fighting for someone else, still locked in his pattern of self-neglect.

To conclude, though Kim Dan was taught an important lesson, he didn’t drop his belief that his body existed for others. His actions were still revolving around providing care, whether for his grandmother or, in this case, for Joo Jaekyung or Potato.

Episode 62: The Reversal of Roles

Episode 62 inverts the roles established in episode 26. Here, Kim Dan (2) and Joo Jaekyung (6) switch positions, with the champion now assuming a protective and caring role (chapter 62), although he has yet to fully recognize the reason behind his behavior. He is now imitating the doctor, as if his body is there to provide assistance and care for others. The people of the small town rely on Joo Jaekyung, placing him in an unfamiliar caretaker position. (chapter 62) This shift highlights a deeper irony: while Joo Jaekyung has always prided himself on his physical strength, he is now being tested in a way that cannot be resolved with fists.

Unlike episode 26, where Kim Dan was forced to confront his greatest fear, Joo Jaekyung must now face his own test: emotional resilience and identity. Just as Kim Dan had to fight an opponent he thought he could never defeat, Joo Jaekyung is confronted with a battle he cannot physically win—the fear of loss, rejection, and self-worth. His low self-esteem is linked to the ghost from the past, something he has not revealed to anyone yet. (chapter 54)

(chapter 62) Joo Jaekyung is caught by surprise with such a comment, because he always saw himself as a victim of “exploitation”. People approaching him were only interested in his money or status. More than just vulnerability, this moment exposes a deeper layer of his insecurities. Until now, his body has been admired for its strength (chapter 34), wealth (chapter 42) and title (chapter 55), not for its attractiveness or desirability. His reputation in bed has been poor; (chapter 33), he was never seen as a man with sex appeal or sensuality, but merely as a fighter who could endure. Sex was another form of exertion, a display of control and dominance rather than a pursuit of pleasure.

Now, Kim Dan’s words and request introduce a shift in perspective. (chapter 62) By implying that Joo Jaekyung can ‘use’ him as a sex doll, Kim Dan indirectly introduces the idea of sensuality—foreplay, caresses, enjoyment rather than performance. Sex is no longer work, but fun and entertainment. It is not for the doctor’s sake (chapter 13), but for his own pleasure. The defy incites the fighter to make a conscious choice contrary to the day, when both main leads took the day off: (chapter 27) (chapter 29) On the other hand, this suggestion challenges Joo Jaekyung’s previous experiences, forcing him to realize that he has never had to woo or seduce anyone before. This was the only time, where Jinx-philes could see him using his sex-appeal- (chapter 34) He got confident, because he had played a trick on his room mate. His physicality has always been his defining trait, but for the first time, he is being confronted with the question: does he have more to offer beyond brute strength and money? If he wants to prove his worth, he must do more than rely on his body—he must reveal his true self.

On the other side, Kim Dan’s actions reinforce this dynamic shift. No longer seeking validation through self-sacrifice, he is finally fighting for himself. He does not kneel (chapter 26); he stands. (chapter 62) He does not plead; he challenges. This reversal is significant because it places Joo Jaekyung in the uncomfortable position of emotional uncertainty. In episode 26, the champion was confident in his control over the situation. In episode 62, he is on the verge of losing control—not over a fight, but over a person. Hence he can no longer control his erection. (chapter 62)

The problem is that his “doctor” and partner has a rather negative opinion about him. This means that the star needs to change his mind and heart. In addition, money is now used against him: (chapter 62). Even if they have sex, he can not expect feelings or attachment from Kim Dan – though it is clear that the doctor is deceiving himself. Through this suggestion, the physical therapist is not realizing that he is learning how to love properly: unconditional love. Having feelings without any expectation. He won’t give anything to Joo Jaekyung, he will be passive and actually receive affection. But naturally, here it just represents the first step to unconditional affection. To conclude, through the challenge, Joo Jaekyung is incited to question the nature of his feelings for Kim Dan. (chapter 61) Why does he want him to return to Seoul? Is he really looking for a physical therapist or something else? It is clear that he is longing for companionship.

This shift reinforces the idea that true strength is not just physical but emotional. In episode 26, Kim Dan learned how to face his fears. Now, in episode 62, it is Joo Jaekyung’s turn to confront his own weaknesses. The outcome of this “fight” remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: for the first time in his life, Joo Jaekyung is facing an opponent he cannot simply overpower—his own emotions and past believes.

But there exists a huge difference between 26 and 62: the location. Whereas the physical therapist entered the ring for the first time (chapter 26), which represents the MMA fighter’s world, the wolf is now the one penetrating Kim Dan’s world: the treatment table! (chapter 62) (chapter 62) The latter was brought to the hostel. I know, here I am more speculating about the next episode. However, keep in mind that the hamster brought up the past to his destined partner. (chapter 62) He mentioned their first night together forgetting their first true interaction at the gym. (chapter 1) The blue treatment table is the witness and proof that the champion never saw Kim Dan as a sex doll. So far, they never had sex on it, a sign that he respected not only Kim Dan as PT, but also the profession as such (chapter 27) Here, the champion suggested to have sex at home, and not on the table. On the other hand, Jinx-philes will certainly recall this scene where the doctor begged on his knees for money: (chapter 11) That’s how I discovered a strong connection between this item and sexuality. First, the one fantasying about the champion’s body on the treatment table had been Kim Dan (chapter 1). (chapter 1) The massage must have felt like caresses to Joo Jaekyung. So when the main lead made this mistake (chapter 1), it is very clear that Joo Jaekyung could have interpreted it as a sign for seduction later. Moreover, don’t forget the mysterious incident concerning the previous physical therapist: (chapter 1) It is no coincidence that Park Namwook’s words have a sexual connotation reviving my theory that a doctor might have made sexual advances there. Here, I feel the need to add another observation which came to my mind, the moment I focused on the blue treatment table. (chapter 37) In the States, the athlete received his treatment on the floor, a sign of a disrespect for that profession from the manager and even MFC. They somehow knew that the fighter had brought his “sex partner” for his jinx, but they had no idea about his identity. By paying attention to the blue treatment table, I realized that this item stands for power, secret, courage and vulnerability.

It is important for the two characters to clear up the misunderstandings from the past, especially if you recall the champion’s reaction, when he heard the doctor’s reproach: (chapter 62) According to my interpretation, Joo Jaekyung had interpreted the mistake for some advances and keep in mind that the fighter felt also attracted to the physical therapist. (chapter 56) In other words, he projected his own desires onto the “hamster”. But since he was still with the green-haired guy, he needed to mask his true intention: (chapter 1) -thus he asked for a treatment. He was about to drop the man.

So if they don’t move to a different location or remove the treatment table, the latter will serve as a place for a new experiment. Joo Jaekyung could become a “PT” and Kim Dan is the “patient” who receives a full body massage. (chapter 1) However, contrary to their first encounter, the champion would be talking to his neighbor. While the doctor is thinking, he will relive his first night in the penthouse, the other might reproduce his first treatment, though it should be certainly combined with the intercourse on the couch: . (chapter 29)

Finally, since the doctor brought up sex in front of the treatment table (chapter 62), it actually reveals the doctor’s lack of respect for his own profession and low self-esteem. I believe that he has the impression that he never improved the champion’s form and skills. He came to this perception because the athlete has expressed the following wish: once he wins back his title, they go separate ways. (chapter 62) But he made such an offer, because he thought, he was respecting the doctor’s wish. This shows that the athlete needs to converse properly with the doctor and not just make assumptions (MO from his manager). Moreover, the star has never expressed his gratitude and admiration towards Kim Dan concerning his talents and efforts openly. The problem is that he can not compliment him yet, because Joo Jaekyung is trying to “forget” the past and as such he is repressing the fight with Baek Junmin. I feel like the champion is on his way to discover the medical world and chapter 62 represents a prelude.

The Importance of Balance

Just before his suicide attempt, the doctor was plagued with regrets and remorse. He felt guilty because of his grandmother’s illness. (chapter 57) He should have sent her to the hospital and ensure that she received treatment. Notably, after the sea incident, Joo Jaekyung took Kim Dan to the hospital, but the latter rejected the champion’s advice and help. (chapter 60) Later, when Joo Jaekyung expressed concern over his bruise, Kim Dan once again pushed him away. (chapter 61) Should Kim Dan eventually fall ill, he cannot place blame on his fated partner—he is ultimately responsible for his own well-being. On the other hand, through his own circumstances, Kim Dan may come to understand that he was never responsible for Shin Okja’s health issues as well. As an adult, she should have taken responsibility for her own medical care, rather than relying entirely on him.

However, Kim Dan would not be truly responsible for his illness, because the physical therapist doesn’t know about Cheolmin’s intervention and recommendation. (chapter 13) So it dawned on me that if the doctor gets sick, Joo Jaekyung will be fueled with regrets and guilt, as he didn’t listen to Cheolmin’s advice. So this could lead him to apologize to Kim Dan. On the other hand, his illness could serve as a reminder to the fighter that he needs to treat his physical therapist and friend better. He only sent for the doctor because of “sex”. To conclude, both would be responsible for this terrible situation, a balance of responsibility.

I have to admit that thanks a student, I had a huge revelation. I discovered that human body has 6 senses in reality: hearing, sight, touch, taste, smell and finally sense of balance. That’s how I realized that a crucial theme in Jinx is the sense of balance, both physically and metaphorically. Kim Dan’s dizziness (chapter 57) is not just a symptom of overwork and lack of sleep—it symbolizes the deep imbalance in his life. His world consists only of work (chapter 62), without fun, rest, or emotional fulfillment. He has no hobby, no personal joy, and no real human connections. He is suffering from depression. Interestingly, the sense of balance is directly tied to the ear, which aligns with his emotional “deafness”—his lack of true contact with others. (chapter 61) His mind and heart are no longer listening; he is trapped in his own darkness. His dizziness and fainting spells mirror this imbalance, making his physical weakness a reflection of his emotional detachment.

Similarly, Joo Jaekyung experiences his own imbalance, reflected through his headaches (chapter 54) and drinking habits. (chapter 54) His entire life has been dedicated to work and physical prowess, leaving no space for genuine happiness or emotional well-being. His drinking is not just an escape—it is a manifestation of his need to silence his thoughts and emotions. In episode 44, when Kim Dan expressed admiration for his body, he patted his head (chapter 44), he caressed his cheeks (chapter 44) and kissed his ear (chapter 44) —a moment that could be seen as an attempt to restore balance, to bring warmth to the parts of Joo Jaekyung that had been ignored emotionally. However, during that night, Joo Jaekyung was drunk, further disconnecting himself from reality.

After Kim Dan’s departure, Joo Jaekyung instinctively turned to drinking. (chapter 54) His headaches intensified, and he isolated himself, mirroring Kim Dan’s earlier state of detachment. His drinking hadn’t just become a habit—it was mourning, a sign of his internal loss. It was, as if deep down he wanted to forget this intoxicating feeling of happiness from that night in the penthouse. The departure of Kim Dan caused both of them to lose their already fragile balance, reinforcing the idea that their dynamic, as unhealthy as it had been, was stabilizing them in ways they never acknowledged.

Joo Jaekyung’s needs and desires

While the doctor said such words (chapter 62) to his fated partner, the celebrity was turning his back to the doctor. He was not looking at his physical therapist. However, if you recall his request to the manager, he expressed the desire to see Kim Dan’s face. (chapter 56) It was, as if the champion no longer needed to see his former room mate. Note that he even waited for the evening before approaching doc Dan again. (chapter 62) How do we explain this evolution?

Though in episode 56, he claimed to Park Namwook that just seeing Kim Dan’s face would be enough, the moment he saw the doctor’s visage in the photo (chapter 60), he immediately went to the town. This contradiction reveals that mere visual presence was never sufficient—what he truly longed for was something deeper. And as soon as he saw him, he felt much better, (chapter 61) hence he could remove his splint. That’s how powerful drug Kim Dan is. 😉

Secondly, his experience at the hospice solidified his need for companionship. (chapter 61) While undergoing treatment, he saw Kim Dan every day, yet he remained unsatisfied due to the silent treatment. It was not enough to simply observe him; what Joo Jaekyung truly craved was conversation, interaction, and recognition. This explains his decision to move into the town, settling near Kim Dan as his neighbor. (chapter 61) It also sheds light on why, during their latest encounter, he chose to turn his back on Kim Dan—he no longer needed to ‘see his face,’ he wanted acknowledgment and his return to the penthouse. He has not grasped it yet, but he already views the protagonist as his family and home.

The problem is that the champion has never had a companion before. Besides, Park Namwook in that aspect is no role model. (chapter 46) He is full of prejudices and not willing to listen to his boss. Therefore Joo Jaekyung doesn’t know that in order to become close, conversations must never be one-sided and have to be free from prejudices and assumptions. Joo Jaekyung needs to listen and show an interest in his partner. And now, observe the communication between the two main leads in the room. (chapter 62) He only talks about himself and his future. This stands in opposition to the doctor’s exchange in front of the hospice: (chapter 62) He asked a question, while the other did not! He just made assumptions from his part, hence he suggested “separate ways”. It was naturally his way of being considerate. That’s why I have the feeling that two words could move Kim Dan’s heart: “HOME” and “HYUNG”. If he calls him that way, the doctor is now recognized as a family member, even as a senior. Hence he needs to be treated with respect.

Inside the room, Joo Jaekyung is compelled to admit a truth (chapter 62) he had previously ignored—he is undeniably attracted to Kim Dan’s body, particularly his nipples, which have repeatedly (chapter 27) triggered strong reactions in him. (chapter 62) This moment directly ties back to Kim Dan’s earlier reproach: ‘You only want me for my body.’ However, the irony is that this confession forces Joo Jaekyung to recognize that his attachment is not just physical. His actions—moving closer, watching over Kim Dan, seeking his presence—reveal a much deeper longing. In acknowledging his attraction, he also faces the realization that his desires are no longer as simple as they once were. He is no longer in control of his body, he has now become dependent on Kim Dan physically and emotionally. And now, you comprehend why I connected this episode to chapter 29 too: (chapter 29) That’s the moment he expressed his interest in the doctor’s nipples for the first time. This even became a habit: (chapter 44). And what did the doctor whisper during that magical night? (chapter 44) He wanted him to treasure his body!! In my eyes, Kim Dan’s suggestion in episode 62 is hiding another intention, though it is definitely unconscious: (chapter 44) He wants to relive that night (chapter 44), though in his mind, he desires to have a bad experience so that he can erase him from his mind. Finally, what do the nipples symbolize? Motherhood and nurturing. (chapter 57)

Emotional Growth and the Concept of Losing

The ultimate irony is that while Joo Jaekyung has spent his life proving his worth through his body, Kim Dan is the one who now forces him to confront what lies beyond it. Episode 26 showed that losing a bet was no great tragedy; it is about timing and seizing the opportunity. (chapter 26) Moreover, it was thanks to a trick that Kim Dan won: (chapter 26)

Thus I deduce that it is now the champion’s turn to bite the bullet. If he wants to understand his sex partner, he needs to talk to him and ask questions. And this brings me back to episode 26. Back then, the fighter’s comments were full of bias. (chapter 26) He felt superior and strong, whereas his rival was weak. Moreover, he imagined that Kim Dan would ask for money for the bet. (chapter 26) That’s why I believe that in the next episode, the roles should be switched. Kim Dan always saw himself morally superior and caring to the star, but in truth, his care was rather superficial, for he also showed no interest in the champion’s past and family. Thus I come to the following deduction that episode 62 suggests that arguing is not about losing or winning, but about listening. The champion has unknowingly become a caretaker, not only to the people of the town but, potentially, to Kim Dan himself. The question remains whether he will recognize that Kim Dan’s provocation is not just another fight lost (cutting off ties) —it is a seductive challenge to redefine his understanding of worth and their relationship. What are they to each other? A client and a prostitute? A fighter and a doctor? Or simply two men who are longing for the same: belonging and love. Nevertheless, due to their past, they are unable to detect the true source of their misery: their lack of reflection, own bias and anxieties.

The Path Toward Mutual Understanding

Kim Dan’s trembling fist (chapter 62), his voice speaking up for himself, his refusal to negotiate his body’s worth (chapter 62) —these are not just acts of defiance but of transformation. He is becoming proactive sexually (initiative, seduction). By stepping away from Joo Jaekyung, he forces the champion to consider whether strength and money alone are enough to hold onto what truly matters. And in this, Jinx presents its most profound challenge yet: can a man who has spent his entire life fighting with his body learn to fight for something greater?

PS: I am expecting in episode 63 reflections from episode 29, 36, 39 among others.

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-Tumblr-Twitter 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.

Jinx: Confined Spaces 🚽, Hidden Wounds ❤️‍🩹

As you know, each illustration for an essay always always captures the main message of the analysis. Since the restroom serves as the background illustration, it becomes clear that the topic will focus on this location. However, the picture reveals another underlying theme: bullying. In Jinx, bullying is not always overt but often hidden beneath layers of social interaction. When Kim Dan visited elementary school, he got mocked by being called a bum (chapter 57). Similarly, when Joo Jaekyung faced his opponent Randy Booker, he was also verbally harassed (chapter 14) which visibly destabilized the champion. Then in chapter 49, Team Black failed to perceive the duality of appearances and reality: (chapter 49) the surface shows two athletes seemingly engaged in a normal, even friendly interaction – they are shaking hands -, while the panels reveal a darker undercurrent of verbal harassment and manipulation. (Chapter 49)

Strikingly, Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung are both connected to the restroom, a recurring space of emotional significance. For Kim Dan, it represents refuge and protection, while for Joo Jaekyung, it evokes exposure and humiliation. That is why the illustration portrays a ruined restroom on the left side. Yet, neither character uses this space to truly reflect on their circumstances. Instead, their reactions are dictated by ingrained survival mechanisms—Kim Dan withdraws into himself (chapter 61), while Joo Jaekyung represses his emotions and thoughts through “physical activities”. (chapter 55) This essay will explore how their experiences in the restroom space serve as a mirror to their past and reveal the psychological scars that shape their behaviors.

Restrooms vs. Bathrooms: A Key Distinction

Previously, in Season 1, the restroom always combined a shower and toilet. (chapter 14) (chapter 38) (chapter 47) However, in Season 2, the lavatory appears isolated for the first time, reinforcing a shift in symbolic meaning. This distinction helps to explain why restrooms (toilets/water closets) hold different meanings for the two protagonists. [for more read The duck🦆 and the dragon🐲 in the bathroom 🚿] Restrooms or toilets, often public and utilitarian, symbolize exposure, vulnerability, and societal judgment, where individuals are figuratively and literally exposed to others. In contrast, a bathroom, typically private, evokes intimacy and self-reflection (chapter 19) —a space where one is free to confront their inner selves without external pressures. In Jinx, the use of the restroom emphasizes the external pressures and the characters’ reactions to their environments, reinforcing their struggles with exposure and control. But how did I come to this realization?

Bullying and Stalking: Parallel Mechanisms of Control

It is related to Kim Dan’s behavior in episode 61. Why would he seek the lavatory and stand in front of the closed door? (chapter 61) Naturally, it is related to Joo Jaekyung’s behavior. The latter would meddle in his life. First, he forced him to treat him as patient. Then he acted, as if he was his friend by meeting Shin Okja. (chapter 61) The wolf reminded me of a stalker.

Ironically, bullying and stalking share striking similarities, as both involve an imbalance of power, unwanted attention, and the erosion of the victim’s sense of security. These dynamics mirror the framework of the childhood game “Truth or Dare,” where boundaries are tested (chapter 34), vulnerabilities are exposed, and participants are pushed to their limits. In the essay Guilty Truth or Dare ⚖ – part 1 (second version) I had already outlined the strong connection between bullying, the game and the champion’s past. Interesting is that in season 2, we discovered that the “hamster” had suffered such a fate. This could only reinforce my impression that the athlete shares the same pain than his soulmate. But let’s return our attention to the comparison between stalking and mobbing.

In this way, bullying and stalking act as real-life manifestations of the dangerous interplay between daring actions and withheld truths, forcing victims into cycles of fear, helplessness, and anxiety. And remember how I had developed the theory that Heesung might have been a victim of “stalking”, because he was seen in house slippers and had no jacket, though it was in the winter. (chapter 33) This would explain why Heesung was determined to hide the physical therapist’s whereabouts. (chapter 58) He saw in him a bully and even a stalker. His judgment was based on these two incidents: (chapter 58) He imagined that Kim Dan had been coerced to it, while the physical therapist always had the choice to refuse. Joo Jaekyung would never hurt the doctor.

Bullying often occurs in childhood, imprinting deep-seated fears and behavioral patterns that linger into adulthood. (chapter 57) Hence the doctor is now plagued with nightmares from the past. (chapter 59) The imminent death of his grandmother triggered his repressed fears. (chapter 57) Without her, he is now left with no protection. Stalking, in contrast, occurs later in life but evokes the same psychological distress—trapping victims in a cycle of hyper-awareness, helplessness, and anxiety. What makes stalking even more insidious is that it often mimics past experiences of bullying, dragging the victim back into a state of learned helplessness.

Joo Jaekyung, unfamiliar with being ignored by someone he values (chapter 61), reacts with pursuit. His behavior mirrors the tendencies of a stalker—not out of malice, but because his entire life was shaped by the belief that to be ignored is to be erased and forgotten. (chapter 55) In childhood, he learned that only strength could secure attention (chapter 26) (chapter 54), so when Kim Dan refuses to yield to him, Jaekyung instinctively fights back. (chapter 60) He tracks him down, calls him repeatedly (chapter 61) with the hope to have a conversation with him. (chapter 61) Deep down, he wants to be part of his life. Hence he moves next to Kim Dan’s house as his final attempt. (chapter 61) To Jaekyung, dominance and control are how relationships function, yet due to the doctor’s silent treatment, he is incited to change his approach. But to Kim Dan, these actions trigger memories of past tormentors, reviving the very feelings that once sent him running to the restroom for solace. The same space that shielded him as a child now becomes his only escape from Jaekyung.

Kim Dan’s Trauma Response: The Restroom as a Refuge

The physical therapist’s bullying experience adds another layer of complexity to his relationship with the restroom. In Chapter 57, (chapter 57) he is mocked in the open air, likely in a schoolyard, surrounded by peers. This public ridicule forced Kim Dan to develop a survival strategy—seeking the toilet at school for privacy and protection. There he could cry and vent his negative emotions, for he could no longer complain about his suffering at home. (chapter 57) As a child, he was bullied, humiliated, (chapter 57) and cornered, leading him to associate confined spaces with protection. The restroom was his only escape from ridicule, his sanctuary where he could momentarily regain control. This explains why he went crying there, when he heard the terrible news about his grandmother. (chapter 47)

In adulthood, this habit resurfaces due to Joo Jaekyung’s actions, which unconsciously mirror the behavior of a stalker—persistent, invasive, and overwhelming. The inability to escape fuels Kim Dan’s negative emotions. However, contrary to the past, he is not crying or on his knees. He is now standing, a sign that he is getting stronger mentally. Like mentioned in the previous essay, his thoughts are now showing more resent and anger. Consequently, his gaze is surrounded by darkness. (chapter 61) Since he can not escape the champion, he decides to ignore him.

The best protection against bullying is a healthy self-esteem

If your child is quickly intimidated, this will motivate the perpetrator to continue the nasty game. However, if your child reacts confidently and lets the insults bounce off him or her, the other children may soon stop enjoying it.  quoted from https://www.familienportal.nrw/en/6-bis-10-jahre/krisen-konflikte/bullying-school

This shows that he is regaining confidence thanks to the “dragon”. In other words, in Episode 61, Kim Dan’s retreat into the restroom reflects this ingrained response, showing how deeply his childhood trauma influences his present. This explicates why he is trying to recall the champion as a selfish and ruthless man. (chapter 61) What caught my attention is that he is hiding his bruise on his arm. This exposes his denial about his own physical condition. He wants to act, as if nothing was wrong.

Unlike Jaekyung, who fears his own reflection (chapter 55) – the mirror is very low -, Kim Dan retreats into memories to rationalize his pain. Instead of processing his suffering, he shifts blame to Jaekyung, using the restroom space to wall himself off emotionally. The restroom in Jinx thus acts as a metaphor for entrapment—whether through self-isolation or forced exposure, neither character is truly free from their past.

Because of his denial and self-deception, the restroom loses its function as protection which coincides with his increasing self-esteem. On the other hand, the restroom represents now a source of danger. That’s the reason why I am anticipating that something terrible could happen in this place. Don’t forget that the toilet in the States was connected to the doctor’s illness: (chapter 38) So he could faint there or hurt himself and he would have no one by his side. Don’t forget that this place stands for seclusion and privacy.

But there’s more to it.

Since the bullying started in elementary school (chapter 57), it is clear that the kids were not thinking of sex or using the restroom to assault the little boy. However, we should question ourselves how this rumor about Kim Dan being an orphan started. (chapter 57) The role of a leader in bullying is necessary because their words and actions set the tone and direction for the group. Without a clear leader, group dynamics may remain neutral or passive, but a leader’s initiative legitimizes aggression and creates a structured environment for bullying to thrive. This connection to his childhood bullying raises an intriguing theory about the leader of the mob that tormented him. In Chapter 57, four children are shown mocking him, but the boy in the orange t-shirt stands out—his full face, hairstyle, and outfit are visible. Notably, a newly hired physical therapist introduced in Chapter 54 (chapter 54) bears a striking resemblance to this boy, leading to the possibility that this new character could be Kim Dan’s childhood bully. Given Jinx’s themes of positive psychology and confronting past demons, it is plausible that Kim Dan will encounter this schoolmate again. Such an interaction could force Kim Dan to address his unresolved trauma and reexamine his perceptions of strength and vulnerability. Moreover, don’t forget that the doctor in green saw the champion in a terrible shape who had admitted that he had drunk the night before. (chapter 54) And in episode 61, the main lead announced to Park Namwook that he had to fire the physical therapist. (chapter 61) I sense some retaliation here.

Joo Jaekyung‘s hidden suffering

And the moment I connected the restroom to bullying, I realized why Joo Jaekyung would dislike to share the bathroom with others. (chapter 08) It is because in his mind, this place is associated with toilets in general. That’s how it dawned on me that the athlete could have been harassed at school, but contrary to the physical therapist, it took place later. The leader was Baek Junmin who hid behind the “mob”. (chapter 49) Because he utilized the expression “how you were as a kid”, it signifies that the MMA fighter was not only older, but also an adult, whereas the champion must have been a teenager. And now, you comprehend why Baek Junmin acted like a friendly athlete in front of the public: (chapter 49) It is because if his past actions (an adult bullying a teenager) were to be exposed in the media, there is no doubt that no one would see him as a champion. (chapter 49) People could discern his true personality: he was nothing more than a thug. Moreover, he would be perceived as a cheater, because he used others and his seniority to torment a child or teenager. At the same time, since Joo Jaekyung became a victim of bully later, the content about the mobbing should have been different. I am suspecting that he could have been targeted because of his homosexuality. (chapter 49) So we have to envision that he got assaulted in the school restroom, but everyone chose to close an eye to the situation. There exists two reasons why I am assuming that the restroom is linked to the champion’s suffering.

First, in episode 14, after getting verbally harassed by Randy Booker, the athlete went to the bathroom (chapter 14), but observe that next to him, there was the toilet. That’s the only time we see the toilet linked to the athlete in season 1. Interesting is that though he was alone in the room, he couldn‘t calm down. He even avoided to look at his own reflection. His behavior displays an immense stress and anxiety indicating that despite the presence of Park Namwook in front of the door, he didn‘t feel safe at all. (Chapter 14)

Then in episode 55, we see the champion going to the restroom for sex. (chapter 55) For the first time, he accepted someone other than Kim Dan in such a private room, a sign that the man was getting stronger mentally. However, while he was receiving a fellatio (chapter 55), he showed no reaction. In fact, his headache got even worse than before. (chapter 55) The champion’s passivity and migraine could be the symptoms of the athlete’s past suffering. His pain worsened in that place because of the past, but he didn’t realize it, for he was so focused on his soulmate. Secondly, the moment he was about to get kissed (chapter 55), he pushed the uke away and left the place (chapter 55).In this place, he could show vulnerability, yet he experienced that nothing bad happened to him. This explicates why after this experience is willing to remember and even reconnect with the doctor.

Contrary to Kim Dan whose body got bruised, the athlete’s past traumas are linked to his head and as such his memories. Hence he is now suffering from headaches. (chapter 61) In my opinion, the departure of Kim Dan forced the champion to be confronted with his repressed past. (chapter 54) While he calls his former rival and tormentor’s name and recollects his beating, he is not plagued with a migraine. This means that the real cause for Joo Jaekyung’s suffering (his headache linked to his repressed memories) is triggered by the attitude of his guardian. That’s the reason why he had a nightmare with the ghost of the past.

From my point of view, the fears experiences in episde 14 (chapter 14) are related to the words expressed by the abuser from this past: (chapter 14) The latter mocked him for being vulnerable and weak („pathetic“). Joo Jaekyung was compared to „trash“ because he was useless. (Chapter 54) There is no ambiguity that Randy Booker‘s insults had triggered the athlete‘s repressed memories and fears. Joo Jaekyung’s avoidance of mirrors suggests a fear of self-recognition—an unwillingness to face the vulnerability he tries so hard to suppress. His reaction mirrors the response of someone who has internalized a rigid sense of masculinity, where showing emotion is equated with weakness. The restroom, then, becomes a battleground where he unconsciously fights his past conditioning, yet he is unable to overcome it.

But how are the guardian’s words linked to the bullying? Since Kim Dan’s fate mirrors the star’s, I come to the following deduction. Their guardians shaped them in opposite ways, yet both were left emotionally stunted.

Guardians as Architects of Emotional Vulnerability

The guardians in Jinx—Kim Dan’s grandmother and Joo Jaekyung’s guardian —are pivotal figures in shaping their wards’ emotional landscapes. Through their contrasting philosophies, they unconsciously embedded patterns of emotional dependency and isolation, which continue to influence Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung’s present behaviors. The guardians’ responses to vulnerability, particularly in the face of bullying or hardship, set the foundation for the protagonists’ respective coping mechanisms.

Kim Dan’s Grandmother: Overprotection and Dependency

Kim Dan’s grandmother, with her constant refrain of (chapter 57) “You have me. I’ll always stay by your side,” cultivated a false sense of security but at the cost of Kim Dan’s autonomy and self-esteem. This overprotection became a double-edged sword—while shielding him from immediate harm, it left him ill-equipped to confront challenges on his own. She didn’t teach to have friends or seek help. By placing herself as his sole protector, she inadvertently taught Kim Dan to suppress his needs and desires in favor of compliance and silence.

This dynamic becomes especially evident in the aftermath of bullying. Instead of empowering Kim Dan to stand up to his tormentors or to assist him, her approach reinforced his tendency to retreat and confirmed the bullies’ words ruining his self-esteem. Her suffocating reassurance offered comfort but also fostered passivity, leading Kim Dan to seek solace in confined spaces like the restroom, both physically and emotionally. Hence he ended up with no friend.

Joo Jaekyung’s guardian: Emotional Isolation and Rigid Strength

In stark contrast, Joo Jaekyung’s father operated under a philosophy of emotional detachment. His words (chapter 54) imply that the fighter is not lovable, because he is useless and weak. He can only resolve his problem on his own and this through strength. His message instilled in Jaekyung a belief that vulnerability was synonymous with weakness. Instead of providing guidance or support during moments of hardship, his guardian emphasized self-reliance and resilience, equating worth with strength.

This approach left Joo Jaekyung emotionally stunted, unable to process his own feelings or seek help when needed. His relentless pursuit of dominance, whether in MMA or personal relationships, stems from this ingrained belief that strength is the only way to earn respect and avoid being discarded. The restroom, for him, became a site of humiliation, where vulnerability was laid bare and mocked, rather than a place of refuge. In addition, though Jaekyung likely does not consciously recognize it, the ghost’s treatment—emphasizing toughness and dismissing vulnerability—constitutes a betrayal of trust. As a child, Jaekyung needed emotional validation, guidance, and reassurance, but instead, he received criticism and was left to fend for himself. This breach of trust planted the seeds of betrayal trauma, which explains why we have not seen his “family” yet.

Truth and Dare: The Guardians’ Role in Perpetuating Cycles of Avoidance

The contrasting approaches of Kim Dan’s grandmother and Joo Jaekyung’s tormentor parallel the dynamics of the childhood game “Truth and Dare.” In this game, participants are forced to confront uncomfortable truths or take risky actions that test their boundaries. The guardians, when confronted with the harsh realities of bullying or their wards’ emotional needs, made choices that mirrored this dynamic.

  • Kim Dan’s Grandmother (Avoiding Truth, Choosing Dare): Faced with the reality of Kim Dan’s vulnerability, she chose to shield him rather than confront the deeper issue of his emotional growth. Her “dare” was her decision to take full responsibility for his well-being, creating an illusion of safety while neglecting the need to equip him with tools for self-reliance.
  • Joo Jaekyung’s Father (Avoiding Truth, Choosing Dare): When faced with his son’s emotional struggles, Joo Jaekyung’s father dared to dismiss them entirely, opting for a philosophy of “tough love” that denied vulnerability. His refusal to address his son’s emotional pain perpetuated a cycle of repression, forcing Jaekyung to internalize his struggles.

In both cases, the guardians avoided the truth of their wards’ emotional needs, choosing actions that perpetuated cycles of fear, dependency, or isolation. These choices highlight how avoidance and denial, much like in the game of “Truth and Dare,” can have lasting consequences. But why did they avoid truth in the first place? The answer lies in their unwillingness to confront their own shortcomings and take responsibility for their actions. Shin Okja refused to admit her inability to provide Kim Dan with the tools he needed to navigate the world independently, because she needed him more than anything. He was supposed to take her burden, once he was an adult. The silence about the absence of his parents is quite telling. She would be forced to tell the truth how they came to vanish.

As for the champion’s guardian, he hid behind the veneer of toughness, refusing to acknowledge that his neglect, alcohol abuse and rigid philosophy of self-reliance were harmful. I am quite certain that he is responsible for the manager’s biased perception: “spoiled child”. (chapter 7) At the same time, it shows that by asking to defend himself, he pushed the athlete to become a “fighter”. He needed to demonstrate his strength and worth constantly. Choosing truth would have required him to admit that his emotional detachment stemmed from his own fears of vulnerability and inadequacy. Instead, he projected these insecurities onto his son, perpetuating a cycle of emotional isolation and avoidance.

Conclusion: The Restroom as a Mirror to the Past

The restroom is a seemingly mundane place, yet in Jinx, it takes on a profound duality, reflecting the psychological wounds of both Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung. For Kim Dan, it has long been a place of retreat (chapter 61), a shelter from external threats, a sanctuary where he could escape the ridicule and bullying of his past. For Joo Jaekyung, however, it represents something entirely different—an exposure of weakness, a space where he once cried as a child, likely subjected to ridicule or even physical harm. The restroom is where their pasts unconsciously collide, revealing how their respective traumas dictate their present behaviors and interactions.

For either of them to heal, they must first recognize how their pasts dictate their present. Kim Dan must learn that setting boundaries does not equate to abandonment, and Joo Jaekyung must realize that control and power are not the same as connection. Hence conversation is necessary. The restroom, once a place of refuge and exposure, may ultimately serve as a metaphor for change—a space where both men confront their wounds, not alone, but together.

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-Tumblr-Twitter 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.

Jinx: A Luminous Kiss 😘💋 Amid Shadows 🫂

In Jinx, the evolution of Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan’s relationship can be traced through the symbolic use of kisses [for more listen to Kiss Me], specifically the one in the locker room (Chapter 15) and the life-saving kiss on the beach (Episode 60). Both moments carry significant emotional weight but reflect different facets of their dynamic, from selfishness to selflessness, secrecy to openness, and miscommunication to recognition. The setting and circumstances surrounding these kisses not only highlight the characters’ growth but also underscore the unresolved struggles they face.

Selfishness vs. Selflessness

The kiss in Chapter 14 and 15 was performed under the pretense of care but was marked by a sense of urgency and concern. Joo Jaekyung, lost in his thoughts and experiencing a form of derealization (chapter 14), acted particularly rough with Kim Dan (chapter 14), only snapping back to reality when he felt Kim Dan’s body trembling. (chapter 14) This moment of realization, coupled with the doctor’s tears and plea (chapter 14), served as the trigger for Joo Jaekyung to recall Cheolmin’s recommendation (chapter 14) of using foreplay and gentler methods, such as a kiss. While the kiss reflected care in the moment (chapter 14), selfish motives lingered in the shadows, as Joo Jaekyung sought to prevent causing visible harm that could lead to questions or even a scandal. It was, as if he wanted to silence his partner. Moreover, this decision was influenced by external suggestions, particularly from his friend, and not entirely by his own intentions. It was a calculated action to prevent immediate harm but lacked genuine emotional depth.

Interesting is that Kim Dan never dared to question Joo Jaekyung for this sudden kiss. (chapter 16) Moreover, he never wondered why Joo Jaekyung had asked for sex in the locker room, which represented a change in his behavior. If he had done it before, then he would have forced the physical therapist to travel with him to Busan. (chapter 13) As you can see, through the comparison with the kiss on the beach, I realized the doctor’s passivity and lack of critical thinking in season 1. He never asked why the athlete was so rough during sex. He took this for a normality. His attitude exposed the doctor’s biased perception of his boss: a spoiled and rough man obsessed with sex. I would even add that the kiss had a positive effect on the protagonist (chapter 15), because for the first time, Kim Dan made a request. With his remark, he implied that the kiss was strongly associated with emotions. However, exactly like Joo Jaekyung pointed out (chapter 15), the physical therapist omitted something important in the locker room. First, he didn’t share all his thoughts about the athlete, in particular his prejudices. Finally, he should have talked about his behavior before the kiss. What was he thinking, when he was having sex with him? In verity, he had been used as a substitute. In other words, the champion’s selfishness was rubbing on the doctor. Both were selfish, both had their heart and mind closed. And this remark brings me to the kiss on the beach.

In contrast, the kiss in Episode 60 (chapter 60) was executed purely for Kim Dan’s sake. It was a spontaneous, instinctive act of CPR to save his life, demonstrating selflessness and true concern. Unlike the locker room kiss, which carried both urgency and selfish motives, the beach kiss was entirely devoid of emotional connection, functioning solely as a technical gesture. Kim Dan was unconscious and unaware of the act, which stripped it of any emotional reciprocity. Here, Joo Jaekyung saw Kim Dan as a human being—detached from his social background and circumstances. This shift in perception is reflected in the location: the openness and natural beauty of the beach stand in stark contrast to the confined, artificial environment of the locker room. Joo Jaekyung’s willingness to perform this act in the open signifies a progression in his character—a gradual dismantling of his secrecy about his sexuality and his connection to Kim Dan. This shift from selfishness to selflessness illustrates not only Joo Jaekyung’s emotional growth but also the deepening of his bond with Kim Dan.

Secrecy vs. Openness

The locker room serves as a metaphorical closet (chapter 15), a confined space symbolizing Joo Jaekyung’s need to keep his relationships private. Picking up partners at a VIP club (chapter 33) was another extension of his desire to maintain secrecy. By contrast, the beach in Episode 60 is a public, open space, reflecting a significant shift. (chapter 60) Moreover, in the past, the locker room (chapter 14) was always filled with people surrounding the champion. However, once Kim Dan entered his life, this dynamic began to change. In Episode 14, Joo Jaekyung asked everyone to leave the locker room, (chapter 14) even excluding Park Namwook, who was even seen before stationed outside the bathroom door, (chapter 14) signaling a gradual exclusion of others from his private life and emotions. By Episode 15, Joo Jaekyung explicitly sent away his manager to have a private conversation with Kim Dan. (chapter 14) This shift highlights the increasing importance of Kim Dan in Joo Jaekyung’s personal sphere. Interestingly, this progression is contrasted by Episode 49, where Joo Jaekyung deliberately ensured (chapter 49) he was not left alone with Kim Dan. This means that this place was no longer the synonym for privacy and secret. This reflects why director Choi could intrude with his minions. Following the incident with the switched spray, Kim Dan was left behind (chapter 50) in the locker room twice (chapter 51), which could only increase the physical therapist’s feelings that he didn’t belong to Team Black. He was not part of that “family”. And this coincides with the moment where Kim Dan cries for the last time: (chapter 51) From that moment on, the main lead won’t show his vulnerability and pain to others. This gesture announces the return of his “blue friend”, the depression.

Moreover, keep in mind what the grandmother used to say constantly to her grandson: “Don’t cry” (chapter 57) Shin Okja must have felt uncomfortable with his tears and pain, therefore the doctor internalized not to show his struggling and burdens in front of his grandmother. This explicates why he denied his weeping in front of her first. (chapter 47) And now, you are wondering how this is relevant to the scene on the beach. Joo Jaekyung got shocked and scared, but he didn’t cry later and it is the same for Kim Dan. Hence the latter could deny his presence on the beach and even ignore the athlete’s words: (chapter 60) The absence of tears or a trembling body from the main leads indicate that both are hiding their emotions from each other. (chapter 60)

And because Kim Dan came to symbolize the fighter’s intimacy and privacy, it is no coincidence that their relationship ended in the locker room. There, the champion exposed his true thoughts about the doctor: his lack of professionalism, (chapter 51), his lack of loyalty, his greed and obsession for money. (chapter 51) Here, they were totally honest to each other: (chapter 51) Though the champion was restraining himself, he didn’t realize that his words were like punches to Kim Dan. The latter got to hear what he didn’t know. (chapter 51) Despite living together in the penthouse, he didn’t trust his room mate. After divulging his mistrust and anger to the physical therapist in the locker room, the former left Kim Dan behind and went to the health center with his hyungs. (chapter 51) What he didn’t realize is that the doctor stood for secrecy and closeness, so by leaving his side, he was destined to be exposed. (chapter 52) The conversation in the locker room symbolically announced the champion’s private struggles to the media, as his bad temper was made public shortly after.

Through these events, the kiss in the locker room becomes full of symbolism. It not only marked a moment of urgency but also served as an emotional awakening for Joo Jaekyung (chapter 15) , representing his need for mental and emotional support, which his team and entourage failed to provide. While the CPR kiss could be dismissed as a rescue, it symbolically represents a step toward Joo Jaekyung revealing his true self. The kiss marks a moment where he unconsciously begins to acknowledge his feelings and his homosexuality, even in a setting where others could witness it.

By contrast, the couple on the beach in episode 60 (chapter 60) was surrounded by nature. Hence they could show their true self: their exhaustion, desire and emotions. While the doctor was suicidal due to his depression and fatigue, the champion’s worries were genuine. Yet Kim Dan was not able to hear them. (chapter 60) This means that on the beach, Kim Dan could only detect one thing: Joo Jaekyung’s presence. But he didn’t sense his kisses and hear his words. That’s the reason why I come to the conclusion that this scene stands under the sign of “dream and illusion”. (chapter 60) Hence he came to reject his “intervention” as a lie and deception. The reality is that Joo Jaekyung does care for him, but he doesn’t know how to show it. He fears attachment. Because of his misjudgement, Kim Dan is not capable to notice the transformation in his former boss. . (chapter 60) The latter has now darker circles, and he lost a lot of weight. (chapter 49) His muscles are less pronounced. He is also wasting away.

This progression also ties to the concept of nature vs. artifice. The natural setting of the beach—the waves, the open sky—contrasts sharply with the sterile, artificial environment of the locker room. Nature brings out authenticity and raw emotion, whereas the locker room and the emergency room (chapter 60) reinforce control and suppression. In the locker room, the absence of time and space to relax or meditate highlighted the pressures placed on Joo Jaekyung by his manager and coach (chapter 14) (chapter 49), who believed that physical strength alone would solve his problems. This environment denied him the mental and emotional support he truly needed. (chapter 15) The kiss in Chapter 15 became a moment where Joo Jaekyung discovered not only physical pleasure but also positive emotions, which acted like a sweet candy, a reward for his hard work. (chapter 15) It gave him emotional support. It symbolized a rare moment of relief and connection amidst the overwhelming demands of his environment. Joo Jaekyung’s actions in these settings highlight his gradual move from a place of concealment to one of openness and authenticity. While the CPR kiss could be dismissed as a rescue, it symbolically represents a step toward Joo Jaekyung revealing his true self. (chapter 60) The kiss marks a moment where he unconsciously begins to acknowledge his feelings and his homosexuality, even in a setting where others could witness it.

Lies and Miscommunication

Another layer of complexity is revealed when examining the two kisses. From that wonderful night (chapter 44) on, Kim Dan never got kissed again. The absence of a kiss in the locker room was revealing Joo Jaekyung’s lack of faith in Kim Dan. His mistrust left such an emotional wound, which is only visible to the third eye. (chapter 54) Because Joo Jaekyung saw it in a vision, it becomes clear that the athlete is still in denial about his wrongdoing. Therefore he didn’t apologize for his false accusations and his bad perception of the physical therapist: (chapter 60) By admitting that he knows about his innocence, he imagines that he can get scott-free. But he is wrong. His skepticism and dismissiveness wounded Kim Dan’s heart and mind, leaving scars that reverberate through their future interactions. Kim Dan can no longer trust him now (chapter 60) , though there is no doubt that the doctor is still in love with him. At the hospice, this mistrust resurfaces. The parallel conversations—in the locker room and the emergency room—highlight the ongoing cycle of miscommunication and emotional disconnect. Both characters, in their own way, lie to themselves and each other. Joo Jaekyung sees Kim Dan through the lens of poverty and greed (chapter 60, reducing his identity to his need for money, while Kim Dan rejects his offer, his help and conceals his pain. It is not surprising that Kim Dan left the treatment room. (chapter 60) By doing so, he is denying his rescue and assistance. It was, as if this night and as such the kiss had never happened.

The beach, however, offers a stark contrast. There, in the midst of the emergency, Joo Jaekyung’s perception of Kim Dan shifts. For the first time, he sees him as a human being—vulnerable and in need of genuine care. (chapter 60) The lies and miscommunication fade in the face of the life-and-death situation. However, this recognition is short-lived, as the events at the hospice reveal Joo Jaekyung’s lingering selfishness (chapter 60) and inability to fully comprehend the seriousness of Kim Dan’s mental and physical state.

Kim Dan as Joo Jaekyung’s Reflection

Episode 60 also underscores the parallels between Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung. Both characters are struggling and mistreating their bodies, albeit in different ways. Kim Dan’s rejection of help and his deteriorating condition mirror Joo Jaekyung’s past behavior of ignoring medical advice and pushing himself to extremes. This dynamic serves as a reflection, forcing the champion to confront his own flaws. Kim Dan’s condition becomes a metaphorical mirror, showing Joo Jaekyung the consequences of neglecting physical (chapter 27) and mental well-being. (chapter 27) When Kim Dan removed the needle carelessly (chapter 60), he was actually copying his lover’s behavior.

The dissociation and derealization evident in Kim Dan’s behavior further highlight his mental fragility. This fragility contrasts sharply with Joo Jaekyung’s reaction during their interaction at the hospice. When the champion angrily asks, , his words reveal frustration and a superficial understanding of the situation. Rather than addressing the underlying psychological distress driving Kim Dan’s actions, Joo Jaekyung perceives them as reckless behavior. His focus remains on immediate danger rather than the deeper cause, showcasing his emotional detachment and inability to grasp the full seriousness of Kim Dan’s mental state. This misinterpretation underscores how Joo Jaekyung is still projecting his own coping mechanisms onto Kim Dan, assuming that sheer willpower and physical strength can resolve emotional struggles. This moment serves as a stark reminder of Joo Jaekyung’s ongoing growth and the gaps in his understanding of Kim Dan’s suffering. His denial of having gone to the beach, despite clear evidence, points to the depth of his trauma. (chapter 60) That’s why I can’t shake the feeling that the physical therapist is still in danger. The trail of blood on the floor could be interpreted as a bad omen. (chapter 60) Many Jinx-philes saw parallels between the champion’s departure from the locker room with the final image from chapter 60, (chapter 51) However, in the last image, the athlete had left the room to go to the health center, while Kim Dan is now leaving the treatment room, a sign that he is not just rejecting the champion’s help, but also the hospice’s intervention. (chapter 60) So he could get into trouble in his profession.

This moment becomes a turning point for Joo Jaekyung, as he is about to grasp the gravity of Kim Dan’s mental illness. However, his focus on money and material solutions (chapter 60) at the hospice contrasts sharply with the purity of his actions on the beach, underscoring his ongoing struggle with selfishness and superficiality.

As long as Joo Jaekyung hides his vulnerability and hides his true self to achieve his goal, Kim Dan will mirror his actions. He will deceive him too. However, we shouldn’t see their separation (chapter 60) at the end of episode 60 as something negative. How so? It is because Kim Dan never said this: (chapter 51) He never wished to never see Joo Jaekyung again. Moreover, he never regretted their meeting either. (chapter 60) And now, pay attention to his hand, he is slightly clenching his fist, a sign that he is pained while saying this: “Have a safe trip home!” The word “home” and his gesture display that deep down, he was happy to see him. He is longing for home, but he can not express his true desire. Thus I deduce that Joo JAekyung’s words in front of the restaurant must have moved his heart: (chapter 43) No wonder why he thought that it was time to get to know the fighter during that night: (chapter 44)

On the other hand, by utilizing the word “home”, he is implying that the fighter doesn’t belong here. The doctor is actually mimicking his own grandmother. (chapter 57) (chapter 57) However, Jinx-philes should detect the divergence: she is not using the word “home”, but Seoul. That’s the reason why in the end, Shin Okja’s confession to her grandchild will come back to bite her, as she described her own grandson as a stranger in this little town. It was, as if he had been an orphan all his life. He had no home all along.

And because of the doctor’s words, it is clear that Joo Jaekyung won’t return to Seoul. He just needs to stay by his side in order to gain his trust. The longer the fighter stays in that place, the longer he will be able to detect the deceptions surrounding the doctor: (chapter 58) Where are the parents? Who is the man where he is staying? Where did he plan to go after his stay there? The idiom “temporarily” could be perceived as an evidence that the doctor plans to end his life. According to my interpretation, Heesung believed that the landlord was Kim Dan’s grandfather. He was just denying his origins out of shame.

One thing is sure. Because of the doctor, Joo Jaekyung will be forced to admit that home is where the physical therapist is. With his goodbye, Kim Dan was challenging his former boss , (chapter 60) a new version of this scene. (chapter 9) The athlete has now every reason to stay there and that’s how he will discover all the doctor’s secrets and misery.

Conclusion

The kisses in Jinx are more than just physical acts; they are symbolic markers of Joo Jaekyung’s emotional journey and his evolving relationship with Kim Dan. The locker room (chapter 15) kiss represents selfishness, secrecy, and miscommunication, while the beach kiss (chapter 60) signifies selflessness, openness, and recognition. However, both kisses, initiated by Joo Jaekyung, were not truly expressions of deep love or genuine emotional pleasure. As technical gestures borne out of urgency and care, they left no lasting emotional trace in their relationship.

This lack of emotional permanence highlights the characters’ ongoing struggles. While Joo Jaekyung shows signs of growth, he has yet to fully understand or confront the complexities of Kim Dan’s mental and emotional state. Similarly, Kim Dan’s passivity and silence in earlier moments underline the barriers that remain between them. Trapped in his own misery, he fails to see the physical deterioration from his former idol. The juxtaposition of these kisses serves to illustrate the fragility of their bond and the slow, uneven process of their personal and relational evolution. Through these moments, the author masterfully portrays the intersection of urgency, care, and miscommunication, ultimately crafting a nuanced exploration of healing and connection amidst shadows. Once again, it exposes the importance of honesty and clear communication in a couple.

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-Tumblr-Twitter 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.

Jinx: The Mermaid’s🧜‍♂️🧜‍♀️ Illusion of Love 💝 (second version)

Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid offers a nuanced exploration of love, conditional relationships, and the struggle for independence. In a previous essay, The Painful Mermaid’s Aspiration, I explored parallels between Andersen’s tale and Jinx, focusing on themes of sacrifice and transformation. However, deeper analysis has revealed additional layers to these parallels, particularly in the dynamics of conditional love, independence, and the pursuit of dreams, which merit further exploration here. The little mermaid’s yearning is expressed poignantly in her dialogue with her grandmother:

This statement reflects the mermaid’s desperation and her willingness to sacrifice everything for her dream. The old woman’s response highlights the impossibility of her aspiration without absolute devotion from the prince:

The unattainable condition imposed by the old woman underscores the imbalance in the mermaid’s love. The grandmother’s description of the prince’s hypothetical love suggests it would transcend familial bonds, symbolizing a selflessness so profound that he would give a part of himself to his partner. However, this ideal of love contrasts sharply with the mermaid’s sacrifices, as in verity her yearning for the prince is intertwined with her desire for an immortal soul. Her physical attributes, cherished in her own world, are deemed unattractive on land, symbolizing the rejection of her true self. Her conditional love requires her to give up her voice, her identity, and even endure physical pain. This duality—a love that demands selflessness yet is rooted in conditional aspiration—reveals the inherent imbalance in her quest for acceptance and fulfillment. The matriarch’s final remark—“Let us be happy and dart and spring about during the three hundred years that we have to live, which is really quite long enough; after that we can rest ourselves all the better”—urges the mermaid to embrace her current existence rather than chase an impossible dream. However, if she had followed her grandmother’s advice, she wouldn’t have truly lived at all, for she has always been feeling miserable deep inside.

This tension between illusion, aspiration and self-acceptance mirrors the emotional struggles in Jinx, particularly the relationships between Heesung, Potato, and Kim Dan. Moreover, as I delved deeper into the story, I realized that Andersen’s fairy tale carries an even more poignant message: dreams, while often a source of aspiration, can also be illusions that shatter upon collision with harsh realities, like for example the broken promise (“The prince said she should remain with him always“) from the prince who denied the existence of death in their life. This essay builds on these reflections, delving deeper into the overlooked dimensions of dependency and conditional love, revealing how these dynamics shape the characters’ paths toward independence and self-realization. The little mermaid’s yearning, intertwined with her desire for an immortal soul and as such for her own identity, mirrors the characters’ pursuit of validation and dreams, often at the cost of their individuality. Like the mermaid, these characters grapple with the conflict between their dreams and the realities of conditional relationships. While Andersen’s tale portrays the little mermaid’s yearning for the prince and the human world as both a source of aspiration and tragedy, Jinx reinterprets these themes through the lens of modern relationships, showing how dependency and idealization can hinder self-discovery and fulfillment. The parallels extend further, as each character’s journey reveals deeper truths about love, independence, and personal growth.

The Illusion of the Prince: Joo Jaekyung and Potato

In The Little Mermaid, the prince represents the little mermaid’s idealized dream of the human world. However, her love for him is deeply intertwined with her desire for an immortal soul. This duality—a mix of genuine affection and conditional aspiration—renders her relationship with the prince inherently unbalanced.

Similarly, Joo Jaekyung serves as an illusion in Potato’s life. (chapter 23) Potato initially admires the champion, aspiring to be like him (chapter 23) and dreaming of recognition as his sparring partner. (chapter 23) Joo Jaekyung, much like the prince in Andersen’s story, projects an image that masks the reality of his life. His success, while celebrated, represents years of hard work and immense personal sacrifices. At the gym, Park Namwook undermines these efforts by slapping the athlete (chapter 7) and calling him “my boy,” (chapter 40) effectively denying Joo Jaekyung the acknowledgment he deserves for his achievements. Potato is misled by this fabricated image (chapter 23), drawn to the champion’s public persona rather than understanding the struggles beneath it. Moreover, Joo Jaekyung can also be viewed as a mixture of both the prince and the mermaid, embodying the illusion of grandeur while simultaneously bearing the silent pain of sacrifice and transformation. This duality deepens the parallels between Andersen’s tale and Jinx, highlighting the complexities of admiration, dependency, and self-realization. To conclude, this admiration is rooted in superficial qualities: Joo Jaekyung’s public persona, his success, and the light he projects to the world. Furthermore, Potato’s physical differences—his smaller frame and lighter weight category—highlight the impossibility of truly becoming like Joo Jaekyung. (chapter 23) This realization mirrors the little mermaid’s struggle to reconcile her nature as a seductress of the sea with her dream of becoming human.

Potato, drawn to this carefully curated public persona, aspires to emulate the champion (chapter 23) without understanding the profound struggles beneath his image, failing to perceive Joo Jaekyung’s unhappiness, struggles, and loneliness. Like the image is exposing it, Potato views the athlete as a companion as well whose efforts should serve to keep him company. This dynamic mirrors the little mermaid’s conditional love for the prince, as Potato’s idealization is rooted in his own aspirations rather than genuine understanding. Just as the prince remains oblivious to the mermaid’s sacrifices, Potato overlooks the reality of Joo Jaekyung’s burdens, emphasizing a dependency that hinders true recognition and connection. Once his reputation as a champion is tarnished (chapter 52), the amateur starts distancing himself from his former idol. This exposes the fragility of Potato’s dream. Therefore it is not surprising that he starts taking a different path: acting, though I still think, it is temporary. However, behind the glamorous facade of the show business, there exists a dark side as well. (chapter 59) Heesung’s fate is similar to the champion’s. Despite his popularity, the actor is deeply unhappy. He feels lonely, for people only know the actor and not the man behind the mask. That’s the reason why he is looking for his soulmate. (chapter 33) That’s how I realized why Potato and Heesung are destined to be together. They are both self-centered, dishonest and blind, but more importantly they are chasing after an illusion which is strongly intertwined with immortality. In addition, my avid readers should keep in mind what Potato truly expressed, when Mingwa introduced this “chow chow”. (chapter 23). In reality, he wanted to use the athlete as his servant. The closeness (chapter 23) he was seeking was self-serving. While the amateur and the actor are searching for the “perfect companion”, the other couple has no expectation from others. They both have no longer any dream or hope. That’s the reason why Kim Dan was putting this vision of Joo Jaekyung behind a veil: (chapter 58) He was giving up on his dream expressed in the birthday card, (chapter 55) though I believed that he had another bigger wish, but due to his low self-esteem, he didn’t dare to express it: (chapter 55) My newest theory is that he wanted Joo Jaekyung to teach him fighting, but not for himself, but in order to help the fighters and in particular to protect the champion’s body: (chapter 25) (chapter 25) To develop a training where injuries are minimized. In season 2, it is clear that Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan have reached the bottom. Both feel empty and exhausted. They were crushed by harsh reality, and they had no one by their side to listen to their pain. Therefore it is not astonishing why the doctor could not confide to the actor and the amateur fighter. They arrived too late. (chapter 58) Their presence definitely diverted the doctor’s attention, lessening his pain.

Initially, Potato views the champion as an infallible figure, a symbol of success and strength. However, his perception begins to shift as he confronts the realities of the MMA world and his own identity. Potato’s loss of innocence is closely tied to the discovery of secrets. In Episode 25, (chapter 25) he learns the true nature of the relationship between Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung. This revelation forces him to confront his own repressed feelings, as he unconsciously realizes his attraction to the fighter. (Chapter 25) Heesung’s involvement further complicates matters, as Potato confesses his love for Joo Jaekyung (chapter 35) while simultaneously vowing to sacrifice his feelings for the sake of the couple’s happiness. This act demonstrates Potato’s pure and selfless definition of love, (chapter 35) contrasting with the conditional love depicted in Andersen’s tale.

However, Potato’s understanding of love remains naive. He fails to grasp the distinction between love and physical relationships, unaware of the darker realities of one-night stands and transactional connections. (Special episode 1) His discovery of sports gambling (chapter 52) and the switched spray the (chapter 52) which is strongly intertwined with the departure of disloyal members from Team Black marks another step in his journey toward disillusionment. While Potato initially views this as an isolated incident, it exposes the broader corruption within the MMA world, including the betrayal, greed, and lack of loyalty that undermine its integrity. While he views himself as loyal to doc Dan and Team Black, for he remained at the gym, his heart was not. He is becoming like his hyungs, Park Namwook and Heesung. In Andersen’s tale, the mermaid’s journey to the sea witch represents a pivotal moment of transformation. By sacrificing her voice and enduring physical pain, she gains entry into the human world, but at the cost of her identity. Similarly, Potato’s journey is marked by painful discoveries that force him to confront uncomfortable truths. Through Kim Dan, he will begin to see his own flaws before he is able to recognize them in those he once trusted.

Heesung and Conditional Love

In the fairy tale, the prince represents the mermaid’s idealized dream—a vision of love and immortality. However, the prince’s love is conditional and superficial. While he admires the mermaid’s devotion and affection, he remains blind to her true identity and sacrifices. This dynamic is epitomized in his words:

The prince’s affection is rooted in comparison and memory, not in genuine understanding. And that’s exactly how the actor is thinking. He compared his sex partners to his ideal.

Heesung embodies the concept of conditional love in Jinx. (chapter 33) He can only love his soulmate, and the latter has to be perfect. By seeking perfection in his “soulmate”, he doesn’t realize that he is exposing his darkness and inhumanity. How so? It is because imperfection defines humans. He is denying the existence, error is human. Funny is that his fated partner embodies mistake and imperfection! (chapter 23) (chapter 25) (chapter 35) The latter doesn’t mind breaking social norms by yelling or causing a fight at a restaurant. But let’s return to the actor’s confession at a bar. It’s not surprising that Heesung appears indifferent to the affection of those who cared for him. The last partner was described as too clingy. This means that Heesung places himself as the judge. In addition, it was, as if he was a god destined to live forever. He is forgetting his human condition, just like his partner’s. And that’s exactly how the prince in The Little Mermaid views life.

For him, it looks like death or change don’t exist, though he doesn’t realize that his fate got changed through the intervention of the mermaid. Had she not rescued him, he wouldn’t have been able to have a companion and a wife. His perfect happiness is paid by the efforts and sacrifices of others. He is surrounded by beautiful slaves who have no voice and as such no freedom:

Through this quote, readers can grasp why the prince didn’t see the mermaid as a possible love interest. She was not his equal socially. Therefore it is not surprising that he chose to have an arranged marriage. I would even add that her voicelessness is viewed as a sign of stupidity, because she can not express her opinion. She is forced to follow the prince’s requests. The prince’s failure to recognize the mermaid’s true nature and the depth of her sacrifices underscores the fragility of dreams built on illusions. His promises, though well-meaning, are symbolic of fleeting ideals that crumble under societal and familial pressures. We could say that in the end, he refuses to become responsible for the mermaid.

And this remark brings me back to Heesung and his relationship with Potato: (special episode 1) With this request, he implies that he will never become responsible for the amateur fighter. Therefore he can hide his homosexuality behind the young fighter. He used Potato’s mistake to his advantage. (special episode 1) By asking Potato to take care of all his needs and desires, Heesung placed himself in a position where he had power and could control Potato. That’s how the young fighter made a dangerous deal with the gumiho. No wonder why his sex role play was a prince interacting with a guard. (special episode 2) Hwang Yoon-Gu didn’t realize that by taking responsibility for the actor, he lost his freedom and as such his voice. Is it a coincidence that Mingwa portrayed the young maknae as someone who would raise his voice due to his emotions in the past? (chapter 25) (chapter 35) No, and it becomes obvious that when he is reunited with Kim Dan, (chapter 58) his behavior is totally different than with the actor: (chapter 58) Tears, touch, raising his voice with Kim Dan, but not with the comedian. With the actor, he looks more calm, distant and mature. Heesung’s selfishness is evident in his treatment of Potato, whom he manipulates into becoming an extension of his own image. Hence he is no longer wearing shorts and tee-shirts. (chapter 59) One might say that he is gradually elevating Potato’s status through his suggestions. (special episode 2) By encouraging Potato to work as an actor and shaping him into a version of himself, Heesung prioritizes his own desires over Potato’s individuality. He is not asking what Potato’s true dream is. But this was his dream originally: (chapter 23) The problem is that in the past, he was too passive, waiting for the right opportunity. (chapter 23) Why? It was due to his low self-esteem. (chapter 23) He was not confident enough, for he was the only one with such a weight-category.

And why did the prince suggest Potato to become an extra? On the one hand, it was an easy way to make money, on the other hand, Heesung didn’t want to reveal his true thoughts. He desired a companion by his side too. However, giving him the opportunity to be an extra, Potato could get criticized that he got this acting job through connections. And this reminds me of the little mermaid, who received people’s admiration and the prince’s superficial admiration, yet in reality, the latter had no one by her side to talk about her pain. She was never given a name or a status, her position was defined by her relationship with the prince.

Potato’s growing dependency on Heesung reflects the little mermaid’s surrender of her voice and identity for the prince. In both cases, the individual sacrifices their true self for a love that is neither reciprocal nor nurturing. The prince might have developed an affection for the mermaid, but he never recognized her as worthy to be his bride. I believe that this gesture (special episode 2) played a huge influence in Potato’s decision to take the offer as an extra. It was, as if one of his dreams had come true. But is this what he truly wanted?

Heesung’s refusal to wait for Potato after leaving Kim Dan (chapter 58) underscores his indifference, symbolizing the unbalanced dynamic in their relationship. Like the prince, Heesung offers no genuine commitment, leaving Potato to grapple with the consequences of his dependency. Thus I perceive Potato’s tears (chapter 59) as a signal that he is not truly happy. (chapter 58) However, this is about to change. Heesung who likes novelty and change is not realizing that his wish is becoming true. The picture with his last work announces the end of his “friendship” with Potato. How so? (chapter 58) The actor chose to become responsible for hiding information from Joo Jaekyung. And he used the mermaid Kim Dan for his decision. He created the impression that he truly cared for the main lead. And how did the prince react to the vanishing of the mermaid? He got caught by surprise and definitely hurt.

He realized too late that his marriage could have consequences with his relationship with the voiceless mermaid. Through her vanishing, she actually revealed her independence and expressed her thoughts. She was not the prince’s eternal companion. She was an independent human being.

Kim Dan: A Mirror to the Little Mermaid

Kim Dan’s experiences parallel the little mermaid’s journey in profound ways. Raised in an environment defined by conditional love, (chapter 53) Kim Dan learned to prioritize the needs of others over his own. His grandmother’s reliance on him mirrored the traditions and expectations imposed on the mermaid by her underwater world. Just as the little mermaid longed for the human world’s light and freedom, Kim Dan yearned for an escape from his oppressive circumstances.

The death of a puppy in Jinx adds another symbolic layer to these parallels. (chapter 59) Kim Dan once referred to Potato as a puppy (chapter 29), drawing a connection between the character’s innocence and loyalty. (chapter 59) However, Potato’s departure reveals an underlying superficiality and disloyalty—he merely asks Kim Dan to call him when he visits Seoul, failing to acknowledge the depth of their bond. This reminded me of the prince’s fake promise:

He is here actually mimicking Heesung’s behavior who had made a similar offer to the physical therapist: (chapter 35) This shows that Heesung has long internalized this pattern: assistance will be only given, if he is called. That’s why he has no true friend in the end. He shows no interest in others. But by doing so, he is putting the whole responsibility on his counterpart. Through the actor and the manager’s behavior, the former errand boy has long adopted this pattern. Hence he didn’t call Kim Dan in the end. He waited for a signal from his part. This behavior mirrors the little mermaid’s sisters, who only realize her absence when it is almost too late to act. Similarly, Potato’s casual farewell highlights a betrayal of Kim Dan’s friendship, further emphasizing Potato’s struggle with emotional awareness. That’s why I mentioned above that Potato is about to discover his true nature: he is also a sinner. This growth parallels the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve, where the acquisition of knowledge leads to the loss of innocence. Heesung, like Eve, introduces Potato to a new world of experiences, including his sexual orientation. However, this newfound knowledge comes with its own burdens, as Potato must reconcile his identity with the harsh realities of the world around him.

This raises the following question: what if Potato blocks Heesung’s phone number after their break up or argument? (chapter 5) Heesung could no longer express his needs and desires.

The death of the puppy, occurring shortly after Potato’s departure, symbolizes a loss of innocence and marks his transition into adulthood. Yoon-Gu is slowly becoming a new version of Joo Jaekyung, he hides things from Oh Daehyun and the other hyungs. He is blinded by the smiles and gentle gestures of the gumiho. Naturally, there’s no doubt that Heesung is falling in love with the maknae. The latter has become the perfect lover, but his dream is about to get crashed by reality. (chapter 58) Just because one is happy, this doesn’t mean that the other is. For that to happen, communication and honesty are necessary.

(chapter 59) This event underscores the contrasting paths of Joo Jaekyung and Potato. While Joo Jaekyung is forced to give up his principle of “self-reliance,” (chapter 59) Potato’s journey is to discover and embrace the principle of “self-reliance” and autonomy. Only when Potato becomes independent in his thoughts and decisions, can he truly help the main couple.

So far, Potato has relied heavily on the guidance and judgment of others: his hyungs, Park Namwook, Yosep, and Heesung. This dependency is evident when contrasting his behavior in episodes 47 (chapter 47) and 52. Initially, he believed in his hyungs’ description of Joo Jaekyung as a thug, but later he criticized the same fighters for abandoning the athlete (chapter 52), accusing them of lacking loyalty and dismissing their claim that they had nothing to learn from him. Yet, in episode 52, Potato does not reproach Park Namwook or Yosep for their passivity and naivety, (chapter 52) instead solely blaming Joo Jaekyung for not trusting Kim Dan and causing his departure. This selective criticism reveals that Potato still views the older men as inherently good and fails to recognize his own shortcomings. In this way, he mirrors Park Namwook’s superficial loyalty, further emphasizing his dependence on external validation.

Another significant detail is Potato’s absence during the birthday party, where Park Namwook expressed gratitude toward Kim Dan. (chapter 43) This absence highlights how Potato has missed key moments of reflection and acknowledgment, which are essential for his growth. It suggests that Potato is destined to detect the flaws in his hyungs—Park Namwook, Yosep and Heesung’s superficiality, passivity, hypocrisy and selfishness—before he can achieve true independence and contribute meaningfully to the lives of Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan.

Kim Dan’s attentiveness to Potato’s emotions (chapter 23) —taking over his tasks and noticing his unhappiness (chapter 25) —demonstrates his capacity for genuine care. This contrasts sharply with Heesung’s selfishness and serves as a reminder of the value of mutual support in relationships. Potato’s potential return to the place where he met Kim Dan could symbolize a rediscovery of authentic connections, marking the beginning of his path toward independence and self-realization.

Independence and Rediscovery of Dreams

The little mermaid’s transformation into a daughter of the air signifies her liberation from heartbreak and physical pain. While she loses the prince, she gains something far more significant: a purpose independent of him. Her ascension represents the realization that true fulfillment comes from within, not from external validation. (chapter 58) Notice that Potato is embarrassed here, a sign that he is not happy. And he has a reason for that. Neither Heesung nor Yoon-Gu are coming out, they are still following social norms which reminds us of the prince’s marriage. Furthermore, when the actor is complimenting on Potato’s acting, the latter doesn’t acknowledge it, because deep down he knows that he got this gig through Heesung and their relationship (chapter 58) And like mentioned above, this could become a serious problem for Yoon-Gu. He could be perceived as someone selling himself for a gig. And Heesung is not even realizing the consequences of his intervention and meddling. That’s why it is important for Yoon-Gu to become independent. This lesson resonates with Potato’s journey in Jinx. By recognizing Heesung’s selfishness and breaking free from his influence, Potato has the potential to rediscover his own dreams and individuality. Like Erich Fromm mentioned it, true love is respect, care, knowledge and responsibility. However, Heesung has no idea about the importance of these notions, as everything is evolving around his own needs and dreams.

Besides, if Potato’s dream is still to seek wealth and fame like in the past (chapter 23), he should be aware of the danger in the MMA world, like for example death and bad injuries. Moreover, if we take into consideration that he wanted to be like his role model, it signifies that Yoon-Gu associates fortune and celebrity with happiness which is a real illusion, like Heesung and Joo Jaekyung’s hidden misery and loneliness expose it. But I doubt that the actor ever talked about Yoon-Gu about it.

Finally, Yoon-Gu hasn’t met his former idol yet, so he was not able to see his suffering: (chapter 58) That’s how it dawned on me that little by little Yoon-Gu had been losing his senses: (chapter 31), his smell, then his ears (chapter 52) and finally his eyes: (chapter 58) He forgot the danger coming from Heesung’s words, he could not hear the suffering from the champion due to his bias, and finally he couldn’t see Kim Dan’s distress due to his own feelings and prejudices. We could say that because of the influence from others, he was no longer able to see reality. However, like mentioned before, I sense the return of Potato’s senses in the following panel: (chapter 59) His silence and hesitation shows that he detected something was wrong, but he couldn’t determine that this was related to the actor’s cold and distant goodbye.

In my opinion, Kim Dan has always helped Yoon-Gu to mature and voice his own thoughts and desires. If Potato were to return to the place where he met Kim Dan or learn about Kim Dan’s struggles, it could serve as a pivotal moment in his transformation. Reconnecting with Kim Dan, who genuinely cared for him, might inspire Potato to forge a new path. This could parallel the little mermaid’s ultimate realization that her dreams and identity are separate from the prince.

The Role of the Number Six and Maternal Symbolism

Another significant layer in Andersen’s fairy tale is the little mermaid’s identity as the sixth child. The number six, often associated with motherhood and the heart, highlights her nurturing qualities and selflessness. Her distinctiveness among her siblings is reflected in her unique garden, designed in the shape of the sun, symbolizing her longing for light and individuality. Despite these efforts, no one paid attention to her garden, mirroring how her inner world and emotions were overlooked. And this coincides with my observation about the numbers in Jinx. 6 announces the beginning of a new relationship.

This parallels Kim Dan’s experience in Jinx, where his well-being and emotions are ignored by those around him. He, too, acts as a maternal figure, selflessly caring for others while receiving little in return. This maternal role further emphasizes the weight of his sacrifices and his struggle to be seen as an individual.

The death of the puppy (chapter 59), coinciding with Potato’s departure, underscores this theme of overlooked emotions and unreciprocated care. As Joo Jaekyung reflects on Kim Dan’s comparison of Potato to a puppy, it may catalyze a pivotal shift, prompting him (chapter 29) to adopt a puppy for the doctor’s sake and bring him to their new home.

Conclusion: Love, Dependency, and the Pursuit of Dreams

The Little Mermaid and Jinx both explore the complexities of love, conditional relationships, and the search for independence. Andersen’s tale warns against losing oneself in the pursuit of another’s love, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and personal growth. In Jinx, these themes are echoed through the dynamics between Heesung, Potato, and Kim Dan. Joo Jaekyung, as an illusionary prince, represents the dangers of idolization, while Heesung’s selfishness highlights the pitfalls of conditional love. Ultimately, the journeys of these characters underscore the importance of finding one’s own voice, embracing individuality, and pursuing dreams on one’s own terms.

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-Tumblr-Twitter 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.

Jinx: Burning Up🔥, Losing Control 🛞

Behind the wheel

In episode 56, we could see Joo Jaekyung losing his cool, the more he tried to find Kim Dan. This huge transformation can be detected, when Jinx-philes compare these two following images. (chapter 56) and (chapter 56) While in the first picture, Joo Jaekyung is calm, concentrated and silent, in the second one, the fighter is agitated, lost, breathless and yelling. These two mental dispositions are reflected in the location. In the first image, the MMA celebrity appears behind the steering wheel, which is a symbol for power, determination and control, whereas in the second panel the champion is wandering alone in the street. This running is no longer part of his training and routine, but it exposes his powerlessness, loneliness and despair. He has no idea where to go contrary to the first picture. This means that the latter embodies goal and destination, whereas the second image represents the opposite values: beginning, start, ground zero and source. In other words, the end of episode announces the athlete’s rebirth or better said, the start of a new life. I will elaborate further below. But let’s return our attention to the symbolism of the auto.

As you can see, the latter stands for success, wealth, authority and domination. (chapter 56) (chapter 56) Even if the main lead is moving among other cars, people can recognize that the owner of such a car is rich and probably famous due to the brand and design. On the other hand, by roaming in the street, the champion blends into the background and as such to the mass. (chapter 56) Because Joo Jaekyung doesn’t want to be recognized, he is wearing a mask and a cap. This gesture stands for anonymity, hence no one is paying attention to him. Contrary to his frenemy at the cafe (chapter 35), Joo Jaekyung succeeded. He is just a passerby. In other words, the avenue indicates not only his failure to find Kim Dan, but also his loss of power and status. He has just become a nobody. Thus we should consider this as the athlete’s karma for thinking that Kim Dan could be replaced, because he was just a nobody: (chapter 55) It is no coincidence as well that the author showed us the star’s back, when the latter called his hyung Park Namwook. (chapter 56) Moreover, the shades are quite similar: red/orange and brown. Without his car, he is like everyone else: a human with his flaws and imperfections.

I have to admit that when I read episode 56, I couldn’t restrain myself connecting episode 56 to chapter 33 and in particular due to my essay called: These two chapters are similar, for they convey the same emotions: anger, anxiety, frustration and despair of the fighter. In the car, the champion attempted to control the doctor’s libido. (chapter 33) On the one hand, he appeared calm and concentrated like in 56, yet deep inside, he was burning up. The pink dildo was used as a tool to voice his negative emotions (abandonment issues, insecurities and jealousy). With the release of episode 56, another reason came to my mind why the athlete proposed to drive the physical therapist to Choi Heesung. (chapter 32) First, he switched the car in order to demonstrate his wealth and status. It was, as if he wanted to show off to his fated companion, which reminded me of the actor. The latter would bomb doc Dan with “presents”, an indirect demonstration of his fortune. In addition, Jinxphiles will certainly recall that during the same day, the comedian came to fetch the physical therapist with his white Porsche. (chapter 32) Consequently, I came to the following deduction. The man selected the gray car in order to distinguish himself from his rival, to impress his companion.

Secondly, it was the wolf’s way to keep the doctor in check, to control the situation. He is behind the wheel, hence he takes the lead and had the saying in their relationship, like we could observe it in another situation: (chapter 42) And what was his attitude there? He would not listen to his passenger. Moreover, he would separate his job from his roommate’s. It looked like they were living in two different worlds, though they were sharing the car. This scene exposes miscommunication, lack of faith, stubbornness and prejudices. The fighter was not willing to accept the physical therapist’s doubts and chose to go through with the training and match.

Thus I deduce that the vanishing of his car is indicating that the athlete is now ready to LISTEN! He is no longer cut off from the world, he is moving among humans. His penthouse and his car were the reasons why he kept people at arms-length and why he preached self-reliance. They were the symbols of his success and identity: (chapter 2) (chapter 32) So by leaving them behind, it indicates that Joo Jaekyung is transforming and as such maturing. But why is he so desperate to control his life and even Kim Dan’s by leaving no room to change or “surprise”? I believe to have found the answer: chronic abuse. I know that the quote is quite long, but in this description, Jaekyung-addicts can recognize their beloved character:

After reading this, my avid readers can grasp why the champion’s past has been kept in the dark by the author and why the athlete dislikes it, when his past is mentioned: (chapter 26) First, he repressed it, but thanks to doc Dan, he is encouraged to face his traumatic past. But for that, he needs to trust someone, a person who wouldn’t judge him and would show understanding. He came to associate “pity” (chapter 37) with arrogance and weakness, but this is not true. [For more read this https://psyche.co/ideas/pity-is-an-emotion-easy-to-scorn-but-central-to-our-humanity]

This new discovery reinforces my previous hypothesis that the main lead was exposed to chronic abuse (emotional abuse, parental criticism and probably bullying), which remained undetected. So by “losing his car”, he is gradually giving up on his control issues. At the same time, it gives him the opportunity to redefine his own life. What does he want from life and his career as MMA fighter? Consequently, I come to the deduction that Joo Jaekyung is about to become the true owner of his time and as such of his own life. Let’s not forget that even in season 2, his manager is still the one “controlling” his time. (chapter 54) (chapter 56) This signifies that the champion is about to discover that in reality, he was not truly free. While he thought, he was controlling his life behind the wheel, in verity, he was just a puppet, for his decisions were influenced by his fears and past. I would even add that the loss of his routine announces his willingness to accept changes and surprises in his life. The latter are no longer perceived as a threat.

The champion’s car and his hyungs

Because Joo Jaekyung connects car with power and leadership, I came to realize why the champion trusts so much coach Jeong Yosep and his other hyung: (chapter 5) He allows the coach to drive the car and the manager to sit in the front. Thus they represent the higher authorities. However, so far, the doctor had only been his passenger. Thus a new idea popped up: what if the athlete let the physical therapist drive his car? Let’s not forget that the loner wolf shouldn’t be driving on his own, for his shoulder has not healed properly yet. I already pointed out the wrongdoings from the two hyungs. (chapter 53) They should have brought him home. They stand for neglect and indifference due to their passivity and routine. In my eyes, they are happy at the gym, the latter represents their second family. So they imagine that it is the same for their boss. In other words, they projected their own thoughts and feelings onto the celebrity. They embody silence and lack of communication and this is actually palpable in the car. In episode 5, the manager and the MMA fighters lied to each other: (chapter 5) Then in episode 49, the champion kept The Shotgun’s words as a secret, while his coach confessed his trust in his “boy” (chapter 49). Yet, he revealed his true thoughts at the hospital: (chapter 52) He has no real trust in the athlete. Finally, my avid readers should notice that we never heard coach Jeong Yosep speaking up or exchanging his thoughts to the other members there. To conclude, I interpret the car as a symbol for censorship, silence, miscommunication, stubbornness and deafness. In other words, this place is also polluted. (chapter 53) So when the champion returned home on his own after the surgery, it displays the high peak of the censorship and uncommunicativeness from the two hyungs. They didn’t bring up the eventuality that Kim Dan might have moved from the penthouse. They kept doc Dan’s departure under wraps and waited for the right opportunity. But the best evidence for this interpretation is the absence of Jeong Yosep after episode 52. From that moment on, he is no longer present in the star’s life. But there’s more to it. I noticed the absence of Jeong Yosep’s phone number. At no moment, we see him contacting the protagonist through the phone. (chapter 52) Imagine that he only reported his investigation and actions afterwards. Then on the athlete’s birthday, he didn’t send any private message as well. (chapter 45) It gives the impression that he owns no cellphone, especially if Jinx-philes recall this situation in the States: (chapter 37) He was using the landline telephone. This observation is relevant, because it exposes the coach’s dependency on Park Namwook. The latter’s task is to keep in touch with his boss and champion, for he has his cellphone number. Nevertheless, how do we explain the absence of the coach’s cellphone? I have the feeling that this could be related to his divorce. (chapter 5) When his wife suddenly blocked him, he got shocked and hurt. And don’t forget that we have another person traumatized with a phone call: Kim Dan, who got abandoned during that day. (chapter 19) Thus this observation made me think that the coach could have something in common with Kim Dan. And that’s how the champion will demonstrate his strength to his hyung. Contrary to him, he didn’t accept the divorce so “easily”. In fact, he is fighting for the doctor in his own way. The problem is that he is his own worst enemy.

Interesting is that each time the MMA star was seen in the backseat(chapter 49), Jinxphiles could never view the driver. (chapter 5) According to my theory, this should be the coach. And the latter lost his wife despite his success. Now, Jinxphiles can grasp the discrepancy. Though the coach is the driver, he is not the one with the upper hand. In reality, he is putting his faith and trust in his passenger, Park Namwook. How so? It is because he is viewed as the counselor and expert. And how is the manager reacting to the fighter’s change of behavior? (chapter 56) He doesn’t look worried, scared or despaired. In fact, he is pretty calm, the opposite to this scene: (chapter 13) His question “Is everything okay with you?” is purely mechanical and as such meaningless, for he doesn’t inquire, when he hears a silence from the other side of the line. I would even say that he doesn’t really wait for his boy’s answer as well. (chapter 56) Finally, his comment is full of hidden criticism: “I haven’t heard from you…; You haven’t been coming…”. He is reproaching his star to neglect his work, though he is still in recovery. I have to confess that Park Namwook’s short scene drove me hot and crazy 🔥😂 One thing is sure: Despite the outcome of the last match, the hyung has not made up his mind to change his routine at all. But he is not realizing that this phone call represents a turning point in their relationship. How so? It is because if the champion switches his phone number (chapter 56), he could end up in the same situation than the protagonist. And keep in mind that the coach Yosep is actually relying on the manager. Thus I reckon that the champion’s other source of power is actually his cellphone! Without him, he has no connection (chapter 5), no money (chapter 32) and no power. His call to the manager during that evening represents his last resort. Thus he is calling the manager “Namwook hyung” contrary to episode 5. (chapter 5) This title is indicating that the champion is opening up, and willing to show his vulnerability and despair. On the other hand, this change also implies “expectations” from the fighter, (chapter 56) just like the doctor tried to show his appreciation to Joo Jaekyung with the gift: (chapter 55) The physical therapist hoped to get recognition, gratitude and acceptance from his soulmate. That’s the reason why I perceive this conversation over the phone as a reflection from that scene: (chapter 46) Keep in mind that at the gym, the athlete denied the relevance of information. Though both hyungs were warned, the reality was that they got off scot-free. They never received any blame for failing to protect him and this twice. And now, he is looking for intel about the doctor. Indirectly, fate is teaching him to recognize his error. In fact, information can procure a good insight about people’s behavior and as such fears. Let me give you an example: if Joo Jaekyung were to hear about Kim Dan’s first employment as PT, he should understand why the PT made mistakes, why he took odd jobs and why he “left” Seoul. If he wanted to work as PT, he needed to go elsewhere.

But let’s return our attention to the champion. In episode 46, he denied the importance of intel on the impact of a match. Hence I deduce that with the doctor’s vanishing, he is learning another tough life lesson. It is important to get to know his roommate and even to converse with him. This is something he didn’t do in the past. I will explain below why. On the other hand, the contrast between 46 and 56 reinforces my conviction that one of the schemers knows about the champion’s fears and past. Thus the fighter was more and more confronted with the past thanks to doc Dan. So by unlocking his past, the fighter not only gets released from his mental prison, but also will be able to detect his enemies in the future.

To conclude, the car and the phone in Jinx symbolized not only the champion’s powers, but also his “identity”. When he was driving his auto, he thought, he was independent and as such the owner of his “life”. He thought, he was controlling his life. He was the famous and rich MMA fighter. Yet, this was just an allusion. The routine was there to make him forget his painful childhood. So by seeing him alone in the street (chapter 56), I feel like he is about to lose everything. Destruction is necessary so that the sportsman can rebuild a new life. The vanishing of his routine was also a necessity, because the athlete needs to include Kim Dan in his life. That’s the real definition of “living together”.

Back, silence and prejudices

Though the athlete is appearing lost and weak on the street, his mind-set oozes the opposite. Determination!! He knows what he wants: (chapter 56) He wants to meet his companion again. He already describes him as a need. This implies that the hamster has almost become a “necessity ” for the celebrity. On the other hand, these words expose that the fighter is still not ready to meet his fated partner. How so? It is because his words divulge the absence of “conversation”. In the beginning, he wished to talk about his feelings to Kim Dan so that he could get closure. (chapter 56) He somehow expected doc Dan to listen to his words and accept them. That was it. Then at the end, it is just about seeing doc Dan and nothing more. At no moment, he voiced the desire to get to know his partner or to listen to his side of the story. Why? It is because he had strongly internalized that the man was a liar. He never questioned his perception and detected his own prejudices. It is important to recollect how Jinx-philes could sense a positive change in the physical therapist: (chapter 22) Yes, it is the view with the star’s back. The author selected such a position on purpose. The face represents the character’s identity and as such his personality. By showing the back, Mingwa is implying that the beholder is full of prejudices and doesn’t know his partner that well. That’s why I judge this image (chapter 55) as a reflection from the one in episode 22. Nevertheless, this represents the sportsman’s prejudices about the doctor. But contrary to doc Dan in episode 22, the wolf wanted to forget him. In other words, he refused to become curious about doc Dan. This means that he initially regressed, as he made the wrong decision. However, it was a necessary step for the fighter, for the latter has always put himself under pressure: he was such a perfectionist. That’s the reason why I interpret the following image (chapter 56) as a mini-confession from the manager. He is gradually admitting that he doesn’t know his boy that well. Yet, he still puts the blame on the main lead. On the other hand, I believe that the manager in this picture should be seen as a reflection from the champion’s mind: (chapter 56) He believes to know his hyung, that’s why he trusts him so much. Hence he is willing to expose his vulnerability and despair: (chapter 56) He expects no contempt or shock from him. He anticipates acceptance and tolerance. But is this man willing to overthrow his conscience and integrity for his “champion’s sake”? Since he is portrayed as eyeless, it implies the champion’s prejudice and blindness. He doesn’t know his manager that well either: the man is rather a coward and a child than a mature father. Thus I started wondering how Park Namwook would react to this request. Will he accept it? Keep in mind that the main lead is not saying that he wants to hire doc Dan, it is only about seeing him. And this aspect made me realize why Joo Jaekyung got so upset and scared in the past: (chapter 7) (chapter 32) (chapter 37) (chapter 40) (chapter 43) (chapter 45) (chapter 46) (chapter 47) Looking at his face had become his new secret ritual and as such his source of joy. Naturally, his heart and unconscious were the causes for this new habit. This explicates why he hated hearing the doctor leaving the penthouse during the night: he feared that he would no longer be able to see his cute face. That’s also the reason why Joo Jaekyung got angry/upset, when he saw the doctor turning his head away (chapter 37) or the shocked and wounded doctor’s visage: (chapter 51) Kim Dan’s face which had become his secret source of joy, became a weapon suddenly! It brought him pain. And what did he say afterwards to the doctor in the locker room? (chapter 51) He wished not to see his “face”. The latter had become his “addiction”. Thus his face in tears came to haunt him. (Chapter 54) This nightmare exposed his regret which he tried to deny and bury. At the same time, I have the feeling that his secret desire was to wipe away his tears as well. Nevertheless the problem is that such a love is rather superficial, for people’s body deteriorate over time. What matters in love is a good personality and a good heart. According to Erich Fromm, love is knowledge, respect, care and responsibility. Hence this separation became a necessity for the fighter. Fate had to force him to admit this: (chapter 56) He needs to see his face. A picture won’t be enough or even hear a report about him. Furthermore, he imagines that if he sees Kim Dan doing well, he can get closure and move on. That’s the reason why I think that Joo Jaekyung needs to get a new insight about the doctor or about himself before meeting him. He needs to admit his ignorance and bias. So far, he felt more “pity” and showed more understanding towards the grandmother than towards Kim Dan. The evidences for this perception are the way he behaved towards her: he was gentle, he paid her bills (chapter 21) and almost got shocked (chapter 56), when he imagined that she had died. In reality, he helped financially more the grandmother than Kim Dan himself. Kim Dan is the one he should really empathize with. He has always been a victim of circumstances.

Joo Jaekyung, a human, a dog or a wolf?

Nonetheless, we could see his wandering in a positive light: (chapter 56) Joo Jaekyung is slowly turning into a real human. At its core, to be “human” involves:

  • Emotional Vulnerability: Humans are not perfect; they experience pain, fear, despair, and helplessness. And that’s how the champion feels in that moment.
  • Complexity and Depth: A human being is defined not only by their achievements but also by their struggles, flaws, and relationships. Interesting is that the reproach from the manager doesn’t get noticed by the champion, as he is too obsessed with doc Dan.
  • Empathy and Connection: Becoming human often involves acknowledging one’s need for others and accepting imperfection.

For Joo Jaekyung, being a star or fighter meant embodying strength, invincibility, and control. These traits distanced him from others, presenting him as more of an ideal or symbol rather than a person. Despair often marks a catharsis or turning point in literature and character arcs. It is the moment when a person realizes their limitations and confronts their authentic self. By experiencing despair on the street, Joo Jaekyung steps away from his constructed image and embraces his real identity. He is no longer just “the fighter” or “the star”; he is a man who can lose, suffer, and feel deeply. This coincides with the dropping of his routine and the neglect of his duties. His life is now chaotic, as the protagonist started forgetting his title and career. The manager could think, his boy lost his sight on what truly matters. The reality is that his life has always been meaningless and aimless. He always felt emptiness, but the title masked this emotions. His obsession with the doctor is bringing to the surface his hidden struggles and fake believes.

However, I don’t think that the man has reached the bottom yet. How so? It is because he is still relying on his “hyung”, money and power: (chapter 56) Moreover, by utilizing the expression “by whatever means necessary”, he is asking his hyung to disregard morality and laws. It was, as if he was encouraging the manager to throw over board his conscience and integrity. It looks like he is encouraging his manager to behave like Director Choi Gilseok: spies and connections. (chapter 46) But the hyung stands for “conformity and social norms”. Moreover, observe that Joo Jaekyung is turning his search of Kim Dan into a manhunt “Track him down”. His vocabulary evokes a predatory, almost feral quality, suggesting desperation and a lack of integrity. Readers know why he became obsessed with doc Dan, but is it the same for the manager? The main lead’s words reminded me of the loan shark Heo Manwook, which could let his enemies misunderstand the athlete. He resents the PT and wants to put the blame on him. This moment highlights a significant shift in his character: rather than adhering to rationality, morality, or compassion, he is overtaken by raw instinct, much like a wolf hunting its prey. This explicates why the author created such a panel: (chapter 56) Desperation can strip away the higher faculties that make us human—reason, empathy, and self-control—exposing something primal. (chapter 56) In this moment, Jaekyung’s words highlight his transformation into someone governed by instinct (desperation to find the doctor at all costs), which challenges the notion of his humanity. His inability to address the situation with trust or compassion reinforces his struggle to act as a “real human” with integrity. The latter is defined as adherence to moral principles and honesty. Jaekyung’s behavior here reveals an absence of both, exposing a darker, corrupted side of his personality. He looks more like a wolf. (chapter 56) This means that he is not showing his true self. And now pay attention to the time and sunlight: (chapter 56) It is the golden hour or better said, between dog and wolf (“Entre chien et loup”). This idiom refers to “at dusk, twilight, nightfall”. At the same time, this idiom evokes this image of transformation and duality, two natures fighting against each other. Is the champion a “dog” or a “wolf”, when it comes to Kim Dan? I had already outlined the huge signification of this time in the following essay: “Magical Hours“. Back then, I had outlined the difference between “golden hour” and “blue hour”: (chapter 17) and (chapter 11). In season 1, the athlete stands for golden hour, whereas Heo Namwook embodies blue hour. “Entre chien et loup” is the time of day when the light is such that is becomes difficult to distinguish between a dog and a wolf, between friend and foe, between known and unknown. Hence I am thinking that if the next episode represents a continuation of that nightfall, it signifies that the champion is on his way to meet someone from the past. Moreover, I detected that the pavement is the same than in front of the gym: (chapter 56) (chapter 35) (chapter 48) As you can see, this detail made me realize that the next chapter should contain reflections from episode 35 and 48, the meeting with an old/new acquaintance. I am writing new and old together on purpose, for Director Choi Gilseok had been the halmoni’s loan shark, but the “hamster” had no idea. Choi Gilseok is the boss of Heo Manwook. If this encounter takes place, it signifies that on the one hand, it will cause pain and suffering to the athlete, on the other hand, this incident will become a “blessing in disguise”, for it will push the champion to reflect and mature. That’s how I had the following revelation. Why did the author ensure that the MMA fighter’s shoulder would get badly injured? (chapter 52) It is because this exposes the champion’s bad coping mechanism. The champion always uses his fists, therefore he doesn’t reflect and as such analyze his emotions. (chapter 52) That’s how he felt right into the trap of the schemers. So by having his splint, Joo Jaekyung is indirectly coerced to meditate on his feelings., as he can no longer use his shoulder and as such his fist. His physical injury represents in reality his “lucky charm”, for it helps him to transform, to overcome his trauma and face the shadows from his traumatic past. Notice that for the first time, the athlete came to accept the existence of feelings for Kim Dan. (chapter 56) However, he is not talking about love and gratitude yet. Without his left shoulder, he is forced to use his brain and as such his third eye. It is important, because it implies that the fighter is gradually learning how to control his emotions. Compare his attitude on the street (chapter 5) to the one at the gym from episode 5: (chapter 5) He is much calmer. He is not oozing red and remaining silent. He is not burning up inside, in fact he is expressing his thoughts and emotions: (chapter 56) That’s the reason why I believe that in the next episode, the fighter won’t act on his feelings like in the past. But there exists another common denominator between episode 5 and 56. The athlete’s request mirrors the situation in episode 5. (chapter 5) In both cases, the athlete asked for his manager’s help. However, as Jinx-philes can sense, there exist two huge differences between the past and present. Back then, Park Namwook didn’t care for Kim Dan. He was just a PT like any other doctor. He didn’t even care that Joo Jaekyung would lose his temper and ruin the sandbag. (chapter 5) It was not worrisome in his eyes, because his day would consist of training and punching the sandbag. The problem is that the fighter is no longer coming to the gym and he is not even calling him: (chapter 56) While the contrast between episode 5 and 56 reflects their growing gap and gradual separation, it seems to indicate that Park Namwook will follow the athlete’s request. He would have two reasons for this: money and hope that this would give some closure to his boy so that the latter can focus on his “training” again. But by following his request, he could expose his “connection” which is linked to the champion’s past. But I could be wrong. He could refuse it, for this request sounds so scary and immoral. Notice that the author didn’t let her readers hear his answer. We will see. Finally, it is important to recall that the fighter is dressed differently and he is more on the mode “listening” than “seeing”, as he had to hear the answers from his investigation: (chapter 56) Notice that even at the end, readers were not even able to see the PT’s faces: (chapter 56) This shows that the athlete is using more and more his intelligence, he is forced to interact with people. He is gradually developing his social skills which stand for COMMUNICATION. And how did he get deceive in the past? (chapter 48) He got manipulated by his eyes! They used a trick to deceive the athlete: delivering the truth in delay. Joo Jaekyung didn’t confront Kim Dan, because he saw the pictures as proofs! He never tried to hear his side from the story. And now, you comprehend why I am expecting that the champion will suffer another “blow” in the next episode. In my opinion, he will hear an important information. The fire in the illustration is there to indicate “Tabula Rasa”, a clean state. Joo Jaekyung has to lose all his principles and his bias about doc Dan. But for that he needs to face his own past and mistakes. Only through this effective anguish, he can become a better man, a new man.

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.

Jinx: Daily Jinx Advent Insight 15 📆🃏♦️♥️

If you pay attention to the title, you might have noticed the joker, diamond and the heart as emojis. This signifies that I will examine this panel once again. (chapter 27)

The 3 cards and its significance

Yes, a thought occurred to me, while I was writing the last analysis about this scene. In Daily Jinx Advent Insight 7, I interpreted that Joo Jaekyung had been in reality on the verge of winning the game, but due to the Joker, a wild card, he thought, he had already lost. Then I had added that the Joker card could be perceived as a metaphor for Kim Dan. The champion had lost his last game, for he didn’t utilize his PT properly. He mistrusted him, therefore he didn’t talk with him about his meeting with director Choi Gilseok. In addition, he did nothing to protect him from the public eyes. He never realized that this man was the synonym for secrecy and information. The protagonist knows everything about the athlete’s health and injuries (not just his bad joints, but also his insomnia). Therefore he should have been guarded and protected, making sure that nothing would be leaked. However, I believe that the Joker could represent another character from Jinx. The moment I saw these cards (Joker, 3 Diamond, 3 Heart) as a symbol for a character, I suddenly realized that both main leads were defeated by their enemies, because both didn’t use their cards properly.

The other person behind the Joker

And now, you might be wondering about the identity of the other Joker. The fact that Joo Jaekyung is holding the Joker in his hand implies that he has this person on his side. He is close to him. In my eyes, it is the mysterious doctor from chapter 13. According to me, it is Cheolmin hyung. The fact that he called him, when the celebrity desired to avoid the headlines with a scandal, is a sign that he is trusting this man. (chapter 13) He is definitely sure that this man won’t betray him. He is not judging him for his job or “sexual preferences”. He embodies fairness, tolerance and impartiality. And since in his cellphone, Doctor Cheolmin is registered under the name Cheolmin hyung, it exposes his closeness with this cute doctor. He is like a “brother”. (chapter 13) The conversation between these two characters in episode 13 shows that Cheolmin is not only a reliable person, but also a good friend. He assisted the star in a time of needs without expecting anything in return. There was no exchange of favors, hence Mingwa showed us his hand, when he said his goodbye. (chapter 13) This gesture with the hand implied not only that he was just looking forward to meeting him again, but also generosity. And if there was a request from Cheolmin, it was just about an information: (chapter 13) It had nothing to do with money and promoting his hospital.

As soon as I came to associate the Joker with Cheolmin Hyung, Joo Jaekyung’s only true friend, I suddenly realized why this mysterious doctor no longer showed up in season 1. He was treated like the Joker in episode 27. He was not used properly, and this in two occasions. (chapter 33) According to me, the man was calling his friend Cheolmin, because he truly believed that the actor had been hurt. The fact that he went to the rooftop in order to call the person is indicating that he desires to hide his contact from Park Namwook and Jeong Yosep. In other words, he was seeking secrecy, exactly like the actor. As you can see, the dragon and the gumiho had a similar attitude. They thought that the rooftop was the perfect place to hide a secret. So by calling Cheolmin who is working at a hospital, the MMA fighter was making sure that there would be no scandal. However, when he called him, he discovered the truth. Choi Heesung had faked his injury. Therefore how could he use his connection with Cheolmin, when there was no emergency? In his eyes, he would have abused his busy friend’s generosity. That’s the reason why the star chose not to intervene. If he had revealed the truth and as such accused the actor of deception, he would have no one by his side to prove the truth. It was one man against two. Secondly, by revealing his presence on the rooftop, he would have been forced to mention his close friend: Cheolmin hyung. His connection with the athlete would have raised some question. And because he didn’t utilize the Joker in that situation, he became a victim of a trick. It is important, because the champion’s decision to hide Cheolmin’s existence from Jeong Yosep and Park Namwook is a sign that deep down, he is not trusting his two other hyungs. In my eyes, it is related to his homosexuality. But there could be other reasons as well, for example he met this doctor, before he became a celebrity.

As for the second occasion, it took place at the restaurant. (chapter 33) For me, the doctor was the person Joo Jaekyung was talking to. Interesting is that contrary to episode 33, he didn’t leave the inn in order to talk to his acquaintance. In fact, he did it in front of the door. By acting that way, he didn’t attract the attention from the members. No one questioned the celebrity why he was talking on the phone for quite some time. They just imagined that it was work-related due to the selfie with a stan. (chapter 43) They didn’t even bother to wait for him to arrive before drinking and eating, though the man was the birthday child. He was actually the guest of honor. (chapter 43) This exposes violation of social norms and even the disrespect towards Joo Jaekyung. He is just seen as a cash cow, hence there was no thank you from them or even a short invitation for him, like Park Namwook and Kim Changmin had done it in episode 9. (chapter 9) (chapter 9) In fact, Joo Jaekyung was totally neglected at the restaurant, no one even paid attention to his actions. Under this light, I recognized why Mingwa created this incident: (chapter 43) It was not just to bring the two main leads closer, but also to expose the wrongdoers. If they had waited for him, the champion wouldn’t have drunk some soju from the glass of water, for Kim Dan couldn’t have used his glass. (chapter 43) That’s why the manager got red, a sign of embarrassment. He realized that they should have all waited for the birthday child. Moreover, don’t forget that the star was even paying the bill. And now, you are wondering if I didn’t diverge from my original topic, the Joker and Cheolmin hyung. No, as this new interpretation helped me to understand why Joo Jaekyung talked to his hyung in front of others. He already sensed that no one was observing him or waiting for him. (chapter 43) Moreover, it is possible that the mysterious caller desired to congratulate for his birthday or even to thank for his donation. Let’s not forget that just before his real birthday, the celebrity organized a charity event, and it could be related to Cheolmin’s work place. (chapter 41) Because I detected ingratitude, selfishness and rudeness from Team Black, I couldn’t help myself thinking that the other person must have behaved differently, which put the young man in a good mood. Therefore he overlooked the incident with the switch of glass: (chapter 13) Here we have a threat from the champion to which Cheolmin replied with a joke. Here, we have the same situation: a threat, but people got scared (chapter 43) before Park Namwook tried to relativize the incident. (chapter 43) Thus it dawned on me why Cheolmin was not introduced to Kim Dan in season 1. He didn’t belong to Joo Jaekyung’s inner circle, his only true friend. He didn’t trust him enough to introduce him to this peculiar doctor. And now let me ask you this? What is a joker?

The Joker has held various roles throughout history, rooted in society’s need for humor, critique, and balance. Historically, the Joker or court jester was a figure in royal courts who entertained through wit, music, or physical comedy. Yet, their symbolic role extended beyond entertainment; they served as a unique voice of truth, able to mock power and question authority without punishment. Their ability to navigate sensitive topics under the guise of humor made them essential figures for revealing societal flaws.

Symbolically, the Joker represents duality: humor and tragedy, order and chaos. It reflects society’s hidden truths and contradictions, often acting as a mirror to human folly. In a broader sense, the Joker embodies freedom and the subversion of norms, often challenging rigid structures or oppressive systems. This duality persists in modern interpretations, where the Joker is both a symbol of liberation and an agent of chaos, reflecting society’s shifting values and inner struggles. In other words, he rejects herd mentality and hypocrisy. He embodies seriousness, but also fun and laughs. And that’s exactly how Cheolmin appeared in chapter 13. He is a non-conformist, he treats his job seriously, but if he sees something wrong, he has no problem to voice his opinion and criticize the person: (chapter 13). Hence I believe that the other reason why our cute PT didn’t meet Cheolmin in season 1 is that he was not ready to interact with him. Kim Dan needed to mature, to free himself from social norms in order to accept such a man as a “role model”. That’s the reason why I am expecting the return from this mysterious doctor in season 2. In my opinion, he will play a central role in dethroning the king Park Namwook at Team Black, but also in helping Kim Dan to obtain justice. Keep in mind that according to me, the protagonist was a victim of many crimes committed by doctors. (The hospital director, Kim Miseon, MFC doctors)

The 3 Diamond and 3 heart

Since the Joker represents the only true friend from the Emperor, I came to the following deduction. Because Kim Dan is holding a diamond and a heart card, this means that he has two persons on his side as well. In other words, these 3 diamond and 3 heart represent the physical therapist’s friends. Anyone will immediately recognize the identity of his true friends: Choi Heesung as the diamond (due to his wealth and brillance) and Yoon-Gu as the heart. Let’s not forget that the actor was willing to intervene, if the PT needed help to “tame” the Emperor. (chapter 35) He offered his assistance, but at no moment the main lead thought of even asking for his help. (chapter 46) If he had voiced his struggle to Heesung, the latter would have understood him and “talked” some sense to the dragon. And it is the same for Potato. In the locker room, when Kim Dan was criticized for his sloppiness, (chapter 50) he didn’t ask from Potato to vouch for him. He could have reached to him, requesting from him to testify in his favor. Yes, I believe that not only the actor and the maknae are to blame for their passivity, the physical therapist is also responsible for his own suffering. He is not seeing that he has already gained two friends. However, he didn’t treat them properly. No wonder why Kim Dan ended up alone at the end of season 1. At no moment, he confided to Potato or other members about his struggles, he kept everything to himself which is similar to his soulmate.

But why does the protagonist behave like this? One might reply that he has never had any friend before. Therefore he doesn’t know how to have friends. However, I feel that there exists a deeper cause. In my eyes, it is related to his low self-esteem mixed with pride. Yes, deep down, Kim Dan feels some shame due to his social background and familial situation. This explicates why he only mentioned his grandmother once (chapter 30). Here, I am excluding the scene with his drunkenness. Nevertheless, from his words, Heesung couldn’t detect that he was raised by a single grandmother. He already had a hard time to “accept” the champion’s benevolence (chapter 18) He was brainwashed to rely only on himself. Why? It is related to his halmeoni and his childhood. The elderly woman gave the impression that she raised him without any help. She did everything on her own which is only partially true. The young boy was forced very early on to help her. (chapter 5) (chapter 47) Hence he was taught cooking. In addition, we can already envision that when he was a high school student, he had to take a part-time job. She definitely minimized his assistance, creating a debt towards her.

Observe that though he treated the fighters (chapter 7) and (chapter 23), he just acted as their “PT” and nothing more. In other words, he acted, as if they only had a professional relationship. This explicates why Kim Dan never talked about himself, in other words he never shared any information with them. However, I doubt that he just considered them as his “patients”. He was happy to give his assistance. For me, the fact that he never lowered his guard is a sign of his low-esteem. So they had a strictly professional relationship, except with Potato. (chapter 26) However, even here, Kim Dan never shared his cellphone number with the maknae. If Potato had it, he would have tried to contact him immediately. To conclude, though I criticized Yoon-Gu and Heesung for their indifference and neglect, I feel that Kim Dan is partially responsible for this too. He didn’t take the first step to improve their relationship. Friendship is a two-way Street!

To conclude, the 3 diamond and 3 heart (chapter 27) represents the PT’s friends. The moment he acknowledges that he has these two assets, he should recognize that he is not “poor”. He needs to realize that he is on his own, because he chose to. He simply ignored “people” around him.

On the other hand, it is important to relativize this aspect as well, for Shin Okja played a huge role in this mind-set. The best evidence is that the woman doesn’t have any friend. (chapter 7) She needs to pay a nurse to give her some company. Therefore she is forced to rely on her grandson. Then she doesn’t pay any attention to her grandson’s needs and circumstances, for she is only focused on her own suffering and “unhappiness” chasing after an illusion. (chapter 53) Because she has no one by her side except Kim Dan, she has no problem to move to a different place where she doesn’t know anyone. Her grandchild is her “home”. This move reminded me a lot to a uprooting. It was, as though the male lead was not allowed to settle for good. Don’t forget that her deteriorated home let transpire that she didn’t consider this place as her true home. It was just a stopping-place. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Kim Dan could never get any friend. Through the cards, I could find more evidences about my past interpretation. The halmeoni is responsible for the protagonist’s self-blame, lack of confidence, suffering and isolation.

But in order to recognize the existence of true friends in his life, Kim Dan needs to find a good role model. And that would Joo Jaekyung with his hidden Joker Cheolmin.

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.

Jinx: Daily Jinx Advent Insight 3 📆🌹🥀

In this essay I will talk about pink roses. (chapter 31)

1. Pink roses and their different meanings

In the composition ““Go Away, Romeo!” (locked), I explained their meaning. Pink roses generally convey innocence, gratitude, and pure affection. They are traditionally associated with gentle emotions, making them a popular choice for expressing sincere, heartfelt sentiments without the intensity of red roses or the friendship focus of yellow roses. Interesting is that in the language of flowers, the shade of pink roses convey various shades of affection and admiration:

  • Lavender Pink: Often symbolizes enchantment and fascination, making it ideal for conveying admiration that feels magical or unique.
  • Deep Pink: Expresses gratitude, appreciation, and recognition, often used to say “thank you” or show deep admiration.
  • Medium Pink: Represents joy and happiness, perfect for conveying general affection or light-hearted romance.
  • Light Pink: Symbolizes gentleness, grace, and sympathy, often given to convey gentle love or to show empathy.

As the picture is illustrating, each hue brings a different layer of signification, adding depth to the message conveyed.

2. Heesung’s curse and the pink roses

And let’s return our attention to the gift from Choi Heesung. (chapter 31) They look more like the light pink rose: Innocence and admiration. However, keep in mind that back then, the gumiho was already love bombing the physical therapist with presents, a sign that he was already thinking of dating the main lead. While the bouquet of flowers was not reflecting his intentions, in verity it exposes his true thoughts unconsciously. He was simply impressed and desired to express gentleness, grace, and gratitude. This observation made me realize that the actor couldn’t identify his emotions in the end. In other words, he doesn’t know what LOVE is! That’s his curse. He mistook his feelings for love, while in reality, it was simply LUST. 😉 While the latter is important in a relationship, it only represents the first stage of love. So not overcoming this first stage, means that the relationship is doomed to fail.

3. Lust or Love?

Here I am giving a summary of the short video. The 6 differences between lust and love are the following

  1. Physical vs Emotional
  2. Weaker vs Stronger over time.
  3. Base on Fantasy vs Reality
  4. Romantic Partner vs Lifelong friend
  5. Thrill Seeking vs Pursuit of Stability
  6. Selfish vs Selfless

After watching the video or reading the summary, my avid readers can recognize the comedian’s problem. Mingwa utilized Kim Dan as an example to divulge the origins of Heesung’s curse.

First, by offering a lot of presents, Choi Heesung didn’t try to create a real emotional connection with the physical therapist. He barely knew the doctor, he didn’t even try to get to know him at all (1st sign). The presents were quite random and came mostly from his own sponsors. His generosity was not totally genuine at all: he was trying to woo Kim Dan despite his claims (6th sign). Moreover, he already imagined that he knew him: (chapter 30) “The angel speaks” outlines that he is creating a false image of the main lead. It was, as if he was living a dream which corresponds to the third characteristic. This is no coincidence that Heesung was seeing a lot of stars, when he looked at the “hamster’s face”. (chapter 30)

Then when he confided his thoughts and emotions to Joo Jaekyung at the bar, it becomes clear that his attraction towards his past partner was always fading away. (chapter 33) His emotions couldn’t be maintained over time, which corresponds to the second sign.. Thus he was suddenly perceiving the unknown man as clingy and the grass would always look greener (chapter 33), each time he faced someone he felt attracted to. We could say, he was under the spell of his “type”. At the same time, this discovery reinforces my previous interpretation about Kim Dan’s role. The actor needed to experience rejection in order to learn that lust can not always lead to love. We could say that the doctor was the angel who freed Heesung from his terrible lust spell.

Interesting is the 4th sign. Since the doctor rejected his feelings at the café, it becomes clear that his “attraction” turned into a friendship (chapter 35), though it appears rather superficial. After their separation, Choi Heesung didn’t try to stay in touch with the protagonist.

That’s how I had the sudden revelation why Choi Heesung was doomed to fall in love with Potato. (chapter 35) Since the actor has always confused lust with love, it was necessary for him not to feel “lust” in front of Potato first. In that scene, the man was moved, not by the uke’s touch like with Kim Dan (chapter 30), but by Yoon-Gu’s words. (chapter 35) The latter was offering him some help without expecting anything in return. Yes, he got attracted by his beautiful mind and heart. Through their conversation, they got to know each other. In other words, for the actor it was necessary to not experience lust, as a first stage of “love”, but to develop an emotional connection first! In addition, it becomes comprehensible why the artist suggested Potato to work as an actor. (special episode 2) It was his way to develop a longer relationship. He was trying to find the right balance between seeking thrill and pursuing stability. As a conclusion, the two special chapters display why the actor came to fall in love with Potato. (chapter special 1) By preparing some ramen, he acted as a selfless person, though his thoughts revealed his dark side. Nevertheless, what matters the most are the actions and not the thoughts.

Thus I deduce that in the past, the artist and Joo Jaekyung had similar relationships despite their denial. Both could not create an emotional connection with their partner, for they wouldn’t talk to them. The absence of communication was the core of their problem. Moreover, both were full of prejudices, therefore they didn’t feel the need to converse with their counterpart. They would often judge their counterpart.

4. The halmoni and the pink roses

Interesting is that the light pink rose appears in a different chapter. Kim Dan selected an expensive scarf for his grandmother as a present. (chapter 41) He bought it during his trip to the States. Interesting is that the young man chose not to bring pink roses to his grandmother. Why has he never brought flowers to his halmeoni? Chapter 31 gives us the answer: (chapter 31) The flowers stand for “ephemerality”, for they are destined to wilt in a very short time. Yes, this shows that deep down, Kim Dan knew how his grandmother is trying to escape from reality. He knows her likes for flowers and roses as pattern because of the bed sheets (chapter 5)

Since the scarf has light pink roses, this signifies that the doctor was conveying a similar meaning than Choi Heesung: innocence, gratitude and gentleness. It indicates that his affection is not real love in reality. How so? It is because he bought a designer neckwear. He spent all his savings for her and the nurse, as his true intention is to get acceptance and affection from these persons. Due to his grandmother, he internalized that expressing love is strongly connected to money in the end. Because the grandmother raised him, in his mind she spent a lot of money on him. But if you look carefully, you will notice that the grandmother spent more money on herself (all the things in the flat belongs to her), while she simply offered a “sweet bread and yoghurt” for his birthday (chapter 11) or bouquets of flowers for his school career. (chapter 47) Hence she generated guilt, indebtedness and obligation in her grandson. Because he was able to travel to the States, he must have felt somehow guilty, as the latter was trapped in her hospital room. Therefore he felt the need to compensate his grandmother with an expensive present.

At the same time, the design of the scarf contains not only pink roses, but also peonies and white poppies. (chapter 41) The two flowers have the following meanings:

  1. Pink peony: represented by the larger, rounder flower with more layered petals, peonies often symbolize prosperity, romance, compassion, feminity and good fortune.
  2. White Poppy: The third flower, with a prominent yellow center and thinner petals, resembles a white poppy, which can symbolize peace, remembrance, or consolation.

Each flower has a gentle, comforting quality, reflecting themes of affection and remembrance.

This exposes that Kim Dan must have known about his grandmother’s experience concerning Korean War and her evacuation. She must have mentioned her suffering and probably complained that this was the reason for her poverty. Therefore, it dawned on me why the Webtoonist created such a pattern for the neckwear.

First, in many cultures, including South Korea, peonies, roses, and white poppies can be associated with death, funerals, or remembrance.

  • White roses often symbolize reverence, remembrance, and purity, which can be appropriate for funerals.
  • Peonies have a complex symbolism; while often representing prosperity and romance, they can also signify compassion, which is suitable for mourning contexts.
  • White poppies are strongly linked to peace and remembrance, making them common in memorials or to honor the deceased.

For me, these flowers on the scarf are announcing her imminent death, especially when you recall that flowers embody transience and temporality.

Secondly this new discovery about the white poppy confirms my previous examination: Mingwa chose to write her story like a kaleidoscope, this was the moment where war was mentioned for the first time. War was only brought up directly in chapter 53. Thus I perceive the scarf as a mirror of the grandmother’s mind-set. This reflects her inner world, the pink-tinted glasses. Whereas she imagines herself as a victim of life, she has always felt entitled for a great destiny: fortune and romance. The scarf symbolizes toxic positivity, for the main lead is avoiding an important topic: her death. But I have another clue for this interpretation in the following panel (chapter 19) But this will be the topic for the next Daily Jinx Advent Insight! 😉

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.

Jinx: Passions in Purple 💜: Jealousy and 😄Joy in Jinx – Part 2 💜💦

1. Friends with Benefits: Responsibility beyond Desires

In the first part, I pointed out that the second couple had become “fuck buddies”, a synonym for Friends with Benefits. This raises the following question. Why is Heesung no longer obsessed with his quest for a soulmate? One might find the answer to this interrogation in the following image. (special episode 1) The actor chose to use the black-haired sportsman as “Friends with Benefits”. But what would be Potato’s benefits then? Support and connections, like we could see it in special episode 2: (special episode 2) So when Heesung is already envisaging to get rid of his new lover (special episode 1), we have to envision that the comedian is projecting his own past relationships onto the 20 years old man. Many of his former sexual partners would always long for his attention and affection. (chapter 35) Because he is famous and wealthy, he is expecting a similar reaction from the chow-chow. At some point, he will appear too clingy, hence he will perceive his relationship as burdensome. This is no longer fun. (chapter 33) However, the change of Heesung’s mind-set (Friends with Benefits, no longer the search for a soulmate) is also related to Potato’s reaction after their first night together. (special episode 1) With his words, the sportsman implied that he had taken advantage of the actor, while in reality the opposite had happened. Heesung had taken advantage of Potato’s drunkenness (special episode 1), ignorance and purity (special episode 1).The confession of Yoon-Gu’s wrongdoing could only shock the actor. (special episode 1) How did Yoon-Gu come to this reasoning, when he admitted in the same breath that he was drunk? It is because the night before, Heesung had confided that he was heartbroken due to Kim Dan’s rejection. (chapter 35) With his behavior, the fox gave the impression that his affection for Kim Dan was running deep. Under the tent, he was drowning his sorrow with soju. Hence in the maknae’s mind, Heesung was still in love with the physical therapist. Yes, the irony is that the chow-chow was also projecting his own thoughts onto the comedian. Let’s not forget that when the young fighter discovered the true nature of the relationship between the doctor and the emperor, he didn’t give up on his admiration and affection for Joo Jaekyung. (chapter 35) My avid readers should keep in their mind that the chow-chow is famous for his strong loyalty. To sum up, Potato imagined that Heesung was still loving Kim Dan, exactly like him with the fighter… he would remain faithful and keep his one-sided love.That’s why I came to the following conclusion: their relationship started on a misunderstanding, which was also reflected in this situation: (special episode 1) Yet, contrary to the main couple, the misunderstanding is not driving an edge between them, in fact it is bringing them closer.

Under this new light, Manhwaworms can grasp why Potato chose to become responsible. (special episode 1) It was, as if he had disregarded the gumiho’s feelings, he had incited the latter to commit a sin. Heesung had broken his vow of faithfulness 😂. That’s the reason why he mentioned “zero regrets”. It is important, because with such a mind-set and attitude, he is indirectly pushing the gumiho to face the truth: his dishonesty. His affection for Kim Dan was just a crush, a superficial attachment, as he knew nothing about him. In fact, he was just chasing after an illusion. He even admitted it at the restaurant: (chapter 35) His description for a partner and as such love doesn’t correspond to the definition of true love: care, respect, knowledge and responsibility (Definition from Erich Fromm, for more read “The Art Of Loving”). That’s why Yoon-Gu was surprised and left speechless. Thus I deduce that through Potato, Heesung is encouraged to love properly and genuinely. Moreover, the last statement from Heesung exposes his self-deception. Here, he appears as humble, while in front of Joo Jaekyung, he appears as exigent, because he said the exact opposite. (chapter 33) He had high expectations: a soulmate: he should be fun and not too clingy. Yes, Potato’s purity and honesty is inciting Heesung to become more honest to himself and to others. His affection towards Kim Dan was rather frivolous, especially when he acted as a rather irresponsible person. (chapter 32) He didn’t try to protect him from the athlete’s fury. He never clearly stated his true desire, he wished to date the doctor, until he was cornered (threatened).

But let’s return our attention to my previous statement. (special episode 1) Yoon-Gu decided to become responsible for Heesung due to his mistake, he had not respected his feelings for the doctor.

Interesting is that with his confession, Potato had reversed the situation. In general, the drunk person will claim to have acted under the influence of alcohol, which would give them the opportunity to cut off ties with the sex partner. The sex session will be reduced to a mistake. That’s exactly what the champion did the next morning after that simulacre of love making. (chapter 45). This means when the MMA amateur fighter decided to become responsible and as such to make up for his mistake, (special episode 1) he has no expectation concerning the actor’s attachment. In other words, in his mind, he is just helping Heesung to satisfy sexual needs, while the latter can still keep his one-sided crush for the physical therapist. This made me laugh, because it looks like Potato is now sacrificing himself for the comedian’s sake. Yes, it is because he is no longer paying attention to his own feelings and desires. It was, as if he was offering his body to make up for his sin… he tempted him to break his vow of loyalty. That’s the reason why their relationship is purely sexual. This explicates why Yoon-Gu could still admire his idol after his night with Heesung which is visible in this scene: (chapter 41) In other words, both second leads are on the same wavelength despite the misunderstanding. Both have the same expectations: Friends With Benefits. Yet, they are not equal in their relationship, as Potato feels indebted towards the actor so that the latter has “Zero regrets”. In other words, he is bound by a debt and a contract. He has to please his partner, he can not refuse to his demands. That’s why Heesung said this (special episode 1) and why Potato couldn’t refuse the role-play. (special episode 2) He is put in a similar situation than his role model Kim Dan. He can not say no to Heesung. (special episode 2) However, he is not entirely powerless, like I mentioned in the first part. He is not forced to admit that he had fun after the intercourse. (special episode 2) In other words, he is not obliged to say YES either! It is funny because thanks to this examination, I realized that Yes and No have “become” like taboo words. Yoon-Gu is avoiding these idioms by using the expression “I don’t know”. Hence I am suspecting that Heesung will become obsessed with the word “yes”! 😂 Only Heesung can procure him fun and pleasure, and no one else. He is getting disarmed by the sentence “I don’t know”.

However, since both started this relationship as “Friends With Benefits” out of obligation, it is not surprising that Heesung hid his increasing desire for Potato behind a role-play. But it is the same for Yoon-Gu. Because the latter has in his mind that the actor has a one-sided crush on Kim Dan, he can not show his “affection” towards the comedian. His heart was touched by the compliment and this gesture (special episode 2), yet in the past he had a different reaction. (chapter 23) The reason is simple. This was not patting, but rubbing. Neither Oh Daehyun nor Kim Changmin did it to express gratitude, rather for selfish reasons. They wanted luck on their side. Potato didn’t feel recognized and accepted, rather used as a tool. Hence he was bothered. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible how Heesung can win Yoon-Gu’s heart in the long run. It is not because of his sexual performances, but thanks to his selfless gratitude and generosity!! We have the perfect example in these two scenes: (chapter 26) The main lead had taken a risk for him. He could win his heart by turning his dream into reality. He would be able to spar with the emperor. Then observe how Potato was full of admiration, when the champion decided to organize a charity event for his birthday. (chapter 41) Joo Jaekyung had nothing to win from his “birthday”.

Under this perspective, Manhwalovers can comprehend why Potato chose to run away, when he decided to accept the offer from the actor. (special episode 2) He was attempting to hide his growing affection for the comedian. He feared that his feelings for him could become a burden for the comedian. In his eyes, Heesung should remain faithful to the physical therapist. He shouldn’t expect any affection from the actor either.

Funny is that when I was looking for a synonym for “fuck buddy”, I found this other idiom: “no-strings-attached partner”. In a previous essay, I associated this term with the doctor “Cheolmin”. (chapter 13) And the moment I read this expression, I couldn’t help myself thinking of a leash as a new sex toy. (chapter 34) In this scene, the physical therapist looked like attached to his owner. In the first part of “Passions in Purple: Jealousy and Joy”, I made the following prediction. Heesung would order a sex toy (special episode 2) out of annoyance and jealousy (special episode 2), for Potato had run away from him. He needs to put him on a leash to feel in control, to obtain his chow chow’s attention. Naturally, there is no guarantee that this prediction is correct. Yet since according to my examination, Potato is thinking that Heesung is in love, it signifies that Heesung is already attached to Kim Dan. Hence he won’t do anything to ruin this attachment… therefore Heesung can only be put in front of a dilemma. How can he make Potato look at him? He could reveal the truth to Yoon-Gu, but by doing so, he would ruin his image as a good and caring guy. Moreover, since he has lived for a long time deceiving himself and others, it is very unlikely that the actor might change his behavior so suddenly. Old habits are hard to die. Therefore for me, honesty won’t be his initial choice, rather acting. He will express his thoughts and emotions behind a new role-play and sex.

And this observation brings me to my next statement. Finally, Mingwa gave us a clue about Potato’s absence in chapter 43: (episode 43) Yoon-Gu must have gone to the set, like promised! (special episode 2) This explicates why he didn’t join Team Black at the restaurant. He spent the whole day and night with his fated partner. Heesung must have made sure to keep him by his side… It’s also very likely that the actor used Potato’s promise to his own advantage. They had a deal… He had to ensure that the actor had zero regrets and he would become responsible for him (special episode 1) Bound by a promise which he couldn’t violate. His absence at the restaurant is very important, because he never heard the drunken confession from his idol: (chapter 43) He would have perceived this statement differently from the others, as he knew about the true nature of their relationship. On the other hand, his absence was necessary. Why? It is because the young fighter needed to learn to distinguish between himself and his idol. Yes, in my opinion, Yoon-Gu’s motivation to bring back Kim Dan to Team Black won’t be just for the athlete’s sake! It will be Potato’s own desire to bring him back. He is missing the physical therapist. Through the last incident, Potato must have realized how much Kim Dan meant to him. His departure left him so heartbroken. (chapter 52). In the past, Heesung saw Joo Jaekyung as a rival, hence he made sure that Potato didn’t participate in the champion’s surprise party. So I believe that he was not upset about Joo Jaekyung’s downfall. In fact, he could have envisioned that this could help him to gain Potato’s attention. However, what he didn’t realize is that since feelings and affection can change, this could also happen towards other persons: the physical therapist. Potato’s attachment towards the doctor deepened, as time passed on, especially since they spent some time together in the States. Therefore I conclude that the departure of the doctor will not only affect the relationship between Potato and the comedian, but also force them to follow the main couple to the West coast. Mingwa left many clues for this prediction. Where?

2. The Birth Of A Star

If you read my analysis Star-crossed lovers, you are aware that for me, Yoon-Gu is linked to the goddess of Love, Venus or Aphrodite. And where was she born? In the sea… In the myth of Aphrodite’s birth, the beautiful Goddess of Love emerges naked from the water.. She had just been created from the foam of the sea caused by Cronus castrating his father Uranus and throwing his genitals into the water. Interesting is that the sea on the West Coast is called Yellow Sea! And what is the signification of Yoon-Gu’s name Hwang? Yellow!!

In other words, by going to the west Coast, we should assist to the birth of a new star and god: Yoon-Gu, the new champion as bantam fighter. During the champion’s 3 months suspension, the main leads can focus on the maknae’s training. And no one would expect this!! That’s how they could prove the medias (chapter 35) (chapter 52), the enemies, in particular Baek Junmin wrong. Even if he is injured or ends his career as MMA fighter, his life is not over. He is strong, talented and trustworthy, because Yoon-Gu chose to trust him and his career. He is no thug or spoiled child, as despite his injury, he “assisted” someone to become a new fighter.

I have many other reasons to think like that. First, pay attention to this panel: (chapter 53). In this scene, the halmoni was shown as a young child, just before she left this region. Her departure announces the future loss of her innocence. This explicates why she desires to return to her roots. It was, as though she was trying to escape her fate. Moreover, by reconnecting to her childhood, she is actually denying the existence of her grandchild. It was, as if she was trying to erase the time between her departure and return. On the other hand, this scene announces her imminent death as well… it was, as if she wanted to be swallowed by nature (sea, sun). And death is strongly connected to birth. No one can die, if they were not “born” before. Hence I am suspecting that the birth of a new star, the Bantam Fighter Yoon-Gu, is associated with the halmoni’s vanishing. Finally, any reader can notice the two main colors in this image: yellow and red!! And you know that Potato’s colors are yellow and red. From my point of view, Potato is destined to go to the West Coast and naturally Heesung will follow him there. He has to because of the saying “Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind”. Let’s not forget that Heesung treated Kim Dan that way. As soon as he stopped seeing the doctor, he stopped thinking about him. He could fear to lose his soulmate, as the latter forgets him. The gumiho’s fate is to be the “clingy one”.

3. The Arrival of Happiness

And this observation leads me to mention my illustration for the essay: There, I included two gemstones, the Bloodstone and the Aquamarine! Choi Heesung, born on 21st March, is represented by these birthstones! In this composition Powerful Hidden  Gemstones – part 2, I had speculated about his birthday and gemstones, which turned out to be wrong. On the other hand, my hypothesis was not entirely false, for I had correctly associated him to Spring. This already implies the actor’s huge role in bringing happiness to the main couple. Spring stands for renewal and rebirth. And now, it is time to explain the symbolism behind the Bloodstone and Aquamarine.

3. 1. Bloodstone, the shining talisman

Bloodstone, named for its striking appearance that resembles droplets of blood on a deep green surface, is also known as Heliotrope, derived from the ancient Greek for “sun turner.” This name reflects the ancient belief that when placed in water, the stone could turn the reflection of the sun red.

As soon as I read such a description, two pictures came to my mind, first this one: (chapter 53) The sea turning red due to the sun… Thus I feel like the halmoni could meet her idol in the sunset which could affect the actor deeply. Let’s not forget that the grandmother came to adore him through this k-drama: (chapter 30) And what was he wearing in the poster? A blue pale suit which is close to Aquamarine and even to light purple ! The color is no coincidence. I have the impression that thanks to the weak woman, Heesung will become a part of the “new family”. If you look at the sunset again, you will detect glimpses of purple in the sky. As for the second image which came to my mind is this: the actor swimming in the ocean. When the bloodstone is put in water, it changes the color of the sun: red for love. Yes, we should expect a new version of this scene: (chapter 28) which I had interpreted as a baptism, a purification. If the actor bathes in the Yellow Sea, he will be purified and as such his true self will come to the surface. That’s how he will recognize his love for Potato, but also his friendship for the doctor. So far, the man has no real friend, but he has been longing for one. At the same time, the metaphor (the sun turning red) could be a reference to the interaction between the actor and the emperor, the former helps the latter to recognize his true feelings for the physical therapist. As a conclusion, we should expect to see Heesung under the sunset and next to the ocean or water. There, he should ponder and have a realization.

Renowned for its healing properties, bloodstone is believed to cleanse and purify the blood, aiding in detoxification and improving circulation. It’s thought to boost the immune system, helping the body fend off infections and diseases. Thus I am wondering if he won’t bring the doctor “Cheolmin” to the coast, if the athlete doesn’t invite him himself.

Emotionally, bloodstone is valued for its ability to stabilize emotions, reduce stress, and foster self-confidence, contributing to a sense of inner peace. In other words, he would have the opposite effect to season 1. (chapter 30) After getting enlightened, he would know what he truly desires. He would have no interest to get on the champion’s nerves. Potato would be the one bringing him happiness and novelty. Athletes and those seeking to enhance physical endurance often turn to bloodstone for its reputed ability to increase stamina and energy. This signifies that thanks to Heesung’s presence, the champion’s training won’t appear as a torture. Yes, expect a new version of this scene: (chapter 37) Here each fighter was on his own, they were not really training together. The champion was the leader due to his imminent match, he put the others under pressure, as he was himself stressed. But with his suspension, he is no longer racing against time. In other words, the training routine should be different. They will help each other, encouraging each other to become better. The presence of Heesung should help them to see the training under a different light. But for that, he has to reconnect to his true nature: bloodstone and aquamarine.

Throughout history, bloodstone has served as a powerful talisman and amulet, offering protection against evil spirits and bringing good fortune. This description reminded me of the incident in the States with the drug (chapter 37) or the switch of medicine. Unfortunately, the gumiho was not present both times, hence Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung became the targets of revenge. On the other hand, the author stated that in season 2, the focus would be more on emotions, which means that there shouldn’t be many plot. Nevertheless, my avid readers should keep in mind my previous interpretation about the “beautiful” Kim Miseon (chapter 21) I had criticized her on many occasions, like disculssing a case in a hallway. Before, she had proposed an expensive treatment, well aware of the grandmother’s age and her weak condition. Moreover, I had suspected her to have leaked information to the director Choi Gilseok. Thus I hope that season 2 will expose her misdeeds and the corruption of the medical world. This was already present in episode 1. But let’s return our attention to the gemstone and its symbolism. In medieval Europe, the stone was deeply linked to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, believed to have formed when drops of His blood fell to the earth. As you can see, the gumiho is strongly connected to selflessness, sacrifice, death and rebirth. This reinforces my expectation that his encounter with the grandmother will have a huge impact in his life, like for example the “neglect and indifference from his parents”. Exactly like the other main characters, he has abandonment issues. Bloodstone is commonly associated with the root chakra, which governs grounding, stability, and physical well-being.

Mystically, bloodstone is said to offer protection from negative energies (depression), psychic attacks, and emotional drain. It is believed to enhance decision-making, aiding in analytical thinking and logical choices. The stone is also thought to stimulate psychic senses, supporting divination and spiritual growth. Bloodstone is revered for grounding spiritual energy into the physical realm, providing strength and stability during difficult times. This means that this gemstone is strongly connected to choice and decision. In other words, Heesung should play a huge role in the champion’s next decision, a new version of this scene: (chapter 34) Here, he forced the champion to claim the doctor as his possession. However, in season 1, the main lead came to regret his actions (34, 43), for he has never been honest to himself. And now, it is time to focus on the second gemstone.

3. 2. The Ocean and Aquamarine

Aquamarine is a captivating gemstone known for its tranquil blue-green color, reminiscent of the sea. Its name is derived from the Latin words “aqua” (water) and “marina” (of the sea), reflecting its oceanic hue. Beyond its beauty, aquamarine holds significant cultural, spiritual, and metaphysical meanings across various societies.

3. 2. 1. Cultural Significance of Aquamarine

  1. Ancient Rome:
    • The Romans believed aquamarine was sacred to Neptune, the god of the sea. They thought the stone could protect sailors and ensure a safe voyage. They would often carve it into amulets shaped like fish, a symbol of the sea.
  2. Medieval Europe:
    • In medieval times, aquamarine was considered a symbol of true love and was often given as a gift between lovers. It was also believed to reawaken married love, making it a popular choice for engagement rings.
  3. Eastern Cultures:
    • In some Eastern traditions, aquamarine was believed to be a treasure of the mermaids and was used by sailors as a talisman to protect against drowning and other perils of the sea. It was also associated with water spirits and was used in rituals to communicate with them.
  4. Modern Times:
    • Today, aquamarine is recognized as the birthstone for March and is often associated with the zodiac sign Pisces. It continues to be a symbol of youth, health, and hope.

3. 2. 2. Virtues and Metaphysical Properties

  1. Hope and Courage:
    • Aquamarine is often called the “Stone of Courage.” It is believed to empower the wearer with the courage to speak their truth and to stand up for what is right. This quality stems from the stone’s historical use by sailors who saw it as a protective talisman, giving them hope and strength in perilous journeys.
  2. Meditation and Relaxation:
    • Aquamarine’s calming blue color is said to promote relaxation and peace. It is commonly used in meditation practices to help achieve a serene state of mind. The stone’s ability to calm the mind and reduce stress is linked to its association with water, which symbolizes cleansing and purification.
  3. Calmness and Communication:
    • Aquamarine is believed to enhance clear communication and understanding. It is thought to help calm the mind and reduce confusion, making it easier to articulate thoughts and feelings. This virtue is especially valued in relationships and as such friendships, as it encourages honest and compassionate dialogue. Aquamarine is believed to help people express themselves more clearly and understand others better, fostering a deeper connection and mutual respect.
  4. Spiritual Insight and Intuition:
    • The stone is also said to enhance spiritual awareness and intuition. It is believed to open up channels for inner wisdom and to strengthen the connection to the higher self. This is why it is often used in spiritual practices to deepen meditation and to facilitate connection with the divine.
  5. Trust and Loyalty:
    • Trust is a cornerstone of any friendship, and aquamarine is thought to strengthen trust between people. Its association with loyalty and fidelity makes it a popular gift among friends, symbolizing enduring and faithful connections.
  6. Renewal and Reconnection:
    • Aquamarine is also believed to rekindle friendships that may have drifted apart over time. Its gentle energy can help renew bonds and bring people back together, reminding them of the shared experiences and understanding that form the basis of their friendship.

3. 2. 3. Origins of Its Virtues

The virtues of aquamarine can be traced back to ancient mythologies and beliefs. Its association with water, a universal symbol of life, purification, and emotional depth, is the foundation of its calming and protective qualities. The ancient seafarers’ reliance on aquamarine for protection likely contributed to its reputation as a stone of courage and hope.

Over time, these beliefs evolved and spread across different cultures, each adding their own interpretations and values. The stone’s serene color also played a role in shaping its virtues, as colors have long been linked to emotional and psychological states. Blue, in particular, is universally associated with calmness, trust, and communication, further reinforcing aquamarine’s symbolic meanings.

In summary, aquamarine is more than just a beautiful gemstone; it carries a rich history of cultural significance and is revered for its spiritual, emotional, and relational virtues. Whether used for protection, love, friendship, or spiritual growth, aquamarine remains a powerful symbol of the sea’s tranquility, strength, and enduring connections.

This means that by going to the West Coast, Heesung is fated to find his true self as well. The sea is his natural environment! He represents friendship, loyalty and trust. However, pay attention that this gemstone is associated with the god Neptune. According to my examination, Cheolmin is the character associated with the god of the Sea. And what are his colors and gemstones? Green and jade! Yes, we should expect his return in season 2. The way he treated the star shows that he viewed the main lead more as a friend than as a patient or client.

Since Aquamarine is a mixture of blue and green and the bloodstone is a combination of red and green, it becomes comprehensible why Heesung felt attracted to the uniforms from the guards in the special episode (special episode 2) or why he chose to wear such a t-shirt in episode 31: (chapter 31) They were green. He is attracted to “green”, his origin self. Nevertheless, in episode 31, this was rather a khaki version due to his corruption. No wonder why he played a trick on the champion. And this observation brings me back to the doctor’s clothes. What was he wearing, when he was young? (chapter 19) A green t-shirt!! No wonder why Heesung felt a connection towards Kim Dan. They have something in common. Moreover, the doctor is a “duck”, so Heesung’s role is to help the doctor to recognize and accept his true self. Hence, the former helped him, when he confessed this to Kim Dan: (chapter 35) At the same time, it explains why Heesung changed for the better thanks to the physical therapist. Thus I assume that Heesung is destined to become an aquamarine, bringing all these characters closer to each other: Potato, Cheolmin, Kim Dan, Joo Jaekyung. However, contrary to the past, he won’t use his money to help people to become happier. His smile and happiness should affect the others: (chapter 31) However, this should no longer be superficial. The celebrity is associated with flowers, stars, fun and happiness. Because he symbolizes “Spring”, I deduce that his rebirth and as such his Enlightenment are primordial. He is there to assist the others. And the color for understanding, compassion, self-awareness and wisdom is purple:

This brings me back to the image with the sunset on the beach:(chapter 53) The presence of purple in this panel is a reference to inspiration, dream, spirituality and even individuality. And now, you comprehend why I am expecting a meeting between the halmoni and the actor related to the sunset. Let’s not forget that the young man is a gumiho, he is linked to “soulmate” and “immortality”. The imminent vanishing of the grandmother can only be a wake-up call for the comedian. He is a human, and life is short. Moreover, he could discover the doctor’s past making him realize reality. Contrary to Kim Dan, the comedian is blessed, for he is young, healthy and rich. He never had to suffer like the other (debts, death of relatives…) Besides, so far, he has not been confronted with death yet. Hence he could make such a comment: (special episode 1) Since the elderly woman confided to Joo Jaekyung, we can assume that she could do the same with the gumiho, as soon as she sees her idol. It is important, because he could grasp the physical therapist’s suffering and low self-esteem.

4. Nature and reflections in Jinx

My other reasoning about the trip of the second couple to the Yellow Sea is based on the script from season 1 either. The Webtoonist used reflections in order to outline the progression of the story. Hence we had many similar pictures, like these ones:

Chapter 4Chapter 43Chapter 48Chapter 53

This means, certain scenes or items are fated to reappear again, yet each time there are slight changes. Therefore we should expect a new version of this scene (chapter 48), but the actor would be replacing the fake director. We had a sunset here, dark water (the coffee), the symbol for corruption. Then notice that he is wearing a blue t-shirt (but two colors, a symbol of his hypocrisy)!! This reinforces my expectation that we should witness the actor’s awakening, the exact opposite of the other Choi, who chose revenge and manipulations. But there is more to it. Thanks to the comment of @Milliformemes24, I had another revelation. The latter wrote that places of knowledge and self-awareness are related not only to the ocean, but also to the mountains. It is normal, as the hill is closer to the sky and as such closer to the gods. Notice that Heesung’s new home is situated on the top of a hill, surrounded by a forest. In other words, Heesung could get enlightened on a mountain too, during a stroll for example. And the moment I read this from my friend, this image came to my mind: (chapter 41) The huge tree at the hospital!! The latter is even strongly connected to a stroll. In that scene, the doctor thought of his lover, as he associated him with the sun. (chapter 41) That’s the moment when he realized his feelings for the fighter. As you can see, Mingwa used the tree and as such nature as a source to spirituality. And now let me ask you this question. Since the story is written with reflections, the tree should have appeared before and after. Where was it then? First, the first plant to appear was the bouquet. The roses from Heesung (chapter 31) could be seen a mirror of the tree. The roses encourage the doctor to ponder and show an interest in his employer. (chapter 37) However, the first time, the tree appeared as such was in the States, and this on two occasions: (chapter 37) However, here there was no reflection! In fact, the figures kept complaining, and Park Namwook acted as the one with full of wisdom and understanding. Interesting is that in that scene, Kim Dan simply listened to the coach and manager and trusted the man. He never reflected on his own. And what about later? (chapter 47) Kim Dan imagined going on a trip with his grandmother, totally delusional, as he was in denial about his grandmother’s deteriorating health conditions. However, the vision shows the desire to become closer to his relative, to become more proactive as well. His words (“She’s been so busy raising me, she’s never had a day’s rest”) imply the presence of reflection. It indicates his gradual transformation and maturity. But this doesn’t end here. The tree was also present in the special episode 2: (special episode 2) Yes, the barn!! The tree had been transformed into a home. However, don’t forget that this was just a fantasy from Heesung. However, during this intercourse, he came to expose his jealousy and growing attachment towards his soulmate. Yes, the last two mentioned scenes have two common denominators: a mixture of fantasy and Enlightenment. Nature is strongly intertwined with meditation and communication. To conclude, we should expect the presence of woods and trees in season 2 as well. And this hypothesis got reinforced, when Mingwa released this image on X: We have a sunset, a palm tree and purple in the sky… Joo Jaekyung is wearing a similar shirt than Heesung: (chapter 34) I consider this as an allusion that the actor will be by the fighter’s side. On the other hand, since the shirt is open, I interpret as the star’s emancipation. The latter has been able to escape from his mental prison and suffering. In his cage, he was racing against time. Now, he is able to relax and enjoy time. At the same time, since the champion in the image from X is seen wearing rings with stones, it somehow confirmed my interpretation about the role of birthstones in Jinx. Thanks to them, the celebrity is becoming more honest to himself. He is more relaxed, he can control his emotions. Simultaneously, this new examination leads me to the following conclusion. The nature of their relationship will change. In season 1, they were frenemies, but they still show their true thoughts to each other, a sign that they somehow trusted each other. This signifies that both seme will be able to overcome their “prejudices, jealousy and insecurities”! The latter was symbolized by the shade green. However, because these characters will move to the West Coast, they will be closer to nature: ocean, mountains and trees. Hence the color green can only get now a new meaning: hope, harmony, growth and freshness! This pigment is strongly intertwined with Spring. This brings me back to Cheolmin and his advices:(chapter 13) This scene conveys such notions: a new start, improvement, change, health, friendliness, harmony, hope, fun, happiness and originality. Thus I conclude that jealousy and envy in season 2 will only be found among the antagonists and enemies. Because of all these new discoveries, I couldn’t restrain myself looking for a place on the West Coast where we would have a sand beach, a hospice, a forest and mountains. And that would be Incheon!

But we will see!

And now, I am closing this long essay with the following interpretation. Since the doctor thought of the champion under the tree and sunlight, (chapter 41), I consider this image as a new version of the image from season 1. The fighter’s hand is a mirror of the tree. He is giving support and protection. Hence I am assuming that the champion will be also reminded of Kim Dan in a particular place.

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.

Jinx: Passions in Purple💜: Jealousy and Joy 😄 in Jinx – Part 1

1. Purple in Jinx

The new special episode reinforced my interpretation about colors in Jinx. The shades are not just beautiful, but also full of symbolism and insight. They indicate the characters’ personality, their mood and transformation. As my illustration is indicating it, purple was predominant in the new special chapter. (special episode 2). This pigment is a combination of blue and red/pink. And now pay attention to the last panel. Potato is blushing while wearing dark-green clothes, his lover is standing in front of the blue sky and his skin is rather pale. His hanbok has purple and white shades. As you can see, this wonderful night represents their union: white meets black, blue meets red and yellow (hence purple and green). The light from outside contrasts to the darkness of the shelter. That’s how purple came to shine. On the other hand, since Heesung is acting as the master, and the maknae is relegated to the role of a male servant, the actor is exposing his inner darkness. He is longing for dominance and possession. (special episode 2) To conclude, Heesung is gradually showing his true colors: the hidden black spot behind his perfect white skin. However, dark shouldn’t be reduced to evil, for in Taoism, black has another signification. It represents yin, the feminine energy. This means that thanks to that night, Heesung could display his motherly and caring side. Therefore he kissed, hugged Yoon-Gu and stroke his cheek. But this doesn’t end here. After the intercourse, he caressed his lover’s head. (special episode 2). One might argue that in the last picture, he was not entirely honest, for his eyes were closed. Besides, he was just paying him a compliment. Nevertheless, this gesture is still exposing that the actor is opening up his mind and heart to the chow-chow. He is no longer indifferent like in the past! This stands in opposition to his gifts to the members from Team Black and Kim Dan. (chapter 31) The latter reflected his superficiality and detachment. How so? It is because he had bought them. Moreover, his manager was tasked to carry the presents. (chapter 31) It was, as if the manager was cursing him and his gifts. As you can see, there was no direct contact between him and the beneficiaries of his generosity. Money was between them in the end: Heesung, the manager and the members from Team Black. This could only corrupt their relationship. However, the pat on the head between the two second leads symbolizes genuineness and real gratitude. (special episode 2) Therefore it is not astonishing that Potato feels so moved by such a caress that he starts blushing. His dream has always been to be patted on the head. (chapter 23) This signifies that the comedian fulfilled one of the young fighter’s dreams. Yet, the color in the last panel is not purple, but coral peach. Why? The reason is simple. The emperor is linked to red (anger, blood thirst), whereas the maknae embodies yellow. The pigment exposes the young stan’s ignorance, for he was not able to detect his hero’s true colors and as such his flaws. In his eyes, he was just a “god”, as he embodied perfection. Thus he had a pink version of his idol. Moreover, observe that this dream is connected to light, day and publicness, while the other is linked to darkness, night and privacy. (special episode 2) The young fighter and his lover are slowly discovering the existence of a double life (public/professional versus private life). This signifies that Potato is learning to distinguish between image (hero) and reality. In fact, he only knows the MMA fighter Joo Jaekyung and not the private man with his troubled past. As for the actor, with his blog (chapter 30), pictures and sponsoring (chapter 31) he never drew a line between his private and professional life either. He acted, as though he had no secret. That’s the reason why his manager knew about his tragic love life. This explicates as well why he used the “deal” with Park Namwook to go on a date with Kim Dan. (chapter 32) The gumiho never felt the need to hide his sexual orientation, it was never a taboo. It indicates that he felt safe among his colleagues and agency. Therefore the manager could talk so freely about his love life in front of others. (chapter 30) There was no secrecy and privacy. Manhwaphiles should keep in their mind that homosexuality in MMA world and boxing is a huge taboo. So if Potato’s homosexuality were to be exposed to the netizens, this could ruin his career. This is also valid for Joo Jaekyung. Other fighters could question their manhood. And this brings me back to that night. Purple is strongly connected to yin and as such to the moon, like you can detect in the illustrations below.

We have a perfect illustration of this flow of colors in Jinx. In episode 20, yang was dominant in the bathroom scene. It was about the doctor’s first ejaculation and as such about his manhood. The fighter (yang) acted like the teacher. Hence (chapter 20) the main pigments were yellow, rosa, red and orange, whereas on the bed, the roles and topics were switched. Kim Dan’s feminine side was the dominant one. His motherly and caring instincts were so strong that he had no problem to challenge his sex partner. (chapter 21) Here, black and purple were the dominant pigments, similar to the sex scene from the special episode. The moon stands for softness, quietness, but also mystery and receptiveness. And during the night of episode 21, the doctor taught to Joo Jaekyung the importance of family. Besides, the athlete discovered a secret from the physical therapist. Though the former was pushed away, he didn’t react violently. Joo Jaekyung remained passive. This was the influence of Kim Dan’s yin. (chapter 21) And the next morning, the emperor chose to show his motherly and caring side to Kim Dan and the halmeoni. (chapter 21)

And now, it is time to return our attention to the scene in the shelter. (special episode 2) First, the person associated with purple is not Heesung, but Potato. 😮 It is because we need to differentiate between interior and exterior. We can detect this in many panels during that night, (special episode 2) Potato is literally glowing, while the other is just wearing a purple hanbok (disguise). One might wonder why. The answer is simple. Potato stands for innocence, reflection and ignorance. Contrary to his new role model (Kim Dan), he has no real prejudices against sex. He doesn’t view it as dirty. This explicates why Potato is always surprised by his own pleasure and always claims his ignorance. (special episode 1) (special episode 2) He doesn’t make quick conclusions. The irony is that by expressing his ignorance and as such denying the existence of his own pleasure, he is actually challenging his gumiho. The latter is not recognized as a good lover! 😂 Moreover, it was, as though the young man had not been thrilled and excited contrary to his partner. This means that the maknae is pushing his companion to become more creative in sex. He is hoping that Potato would come to confess his joy and excitement as well. This means that Heesung has to find new ways to impress and woo his companion. Innocence and ignorance are the best weapons to tame the mythological creature. Simultaneously, it implies the actor’s underlining desire: he wishes to share his happiness with others!! As you can see, though Heesung is indeed a red flag [Further explanations are below], he shouldn’t be simply reduced to the stigma “jerk”. Exactly like the terrible emperor, he also has redeeming qualities. Moreover, this made me realize that his words are turning into a reality: (special chapter 1) Potato has become his “fuck buddy”. By developing friendship through sex, he is not realizing that he is falling for the young fighter. Thus I am suspecting that in the past, he paid too much attention to emotions and less to sex… he was not trying to give pleasure to his sex partners in the first place. Now, he is doomed to find ways to give pleasure to his “fuck buddy”. And that’s how he is learning to become a responsible person.

But there exists another reason why this night stood under the sign of purple. It is because Yoon-Gu became the actor’s perfect lover. (special episode 2) That’s why the actor was glowing like a star after their passionate role-play. The presence of “stars” indicates his excitement and joy. His heart is racing, hence he is full of joy and feels rejuvenated. Moreover, the Webtoonist already implied the link between Potato and purple in the following scenes: (special episode 1) The young sportsman’s innocent statement brought Heesung to another galaxy. It was, as if he had entered a new world. Then we see Potato carrying a purple towel, when he is alone with Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung. (chapter 23) Don’t forget that his family name is Hwang which means yellow in Chinese. That’s the reason why I don’t think, the purple towel is random. One might argue that the towel belongs to the gym, and they got changed later: (chapter 36) Park Namwook selected black towels, a sign that he was taking over the gym. But the purple towel announces the moment, where the doctor and Potato gets closer to each other. (chapter 23) For the first time, the young fighter showed a certain curiosity towards the physical therapist: the beginning of “Enlightenment” and friendship. Under this new light, Manhwaworms can grasp why Heesung was under Potato’s spell during this intercourse. (special episode 2) But we have another evidence that Heesung has always been looking for a “purple” person. It is because he picked up a purple suit for Kim Dan. (chapter 32) This means that this night stands under the sign of Yoon-Gu! The latter came to shine to the point that he affected his lover… that’s how the actor blushed more and more. (special episode 2) This observation brings me to my next interpretation.

Thanks to Potato, Heesung became closer to his true self: a yang with a black spot. And what is the opposite to purple? Dark red… full of passion. The actor could expose his possessiveness and jealousy, though he masked it behind a role-play. (special episode 2) (special episode 2) Remember my previous analysis about the actor. The latter has always longed to be recognized and admired as a man and not as a god or star. And now, you comprehend why after this intercourse, the gumiho made the following suggestion: (special episode 2) This exposes his desire for companionship and his loneliness. Additionally, it shows that he desires to get closer to his sex partner, to include him in his life. Once again, Manhwaphiles can detect the absence of boundaries between private and professional life. However, by making such a suggestion, he is not realizing that he is ignoring the MMA fighter’s career. But wait …notice that they had sex in a shed. But this was just an illusion, for they were having sex in the actor’s white bedroom. (special episode 2)

2. Purple between dream and reality

This image (special episode 2) brought the readers back to reality. In fact, this picture indicates that all this wonderful sex session in the shelter took place in the comedian’s head. (special episode 2) With that, I am implying that the actor imagined a scene from a historical drama (Joseon, hierarchical society and the shed). It was interesting, because for the first time, the author allowed us to penetrate Heesung’s mysterious inner world. It shows his “creativity”, inspired by his last shooting (special episode 2) and his own desires. As you can see, the sex session is a mixture of dream and reality which is reflected in the color purple.

It shows that the purple from Yoon-Gu pushed Heesung to become creative and meditate. Under this new light, it becomes understandable why Heesung became more honest and genuine after that spicy night. Sincerity is strongly connected to spirituality. In addition, in my previous essay, I stated that this night corresponds to the revival of the second lead. (special episode 2) He is blushing, he is enjoying this moment with his partner. He has the impression that his dream has come true. In his mind, he was breaking rules. A prince has sex not only with a man, but with a guard, a commoner. Secondly, they were having sex in the shed, hence they could get caught. He felt like he was playing with fire. This shows that the man enjoys thrilling situations. This explains his blushing in this scene: (chapter 34) He was not shocked or disgusted, when he saw Kim Dan having sex with the champion (chapter 34). In fact, he got aroused. Hence I am suspecting that Heesung’s life lesson in this scene was to respect “privacy”, he can not meddle in people’s life and relationships, just because of his belief “soulmate” and selfish desires. (chapter 33) Under this new light, his visit in the sauna appears like an intrusion. (chapter 34) He knew about the emperor’s schedule, a sign that he was somehow “monitoring” the main lead’s moves. Here, I feel the need to include this video exposing Heesung’s dark side.

0:31 overwhelming affection – love bombing (chapter 31) 1:07 too much quality time 1:33 saying “I love you” too soon (chapter 35) 2:13 constant texting 2:49 constant monitoring (special episode 1) With this statement, he is actually taking over Potato’s schedule and life 3:19 jealousy and possessiveness (special episode 2)

And now, it is time to explain why Heesung fell under Potato’s spell. It is because Potato listened to all his requests without protesting. He allowed him to be the one leading the sex session. He made no request either. That’s why Heesung patted Potato’s head. (special episode 2) He not only had so much fun, but also he felt powerful. I believe that his possessiveness comes from his social status. His wealth comes from his family, therefore he feels like he doesn’t possess anything on his own. Everything is related to “money”.

This sex session symbolizes “transgression”, whereas in verity, it just took place in the bed. Here, my avid readers can sense the actor’s inner conflict. Though he likes transgressing social norms, he is still preferring conformity. He doesn’t want to stand out too much. [For more read the essay La Vie En Rose ] This interpretation leads me to my next statement. Their first night together also stands under the sign of “infraction”. He disliked to have sex with virgins (special episode 1). Then he still chose to have sex with Potato, though he knew that the young sportsman was drunk. (special episode 1) The irony is that though Potato had said, he was a virgin, the actor chose to ignore it. Hence he got shocked later, when he realized Potato’s age.. (special episode 1) There’s a huge gap, he appears as a “seductive” wolf like in the fairy tale “The Little Red Riding Hood” That’s how it dawned on me why Heesung will have problems in his relationship with Potato. It is related to his dishonesty and mistrust which he projects onto others. This explicates why he doubted about Yoon-Gu’s virginity. (special episode 1) And what is the synonym for “truth”? Reality and Real World!! And now, you understand why Heesung created a historical drama in his mind for the sex session. It was his way to avoid truth and honesty. He used the role play to expose his jealousy (special episode 2) and possessiveness. (special episode 2) He fears to expose his true self to others and especially to Potato. He could scare him, as he is much younger and less experienced. To conclude, this sex session was a combination of truth and lie. No wonder why Potato’s answer was “I don’t know”. (special episode 2) He was not swayed by this role-play, for he didn’t feel it genuine. He couldn’t see the vision Heesung had in his mind. On the other hand, this night exposes the emergence of feelings from the actor’s side. But contrary to his past, he is not saying “I love you” too quickly and easily. It is because his initial thought was to seek fun and entertainment and not fated love! (special episode 1)

3. Purple, Green and Rejection

At the same time, since this night (special episode 2) stands under the sign of dream and illusion, we should compare it to this love session: (chapter 44) After this wonderful moment, Kim Dan came back down to earth. His present got rejected, he was just viewed as a physical therapist and nothing more. (chapter 45) We also have a refusal in the special episode. Potato initially rejected the offer from his sex partner: (special episode 2) He refused saying that he would be “embarrassed”. However, here is the thing. When he proposed to visit his lover on set, he was running away and turning his back to him. (special episode 2) Moreover, his words were definitely spoken more softly with a lot of hesitations. Hence I am doubting that Heesung saw his offer (visit to the set) as an acceptance. From my point of view, we should envision that the comedian saw it as a rejection. Potato was actually refusing to become an actor like him, then he employed the word “embarrassment”. It was, as if he was ashamed to be seen close to the actor Heesung. Finally, we should compare the last panel with this one: (chapter 34) He was also running away after getting threatened and rejected. In other words, Potato didn’t realize that with his behavior, he had triggered Heesung’s jealousy, insecurity and anger. That’s why he has this cold gaze. (special episode 2) It is the same glaring than Joo Jaekyung’s (chapter 7) who was full of jealousy here! Thus I conclude that this special night ended on a bad note, though Potato had no idea. The fox is no longer amused. Because Heesung is not happy deep down, he is planning something!! (special episode 2) Moreover, Manhwaphiles should keep in mind that he is talking in the past: “I had a ball”.His joy was just short-lived.

Since he is displeased, I believe that this scene should be compared to this one! (chapter 33) Observe the parallels: (chapter 33) (special episode 2) Both seme are holding a cellphone in bed. While the emperor had already bought sex toys, the onomatopoeia “music note” is indicating that the gumiho sent a message. In my opinion, he must have ordered some sex toys. But why? It is because Potato brought him back to reality. Heesung has a false notion of love. Like mentioned in a previous episode, Heesung has a romanticized version of love, inspired from movies and fairy tales.

I am including this short video, because it reflects Heesung’s mentality perfectly. At the same time, it reminds us a little of Potato, though the latter is actually the positive version of the fox.

And now, you comprehend why Heesung stated, he had no problem to go after people who were in a relationship. (chapter 33) Simultaneously, Manhwaphiles can grasp why Heesung is now targeting Yoon-Gu, who only had eyes for “Joo Jaekyung”.

Potato put boundaries, when he said this: (special episode 2) He would be the one determining the type of visit. He is not giving up on his career as MMA fighter. He doesn’t want to become an extra, dependent on the actor’s generosity. (special episode 2) As you can see, Mingwa played with the contrast “dream versus reality”. And what is the color for jealousy? Green!

And when did this color appear in the special episode? It is related to the costumes of the guards. (special episode 2) Yes, we need to question ourselves what triggered Heesung’s fantasy for the role-play. (special episode 2) IT is not just because of the costumes. My hypothesis is that the guards are working as an item, you can observe this in the following two panels: (special episode 2) Two guards are following the prince Heesung. Then in this one, (special episode2), there are 4 guards working as two teams. In my opinion, Heesung noticed his loneliness which contrasts so much to the situation with the other actors. , (special episode 2) This scene triggered his envy and jealousy. He wanted to have someone by his side whom he could talk to. , 8special episode 2), Here, he thanked everyone, yet he was standing in the middle of the scene, far away from everyone. In reality, his “gratitude” was superficial, for his thank was addressed to no one in particular. Just empty words. Under this new light, Manhwalovers can understand why he made such a suggestion after the intercourse: (special episode 2) It is, because he really wanted to have someone by his side on set. He hoped to lose this sense of loneliness. He longed for companionship too. Therefore it is not surprising that the actor got upset, when Potato didn’t accept his offer so blindly. Like mentioned above, I am even doubting that he heard Potato’s suggestion. For him, it was a rejection, especially if you take his words in the shed seriously: (special episode 2) Turning his back to Heesung is like a disobedience, he is not looking at his lover.. But the color green is not just connected to negative connotations. This shade stands for growth, hope and restoration.

Note that the costume from the guard has different shades of green: dark-green, grey-green and pale green. (special episode 2) Each pigment of green has a different signification: dark green can symbolize balance, drive, money, greed and fertility, while pale green symbolizes peace.

In my opinion, the color green affected the young comedian on the set as well. He associated it with positive notions like calmness, hope, companionship and motivation. (special episode 2) That’s why the author created such a panel. Here, the color takes a bigger place than the costume itself, for you only see a part of the disguise. And this observation brings me back to Taoism and the colors. The green color corresponds to sunset or sunrise which makes me think of a moment of transition. This corresponds to the notion of change and as such growth. Moreover, it stands for balance between yin and yang, like quoted above. The shade implies an equity between female and male energy. And now, you comprehend why Mingwa used green light in the car scene: (chapter 33) On the one hand, it was an allusion to the emperor’s hidden jealousy. The latter had masked it as a challenge and game: But the shade is implying that the fighter was slowly calming down. He accepts the doctor’s embrace, he even grabs his phallus in order to give pleasure to his partner. (chapter 33) In the end, he did show a caring side to the doctor. (chapter 33) He knew that his lover was sensitive to his touch. He desired to give pleasure to his companion. Yes, I see some parallels between the sex scene in the car and the one in the shed: public place, the connection between work and love life, the miscommunication, the importance to satisfy his partner sexually, a challenge, the grabbing of the phallus: (special episode 2), the jealousy, the possessiveness… making sure that the companion is not looking elsewhere… but more importantly, both seme are and were unaware of their growing affection towards their “fuck buddy”. Yet, there exists a huge difference between these two sex sessions: THE KISS! (special episode 2) In the car scene, the champion never smooched the physical therapist. Nevertheless, Heesung knows the signification of a kiss, but since he was acting in the role-play, he didn’t pay too much attention to it. IT was part of the “game”.

Thanks to the color green, I had a new revelation. That’s why I selected this image (chapter 33) The points of suspension from Joo Jaekyung are exposing his “ignorance”. He doesn’t know what to do, when he sees Kim Dan like this. (chapter 33) The emperor has now regained control of his emotions, but he couldn’t interpret his emotions correctly (jealousy, longing for love, insecurities). Moreover, we shouldn’t forget that he has not associated the kiss to love yet. In the locker room, he kissed the “hamster” in order to protect him. He had been simply following his friend’s advice. Then in the swimming pool, he felt attracted towards him. (chapter 27) He had acted instinctively… but in the car, his emotions were clouding his judgement. The ejaculations brought him back to reality. He had somehow achieved his goal. He had no idea what to do after the intercourse. That’s why I believe that in this panel (chapter 33), we should see the older version of Potato: “I don’t know … Why did I act like that?” The color indicates a change within the figure. He had not sex like that with Kim Dan in the past (he was only focusing on his partner’s pleasure). Don’t forget that the doctor had begged him for help: (chapter 33) He had admitted his defeat. However, this sex scene had the opposite effect on the champion. It didn’t bring him any Enlightenment, he was still clueless and worried, because he felt, he was losing control of his life. (chapter 34) As a conclusion, he came to “deny” this reality. He rejected his own emotions, until he was challenged once again in the sauna.

And now, you comprehend why I am envisioning Heesung ordering sex toy in order to tame and even punish his chow-chow, similar to the scene in the car. There the pink dildo played a huge role in the car scene, a mixture of pleasure and punishment. If you read my previous essay about the second couple. you are aware of my hypothesis that Heesung enjoys BDSM deep down. And note that in the shed, Heesung talked about punishment. (special episode 2) In addition, I noticed that the fighter’s buttocks are red (special episode 2), a sign that Heesung must have grabbed and even slapped his lover’s butt: From my point of view, the actor has a different attitude than the champion on the bed: (special episode 2) He wants to renew the intercourse, he wants to prolong this fantasy…don’t forget that this man is trying to escape from reality. His belief “soulmate” is strongly intertwined with eternity. But happiness can only exist, when pain and misery are there. Without them, people wouldn’t be able to feel any joy and happiness. In other words, the actor has to internalize the notion of time and temporality as well. Humans are not eternal, thus they can get sick or even die.

5. Time and purple

Since Yin and Yang are connected to time, it signifies that colors are also connected to the moon. link Purple announces a new moon, while red symbolizes full moon. Interesting is that during that purple night, readers can’t see the moon at all. (special episode 2) This means that this sex session took place during the new moon. Hence we have the color purple… This corresponds to the actor’s transformation. He is revived… he has finally found his soulmate, but he is not aware of it yet. And now, pay attention to this scene: We have the color blue, (chapter 53) (chapter 53) There is no moon, only the artificial lights from the city. Hence I deduce that the couple is now entering in a new phases, there is a new moon soon. The absence of the moon corresponds to the doctor’s departure. Don’t forget that these panels took place on two different days. One thing is sure. The dominance of the blue symbolizes the dominance of Kim Dan in Joo Jaekyung’s life, but also the loss for the two characters. There is no warmth… yet calmness and softness. Joo Jaekyung is not throwing a tantrum. He is not breaking any sandbag or throwing away the letter. It shows the calming influence of Kim Dan over the champion. With his departure, he is pushing the athlete to face his own emotions and to analyze them. And now pay attention to the last panel from season 1: there are glimpses of purple: (chapter 53) It announces the start of Joo Jaekyung’s Enlightenment. He is on his way to recognize the source of his joy and happiness: Kim Dan as his companion. This signifies that Potato’s vision should come true in the end: (chapter 23) He will find joy by training other sportsmen, he is also longing for a “sparring” partner… He will recognize that friendship and family can be a source of joy. He needs to stop mistrusting people… And it is the same for Heesung. The latter chose dishonesty and manipulations out of fear and mistrust towards people.

Since yin and yang are connected to time, it reinforces my prediction that Joo Jaekyung will have a revelation in front of the sunset: (chapter 53) Red and yellow are strongly connected to Yang. The latter is conceived of as heaven, maleness, light, activity, and penetration..And now, you comprehend why I am expecting an Enlightenement from the athlete on the beach. Hence I am expecting that the champion will come to recognize the doctor’s true character there: he is strong, brave, manly and so selfless. He is not a baby like in the bathroom. Yes, I am expecting a new version of this scene (chapter 53), where both roles are switched. And now, it is your turn to reread the first season and interpret the sex scenes under the yin and yang aspects, like in this scene: : (chapter 39)

However, like you could see it in the title, I am planning to compose a second part… I left clues about the focus in the illustration.

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.

Jinx: Reluctant Moving 🚗🦽

1. The role of Routine in Jinx

In my last essay La Vie En Rose , I named Choi Heesung Mister Boredom, while I introduced the champion as Mister Routine explaining why the latter would reject the artist. (chapter 30) Whereas the protagonist sees in a pattern a shield and protection, the other considers it as a source of danger, for the person doesn’t feel alive.

1. 1. The prince’s perception of routine

As you can see, Heesung views regularity as a synonym for death. Why? His reason is simple. He doesn’t sense his heart racing. Interesting is that when the physical therapist interacted with the actor for the first time, the former didn’t treat him as a celebrity, but as a normal patient. Choi Heesung was simply a human in the protagonist’s eyes and nothing else. (Chapter 30) Kim Dan had heard the conversation between the artist and his manager before offering his help and approaching him. Then when he took his hand for an examination, he was not holding it out of admiration. (Chapter 30) No wonder why the doctor caught his attention. The pink haired star got surprised by such an unusual treatment. The irony is that the main lead was doing nothing out of the ordinary. This shows that till this meeting, the actor had always been treated as a prince, for the latter had always been privileged. It is not surprising that Heesung found Joo Jaekyung refreshing. (Chapter 30) He was the only one who would not consider him as special, rather as bothersome. Yes, he was not favored by the emperor. Under his new light, it becomes comprehensible why Mingwa let the gumiho play the role of a prince wearing a purple hanbok with Potato: (Special episode 2) The purple hanbok is strongly connected to Joseon royalty. (For more read my essays about Painter Of The Night) In addition, while the comedian thinks, it is a fiction, he is wrong in verity. It was a reality, for he has been living like a sovereign. And now, you comprehend why Heesung praised the physical therapist to the sky. (Chapter 30) By treating him like an average patient, he could only appear as very professional and competent. (Chapter 30) He was seen as a serious and honest doctor who was not looking for favors and recognition. So I deduce that the actor felt moved by such a selflessness and care. (Chapter 30) We should consider this image full with stars as a metaphor for the comedian’s heart racing. To conclude, their first encounter reflected Heesung’s philosophy: his desire for novelty and genuine attention, while he is longing for normal treatment and as such for an ordinary relationship. The expression “soulmate” is implying the notion of equity. Thus because of the doctor’s actions, Heesung felt alive. Funny is that by discovering the doctor, Heesung was encouraged to accept routine. Therefore he came to the gym on a regular basis. (Chapter 31) This shows the inner conflict of the actor. Deep down, he dislikes being treated as a prince and would like to be seen as a man and nothing more. Normality and regularity stand in opposition to privilege and novelty. On the other side, he seems to reject averageness and commonplaceness. Therefore he likes to show off his wealth: (chapter 32) Through the ukes (Potato and Kim Dan), the fox is experiencing the positive aspects of ordinariness. He drinks soju while eating a cheap meal on the street to drown his sorrow (chapter 35) or he imagines to have sex in a barn next to a crowded place. (Special episode 2) As you can see, thanks to the new episode, I realized that Potato’s role is to make him give up on his special status and privileges. In the bedroom, he might become the master, but outside he will be forced to work for someone else: Potato and as such for the main couple. And this brings me to my next prediction. Look how Mingwa ended the second special episode: Manhwaphiles see Potato running away, because he is embarrassed. For me, it indicates that Potato will turn his back on Heesung. Yes, we should see this ending as the positive reflection from this night: (chapter 53) Back then, the champion didn’t imagine that the doctor had already started distancing himself. However, here it is clear that contrary to the main lead, Yoon-Gu doesn’t plan to leave the actor or to neglect him at all. He is a very mature and responsible person. Besides, he has just accepted his suggestion: he plans to visit him on the set. However, Heesung is about to learn important life lessons. Life never goes as planned. Furthermore, he will be forced to question his principles and his behavior. (Special episode 1) He needs to become responsible. He won’t get sick of his lover, and he is going to miss him terribly. In my eyes, Choi Heesung is about to go through the same experience than his frenemy: regret and longing. He should have paid more attention to the physical therapist and the champion (chapter 35), as their relationship is affecting his own life. How so? It is because the young MMA fighter is a stan of Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung! (Chapter 35) Let’s not forget that when Yoon-Gu helped the physical therapist in the locker room, he was indirectly assisting the star. (Chapter 49) The problem is that in season 1, he was rather distant and privileged the celebrity. Therefore he didn’t protect the physical therapist properly. Since the maknae is really sad about the doctor’s departure (chapter 52), it becomes clear that his interest aligns with his idol’s. (Chapter 53) Therefore he can only support the champion’s decision to bring back the main lead. Yet, under the orange tent he decided to cheer them on from afar. Thus I am now inclined to think that the maknae could choose to become more proactive, when it comes to Kim Dan.

The other reason for envisioning a separation is that in the latest episode, readers could see the fox’s blushing. (Special episode 2) The latter got more pronounced, as time passed on, a sign of his rebirth or revival. He is on his way to fall deeply in love with the maknae, because he is having fun all the time. (Special episode 2) Fascinating is that the expression “to have a ball” (a synonym to enjoy oneself) is related to Cinderella.

Cinderella is a fairy tale about transformation and disguise. The young woman is able to climb socially thanks to a her godmother, a hidden sponsor!! One might think that Potato is a new version of Cinderella and Heesung is his future sponsor. Yet I believe that the actor will make the opposite experience than the original protagonist’s. Through Potato, Choi Heesung will discover a new world… MMA fighting, criminality and even misery. My avid readers should recall that when he was sent to the gym, he was reading a script entitled: EXTREME WORLDS (Chapter 29) He has only lived in one so far due to his privileges. It was, as if he has lived in a fairy tale, far away from reality. Now with Potato, he is finally able to live out his fantasies, hence his fairytale-like world has just lost its reason to exist. Thanks to Kim Dan and Potato, the comedian is brought back to reality. He is discovering not only averageness, but also the true significance of routine and normality. Thanks to the latter, trust and intimacy can deepen. He found out that he can experience novelty through sex.

Interesting is that the actor is now trying to include his lover in his professional life. (Special episode 2) It was, as if he wanted Potato to switch his career. It exposes his desire to be close to the maknae. However, with the champion’s downfall and the physical therapist’s departure, I am quite certain that Yoon-Gu’s position at Team Black is about to change. The gym needs to become successful again and present new athletes. Yoon-Gu can no longer be treated as an extra!! His future is now important for Team Black and Park Namwook. Finally, he proved his worth by fighting the older and bigger fighters at the restaurant. Thus I doubt that Choi Heesung can make a deal with Park Namwook like in the past.

1. 2. The champion’s habits and Heesung

Then in her last notes, Mingwa described Joo Jaekyung’s daily schedule. The moment you read this note, you can grasp why the athlete would consider the comedian as a total nuisance. It is because the former couldn’t focus on his training (other exercises: CrossFit, Gym, mostly weights). As a conclusion, the athlete had many reasons to view the artist as bothersome. On the other hand, since Heesung is on his way to adopt regularity, I deduce that the champion’s fate is to accept surprises and changes in his life. And now, you know why their first encounter ended like this: (chapter 1) No one had ever run away from him like that. He was used to face opponents who would challenge him or people who would admire him. Notice that the doctor is turning his back on him, which contrasts to the morning after their first sex session. There, the protagonist chose to vanish into thin air behind the champion’s back after spending the night with him. (Chapter 4) However, in the athlete’s mind, the doctor had not abandoned him, for he imagined that Kim Dan was motivated by his greed. He was just interested in money. As you can see, Kim Dan represents novelty and exception. Nonetheless, the problem is that till the end of season 1, the fighter never came to see novelties and sudden events as something positive. (Chapter 53) Under this new light, Manhwaphiles can grasp why the celebrity hates birthdays and surprise parties. They represent a violation to his regular schedule. (Chapter 43) (chapter 53) So when he refuses the doctor’s resignation, he exposes his true mind-set once again. Kim Dan has already become part of his daily routine. Thus the Webtoonist had included the doctor’s schedule in the notes. But there’s more to it.

The moment Kim Dan moved to the penthouse (chapter 19), the athlete didn’t change his daily schedule at all. On the one hand, Manhwa-philes could judge this as a sign of his selfishness. On the other hand, it exposes his lack of sociability. He had never lived with someone else before. Since we never saw his family or heard about his parents in the first season, I assume that he is a true orphan contrasting to the physical therapist’s situation. Yet both have one common denominator: abandonment issues. The absence of family displays the difference between the two semes. While the actor embodies favoritism and nepotism which is strongly linked to family, the other represents the opposite values: indifference, meritocracy and business. Thus the Webtoonist created such a scene: (Chapter 31) He only gets respected, as long as he is “bringing money” to Team Black (Chapter 52) and MFC. According to me, people from MFC had expected the athlete’s defeat in the USA so that I am quite certain that they had bet on his loss. Because of meritocracy, it is normal that Joo Jaekyung trained so hard on a regular basis. Besides, his routine outlines the importance of his work in his life. His career means everything to him. In fact, it represents his life. Thus it is not surprising that his daily schedule would center on his training. Simultaneously, Manhwa-worms can understand why the champion had no time to meditate and question his believes and way of life. He had no time for something else. Under this light, it dawned on me why the athlete expected from Kim Dan to adapt himself to his daily schedule. The latter had to develop a routine based on the champion’s training. Furthermore readers can grasp the fighter’s behavior in the following image. (Chapter 19) Joo Jaekyung is leaving for the evening training, and he is making no exception. However, as time passed on, the athlete came to make an exception for the doctor. Because of the actor, the athlete chose to neglect his training once. (Chapter 32) According to me, he never went to his training. And shortly after, he was involved in a scandal.

2. Mister Routine, Mister Change and the Wedding Cabinet

(chapter 19) Interesting is that we are witnessing the MMA fighter turning his back to the physical therapist. He is leaving his destined partner behind. From my point of view, his words (“Do what you want”) imply that he is not recognizing the doctor as a valuable and necessary PT, for he is not including him in the evening training. I would even go so far to say that Joo Jaekyung is treating the protagonist as a part of his furniture. In my eyes, the fighter came to associate him with the halmoni’s Wedding Cabinet. It was, as if in the champion’s unconscious, the doctor had become the beautiful cupboard.

This interpretation helps to grasp why the athlete neglected his lover for 10 days (chapter 19) and why he got upset and scared (chapter 53), when he saw the Wedding Cabinet in the hallway. (chapter 53). In episode 19, the champion really viewed the main lead as an object (chapter 19). Therefore he focused on his training and didn’t pay attention to Kim Dan’s whereabouts and actions. However, it changed, as soon as someone reminded him of Kim Dan’s true nature: (chapter 19) he was a human. According to my theory, the coach Jeong Yosep was behind this trigger, since he is the only one at the gym with a failed relationship. (chapter 05) Hence he called him from the gym making sure that he had not blocked him or even vanished. Under this new light, Jinx-philes can understand why he felt the urge to have sex with Kim Dan. It was to remind him that he would belong to him. Yes, unconsciously, the athlete projected his own thoughts and fears onto his fated companion. (chapter 19) Yet, with such an order, Kim Dan appears more as a sex doll than as a free human being. This scene is important, because this reminder showed him that the latter could leave the flat behind his back, he was not obliged to wait for him at his penthouse. Since the fighter was seen wearing his shoes in the bathroom (chapter 19), many Jinx-philes had been able to discern the fighter’s past (invisible) action. He had been looking for the doctor in the huge penthouse, the older version of this scene (chapter 53). Since the latter is so big, the absence of light and noise must have startled the main lead. (chapter 19) The doctor had barely left traces in the apartment. Only the cupboard was the evidence of his presence in the flat. However, this object could be left behind… exactly like Joo Jaekyung had treated Kim Dan in this panel: (chapter 19) Moreover, let’s not forget how the protagonist viewed the huge furniture. (chapter 19) It was worthless. My point is that Joo Jaekyung must have realized in episode 19, when he returned to the penthouse that Kim Dan was different from the cupboard, he was no object at all. And now, you comprehend why the main lead said this to the doctor in the bathroom: (chapter 19) First, he was compared to a prostitute, then later to a baby. (Chapter 20) This scene proves that Joo Jaekyung was viewing his lover as a human. Additionally, the comparison to a whore was to mask his previous anxiety and thoughts. He had been looking for him. He needed to appear as strong and superior, the one with the upper hand.

This interpretation raises the following question. Did he keep viewing him as a human after this episode? My answer is positive, though on the surface it looks like he reverted back to his old ways. (Chapter 33) Here, he tried to give pleasure to the doctor, for he saw Choi Heesung as a huge rival. The latter is known for being a better lover. It was, as if he was trying to give a reward to his companion. Moreover, I believe, the sex toy was there, because the champion feared that he wouldn’t be able to control his emotions and actions. Then in this scene, one might argue that the champion treated him as a sex doll (chapter 36) However, my avid readers should keep in their mind that sex was like a surrogate fight. Thus we could say that in this panel, the physical therapist is actually treated like a “fighter” and enemy. Then when the champion criticized him for his bad decision, he was finally recognizing him as a physical therapist. (Chapter 45) As Manhwaworms can observe, the room mate’s social status was improving. I would even add, the athlete was putting more and more responsibility on the main lead. A sign that despite the appearances he was trusting him more and more. On the other hand, one might argue about this analysis, for after the quarrel, the fighter started distancing himself from his PT. He would no longer talk to him and even ignore him. (Chapter 47) So anyone would say that he is no longer treating Kim Dan as a human. However, this is just a deception. How so? It becomes perceptible, when you contrast the last panel with this one: (Chapter 19) That’s why my illustration displays both pictures next to each other. What caught my attention is that earlier in the season, the celebrity talked to doc Dan, but he was showing a certain disrespect towards his room mate. His Wedding Cabinet was garbage, he was not included in his evening training. Like mentioned above, he was treated like a furniture. Nevertheless, in chapter 47, Joo Jaekyung chose the silent treatment. It shows that he was now considering him as a member from Team Black, but because of Park Namwook’s warning, (chapter 47) he kept everything to himself. Indirectly, he was questioning his PT’s loyalty. This shows that the miscommunication and silence were the results of the coach’s advice and intervention. This means that due to his manager’s words, the champion started doubting the physical therapist. Thus I come to the following deduction: though the athlete asked Kim Dan to get out of his side (chapter 51), unconsciously the star made the opposite decision: he started considering him as a real member from Team Black. Why? It is because the doctor had touched his heart and mind with this question: (chapter 51) He had broken the final wall between them. This explicates why the moment Joo Jaekyung heard about the doctor’s resignation, (chapter 53), he refused his decision. This means indirectly, he is admitting that the protagonist is a trustworthy and competent PT! His attitude contrasts so much to his coach’s who imagines that doc Dan can be replaced so easily. (Chapter 53) In my opinion, the one behind the champion’s mistrust is the manager. I even have the impression that he is also responsible for his mistrust against doctors, as they are no fighters. Either it is because he has an inferiority complex against such people or it is related to MFC. He only trusts the organization and its members, as such he only trusts doctors from MFC. To conclude, at the end of season 1, Kim Dan is recognized as a trustworthy physical therapist and as a real member from Team Black.

And now, you are wondering the signification of the cupboard in the final episode from season 1. It is time to examine more closely this scene. (chapter 53) When the doctor left the penthouse, he disposed his halmoni’s Wedding cabinet. In other words, he treated the precious furniture as junk, turning the champion’s words into a reality. It was, as if the doctor had taken the MMA fighter’s words seriously. However, Kim Dan didn’t act that way because of the athlete’s false judgement. It is just that the doctor came to consider the wedding cabinet as a burden. Thus he treated it as junk. For him, the furniture only had a sentimental value. It symbolized the grandmother. But why would he consider it as an onus then? First, he couldn’t bring the cupboard to the West coast, too expensive and troublesome. Secondly, he wouldn’t have been able to place the Wedding cabinet in a small flat. (chapter 16) In addition, Kim Dan had kept it for his halmoni’s sake. (chapter 53) She was the one who loved it so much. But since she is trying to reconnect to her childhood and nature, she no longer values it. Yes, the halmoni is falling more and more into childhood, the closer she is to death. Thus she came to repress her marriage. As you can see, the elderly is slowly forgetting her own past and as such Kim Dan. She is trying to relive a moment from her childhood, a time when the grandchild didn’t exist. (Chapter 53) Thus I deduce that Kim Dan can no longer view the Wedding Cabinet like before. I believe seeing the cupboard would be painful for doc Dan, as he would be constantly reminded of his grandmother. (Chapter 53) This image is full of symbolism. Kim Dan is now able to touch the cold Wedding Cabinet, a sign that he is accepting his grandmother’s death. By biding farewell to the furniture, he is preparing himself for the inevitable: his halmoni’s vanishing. It was, as though he was saying goodbye to his relative. That’s the reason why his smile is full of sadness, when he is pushing his relative’s wheelchair. (Chapter 53) Her death has become a taboo. He is full of resignation. Contrary to the past, he is willing to face her death and as such to be by her side on her final moments. Yes, this panel (chapter 53) exposes the doctor’s painful transformation. He is now a grown-up. Though he is forced to change, he is not upset because he is accepting his fate. However, the champion came to associate the cupboard with Kim Dan. So I assume that with the doctor’s departure, for the celebrity, the furniture has now a sentimental value. For me, Manhwaphiles should consider these two pictures (Chapter 53) (chapter 53) as a reflection of this chapter: (chapter 46) (chapter 46) In both scenes, the doctor came to resign and lower his expectation. Thus I deduce that after the final episode, the champion will come to treasure the objects left behind by the physical therapist. Notice that he didn’t throw away the letter. By keeping them, the athlete would show how much he appreciates Kim Dan. In addition, the letter is wishing him well, which no one has expressed so far. The letter oozes trust, confidentiality, admiration and closeness. Hence I deduce that at the end, Joo Jaekyung is heartbroken, though he can not clearly voice his emotions. (Chapter 53) Yet, in opposition to the doctor, he has long internalized to fight for himself. Therefore I am certain that the champion will follow the physical therapist’s trail. And that’s how he will be pushed to drop his habits and develop a new “routine”, where he is no longer the one determining the daily schedule. In my eyes, the grandmother should play a bigger role in his life, as the doctor decided to give her comfort until her final moment. That’s how I am imagining that both will come to an agreement how to redefine their life together. As you can see, by following the physical therapist, the athlete is pushed to leave not only the penthouse, but also the gym. He is on his way to discover new horizons. Since the gym represents routine and training, this signifies that the athlete can no longer follow the same daily schedule. The champion’s suspension is in reality a blessing in disguise. He has the time and the occasion to meditate about his life.

3. Traveling and rebirth

This brings me to my next aspect. In season 1, the champion often went to new places in South Korea because of Kim Dan. When Park Namwook asked his boy to take care of the doctor, the champion discovered his poverty and debts. (Chapter 17) Then when he brought the physical therapist to Heesung’s home, he used the GPS, a sign that he was not familiar with the route. (Chapter 33) Interesting is that when he heard his regular nightly disappearances, he never tried to follow him. (Chapter 45) Why? It is because he was always back in the morning. Furthermore, despite his exhaustion, the physical therapist was still following the daily schedule. Because Kim Dan wanted to keep it a secret, the champion was forced to feign ignorance. Thus he couldn’t question him about his whereabouts. In addition, I can also envision that he must have thought that it was related to his grandmother. Don’t forget that he experienced once how the doctor had left his side due to a phone call in the middle of the night. (Chapter 21) Since the athlete’s life is revolving around routine, I am quite certain that he must have jumped to conclusions based on his first experiences… the birth of prejudices. Thus I have the feeling that Park Namwook’s biased perception concerning his champion is also influenced by their first meeting and experiences. It is important, because such a mentality fixated on daily schedule represents a hindrance for the mind. Routine often leads to close-mindedness and lack of critical thinking. At the same time, this new interpretation explains why the athlete got so worked up and upset, when he received the golden chain. (Chapter 45) It is because all this time, the athlete had been worrying about the doctor and in the best case about his grandmother. Becoming a courier during the night could only give the impression that the halmoni’s health had improved and the expensive treatment was working. In my eyes, the fighter couldn’t ask his physical therapist about his relative’s physical condition either, for it was not his place to ask. He is first and all the PT’s employer. Besides, the physical therapist has always been secretive about his own private life and family, just like the fighter. Therefore I assume that he must have projected his own mind-set onto the doctor, he would not look into the physical therapist’s life. And what was the doctor thinking about the star during season 1? The more time passed on, the more he got curious. To conclude, since the beginning of the story, the celebrity never showed an interest and curiosity to his fated partner. This observation leads me to the following conclusion. In season 2, it is the athlete’s turn to become curios about his lover’s past and life. At the same time, as soon as Kim Dan paid more attention to his lover, he also reflected on his own life, like for example in this scene: (chapter 16) He wondered why the athlete had kissed him, which made him realize that it was his first kiss. Therefore I come to the following deduction. Joo Jaekyung will be forced to discover his lover’s like and dislike which will incite him to become more honest about his own desires and passions. We have an allusion to this development in season 1: (chapter 27) Thanks to his companion, he remembered how much he likes swimming! He had totally repressed it. To conclude, Joo Jaekyung’s travel shouldn’t be just perceived as a journey to the West Coast and Kim Dan’s side, but as an inner journey! He is on his way to discover himself and reconnect to his childhood, or better said to his inner child. This signifies that he is actually following Shin Okja’s footsteps which is regression to childhood. (Chapter 53) Thus my theory is that he will go to the beach and be moved by the beautiful sunset. So far, he has never paid attention to his surroundings and nature. There is another reason why I come to this expectation. I saw parallels between the last picture and this one: (chapter 53) Both are connected to travel. Though both are alone, their experience is totally different. Why? It is because of the contrasts.

The grandmother Joo Jaekyung
nature civilization
sun artificial light – night
closureemptiness
beautiful – impressed Hates this moment – sadness
Companionship – she doesn’t feel isolatedloneliness
death – departure ”death of the hero” – departure to the unknown

The view over the city is offering no comfort to the star. He feels miserable and lonely. He is finally realizing that despite his money, he has no one by his side. He is now regretting the past… exactly like the grandmother. Since both are regressing to childhood, it is very likely that the athlete will develop a certain closeness to the halmoni. Contrary to the first season, it shouldn’t be reduced to one short moment. Don’t forget that in episode 21, Kim Dan had doubted his relative’s statement: (chapter 22) He would have the opportunity now to verify this statement.

Since my hypothesis is that he will travel and follow the doctor, he will reconnect with nature. The ocean is the place where the goddess Aphrodite was born. It is the place of Love. Hence I believe that in front of the ocean, the human Joo Jaekyung will be reborn! He will no longer be the star, the champion… but simply an average human. He will not only love the doctor (admit his feelings for him), but also love himself. Mingwa has already indicated his journey to the ocean with this image:

For the champion has to learn to meditate and to identify his own emotions, it makes sense why the Webtoonist announced that season 2 would be a slow burn and would focus on emotions. Besides, he has now to pay attention to the grandmother and Kim Dan. Since it is only a matter of time, until Shin Okja dies, I associate her vanishing as a change too. Because of her, Joo Jaekyung is forced to accept novelty as something natural. Life can not be predicted… Changes can also be a source of joy… like the jokes. We have the perfect example in chapter 27: (Chapter 27) (chapter 27) Thus we should see a more gentle and humorous fighter in season 2. Since he is suspended, he can no longer associate sex with fighting! He has now time to enjoy life. He has someone by his side watching his back. He can now learn how to relax. He should come quickly to the conclusion that his career doesn’t represent his life. He could do other things. He is no longer fighting against time, as the latter has been suspended: 3 MONTHS! The god Saturn, Kim Dan, will teach him the true value of time. And that’s how Park Namwook will lose his boy to the physical therapist.

PS: I hope, this essay made you looking forward for season 2.

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