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A Picture, a question
Today, I will focus on the champion’s jacket which Joo Jaekyung gave to Kim Dan. (chapter 53) One detail caught my attention. The inscription on the back is referring to Team Black and it has a number, 03. Why doesn’t the jacket show his name, when the MMA fighter is so famous?
In the real world, UFC fighters typically enter the arena wearing a jacket or hoodie that often has their name or nickname on it, as well as the logos of their sponsors and their team. This gear is usually provided by UFC’s official outfitting partner, which has been Venum since 2021 (following a previous deal with Reebok). The jacket is part of their walkout attire, meant to represent the fighter’s brand and provide visibility for their sponsors. This observation gets confirmed in this image: (chapter 36) The gym is visible and at the bottom of the jacket, you can see the name of the different sponsors (MFC, Jinx and others). As you can see, only the name or nickname (Emperor) of the main lead is missing. So how could Park Namwook recognize that this one was for the Emperor, (chapter 36), though his size is not so different from other fighters? One might think that it is related to the number 03. Yet I detected that all the other jackets had the same number too: 03. (chapter 36) That’s how I realized two aspects.
Interpretation of the jacket
First the jackets have no name, because they are part of the membership. You can only wear this, if you are a member from Team Black. Don’t forget what the manager said to Kim Dan, when he realized his mistake: (chapter 36) The cloth is the symbol of membership. And now you comprehend why Kim Dan chose to return it to Joo Jaekyung. He was no longer considering it as a gift, rather as a company uniform.
However, there is no doubt that in the beginning, the young man saw it as a present, because he chose to wear it, when no one was around him. (chapter 36) Moreover, in the States, he was wearing a different jacket: (chapter 40) He kept it hidden like a precious treasure. Secondly, the fact that no jacket is wearing a name of the fighter is indicating that the latter can be replaced. They are all just reduced to a number: 03. They have no name or as such no face.
But this doesn’t end here. What is the biggest name on the back of the cloth? BLACK TEAM! (chapter 36) Yes, the gym stands in the foreground. And who claims to be the owner of TEAM BLACK? Naturally Park Namwook. (chapter 22)This signifies that he is trying to get famous on Joo Jaekyung’s back. By not adding his name or his nickname on his back, he is claiming the fighter as his “fighter” and member. He is trying to claim that only thanks to him, the athlete could reach the top. In addition, when the manager gave the jacket to the celebrity, he had just selected one of them based on his size and nothing more. (Chapter 36). He could have given the same cloth to another member, but by giving him one personally, he gave the impression that he was thinking of him a lot. It was, as if Joo Jaekyung was his first priority. Yet the reality is far from it, for the jacket was not personally for the star.
Furthermore, very early on, I had discovered that the true owner is Joo Jaekyung due to the advance and transaction. As you can see, the coach and manager was trying to do free PR. (chapter 30) As a conclusion, the jacket revealed the manager’s greed and indirect “embezzlement”. He is using Team Black and Joo Jaekyung to get recognition and admiration. Should the jacket have the name of Joo Jaekyung on it, no one would pay attention to Team Black.
And now, it is time to focus on the circumstances when the jackets were offered. They appeared, when the gym was facing a crisis. The future of Joo Jaekyung was questioned. And who was in a bad mood? One might answer the star. But there was someone else too: Park Namwook! (chapter 36) Yes, the coach and manager, but his bad mood didn’t get the attention from the readers or the members. He was yelling, even looking unhappy and grumpy. (chapter 36) According to my observations, Park Namwook’s nightmare is to see the end of the champion’s career. In other words, he also felt threatened after the release of the article. The champion’s career is numbered.
Interesting is that the moment I noticed his bad mood in this image, I had another revelation. Why was the champion so rough and deadly serious, when he was sparring with Oh Daehyun and others? It is because he knew that his hyung was observing him. He needed to prove to him that he was still invincible. Yes, the body language from Park Namwook (crossed arms with no mouth) is expressing expectations, dissatisfaction and pressure. As soon as you accept this interpretation, you will realize that the members during that day were used as “tools” for the champion’s training. It had nothing to do with sparring or teaching, rather with a real fight. Joo Jaekyung needed to prove his superiority and even his perfection to his hyung. Thar’s the reason why I come to the following conclusion: chapter 36 stands in opposition to episode 26, where sparring was connected to fun and real teaching. (chapter 26) And how were the members from Team Black feeling during that special day? (chapter 26) Happy, though they were just observing. Kim Dan was spreading not only good mood, but also genuine care and selflessness.
Under this light, it becomes comprehensible why Park Namwook didn’t try to protect them from the champion’s coldness, though the star was less brutal compared to episode 1. (chapter 36) The manager and coach was upset too and he could no longer hide his anxieties and stress. Thus I come to the following deduction: we should see this episode as the older version of the slap. (Chapter 2) His boy had not been perfect. He had failed him. In addition, Namwook’s reaction contrasts so much to Kim Dan who not only fulfilled Potato’s dream, but also desired to learn from the star. He considered him as a master. But let’s return our attention to chapter 36 and the coach’s attitude.
First, he was himself in a bad mood (anxious, under pressure). Secondly, he saw this training as a preparation to an imminent fight. In other words, he already knew that a fight would take place. He needed it in order to get reassurance for himself. At the same time, he needed to cover up for his own rude and selfish behavior. Hence he offered the jackets. That way, he could appear as a good Samaritan (chapter 36) Yet, he pales in comparison to our main lead Kim Dan, who didn’t use money to get recognition and admiration from the other members. He is not using Joo Jaekyung to get rich or famous…. And this remark brings me to another statement. While the sparring in episode 26 embodies fun, honesty, happiness, gratitude and teaching, episode 36 represents the opposite notions: MONEY, WORK, ANGER, greed, manipulations and selfishness. That’s why the jackets have no name on it, they symbolize dehumanization and anonymity. The underlining message is that even Joo Jaekyung, as a fighter, can get replaced. However, this is not correct, for the protagonist is the true owner of the gym. Without him, the gym can not exist.
Thus I can’t help myself thinking that in the end, Kim Dan is destined to become famous, something Park Namwook have been dreaming of. However, contrary to the manager, Kim Dan’s success will be thanks to his own skills and dedication. He will bring a different philosophy to the gym. The members are not numbers, but talented fighters, hence they should be treated with respect and care. (chapter 7) They are honorable, though they are using their fists.
That’s it for today.
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.
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining Manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
In my last composition, I elaborated Shin Okja’s personality by examining closely her new scarf from chapter 41. She embodies toxic positivity and as such the expression of “pink-tinted glasses”. The elderly woman views herself as a victim, yet feels entitled to a fortunate life filled with love and wealth. Therefore she avoids confronting her mortality by clinging to overly optimistic beliefs. This form of toxic positivity involves denying or minimizing real issues, as if looking through “pink-tinted glasses” that filter out any negative realities, including the prospect of death. In this sense, the “pink-tinted glasses” become a metaphor for ignoring painful truths by maintaining a forced optimism.
The grandmother’s power over Kim Dan
But this also implies that she evades confrontation and as such argument with people. No wonder why there was no heated discussion between her grandson and herself in season 1. But how could she always sidestep discussion? In my opinion, one of her MO is to make requests or ask for favors. (chapter 53), which she admitted at the hospital. Another tactic she uses is making promises that compel Kim Dan to follow through on them, while she is not bound by this obligation towards her relative: (chapter 11). The evidence for this interpretation is visible in the last panel. The latter employed the expression “I promised grandma”. There is no “we” in this sentence. Her illness was the cause for not making any promise from her side. That’s how I had another revelation. The doctor’s oath was in reality one of her favors from the past. That’s how she could control her grandchild in the end. In addition, through the promise she attached the physical therapist to her house.
Kim Dan and the humble dwelling
And that’s how she could avoid the loan shark’s harassement. In my eyes, she knew deep down that with this promise she was not only putting all her burdens onto Kim Dan, but also exposing him to the violence of the thugs. As long as Kim Dan didn’t bring up this topic, she could feign ignorance. However, her reaction concerning the new expensive treatment (chapter 7) indicates that she was not senile or totally oblivious of the truth. She raised her voice out of fear that Kim Dan might have signed a lease behind her back. In that case, she would have become responsible for the new debts. Note the drop of sweat on her cheek, a sign of discomfort. Since I started examining Manhwas, I noticed the strong correlation between the drop of sweat and hypocrisy. Thus I conclude that the halmeoni was living after the following principle: “What the eye does not see, the heart does not grieve over”. For me, her gentleness and smiles are masking her true personality: greedy, selfish and even heartless.
Thus I was wondering if the threat from Heo Manwook was not exposing the existence of a tacite arrangement between (chapter 16) the loan shark and the old lady. He knew where she was (hospital), and notice that her grandson had been paying the loan from his own account and cellphone. (chapter 11) He had taken over her burden. Furthermore, my avid readers should keep in their mind that the loan shark had been angry, for he imagined that the young physical therapist was moving out. (chapter 16) As you can see, the debt was strongly connected to the grandmother’s house. But who had moved out from the small dwelling? The grandmother. Interesting is that this district was about to get redeveloped. The thugs could have noticed it… there were everywhere banners announcing the new construction. (chapter 9) But who was not aware of the redevelopment? The grandmother… She had been living at the hospital for 3 years. I came to this deduction because of Choi Heesung’s remark about his k-drama: (chapter 30) As you can see, I have the feeling that Shin Okja is not so innocent either. She must have known that her grandson was exposed to violence. In my eyes, her MO is always to leave her mess behind and let others take the burden.
The pink-tinted glasses and home
But there exists another proof for this interpretation: her home. (chapter 19) (chapter 10) In my last composition, I mentioned that her flat was exposing her toxic positivity. And now it is time to bring up the evidence for this perception.
This picture comes an article focusing on the connection between home and psychological problems. The author explains why a house gets neglected.
Some people spend years living in apartments with a leaky tap, old-school wallpaper, and keep things in boxes in order not to spend extra money on new stuff. They often treat their place as temporary: like they are planning to move to a different town, find a job abroad, get a mortgage, or just wait for their lives to somehow change. But sometimes, they can live in this “temporary” place for decades. From a psychological standpoint, these people are inclined to live in the future and see it through rose-colored glasses. They treat the present as a temporary discomfort that they just need to tolerate. On the other hand, they often don’t have any solid plan — these people are used to living like this and they are constantly hoping for some outside help that will change their situation. Quoted from the article https://brightside.me/articles/8-hidden-psychological-problems-a-messy-home-can-reveal-about-us-729710/
This means that Shin Okja never came to enjoy the present moment. In addition, with the quote Jinx-philes can grasp that the grandmother never considered this house as her true home. Her stay was limited in time. That’s the reason why the window was not repaired in 20 years. She could see the damages, but she chose to close her eyes to the rundown house. Thanks to this article, I had this new revelation: why did she neglect her home? It is because she had never planned to stay there, she was “focusing” on the future. Consequently, the promise with Kim Dan (chapter 11) can be judged as an evidence that this senior was rather future-oriented. Moreover, the agreement can be perceived under a different light. Since she had always thought of moving out and saw this dwelling as a momentary refuge, her commitment appears more shallow and dishonest. Did she truly desire to return to that place? From my point of view, she hoped to live elsewhere in the future, either on the West Coast or with her grandson in a better home, once he had got a big gig.
But there’s more to it. As soon as you consider the house as a temporary place, you will realize why she came to neglect Kim Dan, why she never prioritized him. Kim Dan is like the home… He is just a temporary support. How did I come up with this perception? He is “the outside help”. She definitely wanted to use him as her “servant”. At the same time, it becomes comprehensible why she blamed her grandson for his poor health. (chapter 21) Her MO is to wait for some change, as if she was waiting for a miracle. It was the same with the house: the latter had mold, a broken window… not because of her, but because of life and other circumstances. It was not her fault, if the house was not well-maintained. She couldn’t change it, but the presence of the huge Wedding Cabinet exposes this lie. She could have sold it and with the money, either pay back the loan and move to a smaller but better house. Moreover, she was able to watch a K-drama during the weekend, a sign that she definitely had time. (chapter 30) She was not working non-stop. Another important aspect is that such persons are passive, because they are waiting for the right time or for the outside help. They somehow imagine that a prince charming will suddenly appear and remove all their problems. Consequently, I conclude that the elderly woman views herself as “Sleeping Beauty”, hence the doctor adopted her mentality. The athlete must have appeared like a knight in shining armor for the grandmother that day. (chapter 21) She must have felt young again. Consequently, I come to the following conclusion. Halmeoni chose to abandon Joo Jaekyung and forget her gratitude, because he could no longer help her. She needed her grandson once again.
The moment my avid readers considers Kim Dan as the “outside help”, it becomes obvious why he had to become a PT. There is no doubt that he selected this profession because of her, another favor from her. It is said that such persons live in the future… but her illness changed her mind-set a little. She is getting aware that she is running out of time. Now, she is looking back at her past. Striking is that in her request, she used the personal pronoun “we” (chapter 53), but it is strongly intertwined with her own desire. On the other hand, her favor is centered on a single moment (“one last time”), which stands in opposition to her attitude in the past. She is not waiting for the right time, she is now making plans. However, she is not taking her grandchild’s life and career into consideration. To conclude, her plan is revolving around her once again.
And this raises the following question: who pushed her to make such a huge decision? The doctor Kim Miseon. Later, Kim Dan received the brochure about the hospice, so it is also possible that once there, she feels betrayed, as she imagined a different life there. As you can see, though the grandmother is running away from her vanished home, she is not able to escape “responsibility” and “reality”. I am more than ever convinced that her pink-tinted glasses are about to get broken. And this brings me back to Kim Dan and his home. Since she is trying to relive her “youth”, it becomes obvious that in verity, she is abandoning her grandson, for he was not part of her past. Just like she “forgot her Wedding Cabinet, her flat and as such abandoned her home, she is abandoning Kim Dan. Observe that she never brought up the topic “home” with her new favor. Her chaotic and neglected home (chapter 10) exposes her mentality. She is “careless”, “disorganized” and “chaotic.” This person lacks attention to detail or responsibility for cleaning up after herself, leaving others to manage or fix what she left behind. Thus she appears as “inconsiderate“, as her messiness impacts Kim Dan. The latter has to “clean up” her mess.
That’s it for today.
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.
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
Like mentioned in the last essay, I am planning to release a short analysis each day. Today, my focus will be on this scene: (chapter 52) The remaining members from Team Black were paying a visit to the recently surged athlete. One detail caught my attention.
Where are the flowers or the fruits from the visitors?
If you have ever watched any K-drama, you can observe how visitors bring flowers, nutrition drinks, a basket of fruits or ginseng to a patient recovering at a hospital. Why? Offering items like fruits, flowers, books, nutrition drinks, or ginseng to a hospital patient serves both emotional and physical purposes. Flowers and books help create a comforting environment, lifting the patient’s spirits, while fruits and nutrition drinks provide essential nutrients, aiding recovery. Ginseng, valued in traditional medicine for boosting energy and immune support, can also contribute to physical well-being. Together, these gifts show thoughtfulness, offering nourishment, distraction, and a reminder that the patient is cared for, fostering a holistic approach to healing. They are not alone, they can count on their friends or family’s support.
Since these gestures show comfort and thoughtfulness, promoting emotional well-being, the panel exposes Team Black’s true mentality. They are not taking care of the celebrity’s mental and emotional care at all. The absence reinforces my previous interpretation about this scene. Park Namwook is far from being compassionate and caring. In fact, imagine that they are talking about work in such an environment, while the fighter should focus on his recovery. Let’s not forget that he just got surged which shouldn’t be underestimated.
One might argue that Kim Dan didn’t bring a gift to his grandmother, when he visited her twice at the hospital. (chapter 5) (chapter 7) Nevertheless, the young man was struggling financially back then, he could barely buy himself some food. Nonetheless, he still took his time to visit her before going to his new work place. And this brings me back to the image from episode 22: (chapter 52) All these men are not struggling financially, hence they should have thought about a present. Moreover, observe that they didn’t bring anything during that day, but also not before. The VIP hospital room is totally empty, even sterile. The absence of items is indicating their neglect, I am even suspecting that they didn’t visit the champion for a while. Mingwa showed us that the remaining members went to the gym. (chapter 52) But there is more to it.
They didn’t send anything either: no card or message. The table and bed are clean. Moreover, my avid readers could see that Joo Jaekyung only had his cellphone and he was reading the news. This means that Joo Jaekyung didn’t receive any kind word from them either. This exposes the coldness from Park Namwook who is seen as hyung and role model for Team Black. He has spent so many years by his side, but he is unable to show any compassion towards his “boy”, To conclude, he is not a role model. Quite far from it…. And this raises the following question.
Why didn’t they even think of a small present?
They could use the birthday party as an excuse. (chapter 43) He wouldn’t have liked it. He dislikes presents anyway. However, his reaction at the surprised birthday party can not be utilized as an excuse. Why? I have two reasons for this objection. First, he saw the birthday party as a disturbance to his routine (training)! That’s why he said this to the fighters: (chapter 43) They should eat the cake quickly so that the training could start. But at the hospital, he has all the time in the world. He can not train due to his injured shoulder. Hence the gift doesn’t represent a transgression at all. As for the second reason, note that the athlete ate the strawberry with the cream, with this gesture, he was sending the signal that he was accepting their present, though he didn’t eat much. Finally, by eating the strawberry, he displays his like for fruits!!
There exists another reason why the athlete received nothing from his visitors. Let’s not forget that for the athlete, presents were always connected to favors! The donator expected something in exchange from the “receiver”. And now, you know why Park Namwook came empty-handed! He had nothing to expect from Joo Jaekyung, the latter lost his title and he can not fight for 3 months. This means that during this time, Park Namwook can not earn any money. Remember that the one racing against time is in truth the former wrestler, for he is expecting this outcome: (chapter 52) Yes, everything is revolving around money for Park Namwook. This observation leads to the following remark. The manager offered nothing to Joo Jaekyung, because he is rich. He has everything he needs. That’s how it dawned on me that so far, the coach has never offered anything to the star himself at all, not even after his victories. Just a stroke on the shoulder (chapter 5) and a compliment in the hallway (chapter 40). In fact, the one doing a favor was always Joo Jaekyung for the manager. Hence the former chose to lie about his shoulder: he is not allowed to show any sign of weakness. (chapter 40)
By noticing the absence of gifts in the hospital room, I had another revelation. I suddenly recalled this scene: (chapter 15) Here, the manager was willing to bring him “all the water the star could ever want”. And guess what? Water is supposed to be free! Naturally, he was replying to the champion’s request. However, I don’t think this remark is anodyne. In fact, “all the water you could ever want” is an indication that the champion is not allowed to be too greedy and Park Namwook is only willing to offer water and nothing else. It exposes Park Namwook‘s greed.
And now, it is time to return to the hospital room. (chapter 52) Did Park Namwook ask the athlete if he wanted to have some water? Did he offer to help him to change the position of his bed? Did he assist him to sit correctly, like the champion did with the grandmother? (chapter 21) Did he spend his time with him in order to give him some comfort? The answer is always NO. Yes, Joo Jaekyung appears as a knight in shining armor compared to Park Namwook.
Why am I so certain that he didn’t spend time with the athlete?
First, for me, there is no doubt that Park Namwook felt uncomfortable with the injured sportsman. Don’t forget that his biggest fear is that his boy gets so injured that he can no longer fight. (chapter 43) He only admires the strong and invincible fighter, not the weak man. Furthermore, he needed to announce to Joo Jaekyung that his PT had quit. Thanks to Potato’s discovery, the man had the opportunity to bring up the resignation. However, he didn’t want to be the one responsible for his resignation. Joo Jaekyung needed to take the fall. What caught my attention is that Potato’s face had cuts, but no bruised face! (chapter 52) Here, I am giving you a comparison with Kim Dan: (chapter 18) The latter had just received his treatment at the hospital. The maknae and the others had not appeared, because they had gone to the hospital in order to treat the chowchow’s wounds. This shows that some time had passed, until they chose to visit the wounded and lonely star. Besides, Jeong Yosep had contacted in the main time the authorities (police, MFC) (chapter 52) As you can see, the timing is indicating that the athlete was manipulated, for they revealed the truth to Joo Jaekyung in delay. It is called “paltering”. This new discovery reinforces my first examination. They were all selfish and cold-hearted, for they had the time to buy a present, when they went to the VIP room. Simultaneously, it corroborates my impression that Park Namwook was not truly unhappy about Kim Dan’s departure. His passivity, silence and the delayed announcement of his resignation are all revealing that Park Namwook was not truly concerned about the PT. But the best evidence is his behavior towards his own “boy”. He spent so many years by his side (chapter 15), but he didn’t offer him anything at the hospital: no book, no ginseng, no fruit…. In verity, he was the one who desired to get comfort and validation. (chapter 52) It was, as if the world had turned upside down.
That’s it for today.
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.
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
The countdown for season 2 is running. The author and Lezhin announced that chapter 54 will be released on November 22nd. 🎉 Almost exactly one year after the start of the first season.
A great thank you to @Rin_de_eegana who provided me with the original Haikus. Hence the English translation was changed.
Initially, I desired to release this essay , but as always I didn’t anticipate the effort and energy involved in the composition. Thus I decided to publish the essay “Sound Of Water” first, as it is much easier to write (less literature to read). The trigger for this essay are Haikus which I discovered in a recently published French Book entitled “Le bruit de l’eau” (Sound of water). And now, you know the origin for this essay. As you can see, the collection of Haikus is focusing on the topic “Water”. Since I only possess the French version of Haikus, I could only give you my own English translation. Fortunately, my friend @Rin_de_eegana was able to find the original version, Japanese. Therefore in the second version, I am giving a second English translation whích gave me new insight once again. Anyway, the thing is that as soon as I read certain poems, it made me think of Jinx and the characters. This shows my obsession for this terrific Manhwa.
1. Haikus and nature
On the other hand, you might be wondering how the Korean Manhwa is connected to Haikus and to water as well. In order to answer to this question, it is first necessary to present the characteristics of a Haiku.
1. 1. Characteristics of a Haiku:
Syllable Structure: Traditionally, a haiku consists of three lines following a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. This means the first line has 5 syllables, the second line 7, and the third line 5. However, in modern haiku, especially in non-Japanese contexts, this structure can be more flexible.
Seasonal Reference (Kigo): Classic haikus often include a reference to nature or a specific season, known as a kigo. This ties the poem to the natural world and evokes a sense of time or environment.
Juxtaposition (Kireji): There is typically a contrast or shift in perspective, often marked by a cutting word (kireji) in Japanese. This brings two images or ideas into sharp focus, inviting the reader to connect them in a meaningful way.
Present Moment (Awareness): Haikus capture a single moment in time with brevity and clarity. The poet seeks to express the essence of an experience, often related to nature, through minimalistic yet vivid language.
Subjectivity and Simplicity: The poem is usually personal, expressing the poet’s direct experience or observation in a simple, unsentimental manner.
If you read all my previous analyses about Jinx, you are already aware that in this story, Mingwa has been portraying the city as a place full of corruption and estrangement. Yet the main leads are slowly reconnecting to their own true nature thanks to each other. Furthermore, the Webtoonist is stating through Jinx that fame or wealth are no real source of happiness, rather love and fulfilment. Thus the champion is suffering from depression, insomnia and anger issues. Finally, through her characters, it becomes clear that they need to learn how to “enjoy the moment”. That’s how they will come to love life and stop living like ghosts. That’s how they will learn how to live a good life. And that’s exactly what a Haiku is conveying too. The latter is often linked to the concept of “enlightenment” and “carpe diem” (seizing the day), though not always in an overt way. Many haikus emphasize the fleeting nature of life or the ephemeral beauty of a single moment—key elements of the carpe diem philosophy. The seasonal references, especially to autumn or falling leaves, often remind readers of life’s transience (ephemerality) encouraging an appreciation of the present moment before it passes. For example, a haiku may evoke the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring (a symbol of both renewal and impermanence) or describe the changing of seasons to highlight the inevitability of change and decay, which can be interpreted as a quiet call to embrace life while we can.
In essence, haikus share with carpe diem the philosophy of mindfulness—appreciating the now because it is fleeting. And now, you comprehend why the French book about Haikus is containing poems about water. Since the illustration is showing the sea, , anyone will think immediately of the ocean. But where is the sea in Jinx?
1. 2. Blue and Boundary
It was implied in chapter 14/15 with the doctor’s trip to Busan, a city which is situated on the Southern coast. (chapter 14) Yet, the main lead never got the chance to see it. Then the ocean is only mentioned directly at the end of the first season. The halmeoni was expressing her wish to return to the West Coast (chapter 53) where she hoped to see a beautiful ocean one more time. (chapter 53) When she was 10 years old, she was moved by how the ocean changed colors with the beautiful sunset. It was no longer blue or grey, but yellow, red, pink, orange and purple. This wonderful but brief moment left such a deep impression on her that she could never forget it. (chapter 53) She never came to regret her walk to the beach, because this souvenir also became her source of strength. This memory created in her the desire to see it again, thus she kept postcards with views of the ocean. (chapter 17)
In addition, I believe that the mesmerizing view also made her forget everything: her worries or her family. (chapter 53) Hence she remained immobile and silent in front of the amazing view. We could say, she felt totally engulfed by the ocean in fire, forgetting herself in the brilliant glow of the sunset as if she were becoming one with the view. This interpretation reinforces my perception about the intention behind the halmeoni’s wish: escapism from reality. She believes that with such a view, she will forget her terminal disease and even her pain, as though it will help her to live longer.
But there is another reason why she was so affected which I discovered with this Haiku written by Santoka:
French
English
Japanese
“Me voilà là où le bleu de la mer est sans limite.”
“Here I am, where the blue of the sea knows no bounds.” New translation: I am here now, in the boundless blue of the sea.”
われ今ここに 海の青さのかぎりなし
The Haiku evokes a profound sense of openness and freedom, often reflecting a Zen-inspired approach to nature and self-awareness. Since the ocean embodies infinity and timelessness, the observer “Here I am” is remembering through the beautiful view of the ocean of his own limit: mortality. At the same time, the contrast encourages the “Here I am “ not only to meditate. It also motivates the person to grow, to push away his own limits. Why? It is because the boundless blue sea symbolizes both the vastness of nature and the limitless potential of the self, inviting reflection on life’s expansive and uncontainable aspects. The sea here represents a place beyond the limits of ordinary concerns, not as a void but as openness and infinite potential. This limitless “blue” suggests an escape from the mundane, a place for self-discovery, and the eternal flow of time, reminiscent of the Buddhist idea of impermanence. As a conclusion, this haiku captures a moment of complete presence within the vastness of nature. The poet stands before the limitless blue of the sea, feeling both awe and a sense of unity with its expansiveness. The phrase “I am here now” grounds the poet in the present (ephemerality), whereas “boundless blue” emphasizes the sea’s infinite reach, a powerful symbol for freedom, mystery, or eternity. The haiku suggests an experience of feeling both small and deeply connected within the immense, unending beauty of the natural world.
As you can sense, this poem captures the “now,” encouraging readers to embrace a moment as fleeting as the sea’s endless horizon, thus aligning with “carpe diem.” Shin Okja must have felt free, peaceful and powerful in that moment. As you can imagine, as soon as I saw this picture with the poem, I couldn’t help myself thinking about Kim Dan. In front of the sea, the PT should find his true self: no boundary… like the sea! In front of the sea, he could get more self-awareness and realize that he is also strong. In season 1, people could sense his low self-esteem. So by being next to nature (sea, trees), he could regain his self-confidence. In other words, I believe that his journey to the sea will affect him deeply too, though he has no expectation at all.
Is it a coincidence that his silhouette (chapter 53) is glowing blue? I don’t think so. Let’s not forget that blue symbolizes wood for Koreans. The sea (water) and a tree (chapter 41) are the doctor’s true elements. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why under the tree, he came to acknowledge his feelings for the athlete. In addition, if Kim Dan gets close to water, this signifies that he will get replenished and truly nourished. And notice that during season 1, he never ate properly.
But this doesn’t end here. The poem also reminded me of Joo Jaekyung: (chapter 53) He is standing in front of the blue city. But he doesn’t feel free and powerful. Why? There is a window in front of him. The window is showing him his own boundaries. His penthouse is like a cage, and he is not truly dominating the city. In reality, he is isolated. To conclude, the panel stands in opposition to the Japanese poem and the grandmother’s vision: alienation, regret and powerlessness. So we should write the haiku like this, from the champion’s perspective:
“Here I am, where the blue of the city knows my limits.”
In Seoul, he is now portrayed as a thug and loser. Since the image contradicts the original haiku from Santoka, this means that the moment in front of the window embodies not self-awareness, but the opposite: obliviousness, ignorance, or even self-deception. These terms imply a lack of insight into his own thoughts, feelings, or actions, which led him misunderstand or misjudge Kim Dan. Similarly, the opposite of peace of mind can be described as anxiety, distress, or turmoil, which are states marked by worry, unease, or mental unrest, often resulting from unresolved conflicts or lack of clarity. Thus the fighter can not express his emotions and thoughts properly. (chapter 53) Together, these opposites suggest a state of inner turmoil or confusion, where a person lacks clarity about both themselves and the world around them, which can inhibit personal growth and well-being. And this is exactly how the main lead feels in the final panel of season 1.
Thus it dawned on me that both characters could make a beautiful experience in front of the ocean in fire. How so? I realized that the grandmother never shared this experience with her grandson before. She kept this beautiful moment as a secret (chapter 53) which is the exact opposite to Santoka. By writing the haiku, the author desired to share his thoughts and emotions, and encourage his readers to meditate and to feel this freedom and peacefulness. Thus I am expecting that both characters will go to the ocean together and that’s how the latter will get closer to each other. Their intimacy will improve not just through clear and direct communication, but also through shared experiences. However, we shouldn’t imagine that they will make the exact same experience than Shin Okja, as each person is different. Furthermore, they could go there to a divergent season or time, hence the nature of the ocean could be different:
Like this Haiku from Amari Ôki
French
English
Japanese
Loin d’être aussi calme qu’un mort la mer hivernale !
“Far from being as calm as the dead, the winter sea!” New translation: There is no ease of death in the winter sea.
死ぬといふ やすらぎ 冬の海になし
The French version of this haiku contrasts the common image of calmness with the intense energy of the winter sea. By comparing it to the dead, the poet suggests that even in the cold and desolate season, the sea is dynamic, restless, and alive—defying the stillness and finality of death. This evokes a sense of nature’s persistent vitality, even in winter’s harshest state. The constant, unrelenting waves of the winter sea indeed suggest an image of persistence and ceaseless motion contrasting with the sleeping nature in winter. This naturally made me think of the grandmother’s death, who might have vanished, but she remains present in the heart and mind of the main leads. In front of a changing and vigorous sea, the beholder is also reminded of his own life and mortality.
However, the Japanese version and the second English translation gives a totally different interpretation. The « winter sea » conveys a vision of death that is neither gentle nor peaceful, but rather restless and intense, like the winter sea itself. In this image, the cold, churning waters of winter contrasts with the idea of a calm, serene end. The winter sea embodies a relentless, almost haunting energy, where waves are constantly breaking and crashing, echoing a sense of turmoil rather than tranquility.
This interpretation suggests that, just as the winter sea is harsh and unyielding, so too might death be something that doesn’t bring the expected ease or comfort. It reflects an unsettling vision of nature and existence, where peace is elusive and even death holds an enduring, untamed force. This means that once the halmeoni is facing the ocean, the latter could scare her, because she is reminded of her own death. She would be confronted with her own powerlessness and mortality, this can only reinforce her fears about death. Another possibility is that Kim Dan is triggered by this vision (don’t forget that he fears water: (chapter 27) Like mentioned above, the beholder in front of the ocean can have a different experience than the young girl.
2. The grandmother’s confession
Let’s return our attention to Shin Okja’s childhood and magical moment once again. (chapter 53) What caught my attention is the vocabulary employed to describe her past life is revolving around “chaos”, “urgency” and “race against time: “to evacuate” and “so hectic”. (chapter 53) Thus I deduce that in that moment, she must have felt at peace. This explains why she could never forget this magic moment. However, her confession displays a deep regret as well: she couldn’t go back to the ocean. I would even add that she is portraying herself as a person who had no control over her life. It was either « we » or « life ». Through her words, we can sense her passivity, but also her victim mentality. It was not her fault that she couldn’t go back to the ocean. She never had the opportunity to do so!! She never had missed her chance. She is denying the existence of a missed chance or timing. After reading the description of her past life, I am quite certain that my avid readers can recognize the similarities between the athlete and the halmeoni’s destiny. Until his defeat, Joo Jaekyung had no time either. He was also racing against time. However, there exists one divergence between them: the chance to make the right decision. This means that the champion has now the opportunity to take a break. Furthermore, he also has one chance to get back the doctor, but he shouldn’t miss it.
“In my opinion, the reason why most people fail in their lives is because they never know when the decisive moment has arrived.” Erich Fromm
This quote underlines the importance of awareness and self-knowledge in seizing opportunities and making meaningful choices. Fromm frequently discussed how individuals miss chances for genuine self-fulfillment because they are distracted by external pressures or conformist habits, thereby losing touch with the pivotal moments that could bring change and growth. Thus I deduce that Shin Okja is not truly honest to herself and her grandchild. She must have had a chance at some point, but she made the wrong decision. Thus she portrays herself as a victim of circumstances. There is no doubt that contrary to Shin Okja, the athlete won’t miss his second chance and will change for the better.
However, we shouldn’t forget that with her request, the grandmother is making a rush decision in reality. She is not taking her time to reflect if her desire to go to the West coast is a good thing. Like I wrote in the previous analysis Click : Between Fleeting illusions and Enduring Realities, she got definitely deceived by this brochure: (chapter 53) Furthermore, she is imagining that she can make the same experience again. But this is just an illusion, like the Greek philosopher Heraclitus explained it:
“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river, and he’s not the same man.” Heraclitus
Heraclitus uses the river as a metaphor to show that everything is in constant flux. Just as the water in a river is always moving, flowing from one place to another, everything in life is always changing—from our thoughts, feelings, and bodies to the external world. This idea (“everything flows”) points to his belief that nothing remains static or permanent.
Yes, Shin Okja is no longer the 10 years old child. She needs someone by her side to go to the beach. (chapter 53) Secondly, I doubt that the beautiful view could make her forget her suffering. Finally, let’s not forget that for one single moment, she will spend many days in a hospice, where she will be surrounded by dying people. Furthermore, the image of the ocean could generate a different feeling: torment like mentioned above. She is expecting to make the same experience, but the opposite could happen. She gets terrified and tormented. Therefore I have the impression that the grandmother might come to regret her past decision. But contrary to the past, she can not blame the others (« we ») or life, as it was her own choice and request! Therefore I deduce that in the past, she let others make decisions for herself, like we could see it with her expensive treatment. She listened to Kim Dan and the oncologist. (Chapter 7) And we could see that Joo Jaekyung had a similar attitude in season 1, he would listen to his hyungs and the people working for MFC. Consequently, I come to the following deduction: this time, the fighter will make the decision on his own. He won’t follow Park Namwook’s advice: (chapter 53) The latter is asking him to simply wait and to rely on him. Joo Jaekyung will take the matter into his own hands, the exact opposite attitude to the beginning of season 1.
3. Regret and Water
As you can see, thanks the first two haikus, I got a much better understanding of the characters from Jinx. However, the biggest revelation came with another haiku. Water comes under different forms, like a river, a waterfall or rain. Therefore the book contains the following haiku written by Ryokan Taigu.
French
English
Japanese
Jour après jour Tombe la bruine – La vieillesse me saisit
“Day after day The misty rain falls— Old age grips me.” New translation based on the Japanese version: Day by day, as the winter rain falls, people grow old.”
日々日々に 時雨の降れば 人老いぬ (Thanks to @rinsan)
This haiku reflects the passage of time and the inevitability of aging, with the winter rain symbolizing the steady, unstoppable rhythm of nature that mirrors life’s transient nature. The imagery of rain falling “day by day” emphasizes the gradual, almost unnoticed progress of time that ultimately leads to aging. Despite the slight change in the translation, it doesn’t affect my revelation and new interpretation. Thanks to this poem, I had suddenly realized two aspects. First, the fall and winter in Jinx symbolize the dying Shin Okja. The seasons are mirroring the aging and the changes. This means that we should expect her death either in fall or in winter. I am opting more for fall due to the rain, though the poem from Amari Ôki is connecting death to winter. Why? Striking is that in season 1, Mingwa always showed us a beautiful weather. The sun was always present following the main lead, (chapter 1) (chapter 47) (chapter 47) even when the doctor was confronted with the truth about his terminally ill grandmother. The sun was always shining brightly. Since in the haiku from Ryokan Taigu, the rain is associated with old-age and fall (misty), it dawned on me that the rain should be associated with the grandmother’s death. If this comes true, it was, as though the sky and gods were weeping for her vanishing. Additionally, the first season took place in Spring and Summer, thus I deduce that season 2 will take place around late summer, fall and winter. This means that the weather should change. And this remark led to my second revelation. I started looking for South Korea’s climates, particularly I was curious about the climate on the West Coast.
Should they move to the beige region on the West coast, this signifies that it will rain more often, especially in the Summer. 😮
South Korea is affected by the Asian monsoon regime: in winter, cold air masses from the Asian continent prevail, while in summer, the country is reached by warm and moist air masses of tropical origin. For this reason, the precipitation pattern is opposite to that of the Mediterranean climate: the driest season is winter, while the rainiest one is summer. Moreover, in summer and early autumn, South Korea can be affected by typhoons (see below).
Total annual precipitation is significant, spanning generally from 1,200 to 1,500 millimeters (47 to 60 inches), with the exception of both the southern coast, where it is higher and can reach 1,700 mm (67 in), and the northernmost inland regions, where it is lower and can go down to 1,000 mm (40 in), in addition to some particularly sheltered valleys like that of Daegu (or Taegu), where it does not exceed 1,000 mm (40 in) per year. […] Typically, typhoons affect Korea from July to early October, with a higher probability in the first half of September. Sometimes, they also arrive in the second half of June, when they are generally less strong and only affect the extreme south.
As you can see, late Summer and fall in South Korea are strongly linked to rain and even typhoons😨. And we would have a possible explanation about the circumstances for the vanishing of Kim Dan’s parents and his fear of water. Imagine this. By returning to the West Coast and as such by reconnecting to her past, the doctor’s past and his parents’ vanishing will certainly come back to the surface. Don’t forget that his parents were never brought up in season 1.
But let’s return our attention to my previous observation. The weather and as such nature could decide not to fulfil her wish. Due to the rain or a tempest, she is not able to go to the beach. She didn’t take the season into consideration, a sign that she didn’t truly ponder on her decision. This would explain why we had no bad weather in season 1, for her grandchild was fulfilling all her desires. Moreover, since the halmeoni lived for quite some time at the hospital, there is no ambiguity that she came to forget the seasons. She only remembers the ocean on a beautiful day. And now, look at the following picture: (chapter 19) the presence of pink and purple hydrangeas indicates that it was taken in Summer. This new approach reinforces my perception that the grandmother is about to get confronted with harsh reality despite her attempts to escape from it. Her wish can not be fulfilled so easily, like she is imagining it. In addition, Manhwa-philes should keep in their mind that weather has a great influence on elderly people’s health.
How Weather Affects the Elderly
It’s hard to believe that cooler temperatures will be here soon. As I sat here composing today’s blog, my weather app is showing a maximum temperature of 19 Degrees with rain due throughout the day. This will drop quick and suddenly as we approach autumn!
This raises the question as to how temperature changes affect the elderly, whether it is hot or cold and how we can be prepared to assist our elderly relatives.
Hot Weather and the Elderly
The reality is that the older we get the more sensitive we become to temperature changes. Elderly people are far more prone to heat stress than younger people. As one specialist commented, “elderly people account for a disproportionate number of heat related hospital admissions and deaths.” […]
This observation leads me to even conclude that her move to the West Coast could in reality accelerate her death. 😮And now, I am adding the picture which was placed next to the haiku from Ryokan.
We have an elderly man walking through the rain in front of the blue sea. The latter is accompanied with a Waka-poem from Yoshihiro (which was not translated). According to my Japanese friend @Rin_de_eegana (飯乞ふと 里にも出でず この頃は 時雨の雨の 間なくし降れば), this phrase describes a situation where one cannot even go out to the village to beg for alms due to the long rain. Here, we have the topic of poverty linked to old-age and rain. Yes, the pages of this book reminded me of Shin Okja, a poor elderly woman who is so sick. And like mentioned above, the rain could be the reason why the woman doesn’t go to the beach. The two poems are underlining one important aspect: the powerlessness of humans in front of nature. No one can stop aging, just like no one can control the weather. At the same time, it outlines the importance for a senior to be surrounded by people, so that they don’t end up dying from dehydration, from a cold or hypothermia.
4. Tears and rain
In the part above, I presented the following expectation: the day of the grandmother’s death is strongly intertwined with the rain. The drops from the sky should be seen as a metaphor for tears. But I have another evidence for this prediction. My avid readers should keep in their mind that Mingwa’s story is written like a kaleidoscope, like an eternal circle. Thus scenes are always reflecting each other. This means, the author left traces of the rain in season 1. And where were they? In the bathroom (chapter 47) (chapter 49) Both main leads went to the restroom in order to hide their emotional turmoil and suffering. They used flowing water (in Joo Jaekyung’s case the shower) in order to cover the sound of their weeping: SHAAA. Yes, the tears are making sound… so the rain should make sound as well. And this brings me to my next remark. (chapter 53) When she mentioned this beautiful experience to Kim Dan, she was only focusing on the mesmerizing view: a colorful ocean. Thus the author zoomed on her eyes and blushing cheeks. However, she didn’t pay attention to the sound of the ocean. Yes, the waves are making sound. Thus the author zoomed on her eyes and blushing cheeks, but her ears are not really visible. Moreover, her memory is presented without a sound. (chapter 53) There is only silence, whereas in reality, this is how the ocean sounds:
If you pay attention to the title of this video, you will see that sea waves are used to help people to relax and to fall asleep!! Thus I am inclined to think that the champion will discover the true power of nature in front of the Yellow sea. The sound of the waves will help him to overcome his insomnia. In season 1, the author implied the existence of a connection between the sea waves and his insomnia in the champion’s life : (Chapter 29) Remember how I had described this panel. The fighter feared to be swallowed by the darkness, to drown because of the many opponents. The fighters are placed like waves. Thus the celebrity could decide to change his career (to become a fighter like Dominic Hill who selects his own fighters) and move to the countryside in order to live a better life. And this brings me to my last haiku composed by Suéko Fujii
French
English
Le bruit de l’eau éclairé par la lune plus intense
“The sound of water illuminated by the moon— more intense.”
In this haiku, the poet highlights how moonlight not only illuminates but enhances perception, sharpening the experience of nature’s sounds. The moonlight doesn’t physically alter the water, but it creates an atmosphere that heightens the beholder’s awareness, making the sound seem richer or more intense. This effect reveals the power of the night and the way natural elements interact, transforming something ordinary into something profound. The haiku suggests a quiet moment of immersion where the listener becomes deeply attuned to the surrounding world, connecting to the peaceful yet amplified rhythm of nature. As a conclusion, the poet becomes engulfed by the moon’s illumination and the ocean’s sound, as if fully absorbed into this heightened sensory experience. The moonlight and the intensified sound draw the poet into a deep, almost meditative state, where each element—the visual of the moon and the sound of the water—merges, enveloping him completely. This poem represents a reflection of the grandmother’s experience, though the latter diverges slightly. She didn’t focus on the sound. And look at the drawing next to the haiku. We have a room with a view! Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why I am already envisaging that Joo Jaekyung moves to the countryside. As you can envision it, the Haiku from Suéko Fujii triggered my imagination.
Joo Jaekyung is getting his enlightenment during the night in front of the sea, and who is standing in front of the ocean? Naturally, it can only be Kim Dan who stands for the moon!! A new version of these two blue nights: (chapter 29) (chapter 35) The blue would be a reference to the ocean. After that couch confession night, the athlete got a certain enlightenment, hence he tried to get closer to Kim Dan the next morning . (chapter 30) In episode 35, the night stands for ignorance and self-deception, for the doctor was not present. Joo Jaekyung reverted to his old self. However, don’t forget that the haiku was not just about the moon light, but also about the sound of the waves. All the senses are awakened which represents a better experience than the grandmother’s. Moreover, since I am anticipating the presence of Kim Dan, this means that Kim Dan embodies not only the light in the dark, but also sound of water. This interpretation brings me to the following remark. In season 1, the athlete had already associated his fated partner to “sound”, though in the beginning he viewed it as noise (chapter 18) and as a source of stress and worries. (chapter 45) This means that the night view of the ocean should make him discover the beauty of the sound of water. He will come to associate the sound of the sea waves with Kim Dan. That’s how he will be able to fall asleep. In other words, I am expecting a new version of this scene: (chapter 47) To conclude, Joo Jaekyung will also have an Enlightenment in front of the ocean, but contrary to the grandmother, this experience will be associated with the night, the sound and a person: his soulmate Kim Dan.
That’s it. I hope you enjoyed reading this composition. If yes, let me know if I should write a similar essay with haikus which are focusing on a different topic, like for example flowers, food etc.
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.
Please support the authors by reading the Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of thetable of contents about Jinx.Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed Manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about JinxPassions in Purple : Jealousy and Joy – part 2
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Like the illustration is indicating it, the topic of this composition are the photographs in Jinx. To be more precise, I would like to divulge its different symbolisms. The trigger for this study was a sudden thought, which came to my mind this morning.
1. The ghost’s invisible photos
When Kim Dan left his home, he only took this picture. (chapter 19) However, in chapter 47, Mingwa revealed that in the past, Kim Dan had many pictures taken with his grandmother (chapter 47) . (chapter 47) (chapter 47) (chapter 47) One might argue about this interpretation, as these panels are presented as “memories”. However, the author left three important clues that these memories were pictures in reality. First, the perspective is not from the protagonist’s, but from an invisible third person’s. Then in the last image, in the background, you can observe a family posing for a picture in front of a person with a cellphone. This was the allusion that someone must have taken these pictures. The last evidence is the bouquet of flowers, the symbol for congratulations, but also affection!! After this realization, I couldn’t help myself wondering about the whereabouts of these photographs. Where are they?
And now, take a closer look at the doctor’s home: (chapter 17) (chapter 17) (chapter 17) They are nowhere to be seen!! I would even add that this place contains no traces of Kim Dan’s presence! (chapter 17) The pictures and the papers on the board are all connected to the grandmother. The images of the beach were revealing her wish to go back to the West coast, which was only revealed in the final chapter (chapter 53). And here, I feel the need to correct my past interpretation. Back then, I had assumed that this was the doctor’s repressed wish to go to the beach. It turns out that this was Shin Okja’s. Thus I deduce that the papers on the board are related to her health issues. Then in this image (chapter 17), the white shirt, the pink and dark green jackets are definitely belonging to the physical therapist’s relative. Finally, observe where his framed picture was placed: in a chest drawer! (chapter 19) The framed photograph isn’t visible on the chests or the shelves, when Joo Jaekyung confronts the loan shark and his minions (chapter 17). Then the next day, there is a box placed on the chest, while he is taking his belongings, while two drawers are open. (chapter 19) This exposes that this “souvenir” was not put on display in this house contrary to his stay in the expensive penthouse: (chapter 47) Thus I conclude through the absence of his pictures and belongings that nothing was exposing the presence of Kim Dan in this small flat. We could say that he had been living as a ghost child (the piggy bank) in his halmoni’s place. It implies the existence of an invisible wall between himself and his grandmother. This perception reinforces my previous interpretation. This place was like a “cursed place, where the “Sleeping beauty” was waiting for his “prince charming”. 😉 Therefore, when the doctor removed the framed picture from the drawer, it symbolizes his own “release”. It is no coincidence that one week later, he became “a man and as such an adult”. (chapter 19) He was slowly detaching himself from his halmoni’s shadow. The mirror is a reflection of a photograph. Here, he is facing reality: he has a long phallus and he can have a climax.
Furthermore, this new discovery (the absence of his commemoration pictures) helps us to grasp the origin of Kim Dan’s low self-esteem. He was not truly loved by his grandmother. Yes, the absence of his pictures represents a source of his suffering. IT was, as if the grandmother was not proud of her grandchild, because these photos were not exposed. The way these pictures were treated reveals the discrepancy between her words (chapter 7) and actions.
However, I haven’t answered the question yet: where are the other pictures? My assumption is that they were thrown away!! (chapter 46) I might shock my avid readers with this hypothesis, but the fact that Kim Dan could only remember his childhood’s pictures in chapter 47 shows that he had long forgotten these moments. If he had seen the pictures constantly, he would have been confronted with reality and as such grasped that he was not alone in this world. He had his halmeoni by his side this entire time. He was cherished. Finally, keep in mind that this story is written like a kaleidoscope, so such a scene must have occurred in the past. Thanks to my chingu @@Milliformemes24, I can even be more precise. Note that in the last panel, the photos were taken with a cellphone. (chapter 47) So I deduce that these pictures were never printed and remained in the cellphone. One might say that the woman didn’t have money to print these images. But this explanation falls too short. How so? It is because she could have sent a copy to her grandson, especially when he became a PT. He was old enough to have his own cellphone. These pictures were never shared to her grandson! They remained in her cellphone. If so, he wouldn’t just have looked at the framed picture. The other proof for this deduction is the absence of a grandmother’s picture in her grandson’s screen: (chapter 38) To conclude, their vanishing is exposing that these pictures were not TREASURED!! It was, as if they had been erased. But the doctor can not be the one who erased them or kept them hidden, as he associates these important moments in his life with his grandmother as sign of love and support!! Yes, this recollection reveals how much the doctor valued these moments. In other words, he would have “treasured” these pictures. He has none of them. Besides, when he entered elementary school, he was definitely too young to have a cellphone. That’s why I believe that they were all taken by the grandmother’s cellular phone. From my point of view, they were taken, because it was the custom. This would also explain why these “pictures” had no value for the grandmother. And now, you comprehend why I linked their disappearance to Shin Okja. So why did she not treasure and share them with her grandson? Why did she “erase” them symbolically?
2. Okja’s vanishing
My answer to these questions is the following. Halmeoni couldn’t stand the photographs, because she could see herself aging. From this (chapter 47) to this (chapter 47) And you all know that according to me, this elderly woman is suffering from Peter Pan Syndrom. Thus I feel like at some point, the halmeoni must have “thrown away” the pictures. Besides, I am quite certain that for the woman, these images had a different signification than for the doctor. She connected them to her suffering. She had to raise her grandchild on her own: these pictures represent her suffering from poverty and struggling mentally and emotionally. They mean hardship and aging for her. This explicates why she didn’t value these “souvenirs”. However, observe that all these pictures are related to Kim Dan’s school career path! (chapter 47) (chapter 47) The absence of these pictures signifies denial! It was, as if Kim Dan had never visited school and even never become a physical therapist. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Kim Dan had no pride “as PT” and was willing to take odd jobs like “courier” (chapter 42) or “waiter”. As my avid readers can detect, there is a strong link between “pictures” and “pride and love”. Their absence is the expression of neglect from the grandmother, who was definitely too focused on herself and her own suffering. At the same time, it lets also transpire the low self-esteem from the grandmother. In her humble dwell, there is no picture of her as well. (chapter 17) Thus I come to the following deduction: the grandmother dislikes pictures in general and was not living herself as well. Since she couldn’t love herself, she was not capable to love her grandson either. How so? For that, it is necessary to quote Erich Fromm from the Art of Loving (1956):
“If I can say to another: “I love you”, I must also be able to say: “I love everyone else in you too, I love the whole world through you, I love myself in you too”.
Loving someone means loving loving oneself first. In addition, where is the halmeoni running to? To the West coast, where she knows no one and desires to watch the sunset alone. (chapter 53) This image exposes not only her rejection of reality, but also her isolation. This decision stands in opposition to the quote above. She can not love Kim Dan, for she is rejecting the world and humans. This quote made me realize why Kim Dan felt so insecure the whole time, it is because he has never heard such a love confession from his grandmother. As you can see, the trigger with the photos gave me a lot of insight about the grandmother and the main lead.
In addition, one might wonder why the framed image was not put on display. (chapter 19) Why was this photo not treasured by Shin Okja? In my eyes, the picture was taken, when both were happy. There was a garden, and the boy’s happiness was genuine. However, I believe that this photo is linked to loss and this mysterious phone call. (chapter 19) She was wearing the same shirt, when Kim Dan was speaking on the phone. In other words, the photo was also bringing painful memories to the grandmother. My theory is that the grandson’s parents vanished after that day. But this was not the same for the boy. He remembers the warmth from his relative. He is not making the link between this moment and his abandonment. In addition, this picture represents a frozen moment in time. It was, as if the woman desired to turn back time or hoped to stay in that moment forever. This explains why she kept the picture and continued treating her grandson as a child. For her, he was still the little boy from that time. However, at the end of season 1, it is no longer possible for her to treat Kim Dan as a child, because she needs him to move to the West coast. (chapter 53) It requires money, sacrifice and energy, but she is no longer paying attention to these aspects. Her time is now limited, thus she doesn’t feel responsible for any future debt. Striking is that she is not recognizing him as a man, but as a puppy dog. (chapter 47) Why? By acknowledging him as an adult man, she would give him a choice. He could refuse to do her a favor. As a puppy, he can not live on his own. Besides, by turning him into a dog and as such animal, she is denying him his right as a human being. She is appealing to his instinctive nature, his loyalty. And the moment I thought of a dog and death, I couldn’t help myself thinking of the famous dog Hachiko who kept waiting for his owner’s return at the train station, unaware that the latter had died a long time ago. As you can see, doc Dan’s pictures are strongly intertwined with reality and confrontation. Therefore the pictures with her grandson were not shown or treasured. The grandmother has been avoiding mirror and even pictures. As a person suffering from “Peter Pan Syndrome”, she is trying to do anything to escape “death and responsibility”. How ironic is that she just needed a picture to express her wish to move to the West Coast! (chapter 53) Yes, the image from the brochure is creating the illusion that the woman on the wheelchair is her. She is smiling and “looking healthy”. It looks like she will have a better life there, less painful than at the hospital. In other words, this photo represents the exact opposite: illusion and fakeness. This (chapter 53) is the reality. The grandmother is not looking at Kim Dan contrary to the woman on the prospect. He is reduced to his role as caretaker. He has become her “servant”. In addition, the PT is not smiling like the nurse in the photo. In verity, he doesn’t want to do it. Deep down, he wished to stay at the penthouse. (chapter 53) The words “I should go” displays that he is doing it out of obligation. To conclude, photographs in Jinx are also embodying dream and illusion. (chapter 53). They only symbolize truth and reality, when the doctor is present.
3. The pictures in Joo Jaekyung’s world
What caught my attention are the similarities between Kim Dan and the champion. Both have no photo on their cellphone screen: (chapter 38) Clouds are a reference to heaven and dream, while the green display displays loneliness and emptiness. They have no one by their side. Furthermore, just like Kim Dan, Joo Jaekyung has no family pictures in his house, (chapter 19) which could be seen as a clue that he is an orphan. Or in the best case, they live, but there is a huge wall and gap between them and the fighter. I would even add that no one could even identify the owner of the penthouse. He is a famous MMA fighter, yet there exist no picture of himself in this flat! Not even this one: (chapter 1) That’s why I had compared the penthouse to a hotel room in a previous essay. So we could say that he also lived like a ghost. However, since he is a celebrity, he should be rather compared to a god. He has no home and privacy. Thus the penthouse contained no memories, until the doctor started living with the champion.
Another important aspect is that the fighter doesn’t even have any picture of his manager or his children (chapter 43), a sign that their relationship has always been more businesslike, thought the boss somehow considered him as his “older brother”, as he keeps calling “hyung”. (chapter 5) The first personal video and message from his manager only appeared in chapter 43. This shows that the owner of Team Black had no family at all and not even friends. This observation brings me to my next remark. What about the gym Team Black? (chapter 1) (chapter 5) There are only pictures of the champion and of no one else. Not even from Park Namwook or the ex-professional fighter Jeong Yosep. Everything is revolving around the celebrity. The absence of pictures from others is indicating neglect. The gym was not advertised as a great place to have fun! It is all about fame, wealth and glory! Therefore it is not astonishing why the rats left the sinking ship. (chapter 52) The champion’s image is tarnished, he will get less admiration and sponsoring. The decoration of the gym exposed the mentality of the owner, Park Namwook. The gym is about the celebrity, money, fame and sponsoring! Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the other members were neglected and why the athlete disliked it so much to be taken in pictures. (chapter 30) It is because the photographs are a synonym for “money, glory and fame”. Choi Heesung was using him to get attention. His name (chapter 46), his face and body are like “merchandises”. (chapter 43) That’s why he disliked the idea that Seonho would advertise that he was his sparring partner. The pictures in the god’s world have nothing to do with memories or love, but with work! It is about making business and getting sponsors and making his fans happy. That’s why the author included the magazines in the same chapter with the actor. (chapter 30) Naturally, Heesung’s picture is not only related to business, they have a frenemy relationship. The photos with Joo Jaekyung stand in opposition to Kim Dan’s values: glorification, illusion, superficiality and futility. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Joo Jaekyung would never put any framed picture of himself or others in his flat. His gym and the photographs are related to work. Who would like to be “reminded” of work and money in his own home? No one…
Under this new light, I came to understand why the celebrity reacted so violently about the presents and Kim Dan’s. (chapter 45) (chapter 45) Imagine that the doctor had to work to exhaustion to give him an expensive gift! Yes, his gift was strongly intertwined with money, business and work! However, birthday is a symbol for home, pleasure, joy, simplicity and genuine gratitude. This has nothing to do with work and “replacement”. Yet, contrary to the other presents, the champion did open the hamster’s gift, for the latter had brought it personally. (chapter 45) Yes, his birthday was turned into a business event, a merchandise where he even had to pay for his own birthday party. (chapter 43) His popularity among the staff was based on his spending: (chapter 35) Such a success and glorification could only drive an edge between himself and others. In addition, the images could never boost the fighter’s low self-esteem. Yes, the absence of his own picture in his home is another important clue for his unhappiness and self-loathing. Because the doctor brought “work” home, Joo Jaekyung started avoiding the physical therapist: (chapter 47) It was not just because the athlete had been encouraged by his mentor to trust no one, to see relationship as a business. (chapter 46) This remark leads me to the following conclusion. Since the manager started sowing distrust in the champion’s heart, we can see it as another proof that this man has never truly loved “his boy”:
“If I can say to another: “I love you”, I must also be able to say: “I love everyone else in you too, I love the whole world through you, I love myself in you too”. (Erich Fromm, The Art Of Loving, 1956)
He just considers him as a toy and possession. (chapter 40) Thus he can mistreat him, if he is not pleased.
But there’s another evidence that the pictures with the fighter are strongly linked to idolization, illusion and deception. 8chapter 35) When this article was released, the author selected a photograph exposing the champion in good health! He was raising his arm and as such using his “injured shoulder”. The content of the article contradicts so much the image which can only raise doubts among the readers. By using such a picture, they created the illusion that the athlete was hiding something. And this remark brings me to the last articles about the fallen legend: (chapter 52) His beaten face is exposed to destroy his “good image”: he appears not only as weak, but also as a bully. This shows how the medias are trying to manipulate the public with pictures. His face and body are damaged, therefore he has less value. This deceptive trick becomes more visible, when you include Baek Junmin. (chapter 52) The article utilized a picture of the fake fighter taken right after the match. He is smiling and barely injured… yet, the reality is that he got so wounded by the champion that he needs a long time to recover. As you could observe, all these photographs symbolizes money, business, work, superficiality and publicity. Thus they are strongly intertwined with temporality, fake love and emptiness. No meaningful moment…
It is important, because the moment the athlete started interacting with the physical therapist, a new kind of photograph started appearing: (chapter 46) The ones in this panel ooze privacy, selflessness and intimacy. The champion is seen carrying bottles and opening the door for the doctor, a sign of Joo Jaekyung’s respect for the doctor. Yes, these images expose the truth about the athlete: he really treasures his physical therapist. He is also seen listening to the doctor. This observation corroborates my previous interpretation. The pictures with the physical therapist symbolizes verity and reality. The problem is that Joo Jaekyung never got to see them, hence he didn’t realize his affection for the doctor. However, Choi Gilseok could notice it. In fact, the celebrity was delivered a different kind of truth: (chapter 48) Kim Dan’s meeting with director Choi Gilseok! However, note that these photographs were also a deception, for they never expose the outcome of the meeting. These pictures display the negative notions of privacy and intimacy, it is about plotting, betrayal and as such about “business”. How so? It is because they met at a café. As a conclusion, the photographs have a total different meaning in the athlete’s world. They represent coldness, superficiality, temporality, deception and work. This new interpretation reinforces my hypothesis that the main lead’s car must have been followed by a paparazzi during that night: (chapter 33) A black car was following him. But they couldn’t take any picture, for the windows of his car were tainted.
Interesting is that at the end of season 1, Kim Dan had a recollection of this scene (chapter 53) which left him deeply impressed. Joo Jaekyung was turning around his head and looking at him! This shows that the star was paying attention to him. And what had happened in that moment? What is the light next to the protagonist? Yes, these were the flashes from the cameras! (chapter 40) It is no coincidence. Though he had no memory of the previous night, he felt this moment as magical. He had saved him and claimed him as a part of Team Black. Then he had look at him back, though he was facing journalists. However, the journalists didn’t take a picture of such a moment, for this was not relevant to them. It shows not only the true value of “memories”, but also that both were now truly living! During that night and day, both created wonderful memories. (chapter 41) Kim Dan experienced that he was not alone, he was part of “Team Black”, while the other heard a love confession for the first time. This memory displays (chapter 53) not only admiration, but also intimacy and TRUST!
Because the MMA fighter has been constantly surrounded by fake people in his world, it is not surprising that he doesn’t value “money” or glory. These didn’t make him truly happy. But there is more to it. Due to photographs, the fighter learned the wrong lessons. He judged people on prejudices and impressions!! Yes, this explains why Joo Jaekyung imagined to see Kim Dan selling his body., while he was about ti get raped. (chapter 17) He is relying too much on his eyes. He paid no attention to details and their words. Hence their words are not visible. In addition, the author created such a panel. (chapter 17) in that scene.. But why is he trusting too much his eyes? It is because he adopted this poor habit from his mentor and hyung, Park Namwook. who judges people based on prejudices and impressions. When the manager faces a problem or some criticism (chapter 17), he prefers blaming his “boy” or delegating responsibilities to others: (chapter 36) Furthermore the man with the red tee-shirt has always been by his side for a long time. The time spent together is a proof of his “loyalty”, yet if the athlete had paid more attention to his words, he should have noticed his hypocrisy, lack of empathy and disrespect: (chapter 49) (chapter 52) The slap is the expression of lack of faith and disrespect. Besides, he kept badmouthing him in front of the other members, creating a huge gap between the celebrity and the other members.
This is no coincidence why Joo Jaekyung didn’t listen to doctor Lee’s recommendations as well. He never saw the results of his examination. (chapter 27) In addition, he had to rely on the expertise of doctors, but he only trusts himself, his hyung and no others. But let’s return our attention to Kim Dan and his letter.
When the doctor left the penthouse, he left a memory and treasure to the athlete: a letter full of kindness and care! (chapter 53) The letter stands in opposition to the articles and photographs. Through the letter, the main lead is teaching to the wolf this important life lesson. He needs to use his mind and as such his heart to see the truth and reality.
“It is only in the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye” (The Little Prince from Antoine Saint-Exupéry”
The doctor is now perceived correctly, because for the first time, the athlete listened to his words and opinion. Here, I mean, he believed in his confession (apology, convalescence). Interesting is that after listening to his words, Joo Jaekyung started reflecting on his own actions and emotions. (chapter 53) Thus he voiced his discomfort and annoyance. However, this time, he is not questioning the origins of his actions. He knows now that the doctor means a lot to him. He is not a waste of time. It is no coincidence that the moment he paid attention to Kim Dan’s thoughts and emotions, he opened up his own heart and mind, because according to Erich Fromm
Being able to listen to oneself is a prerequisite for being able to listen to others; being at home with oneself is the necessary condition for relating to others. Erich From from The Art Of Being
And now, look at the expression “home with oneself”. Home is strongly connected with inner harmony, meditation and well-awareness as the foundation for genuine communication and understanding of others.. Let’s not forget that home is also a synonym for “family”. Thanks to the support of a loving family and friends, one can become true to oneself. At the same time, home with oneself helps to communicate better with others. And because the MMA fighter listened to Kim Dan words, he became more aware of himself. The doctor has become the key to the champion’s heart. He has also become his home as well. Thus Joo Jaekyung came to associate the penthouse to his loved one: (chapter 53) The latter might have no photograph of Kim Dan, but his face is now engraved in his memory. To conclude, the letter should be perceived as a mirror of truth to the athlete. He needed to hear the hamster’s words without seeing his face in order to see him properly.
Finally, I conclude that in season 2, photographs will have a different meaning in the champion and doctor’s life. They will stand for privacy, love, friendship, recognition and selflessness. Yes, I am expecting that the doctor and his lover start taking pictures of memorable events, like this day: (chapter 26) (chapter 26) The gym will face some changes.
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1. Laziness or not?
When the final episode of the main story was released, many Manhwa-philes were laughing about Yoon Seungho’s work attitude as governor. The latter had left his seat in order to return to his lover’s side. (chapter 131) Hence the police officers found the governor’s seat deserted. (chapter 131) By contrasting the statement from the governor and the panel, the readers could easily catch his lie. He was a lazy governor, preferring to keep his lover company rather than attend to his official duties. On the one hand, it exposes the main lead’s true mind-set. He is not longing for power or glory. To conclude, he has no ambition. This implies that he is not determined to gain attention either. One might add that he selected this region on purpose. No one would willingly go to that place. The norm was that officials would go there, because they were demoted. (episode 129) Thus I deduce that Yoon Seungho made the opposite choice to his father. The latter longed for a high position at the government so that the family’s reputation would become famous and powerful again. (chapter 86) It is because Yoon Chang-Hyeon was thinking of getting the attention or support from noble families. What he truly wanted was to get recognition from people among his own social class. But with such a decision (join the painter’s side), Yoon Seungho seems to have turned the former patriarch’s nightmare into a reality. Yoon Seungho is about to ruin the family. The name “Yoon” is destined to become forgotten, right? However, I believe that this interpretation is not correct. How so? Let me ask you this.
Why is this region regarded as “backwater”? It is because there are no powerful families like in the town, where the Yoons used to live. There are no huge store or doctor either. The new governor is surrounded by “peasants”, commoners. In other words, it is not a place you can earn a lot of money or gain power, especially for an official. This signifies that buying the governor, like Yoon Chang-Hyeon did, won’t happen. (chapter 127) No one has such a wealth! That’s the reason why no official would select such a place. Yes, Jung In-Hun’s words from chapter 6 (chapter 6) (chapter 131) are reflected in the final episode. Peasants are poor und uneducated, and this will not change overnight. Hence they represent ignorance and naivety. This raises the following question. Why did the officers bring these two men? What was their crime? One might reply that it is impossible to figure it out. Nevertheless, I think, Byeonduck left clues in her story. Painter Of The Night is composed of reflections. In each season, certain scenes or elements resurface with slight changes.. Thus I developed the following theory concerning these two commoners.
My hypothesis is that these two men were innocent. In season 1, we have a similar scene: (chapter 37). It is about a crime, treason. In season 4, we know that the plot was true and there was an evidence, the paper with the signatures from lord Yoon and lord Song. Since in season 1 the wrongdoing was true and heavy, I deduce that it is not the case in the final chapter. Because there is an evidence of the crime in the past, I can’t help myself thinking that in the final chapter, there was no evidence. Additionally, I feel the need to expose my other interpretation about this man: (chapter 37) I have always stated that this man couldn’t be a servant, for he was smoking a pipe and we saw a glimpse of his memory. No commoner would be allowed to enter the courtyard, when three noblemen are tortured and interrogated. Moreover, notice that in both scenes (37 and 131), the magistrate is absent. That’s how it dawned on me that this nameless man could have been a former “governor” who lost his position.
But if the two commoners are rather innocent, why did the officers bring them to Yoon Seungho then? My idea is that they imagined that the new governor wanted to make a statement so that he wouldn’t be looked down by the locals. Or even worse. The guards desired to get protection money from them!! Yes, because this region is not well perceived, the guards thought that the governor would act like his predecessor. Since it is a poor region, it signifies that the officials are not well recognized and well paid. (chapter 131) First evidence that the last image is not symbolizing justice, but corruption, is the behavior from the guards. They are caught by surprise, when they arrive in front of the empty stool. Yet, they are not gesticulating or panicked. If a real crime had taken place, they would be looking for their superior. And this observation leads me to this image. (chapter 131) In this picture, we can detect the governor’s office in the background. It is the yellow building with the multicolor decorations. That’s where the empty stool is!! In other words, if they truly needed him, they just had to go to the other side of the wall. Third evidence for this hypothesis was left in season 3: (chapter 94) Here, the officers went to the mansion before visiting him at the gibang. (chapter 97) Back then, it was about the death of a commoner, a servant. If there’s an urgency, they would look for him. The comparison exposes that the “wrongdoing” from the peasants in the final chapter was no huge deal. Yet, many readers already condemned them due to the guards and the protagonist’s behavior. Funny is that the lord was portrayed as a huge liar, but not “the officers”. (chapter 131) But it could have been the reverse. Officers could have abused their authority. Furthermore, let’s not forget that Min indicated that guards could be bribed easily. (chapter 101) His statement displays another aspect: the governor and the guards are not working together. Jihwa would have been sent to jail without being able to talk to the superior, similar to this scene: (chapter 126) The guards’ own interests are not necessarily aligned with the governor’s. And now, take a closer look at this scene: (chapter 127) The official received the patriarch in his office alone. The reason is simple. That way, he wouldn’t have to share the money with others.
But since the guards never went to the lord’s mansion, they must have realized that this man was not like his predecessor. He was not frustrated or demoted. He was indeed not after power or money. They couldn’t rely on his protection either. In fact, they could get blamed for disturbing his privacy. I would even add that since Yoon Seungho comes from a wealthy family, he doesn’t need to rely on bribe at all. In other words, the guards can only come to the conclusion that treating him well can only benefit them. His wealth was already implied with his arrival: (chapter 129). He was not sitting on a horse with a few musicians contrary to Jung In-Hun. He was carried by four men, and other people were announcing his arrival with flags and music. (chapter 111) Moreover, Yoon Seungho had a inauguration banquet organized, where the local inhabitants could join. (chapter 129) There was no social exclusion at all. This stands in such opposition to the lord’s statement in season 1, where he distinguished between nobles and commoners.
But let’s return our attention to the two suspects. What happened to them then? (chapter 131) In my opinion, they were released. Why? For the simple reason that in this place, Yoon Seungho expected no huge duty! Yes, his words were not just exposing a lie, but also the truth. Nothing was supposed to happen. People are peaceful and helpful to each other. (chapter 129) This signifies that the arrest could lead to trouble to the guards too. So was the lord lazy in the end? (chapter 131) Yes and no… By acting that way, he put an end to the abuse of authority in that place!! Thus I deduce that the governor is destined to gain recognition and admiration from the local inhabitants. He is generous (inauguration banquet where anyone could join), humble, loyal (he is not forgetting his lover) (chapter 131), but also well organized! He had planned to join this place a long time ago. The peach trees were planted about 3 years ago. He is no longer making any distinction between nobles and commoners, and that’s how he will get the respect from the peasants. As a conclusion, we should envision that the lord will become famous. Therefore the son didn’t turn the father’s nightmare into a reality. He didn’t contribute to the family’s ruin at all. Yet, there exists a huge divergence. Yoon Seungho is about to make a name on his own. It is not about the Yoons. On the one hand, the father’s dream was illusory and superficial, especially due to the treason (chapter 86). Since Lord Song had been forced to resign, there’s no doubt that the man would resent the Yoons to become successful again. This explicates why lord Song saw Yoon Seungwon as a problem (chapter 107) and tried to tarnish the younger son’s reputation. But let’s return our attention to the patriarch. His vision was based on Confucianism. However, he had a very narrow-minded perception of it.
He expected not only blind obedience from his son, but also absolute devotion for the family. The individual steps aside for the community, and as such for the Yoons. This explicates why the main lead’s relative has no name in episode 6, he is simply reduced to a grandfather. (chapter 7) This shows that the tradition was to “vanish behind the family name, the Yoons”. Under this new light, my avid readers can grasp why the main lead was destined to suffer immensely (chapter 57). His reputation was already outshining his father’s. Secondly, by being stigmatized as a homosexual, he was endangering this principle. His role was to continue the lineage and as such produce a heir.
As you can see, Yoon Seungho is breaking the tradition and even dropping Confucianism, as the latter rejects homosexuality. The main lead embodies other values: Modernity, Individualism, true Love and Humbleness. Yoon Seungho is no longer judging people based on their social status and relationship. This signifies that at the end of the story, the new governor symbolizes true justice. He put an end to corruption and malpractice. He is not influenced by people’s opinions and prejudices either. He is only listening to his heart and conscious. He makes sure to keep all his promises and not to say any empty words. He is a reformed man through and through.
However, we shouldn’t forget that the protagonist did kill many people before. Hence my other interpretation is that Yoon Seungho as a sinner is not “allowed” to become a judge himself. (chapter 131) How could he condemn others, when his hands had been soiled with blood? Thus I deduce that through her work, Byeonduck exposed the corruption of human justice in Joseon. It was impossible to get true and fair justice from anyone, let alone from the authorities. The latter were ruled by greedy and arrogant nobles who used law enforcements for their own needs. That’s why the patriarch (chapter 116) or even Min could commit crimes in the open. They felt safe, for they knew that the authorities belonged to the same social class than them. However, this could only work, as long as the nobles would cover for each other. Should a yanbang denunciate a noble family, it was a different story. Therefore I assume that lord Lee was the one who reported the treason to the authorities (the painting in the bedroom was the evidence). But such a painting couldn’t represent a proof. However, since human justice was corrupted, the gods decided to give justice to the protagonists. That’s how Yoon Seungho became the hand of justice. Everyone involved in the protagonists’ suffering had to pay for their crimes. (chapter 102) That’s the reason why Baek Na-Kyum’s martyrdom was strongly intertwined with the young master’s. Yoon Seungho only received this power through Baek Na-Kyum, the character embodying fairness, sincerity, hard work, home and equity. This was particularly perceptible in this scene: (chapter 27) The lord couldn’t kill anyone randomly.
Yet, considering the scene in the shrine as a trial from the “gods”, can appear weird, for the main lead attacked Min and his friend under the influence of his unconscious past. (chapter 102) However, I consider it as a first step to the lord’s emancipation and life lesson. The latter is indirectly learning not to pay attention to status and power. That’s why the author portrayed him as blind and deaf to their plea and special status. While his behavior in the shrine was rather impulsive and influenced by deeply rooted fears, we should consider lord Song’s execution as a true act of justice. (chapter 123) (chapter 123) The latter had confessed all his crimes: the ones from the past (the lies in order to fool the father) (chapter 123) and the painter’s murder. Funny is that lord Song didn’t feel threatened by the young master at all despite the sword. (chapter 123) Why? It is because he feels, he is the one with the upper hand. First, he has the petition, hence he is already projecting himself in the future (he can get a high position again). Secondly, he thinks, Yoon Seungho is outnumbered. He is surrounded by 4 guards. But more importantly, he views himself superior to the main character due to his age. He is an elder. That’s the reason why he calls “my dear boy”. This implies that he is underestimating the main figure. The latter would never dare to raise his hand against a senior!! However, true justice is also blind to age. (chapter 123) His smile at the end of the episode should be perceived as a reflection from Min’s vanishing. (chapter 103) One might even add that the lord’s action could have been seen as self-defense. However, don’t forget that we are here in Joseon, where a commoner’s life means nothing. Because of this new association, I came to the following deduction: lord Song was the one behind lord Shin’s death. (chapter 103) The latter couldn’t imagine that an elderly yanbang, an official, would raise the sword against another noble. After this new realization, it dawned on me why Yoon Seungho had to get separated from his loved one. (chapter 126) This humiliation made Yoon Seungho realize that he needed to have his power on his own. He learned through the hard way that he was not just a Yoon, but Seungho. Yes, this helped him to differentiate himself from his father and to become stronger mentally. His religion was now his lover, Baek Na-Kyum, whom he needed to protect. But he could only do it, if he had himself a powerful position. But he needed to witness the corruption of the authorities to realize that in Joseon, there exists no justice. (chapter 127) That’s the reason why I deduce that Yoon Seungho is not destined to become a lazy or unfair governor. He learned through the hard way how important it is to give proper justice. (chapter 131) Should these two men know the artist, the latter could encourage his lover to listen to their testimonies and not judge them based on their status.
Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why I don’t perceive the main lead as a lazy governor. Just because he appears as one in this scene (chapter 131), we shouldn’t generalize such a behavior. By paying no attention to power and fame, the protagonist learned what true justice is. Moreover, he realized the true source of happiness: love and simplicity. He made sure to keep all his promises to his loved one. Moreover, the artist is there to remind Yoon Seungho of his duties: (chapter 131) Hence I can’t help myself imagining the couple strolling through the village and listening to the people. Thanks to the artist, Yoon Seungho can only get recognition and acceptance from the autochtones. Besides, Baek Na-Kyum is even giving painting lessons to children, so I doubt that he will drop everything for his lover’s sake. We should envision the opposite behavior from the scholar: (chapter 6): neglect and indifference towards the commoners. And this new observation brings me to my other topic, Jung In-Hun.
2. The real sinners: the hidden hustlers and workhorses
In the first part of this essay, I compared the arrival of the lord in his new jurisdiction with the scholar’s Jung In-Hun.
YoOn Seungho
Jung In-Hun
Through this comparison. I had a huge revelation. Manhwaphiles can notice not only the absence of flags and the palaquin, but also the absence of uniforms. The two men in black leading the horse were simply wearing black hanboks and not blue and white costumes. Then it dawned on me that after this cortege on the street, there was no banquet after his success. Hence I deduce that he had not really succeeded at the civil service examination. First, he had not finished top place (chapter 129), therefore he couldn’t select one position contrary to the main lead. This means that when he celebrated his “victory” in episode 111, it was not official. He had no post. I would even add, his name had not been announced on the official board, like we could witness it in this scene. (chapter 121) Here, he is informed that he didn’t pass the exam, for his name was not written there. We can detect this, because people are congratulating each other. His name was left out due to the intervention from lord Song. This means that when Yoon Seungho made him this offer (chapter 7), these were not empty words. He did help the learned sir to pass the civil service exam. But the scholar didn’t succeed like anticipated. The absence of his success explicates why Jung In-Hun received such an offer from lord Song later. (chapter 117) He had no post, he couldn’t choose it, for he was not the best. Thus I deduce that the scholar had just proven his mediocrity. He was just an average man. That’s how it dawned on me that the ceremony in the street was more a simulacre! (chapter 111) Yes, it was fake, for there was no banquet, no sedan chair, no flag and just civilians were surrounding the former teacher. The painting from Baek Na-Kyum can even serve as another evidence that a palanquin and flags are attributes to a ceremony of inauguration. (chapter 44) Only one thing was real: Jung In-Hun was wearing an official uniform, that way no one would doubt his “victory”. Moreover, observe that lord Song only approached the learned sir after the parade. So he was not behind the parade. Besides, keep in mind that the main couple was informed about the parade through the tailor (chapter 111) and not from the official board. His reaction shows not only his displeasure, but also his ignorance. If he had known about the cortege, he would have avoided the place in the first place. Thus I suspect that the tailor had been encouraged to leak this information in front of the couple. Let’s not forget, as a tailor, he was definitely involved in the cortege. It is no coincidence that he informed Yoon Seungho about this “sudden parade”. At the same time, I come to the following deduction: someone must have paid for this spectacle, and it was not Yoon Seungho, for he had been kept in the dark until the last moment. I doubt that the learned sir had the connections and money for this. This new perception corroborates my previous interpretation: the show was sponsored by someone, and it was definitely inspired by the drawing (the hat and the green uniform). (chapter 111). Yet this was just a cheap trick, for the person didn’t send a sedan chair with carriers. Under this new light, I realized why Jung In-Hun ended up stigmatized as a criminal. (chapter 127) It was his karma, for he had deceived the painter with his lies. His success was not his own. (chapter 111) He realized that even after passing the exam, he needed the assistance of people, a sponsor for the spectacle, a noble with connections. Besides, when in season 1, the painter was accused of a crime (ruining the picture), the learned sir did nothing at all. He didn’t protect his student, for he desired to keep his sponsor. When the latter was sick, he neglected him as well. He wouldn’t have sent a doctor for him. Hence in season 4, the sponsor Na-Kyum decides to end his “sponsorship” for the learned sir. We could say that the former teacher is confronted with a similar situation. He ends up being abandoned and framed for a crime, which he didn’t commit. Yet, contrary to his pupil, he is not entirely blameless, for he played a huge role in the death of the nobles lord Song, lord Shin, lord Min and others. Because Baek Na-Kyum embodies hard work, justice, equity, love and honesty, I deduce that his surrogate father embodies the negative notions: laziness, corruption, partiality, hierarchy, ambition and hypocrisy. That’s why his face ended up on the official board, while the painter’s accusation just remained rumors. : (chapter 125) versus (chapter 127) His fate reflects Joseon’ society and authorities, especially when the latter are closer to the capitale.
At the same time, the poster of the scholar exposes that the scholar’s dream had always been to see his name on the official board. (chapter 121) However, the notice was not associated with glory and honor, but with the opposite value. He was an immoral and brutal man. (chapter 127) which was actually reflecting his true personality. We should see the parade in episode 111 as an illusion due to the absence of an official document. And who had paid for this charade? One might think lord Song. However, don’t forget that he approached the man much later. I feel like someone else was involved as well. For me, it was Heena. She was seen with the tailor in season 2, and she had seen the painting from her brother. Finally, she had tried in season 2 and 3 to separate the couple. So she should have repeated the same action, because her resent towards nobles runs deeply, just like her admiration for Jung In-Hun is strong. She knew that her donsaeng was no longer listening to her and his new lover. He was determined to remain by his lover’s side. Thus she didn’t intervene here. (chapter 105) IMO, she had to use another mean in order to achieve her goal: the scholar. Let’s not forget that the artist had confided to her this: (chapter 68) He was simply waiting for the learned sir’s return. And she was present during the cortege. (chapter 111)
Naturally, Jung In-Hun ended up being accused of murder, because not only he had lied, but also he had contributed to the death of lord Min and the others. By giving the spectacles, he was also responsible for their death. Finally, by hurting Baek Na-Kyum and giving him to lord Song (chapter 121), he put the painter in a position which led him to take for the fall for his loved one. It was like framing an innocent. Exactly like in season 3 (chapter 99), Yoon Seungho had been forced to take the sword because of the scholar. And the trigger for the massacre (chapter 124) was always Jung In-Hun. And now, you comprehend why Jung In-Hun became the scapegoat for the last incident. But there’s more to it.
The sexual and physical assault, playing a trick on multiple occasions and the lies are the reasons why the learned sir ended being labelled as a dangerous bandit. (chapter 127) The paper reflects the transformation of the former teacher. He is no longer a honest man. He lost everything: his home, his name and even his life, killed by lord Song’s minions. (chapter 121) His final lesson was to learn that he was exactly like the others: he is just a human despite his education. All humans are equal in front of death. In fact, during his confrontation with lord Song, he came to give up on his integrity. His true face came to the surface: he was just an opportunist, a lazy scholar who relied on fate and his arrogance. (chapter 6) This brings me to my next interpretation. Jung In-Hun learned through the hard way that there is nothing like fate (“right time”), but life is the result of decisions. However, because the scholar always regretted all his past choices, he decided to blame others for his wrong choices. That’s the reason why he ends up to take the whole crime. We should see this paper (chapter 127) as a reflection from the poem in episode 4: The author from this sijo was the poet and official Wang Bang-Yeon who is said to have lived in the time of Joseon’s sixth king Danjong (1441-1457) and his successor king Sejo (1417-1468). As the official of the state tribunal, he followed the young king Danjong into his exile and gave him poison to drink by royal command. Yes, both are symbols of power, corruption, partiality and injustice. Yet, there exists one divergence. While Wang Bang-Yeon left a poem revealing his yearning for the king, the learned sir had no deep attachment towards the artist. Hence it is no wonder why the paper “Wanted” is not connected to affection. It really reflects the emotions and thoughts of Baek Na-Kyum. Due to the last incident, the latter no longer cares for this man.
Jung In-Hun should have realized much sooner that happiness is not a synonym for power and admiration. In reality, he was living quite well in the small village. (chapter 6) He had a roof over his head, and he was surrounded by children, who liked him. (chapter 121) But the problem is that he was consumed by entitlement and greed. How so? It is because of his education. He saw himself superior to others morally and mentally. Hence he didn’t feel the genuine admiration from the children. (chapter 6) He couldn’t enjoy it at all. It is no coincidence that the synonyms for ambitious person are “busy person” and “workhorse”. Yes, this mirrors the expression “laziness”. A true ambitious person is actually proactive and not really relying on sponsors and bribes. So when we see the learned sir on the horse (chapter 111), he is acting like a workhorse. The reality is that he is lazy, as he saw himself destined to achieve greatness. He had the impression that no one had recognized his true value. On the horse, he is just waving his hand and smiling. Later, he confesses this to the artist: (chapter 111) As you can see, his success is not the result of his hard work, but rather of his connections!! Though he didn’t kill lord Song himself, Jung In-Hun had to receive his due punishment for all his lies and sins.
3. The brother’s punishment
This brings me to the next interpretation: Yoon Seungwon and his success. (chapter 107) Though he passed the civil service exam too, he is not able to fulfil his father’s wish either. (chapter 86) They lack support now because of the treason. The families close to the Yoons got executed. But there’s more to it. The youngest son had first betrayed his father by giving the petition to Yoon Seungho, (chapter 118) His intention was to protect not only his brother, but also their family. It was to ensure that lord Song would get blackmailed. That’s how this investigation (chapter 37) got stopped in the end, and the Yoons escaped any punishment. However, by doing so, Yoon Seungwon turned his brother into a blackmailer. Thanks to him, Yoon Seungwon could keep his reputation intact. In fact he never lost his father’s trust. However, in season 4, we can witness a change of heart in the brother. (chapter 118) It is because he knows that with the petition in his brother’s hands, lord Song represents a hindrance to his own career. The latter can only see the Yoons as a threat. Besides, he can only resent the family, if they are able to gain reputation and power, while he can not return to Hanyang and occupy a high position. As you can see, the young master’s success can only irritate lord Song. You can sense a rivalry between Seungwon and lord Song Haseon (chapter 116) in this scene: (chapter 116) The latter has already sensed that the traitor is sitting next to them, thus he raised this question. That’s why I come to the following conclusion that the young master must have realized that he also needed his brother’s assistance. First, if Yoon Seungho returns the petition to the father, the investigation about the traitor in the mansion would be no longer necessary. Secondly, Yoon Seungwon needs to create new connections in Hanyang, but he can only achieve it with his elder brother. Under this new light, you comprehend why Seungwon asked his relative to move on from the past and as such “forgive their father”. (chapter 118) In other words, the young man embodies the notion of “fake forgiveness, fake promise, fake understanding”. He is an opportunist, exactly like the scholar. Yet, there exists a huge divergence between them. His affection for Yoon Seungho was not fake. He is feeling sympathy for his brother. But that’s it. This explains why he didn’t help his brother before. In my eyes, Seungwon represents a different notion of family: bloodline. In my eyes, he embodies traditions and Confucianism. His goal is to turn his father’s dream and life motto into a reality: glory and power for the Yoons. Besides, he must have experienced himself the downfall for the family. And this observation leads to my next interpretation. This means that Yoon Seungwon must have lied to his father by omission as well. (chapter 86) In my opinion, he must have promised to fulfil the patriarch’s wish, but reality made him realize that this was not possible. He couldn’t do it alone. However, I doubt that he confronted the elder with reality.
Let’s not forget that he is only the second son. So he can not inherit the family’s properties. Remember that once the main lead succeeded the civil service exam, he received many marriage proposals. (chapter 128) What about Yoon Seungwon then? Though he succeeded too, there is no mention about engagement or marriage proposals. However, it is clear that this achievement is connected with adulthood and marriage, therefore the elder Song Haseon brought up the topic sex! (chapter 107) It is because Yoon Seungho is the first son who will inherit the title and properties. Yoon Seungwon’s success can only work with his brother’s presence. This means that thanks to the last episode, I could finally find the answer from Byeonduck’s question: What was the reason for Yoon Seungwon’s embarrassment? First, it is because his brother selected the backward place, though he had passed the exam with flying colors. Yoon Seungwon imagined that once his brother had passed the exam, he would get married and establish new connections. That way, Seungwon would be able to get married with a properous and famous family. In other words, Yoon Seungho would turn the father’s dream into a reality: the return of the Yoons’ glory and power. And Seungwon would benefit a lot from this. So in the gibang, his advices might have sounded well meant, (chapter 118), in verity he was also motivated by his own desires. He wanted to get the help from his older brother. This means that the moment the main lead lost his father, Seungwon’s words became true. Yoon Seungho followed his advice: he cut off ties with his past and as such with his family. He was no longer obliged to fulfil the family traditions and the father’s dream. This means that Yoon Seungwon is now on his own. I find it funny that he blamed his brother for his debauchery, but what did he do during this time? Nothing… he waited, until he received pressure from his own father. Moreover, since Yoon Seungwon didn’t help the artist and allowed him to take the fall for the massacre (chapter 126), his karma is not only to end up alone, but also not to receive any support from his brother.
To conclude, Yoon Seungwon tried to convince his brother to change his behavior (chapter 117), because his career was still insecure due to lord Song’s influence. He needed his brother’s help in the end. At the same time, Seungwon had already long internalized the values from his father: Yoons’ honor and reputation were top priorities. In other words, the younger brother stands for social norms and fake righteousness. He desires to maintain his perfect image (loyalty, filial piety),
(chapter 118), hence he left the document at the mansion. He wanted his brother to return the papers on his own so that his past action would remain undetected. Returning the paper was like an admission that he had stolen it in the first place. Yet he still barged in his brother’s house twice. (chapter 117) Here, he exposed the existence of the “petition” to Baek Na-Kyum for one reason. The latter should be used as a way to pressure the main lead to give up on the paper. Notice that this topic was brought up in the gibang: (chapter 119) However, the reality is that Seungwon is not just trying to fulfil his father’s dream, but also he has his own ambition. He wants to make a name on his own. That’s why he confessed this to his brother: (chapter 119) He doesn’t associate himself with the father and his sins. In his eyes, he is blameless. The reality is that he is guilty like his father, for he failed to care for Yoon Seungho. He failed to listen to him and his suffering. He didn’t try to understand him. Like mentioned above, he only sympathized with him and that’s it. Thus he condemned him for his debauchery in the gibang, but this was no longer the case.
When the father confronted his own son with reality (he had no power without him), Yoon Seungwon was once again absent!! The latter is the evidence of his “neglect”. It is important, because when the main lead bowed in front of the patriarch, (chapter 127) (chapter 127) the former only made a promise to his father and not to the brother. With his death, Yoon Seungho is no longer bound by a promise. Since the main lead had been living properly for 3 years and even passed the civil service exam, it is clear that for the brother, Yoon Seungho must have forgotten his past lover. He must have judged his brother based on appearances, just like he was behaving himself. However, this was just a subterfuge. He was waiting for the right time too. He had no change of heart, he had just been copying his brother’s behavior.
To conclude, the main lead abandoned Yoon Seungwon in the end for his loved one. It happened, when he not only rejected the marriage proposals, but also moved to that “poor region”. The sibling received his punishment for his lack of loyalty and his dishonesty. Funny is that the main lead actually followed his brother’s advices: 8chapter 118) He cut off ties with the past and the family!! This means that his words in the lord’s bedchamber came true: (chapter 78) Let’s not forget that at the gibang, Yoon Seungwon never revealed his true intentions towards his brother. The latter always said that his advices were for his best interests. He should become involved in the government. But everything was for the Yoons, or better said, for Yoon Seungwon’s sake. And there exists another reason why the sibling must have been embarrassed: This marriage! To conclude, Yoon Seungwon embodies the opposite values of Baek Na-Kyum and Yoon Seungho: ambition, corruption, forgetfulness, hierarchy/social norms, traditions and reality versus understanding, forgiveness, simplicity, closeness, modern family and happiness. Selfishness versus Selflessness. This explicates why the main lead gave up his success for the artist. However, though it looks like an exile, the reality is that he will gain popularity and admiration among the inhabitants. Why? It is because he is no longer making distinctions between nobles and commoners, he doesn’t see this place as a punishment, but as a heaven and as such he has a better perception of humans in general. In my eyes, he is bringing progress and change in the region. Baek Na-Kyum is already teaching the kids how to draw… so it is only a matter of time, until his lover takes care of the education for these children. This means that these words will become a reality: (chapter 6) He will think of the futures of those children because of his lover.
PS: Tell me, if you are interested in another essay. The question would be: how did lord Yoon die? Was he poisoned or not?
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.
Please support the authors by reading the Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of thetable of contents about Jinx.Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed Manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx Reluctant Moving
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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.
The flow of colors upward the rainbow from violet to red indicates the increase of Yang energy and decrease of Yin energy. The flow of colors downward the rainbow from red to violet indicates the increase of Yin energy and decrease of Yang energy. Warm colors (yellow, orange and red) indicate the domination of Yang over Yin. Cool colors (sky-blue, blue and violet) indicate the domination of Yin over Yang. Green is the transitional color between warm and cool colors and indicates the balance of Yin and Yang. Quoted from https://sunmooncalendar.com/extra-materials/yin-yang/yin-yang-dark-light-rainbow-colors.htm
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.
The color purple relates to the imagination and spirituality. It stimulates the imagination and inspires high ideals. It is an introspective color, allowing us to get in touch with our deeper thoughts. […] In the meaning of colors, purple and violet represent the future, the imagination and dreams, while spiritually calming the emotions. They inspire and enhance psychic ability and spiritual enlightenment, while, at the same time, keeping us grounded. The color violet relates to the fantasy world, and a need to escape from the practicalities of life. It is the daydreamer escaping from reality.From a color psychology perspective, purple and violet promote harmony of the mind and the emotions, contributing to mental balance and stability, peace of mind, a link between the spiritual and the physical worlds, between thought and activity. Violet and purple support the practice of meditation. Quoted from https://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/color-purple.html
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!
Negative keywords include: being possessive and materialistic, indifferent and over-cautious, envious, selfish, greedy and miserly, devious with money, inconsiderate, inexperienced, a hypochondriac and a do-gooder. (…)
Possessiveness:Green is a color that encourages us to want to own things and people, to collect and possess. Green encourages materialism.
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.
From a meaning of colors perspective, green is also the color of growth, the color of spring, of renewal and rebirth. It renews and restores depleted energy. It is the sanctuary away from the stresses of modern living, restoring us back to a sense of well being. This is why there is so much of this relaxing color on the earth, and why we need to keep it that way. Quoted from https://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/color-green.html
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.
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Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes.Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwasHere are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx“The Magic Of Numbers”.
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1. The origin of this title
The inspiration for this title was the reaction of readers on X. Many were rejoicing that Joo Jaekyung got slapped by Park Namwook. (chapter 52) They felt good, because they thought the champion deserved it. Why? Joo Jaekyung had blamed Kim Dan for the incident. (chapter 51) Moreover, people saw parallels between this slap (chapter 52) and the one in the shower room. (chapter 7) It was, as if the coach had become the cute doctor himself or his representative. Therefore he was authorized to slap the champion. Yes, for them, Joo Jaekyung was just receiving his karma. But when he confronted the doctor, the latter did nothing, except ask a question. (chapter 51) If the celebrity had truly offended the doctor, the latter could have slapped him like in the past. He knew how to overcome his fear and do it. (chapter 26) This contrast outlines that Kim Dan hadn’t been that offended, he was just heartbroken and sad that the latter didn’t trust him, like he imagined.
2. Snow flake and Team Black
The irony is that these readers were reacting exactly like the former fighters from Team Black. (chapter 52) They were abandoning the protagonist, as they couldn’t put up with his bad temper. They were thinking like the athletes. (chapter 52) And the moment you outline the parallels between these two groups, such Jinx-philes appear as superficial and disloyal. I don’t think, it is a coincidence. Why? First, both were influenced by Park Namwook’s remarks. The latter would constantly portray his own boss in a bad light ruining the sentiment of cohesion within the team. The champion was on the one side, while on the other side the fighters, forgetting that the coach was hiding behind the emperor’s success. Once the latter failed, it is not surprising that the members didn’t stay out of loyalty for Park Namwook. He had done nothing for them, except empty promises. (chapter 23) But in my eyes, the main reason why the sportsmen and many Manhwaworms reacted like this is that nowadays people hate pain and suffering. They don’t see it as a source of growth. Why? They only perceive it from one perspective, their own, a sign for selfishness. But emotional and mental pain is not one-dimensional, for in a conflict or argument, both sides are hurting each other. This means that Mingwa portrayed the mentality of the younger generation in her Manhwa. And how is the younger generation called? They are described as snowflake.
These are just two of the distinguishing features of people who have reached adulthood in the early years of 2010. It is said that the “snowflake” generation is made up of people who are extremely sensitive to opinions that challenge their worldview and react with an excessive susceptibility to lighter complaints, with little resilience. […]
The result of a hyperprotective parenting style, which sees dangers everywhere and promotes an exaggerated perception of the “ego”, are people who do not have the skills to deal with the real world. These people have not sufficiently developed the tolerance to frustration, so the slightest obstacle discourages them. Nor have they developed an adequate emotional intelligence, so they do not know how to deal with the negative emotions aroused by certain situations.
As a result, they become stiffer, feel offended by different opinions and prefer to create “safe spaces” where everything meets their expectations. These people are hypersensitive to criticisms, and in general terms to all those things that do not enter their worldview. Quoted from https://psychology-spot.com/snowflake-generation/
We have the perfect example with Seonho who quit immediately, when he received harsh criticism. (chapter 46) He had to leave the gym, for he noticed that he would become the target of gossips. (chapter 46) He refused to face reality. That’s the reason why he became a traitor. He was tasked to bring members to the gym King Of MMA (chapter 52) so that he would become the next champion.
However, in order to turn a wound into something positive, people need to accept it as a normality and meditate. That’s how a painful incident becomes a tough life lesson. Yet, the reality is that the influence of social media is doing the opposite. They encourage readers and viewers to act on their emotions. Thus their judgement is superficial and full of bias. That’s how people can be easily manipulated. And that’s what the medias have been doing in Jinx. (chapter 52) They turned a hero and philanthropist (he organized a charity event) into a criminal, while the Shotgun, a cheater, got celebrated as a hero. It’s not surprising that no one was missing Baek Junmin during the party. In fact, the members talked behind his back. But what were the MMA fighters celebrating then? (chapter 52) Themselves… and their dream. They were imagining that they were one step closer to the spotlight. Through Jinx, Mingwa is criticizing our modern society and indirectly Jinx-philes who would easily jump from one ship to another. Twenty days earlier, the so-called hero was insulted for treating Kim Dan poorly. (chapter 50) If there are “heroes” in this story, it is the main couple. Joo Jaekyung is a protagonist and not a villain, hence the slap was not deserved. The antagonists are Choi Gilseok, Baek Junmin, Heo Manwook, Seonho and other invisible hands.
The former members from Team Black behaved exactly like the snowflake generation. They couldn’t bear any “hard time” at all, for they only saw it from their perspective, showing no empathy for the athlete’s bad mood. (chapter 36) The main lead was here put under immense stress due to the article. (chapter 36) Yet, he still took his job seriously, hence he spent time training himself the fighters despite his shoulder injury. (chapter 36) Here, he had become their coach and sparring trainer. Under this light, it becomes comprehensible why the author often portrayed them as chicken (chapter 43) or chibbies. (chapter 47) They lack discernment and maturity. Hence they chose the easy way out, thinking that they would have a better chance to become rich and famous. (chapter 52) They followed the flow, the symbol for herd mentality, a concept I explained in “Effective Anguish“. This shows that they chose to throw overboard virtues like integrity and loyalty. Consequently, they are using the athlete in order to hide their wrongdoing. (chapter 52) The irony is that one of them even knew about the origins of Baek Junmin (chapter 47) and still chose to leave the gym. This means that they can not feign ignorance about their involvement in the criminal world. Even the cheating was discussed at the restaurant. (chapter 52) To conclude, they chose to become true thugs, while in the past, they would look like ones. But a bad decision doesn’t mean that their fate is sealed forever. They can change their opinion and redeem themselves.
And if you look back at all the chapters, you will realize that no one got fired, when Kim Dan entered the scene. In fact, the athlete had been very tolerant with the members, though they didn’t bring any success. Secondly, his so-called bad temper was first directed at Kim Dan. (chapter 7) If you read my essay “Guilty Truth or Dare – part 1”, you know that the beating in episode 1 was in fact an anomality. In chapter 36, 45 and 52, Joo Jaekyung never utilized violence, only when he was provoked (chapter 46) I am not saying that he shouldn’t change. But he is a far better person than he is perceived. He is loyal, tolerant, sincere and generous. In fact, he shared his PT with the fighters. (chapter 47). Thus I am already anticipating a rude awakening for the sportsmen, the moment they realize that in that new gym, the law of the jungle is ruling. Moreover, they should realize that they will be used as tools to make money. Choi Gilseok will throw them under the bus, if it is necessary. They will keep rigging the matches, as now MFC has become the official ground for betting. The dark side of MFC is coming to the surface. Baek Junmin is the perfect example. Choi Gilseok and his “Shotgun” provoked the main lead on purpose. However, the fake Angel of Death never realized the consequences of his words. (chapter 52) He lost consciousness and two front teeth. Moreover, he is shaking, a sign that he got severely injured, something I had predicted. This explicates why the corrupt reporter used a picture before the beating (chapter 52) Choi Gilseok used the fake hero’s image to his advantage. On the other hand, this signifies that the incident will leave deep scars in Baek Junmin. He will fear more than before the champion. Choi Gilseok ruined his confidence and mental health. Hence he will do anything to postpone the rematch. Moreover, there is no ambiguity that he and director Choi will cheat again. I have no doubt that he will resort to a bigger crime. Keep in mind that according to me, MFC is corrupted. Though it looks like my interpretation that Choi Gilseok bet on tie isn’t right, I am not giving up this theory yet. Why? It is because the fighters are repeating just what they heard from Choi Gilseok. (chapter 52) Secondly, for me, the director is the epitome of cowardice. Hence he resorted to the cheap trick. Let’s not forget that in the past, he wagered on the champion’s loss with the drugged beverage. I doubt that he would repeat the same mistake. To conclude, the fighters felt good, when they left Team Black. (chapter 52) But reality will catch them quickly. They are the tools to make others to shine as “heroes”. Their happiness is simply short-lived. There is a huge difference between this party and the one in chapter 9. There is no welcome elixir bowl, (chapter 9) King Of MMA stands for the philosophy: “it’s everyone for himself”. Hence the generosity from the director is fake, he will ask for something in return! Remember how he lured the doctor to commit a crime with his “sweet temptation”. I am still expecting the usage of steroids and other tricks. Moreover, through their participation, they become involved in money laundering.
3. Park Namwook’s slapping
Striking is that when bookworms felt good with the slap in episode 52, they resented Park Namwook for his rude behavior towards Kim Dan in episode 50. (chapter 50) The contrast between these two scenes exposed the man as a huge hypocrite. Therefore it is legitimate to state that the manager had no right to slap Joo Jaekyung at all. He had not defended the doctor himself. That’s why I really felt bad, when I saw this: (chapter 52) If I had been there, I would have put myself between the athlete and the manager. Why? It is because the celebrity was a patient at the hospital. It was not the time and place to criticize the athlete. (chapter 52) What was the point of dwelling on the past? And if you compare these two images (chapter 52) (chapter 21), the manager’s violation becomes more obvious. The hospital is a place where a patient needs rest. And what had Kim Dan done in the past? He had not revealed his problems to his grandmother so that she wouldn’t worry too much. He had tried to solve them on his own. Stress is not good for an ill person. In other words, the manager revealed his true face: (chapter 52) He is a wolf with no manner and empathy. (chapter 7) It is no coincidence that we could see his pupils for the second time. (chapter 5) That’s the only moment he revealed his true thoughts and emotions to his pupil. This exposes his hypocrisy and distance. And there was another reason why I condemn his action. (chapter 52) He acted as a parent. However, Jinx-philes should keep in their mind that the main lead is the owner of Team Black. So let me ask you this. Is it right for an employee to slap or beat his employer? No, and Park Namwook knows that very well. Hence he masked his wrongdoing with his weeping. (chapter 52) Through the tears, he not only diverted attention from his bad reaction, but also tried to arouse pity. What an irony! He was standing in front of a man who had a wounded foot, a ruined reputation and a surgery. The latter still deserved some compassion despite his mistakes.
But like mentioned above, each suffering can bring positive changes. So what is the positive effect here? First, it is important to recall that by slapping the champion (chapter 52), Park Namwook was contradicting his previous statement. (chapter 7) In episode 7, he refused to become responsible for his bad manners. He implied that the athlete had been raised by someone else. This indicates that with the slap, he crossed the line. He became his “surrogate father or older brother”. People wondered where his family was. It was Team Black and Park Namwook as the “surrogate guardian”. And now, you comprehend why the athlete said nothing. (chapter 52) But that means as well, the athlete will emancipate himself from his hyung. Furthermore, he showed him that it was okay to weep in front of others, though his weeping was short-lived. (chapter 52)
So why did the manager do it, if it was not for the doctor’s sake? (chapter 52) It is because he didn’t want to become responsible for the mess. All the fighters had left the gym, but he was their coach. (chapter 09) He had failed his task. Keep in mind that Joo Jaekyung had warned him. (chapter 46) He had voiced expectations for the first time to Park Namwook. He should become more proactive. In other words, he was starting putting some responsibility on the manager of Team Black. But the problem is that Park Namwook has the mentality of a child! He fears responsibility and as such making decisions. He is suffering from Decidophobia.
This explicates why he refused to make any decision concerning all the fights with Joo Jaekyung. But in the locker room, he had to say something, for he is his manager. But here, he let coach Jeong Yosep make the choice. (chapter 50) So when he is accusing the champion of behaving like a child, he is simply projecting his own thoughts and emotions, exactly like Baek Junmin: “He’s all talk”. . )chapter 52) (chapter 52) He was the child here. But we have another evidence for this interpretation.
Panic and anxiety: You experience extreme anxiety or have a panic attack when you need to make decisions. You may also experience other symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, nausea, sweating, tremors, and chest or stomach pain.
Procrastination: Your fear of making the wrong choice causes you to put off making decisions for as long as possible. You find it easier to avoid making a decision and live with uncertainty, than to decide and regret your choice. As a result of your procrastination, you may miss out on a lot of opportunities.
Undervalued instincts: Instead of paying attention to your needs and instincts, you focus on gathering a lot of information or soliciting others’ opinions to help you make your decision. However, rather than being helpful, this can cause you to reach a point where you’re completely overwhelmed instead.
Strained relationships: You put a strain on your relationships with loved ones because you leave them to make big choices alone, which puts pressure on them to try and please you without actually knowing what you want.
External dependence: You create situations where you let others decide for you, instead of making decisions for yourself. You may attract a lot of manipulative or authoritarian personalities into your life because their willingness to take charge feels good to you at first.
Not only he keeps procrastinating, but more importantly he relies on others. Hence he pushed the athlete to sign a contract with the Entertainment agency (chapter 30). He let the manager and the lawyer to push the athlete to accept the fight with Dominic Lee. When the drug incident was reported to him, he simply notified MFC security guys dropping everything on them and Kim Dan. (chapter 40) He didn’t feel concerned. It was not part of his duty. So when the fighter got switched, he hired more advisors so that if anything went wrong, no one would put the blame on him. (chapter 47) It is no coincidence that he delegates tasks to others. (chapter 36) But his passivity becomes more obvious, when you look at the news. (chapter 52) He doesn’t give any interview to explain the incident in the health center. As his manager, he should have intervened. Under this light, it becomes comprehensible why he had to blame the champion. It is the result of his passivity, fears and ignorance. He never tried to understand the origins of the champion’s anger management issues. That’s the reason why he wished the physical therapist good luck. (chapter 1) He was totally unpredictable in his eyes. But he didn’t ask the right question: why? He neglected his mental health. Then, later he gave himself an answer: he is just a spoiled brat.
But for the first time, the champion didn’t accept his reproach silently, he had to express how he felt. (chapter 52) In front of this confession, Park Namwook was left speechless. The man was completely lost. Out of fear and powerlessness, he slapped the champion. (chapter 52) So did he feel good doing it? No, he realized his wrongdoing. Therefore he cried, though his tears are rather superficial. Because it is a huge disaster, he doesn’t know what to do. Without any fight, the gym won’t earn any money. I believe that his obsession for money is influenced by his situation. He has a family to feed. Because he feels scared and helpless, he simply did nothing. He didn’t go to the gym (chapter 52) or look for Kim Dan . (chapter 52) or go to the authorities. Potato was the one who visited the doctor, for he repeated the same words. Oh Daehyun took care of the training and coach Yosep went to MFC and the authorities, though I fear that this could also backfire, as the weapon and crime got reported. Kim Dan could be incriminated. (chapter 52) But there is another reason why I don’t think, the manager met the physical therapist. Park Namwook remembers definitely that he had not sided with him in the locker room either. And that time, he could put the blame on the athlete, for he was a victim. And now, you comprehend why the manager had to put the whole blame on the athlete at the hospital. So he didn’t slap the champion, for it felt good, but out of anxiety and discomfort. He didn’t want to be confronted with the champion’s pain as well. (chapter 52) That was too much to bear for him. We don’t know what happened to Kim Dan, but there is a high chance that he might have lost his grandmother. Park Namwook has already trouble to deal with the emperor’s suffering and powerlessness, therefore I doubt that he could face the doctor in front of a real tragedy.
Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Park Namwook is following the flow, has a biased perception of his boss and let him carry the whole burden. In my eyes, he doesn’t deserve his high position. Hence this crisis was necessary. It is time for the athlete to take the reins of the gym. But like pointed out above, he did more and more for the gym. From a simple fighter (chapter 7), he turned into a trainer and coach. On the other hand, I doubt that the champion should do everything on his own. Exactly like his hyung, he should ask for help and advices, but contrary to the past, there would be a real discussion where everyone comes to an agreement. All of them should make the decision together. But let’s return our attention to the manager and coach.
I suspect that he has always viewed himself as the protagonist’s savior. (chapter 26) The reality is that MFC is strongly intertwined with the crime world.
And note what is happening right now. Because of a punch, all the members left the gym and joined director Choi Gilseok’s gym. But the emperor’s manager knew that this man was bad news, hence he avoided him. (chapter 48) He has been a coward, he used Joo Jaekyung to boost his ego. He relied on routine (chapter 5) and the emperor’s talents thinking that he could do the same with the other fighters. But that’s impossible. Each sportsman is different. One thing is sure. He hid his fears behind people. His dream was to live a life on a script, like wrestling which is impossible. But now they have all abandoned the ship, thereby it is becoming more difficult to avoid responsibility. At the same time, it explains why he is asking for the return of Kim Dan. It is his way to avoid accountability.
At the same time, it exposes his ignorance and prejudices. He has such a bad perception of Joo Jaekyung that he accepted without problem to let the emperor take the whole blame. He never spoke up in his defense… the two hyungs stood there totally passive and silent in the emergency room. (chapter 52) They did nothing to stop the tragedy, though they knew about his bad temper. To conclude, Park Namwook didn’t feel good for the slapping, hence this action was not truly necessary. On the other hand, this could only make the champion realize how precious Kim Dan is. The latter allowed him to speak up (chapter 51), even to voice his emotions and thoughts without resorting to violence, though the doctor was wounded by them. Here is another contrast. (chapter 31) He slapped him on his neck showing a certain dishonesty.
4. Joo Jaekyung’s punch
And now, we should ask ourselves if the emperor felt good, when he vented his anger on the stupid challenger. (chapter 52) No, because it brought only him misery afterwards. (chapter 52) He has to get surgery and he got suspended. (chapter 52) This terrible situation cornered him. He was forced to admit his unwell-being, powerlessness and cluelessness. He was like his hyung, he felt lost. He didn’t know what to do. We should see this confession as a scream for help: (chapter 52)
Interesting is that the 90 day of suspension is actually a blessing in disguise. How so?
In biblical numerology, 90 is often associated with completion and perfect timing. It signifies the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one. This number embodies God’s perfect timing and the fulfillment of His promises. Quoted from https://meaning-of.net/religion/bible/biblical-meaning-of-90/
As you can see, the number is strongly intertwined with enlightenment and huge transformation. Hence I deduce that within that time, all these characters, Park Namwook, Hwang Yoon-Gu, coach Jeong Yosep, Oh Daehyun, Kim Changmin, Kim Dan and Kwak Junbeom (probably Heesung) will introduce new habits and develop a new routine. The team will work differently. But there exists another reason why I consider this suspension as a blessing. The champion would have never stopped, had MFC not intervened. The schemers saw the athlete as a problem, for he was earning more and more money, a problem for their business. (chapter 41) Moreover, thanks to the punishment, the champion learned that he couldn’t use his fists in order to solve a problem. Remember what he said to Kim Dan during the breakfast: (chapter 41) He wanted to kill the mastermind behind the plot. From my point of view, the champion is incited to discover the existence of other means to get justice. According to my theory, the fighter is a chaebol. So he has power, but he was never taught to use his power properly. As time passes on, he will realize that he has to report a crime on his own, file a lawsuit but not for himself, for others. Finally, he will come to utilize medias to expose a crime. Hence I am expecting a new version of this scene at some point (chapter 35), where he contacts a journalist and reveals everything with the help from his loved one. From my point of view, he became a fighter because of manipulations. That way, the truth could get buried.
To conclude, if someone had to criticize Joo Jaekyung, then it should have been the physical therapist and no one else. Furthermore, in the locker room, it was the champion’s right to confront the doctor. (chapter 51) Anyone in his position would have reacted the same way. He is not omniscient, like the author or Manhwalovers. Finally, when he saw that he had wounded the doctor, he left the place. Unfortunately, out of habit, he had to mask his shock and wound with his anger. (chapter 51) However, his question at the hospital (chapter 52) shows that my interpretation was correct. Joo Jaekyung didn’t fire the doctor with his words “Get out of my sight”, he just wanted to be left alone. On the other hand, I am certain that the physical therapist took his words too literally. He imagined that he was fired. Hence I saw this argument in the hospital room as a good omen, though I was mad at the coaches and Oh Daehyun. (chapter 52) The only one looking at him was the puppy Yoon-Gu. They are embarrassed, for no one paid attention to Kim Dan except the cute puppy Potato. So what is so positive about this scene? The champion realized that no one was taking his side, ready to listen to this suffering. Only Kim Dan had been patient and understanding with him. (chapter 45) He had never judged him for his yelling and reproaches. He had accepted everything from him, the good and bad.
Through their argument, both are learning how to communicate properly and as such to trust each other. Both are gradually discovering the 4 sides model of a message: Joo Jaekyung must have realized that Kim Dan misunderstood his words in the locker room. (chapter 52) He got to hear a terrible news that took him by surprise. (chapter 52) Hence he listened patiently to his coach. He was calm again, the shock made him forget his misery. However, note that he is not looking at Park Namwook. He is starring in front of him. In my eyes, it is related to the grandmother and her imminent death. Joo Jaekyung was so blinded by anger and fears (chapter 51) that he forgot that Kim Dan used to spend all his money for her. Joo Jaekyung imagined that by paying the bills, the problems had been solved. But money is nothing in front of death. Everyone is equal in front of death. Back then, the doctor had wondered how he could help his loved one, if he were to lose a match. He sensed that the athlete could become depressive: (chapter 29) No matter what happened to Kim Dan, the doctor’s fate is there to teach Joo Jaekyung another important lesson. His pain is nothing compared to his loved one’s. Even if the grandmother didn’t die, one thing is sure: Kim Dan’s in a worse place than the champion. That’s how they can help each other to overcome their tragedy and face the future with confidence. For me, what will motivate Team Black is not money, but the doctor’s happiness. That’s how they come close to each other, they will all discover the importance of mental health and happiness. Being protective can be a source of a strength.
5. Feeling good?
So did anyone feel good after the match? No one .. except the traitors and director Choi Gilseok. I am even excluding Baek Junmin, for he got severely injured and the members are talking behind his back. Besides, the party was ruined by Potato. There was a fight at the restaurant. (chapter 52) There was no second round. In fact, I only felt good, when Kim Dan succeeded in this challenge: (chapter 26) This was the only chapter in Jinx without emotional pain. He discovered that he had power and he could help Hwang Yoon-Gu. Hence he smiled!! (chapter 26) I can only feel good, when the two protagonists are smiling. (chapter 26) Both were listening to each other. (chapter 26) It was the happiest moment, for all the characters were genuinely cheering and smiling. (chapter 26) (chapter 26) And now, look at this: 26 +26 = 52! So we have to envision that Kim Dan must be devastated, even a wreck. And now, you comprehend my illustration. The red and heart were referring to blood and pain, but the hands were to indicate that sharing pain is caring, the symbol for love. (chapter 52) That’s the reason why these fighters will come to regret their decision, especially when they will realize that they didn’t just abandon the bad-tempered athlete, (chapter 52) but also the gentle and selfless doctor! There was no one by his side, when he was suffering. He had been truly abandoned. His pain will make them realize their wrongdoing and selfishness, for doc Dan had always been there to treat their wounds and listen to them. (chapter 36) They will no longer feel good while recalling their decision and even this evening (chapter 52), especially because the other was alone in pain.
My conclusion is that we should never rejoice at the misery of others, because it could happen to us too. We are destined to encounter anguish and failure anyway. Life without pain is impossible. Dwelling on the past won’t change any thing. (chapter 52) A crisis is a moment when people should reflect in order to learn life lessons and move on with life. Any rushed action can only aggravate the situation. And now, the ball is in the champion’s courtyard. He has to find a way to help his loved one. Hence he is listening and starring in front of him. (chapter 53)
PS: Chapter 52 proved my previous theory one more time, the Webtoonist is using Numerology. But that will be the topic for another essay. 😉
Feel free to comment. If you have any suggestion for topics or manhwas, feel free to ask. If you enjoyed reading it, retweet it or push the button like. My Reddit-Instagram-Twitter-Tumblr account is: @bebebisous33. Thanks for reading and for the support, particularly, I would like to thank all the new followers and people recommending my blog.
Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes.Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwasHere are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx“Guilty Truth Or Dare – part 2” (locked)
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1. Numbers, Mathematics and Magic
How can numbers be associated with magic? The latter stands for mystery and supernatural forces, while the other representing Mathematics symbolize rationality and logic. It looks like a contradiction, yet let’s not forget that without Mathematics, we wouldn’t be able to understand our world. How? The function of mathematics is multi-faceted and integral to various aspects of human life. Some key functions of mathematics include:
Problem-solving: Mathematics provides a systematic approach to solving problems across different fields, from science and engineering to economics and social sciences.
Modeling and prediction: Mathematics allows us to create models that represent real-world phenomena, enabling us to make predictions and understand complex systems.
Quantification: Mathematics provides a language for quantifying and measuring quantities, allowing us to describe and compare different phenomena.
Analysis: Mathematics provides tools for analyzing data, patterns, and relationships, helping us gain insights and make informed decisions.
Communication: Mathematics serves as a universal language that facilitates communication and collaboration among people with diverse backgrounds and cultures.
As you can see, they help us to solve problems in our daily life, but more importantly, thanks to them we can make predictions. Indirectly, it shows that numbers are strongly connected with magic, for they are used as a key to understand the unknown, to anticipate bad things. It was, as if they were the key to communicate with the unknown. It was, as if numbers were a language on their own. That’s why they appear so magical. Under this new light, it becomes understandable why certain people came to see numbers as something supernatural. It was, as if the gods and stars were trying to communicate with humans. Let’s not forget that numbers in religions play a huge role. In Christianity, we have one representing unity and the monotheistic nature of God, then 3 with Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and divine perfection. In addition, seven is associated with completeness, perfection, and divine order (e.g., seven days of creation), whereas 12 represents completeness or wholeness (e.g., twelve apostles, twelve tribes of Israel). Finally, we have forty, which often signifies a period of testing, preparation, or transformation (e.g., forty days of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, which is quite similar in Islam (forty days of fasting in Ramadan: trial and purification). In Hinduism, three represents the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) and the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction, then 4 symbolizes the four stages of life (ashramas) and the four aims of life (purusharthas) and finally 8 stands for prosperity, abundance, and cosmic balance (e.g., eight directions, eight forms of Lakshmi). I could include other religions like Buddhism or Judaism which all have special numbers (1, 3, 7, 10, 18). To conclude, numbers are connected to belief, to celestial and divine world, and they embody certain notions. This observation brings me to my main topic, Numerology, particularly Chaldean numerology.
2. Chaldean Numerology
The latte is a belief system that ascribes meaning to numbers and their influence on human life. Originating from ancient Chaldea, a region in the Middle East, Chaldean numerology assigns specific vibrations and characteristics to each number from 1 to 8, as the number 9 is considered a sacred, spiritual number.
In Chaldean numerology, each letter of the alphabet is assigned a numerical value, and by analyzing names or words, practitioners can derive insights into personality traits, life path, and future events. These numerical values are based on the vibrations associated with the sound of each letter rather than its alphabetical order.
Chaldean numerology is often used to gain insight into various aspects of life, including career choices, relationships, and personal development. By calculating and interpreting numerical patterns, individuals may uncover hidden strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth.
Overall, Chaldean numerology offers a unique perspective on the significance of numbers in shaping human experiences and guiding life’s journey. It remains a popular tool for self-discovery and personal empowerment among those who believe in its principles. As you can see, it helps people recurring to Numerology to solve problems, to make decisions which will affect their life, to anticipate bad events. However, like pointed above, this “science” is based on faith and not “facts”. How so? It is because Numerology believes in supernaturality, and the latter is a synonym for occultism, prophecy, magic and even hocus-pocus. That’s why here I feel the need to remind my readers that the content of this essay is not representing my own belief. Just perceive me as a neutral commentator. The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate that Mingwa used this system to develop her story. How can I prove it? I could answer to this question very quickly, yet it would ruin the fun. Hence I would like first to demonstrate how I came to discover this influence.
3. Return to the past
If I look back at my previous examinations, it started with Potato and chapter 22. (chapter 22) Back then, I came to realize that both ukes were associated with the number 2. Shortly after, while making a first portrait of Cheolmin, I noticed that this cute doctor was linked to numbers 1, 3, 4. At the same time, I connected him to the sky, an angel. As you can observe it, my observations led me little by little to planets and numerology. But the major turning point was, when I perceived Kim Dan as a representative of Saturn . From that moment on, I came to associate Jinx-characters with gods and as such planets. Hence in the essay , I made the following connections. Potato was Venus, and his soulmate Choi Heesung is Mercury. Then Joo Jaekyung is Jupiter and the Sun, whereas Kim Dan was Saturn and the Moon. That’s how I discovered that Kim Dan was associated with the number 8. Thus in the composition A Summer Night’s Dream, I outlined that this was Kim Dan’s night, for 44 stands for 8. And do you know what 44 mean in Numerology? HEALING! That’s the night Kim Dan got healed. (chapter 44) During that night, he realized that time was flowing. It helped him to reconnect with the present and forget his abandonment issues. How so? This revelation was necessary to make him realize that his promise with his halmoni was impossible. She was a mortal, exactly like him. This lovely night gave him the strength to face reality (chapter 47) and digest the terrible news. (chapter 47) Thanks to the champion, Kim Dan discovered that he could receive warmth and love from someone else. And now, you can grasp why he was strong enough to give the present to Joo Jaekyung despite his fear, why he could confront his boss in the locker room in episode 51. Thanks to this magical night, he learned that he could stand on his own. He is an adult now. But wait… people might question this interpretation, for there was no teamwork in episode 11. (chapter 11) When Park Namwook and Kwak Junbeom saw that he was wounded, the manager could detect the doctor’s lie. But what did they do? Nothing, they acted, as if they had not detected his lie. However, don’t forget the champion’s reaction. (chapter 11) He treated him as an important member of his team, he needed his assistance. Secondly, who helped Kim Dan with his struggles? Joo Jaekyung. (chapter 11) He might have taken advantage of the situation, yet contrary to the others, he did something despite his ignorance. (chapter 11) They were a team… working together, relying on each other. 22 announced a new start, for the champion divulged that he was living with the cute hamster. (chapter 22) Secondly, notice that he showed his true power in the break room. He is the true owner of the gym (chapter 22) It is important, because it indicates that little by little, Joo Jaekyung is taking over the gym. From that chapter on, he was building his world from the ground”.
In episode 33 (chapter 33), we could see Joo Jaekyung’s success reached its peak, as he had just signed a contract with the Entertainment agency. “Reaching the pinnacles of success” was also reflected in another situation. The champion was allowed to touch his lover’s phallus (chapter 33), something he had been denied before (chapter 24). Moreover, he was able to get a confession from Kim Dan. (chapter 33) The latter would react to him, only him could make him cum. Moreover, observe that in the heat of the moment, Kim Dan embraced his lover which surprised both. (chapter 33) The cute doctor was unconsciously accepting to be intimate with his boss. Thus he whispered to the sportsman. (chapter 33) In other words, the athlete had been successful in the car, though there is no doubt that he reacted more to the situation, he feared to lose his lover to the frenemy Choi Heesung.
4. The magical 6
But what was the trigger for this essay? First, while examining chapter 51, especially the argumentation between Kim Dan and his soulmate, I noticed parallels with episode 15. Through this table, it become visible that Mingwa created episode 51 as a positive reflection.
Chapter 15
Chapter 51
A request, but notice that he is avoiding the athlete’s gaze. He only starts talking, when the other is turning his back to him. But even so, he is not able to look at his VIP client. Kim Dan is the one avoiding the athlete.
Both faced each other. They voiced their own thoughts and emotions. They are no longer avoiding discomfort, a sign that they are getting closer to each other.
Here Manhwa-lovers can detect Joo Jaekyung’s arrogance and detachment. Both were not true to themselves. They were both beating around the bush. No one voiced exactly what they truly desire from each other, for they were not listening to their own heart.
However, their discussion ended with a question pushing both characters to meditate. Why doesn’t he trust me yet? How can I earn it? Why don’t I trust him, though we live together? Why don’t I trust him, when he prepared breakfasts for me? Why don’t I trust him, when he was able to heal my shoulder?
It is no coincidence that the numbers are reflecting each other. But more importantly, if you add the numbers together, you have six. 6 embodies Venus, the goddess of love. And now, you know why in my illustration I selected pictures from episode 6, 33 and 51! They are all connected to the same number. This signifies that we should examine the following chapters 6, 15, 24, 33, 42, and 51 as a continuation or better said as reflections. Hence they stand for love, but don’t forget that Venus also embodies fertility, prosperity and victory. How so? She was the ancestor of the Roman people through her son, Aeneas, who survived the fall of Troy and fled to Italy. That’s why she came to symbolize Rome’s imperial power. Yes, these chapters are mirroring a battle, who has the upper hand in the couple.
Chapter 6
Chapter 15
Chapter 24
Chapter 33
Chapter 42
Chapter 51
So the moment I connected these episodes to each other, I noticed the progression in their relationship. First, when the deal was made, the physical therapist could never refuse. He had to please his partner at any time and place and he could make any request. But it changed in the locker room, Kim Dan made a first request. Then in the office, he questioned his boss’ decision before making a request. But contrary to the previous 6, the alpha listened to his plea. Thus Potato was sent away. Then in the car, for the first time, Kim Dan voiced a desire. He even allowed his partner to touch his penis, something he had rejected before. Then in the penthouse, he cooked a breakfast, though he was tired. Interesting is that by earning money as a courier, he never realized that he was actually violating their deal. Joo Jaekyung could no longer ask for sex at any moment and at any place. This shows that though Kim Dan had become the owner of his life. He was liberating himself from his situation as “whore”. He could find a new job, if he wanted to. Joo Jaekyung had no saying in his life. It was teaching Joo Jaekyung a lesson, he shouldn’t have intervened, when Choi Heesung offered him a job. Indirectly, he was forbidding him to work elsewhere as PT. Under this new light, Manhwaphiles can grasp the lie from the green-haired uke. On the other hand, it is not surprising why the champion got mad at Kim Dan in the penthouse. He couldn’t admit that he had come to enjoy his presence in his flat. He could no longer bring up their previous deal. (chapter 45) By taking a side gig, the main lead pushed the athlete to recognize him as a true physical therapist and not as a whore. This new interpretation reinforces my conviction that the sex before the match with Baek Junmin was different, it had lost its true value and meaning: it was no longer a belief, rather a habit. Kim Dan could even determine the end of the sex session. (chapter 53) So when Kim Dan asked him this question (chapter 51), he was forced to recall their initial deal. (chapter 6) This condition represented a violation to his belief, the jinx. Having sex with Kim Dan had nothing to do with his career and fights. Moreover, in order to make an oral deal, you need to trust the counterpart. However, money played a huge role in the creation of their deal, therefore he mistrusted him. Finally, notice that gradually they were moving on from their initial deal. The result is that sex is no longer present in episode 51. I would say, the turning point is episode 42, where there was no sex between them, yet this topic was still present through the former partner. But what does the number 6 mean in Jinx?
In my eyes, they display all a change and as such marks a first time for Kim Dan. While in episode 6, they made a new deal, in episode 15, Joo Jaekyung faced his lover for the first time after kissing him. (chapter 15) But there’s more to it. It was also a first for the champion. He invited Kim Dan to watch the show. Imagine that he had never invited any sex partner before. Then in episode 24, he listened to the doctor’s request without any complain. Then in episode 33, for the first time, Joo Jaekyung focused on giving Kim Dan’s anal pleasure. It was, as if the star wanted to trigger desires in Kim Dan. Then in episode 42, Joo Jaekyung witnessed that Kim Dan was doing the breakfasts out of “routine” and not out of pleasure. Thus he always fell asleep. On the other hand, the physical therapist got confronted with a rival for the first time. Finally, in episode 51, Joo Jaekyung is now acknowledging Kim Dan as his final doctor. He is voicing his expectation: meticulousity. (chapter 51) All their discussion was about work and loyalty. (chapter 51) By bringing the topic money (chapter 51), the champion could finally voice his biggest fear. Deep down, he knew that their relationship was based on money. But with one sentence, the doctor could remove his doubts and insecurities. (chapter 51) His voice and facial expression exposed the doctor’s shock and disappointment. He thought, the champion would trust him. It is important, because this means that from now on, their bond is based on the heart. This painful conversation opened their heart and mind, the exact opposite of this scene, where the prejudices from each other got reinforced. (chapter 6) (chapter 6) Moreover, I would like to point out that contrary to his altercation with his manager (chapter 46) , he listened to Kim Dan till the end. (chapter 51) Here, he didn’t fear the discussion, he voiced his true thoughts and emotions. And observe that this scene is also connected to number 6. Another common denominator is that in both scenes, the champion left the room, yet his motivations were totally different. The comment from the doctor had affected him which we could observe here. (chapter 51) He was more than caught by surprise, in my opinion, it must have dawned on him that he might have been wrong about the doctor. Hence he got upset. Seeing the physical therapist’s face was like a reminder that he had made a mistake, he had not trusted Kim Dan, while the latter had not.
5. The answer is in the numbers
And now, it is time to expose the biggest evidence that Mingwa has been using Chaldean Numerology. The moment I discovered 6, I started wondering which number the characters from Jinx were associated with. So far, I had come to the deduction was Kim Dan’s number was 8 through my examination. But is it true or not? As for Joo Jaekyung, I saw him linked to Jupiter and the sun (3 or 1). Thus I looked for a validation.
On this website, I tipped the name Kim Dan, his birthday 26. 12. 1994 (as he is 29). I am assuming 1994, for the story started more or less in 2023 and it is the same year in Jinx: July. And this is what I found. His radical and name number is 8, whereas his destiny number is 7. His color is Black, his fast day is Saturday and his favorable days are Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Actually, it confirmed that the young man was represented by Saturn and the number 8. As for his destiny number, I believe that his fate is to meet Cheolmin (chapter 13) and Alfredo (chapter 47). Remember that for me, Cheolmin is connected to Neptune, hence we have the number 1, 3 and 4. Thus it would validate my hypothesis that at the restaurant, Joo Jaekyung was talking to the cute doctor. (chapter 43) On the other hand, you are probably wondering how I came to this new theory. It’s simple. It’s because of his name. Alfredo is connected to the number 7. In addition, his name signifies wise counselor.
Alfredo is the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese form of the English masculine name Ælfræd (Alfred). The name is comprised of the Olde English elements “ælf” meaning ‘elf’ (one with supernatural powers), and “ræd” which means ‘to counsel’. Alfred is one of those few English forenames that both predated and survived the Norman Conquest of 1066. Quoted from https://ohbabynames.com/all-baby-names/alfredo/
And now, you understand why I added the elf in the illustration. This signifies that we have another mythical creature in the Manhwa. So far, I detected the presence of the dragon, the angel, the goblin and the gumiho. However, it is important to know that the portrait of elves in the Lord Of The Rings is only reflecting one aspect of their true personality. In fact, in the past, these creatures were not necessarily embodying goodness and light.
In Germanic mythology, elves were seen as the spirits of the dead who were either helpful or harmful to humans. […]
1. Norse mythology: In Norse mythology, elves are known as light elves or dark elves. They were believed to be the first beings created by the god Freyr, who gave them the gift of beauty and long life. The light elves lived in the realm of Alfheim, which was ruled by the god Freyr. They were associated with nature, fertility, and creativity. On the other hand, the dark elves lived in Svartalfheim, which was ruled by the dwarf king, Ivaldi. They were known for their skills in crafting and forging.
2. Germanic folklore: In Germanic folklore, elves were believed to be supernatural beings that lived in forests, mountains, and meadows. They were often depicted as mischievous and playful creatures that enjoyed playing pranks on humans. However, they could also be helpful and benevolent, especially towards those who showed them respect and kindness. In some stories, elves were said to be the protectors of nature and wildlife.https://fastercapital.com/content/Mythology–The-Mythical-Beings–Elves-in-Ancient-Mythology.html#Origins-and-History-of-Elves
Moreover, in German, the word “Albtraum” (nightmare) comes from “aelf”, because in the past, people used to think that they would cause nightmares.
Der Alb/Der Alp: A mythical creature from Germanic folklore, similar to demon or goblin, believed to sit on and compress people’s chests as they sleep. The English equivalent of this word would be elf (in fact, the English word elf is cognate with the German word Alp), while the equivalent demon is an incubus or succubus. A related word is der Alpdruck, meaning elf pressure, which is used to refer to the feeling of pressure on one’s chest during a nightmare. Quoted from https://blogs.transparent.com/german/the-german-nightmare/
Thus I come to the following deduction. Alfredo represents a dark elf, and Kim Dan is fated to meet him in order to face his biggest fears from the past. For me, it is the vanishing of his parents. Remember that Alfredo is Italian, during the magical night in the States, we could see the city Venice, which is surrounded by water. , (chapter 39) In chapter 53, we discover that it was the halmoni’s dream to see the ocean, like we could observe it in his old house. (chapter 17) However, in the last panel, Joo Jaekyung was leading his loved one, symbolizing that he would bring him to different places. Thus the doctor had to follow him to Busan (city next to the sea) and to the USA. At the end of season 1, it becomes clear that the champion will follow the doctor’s footsteps. He will got to the West Coast. Yet, in reality, the fighter is actually following the grandmother’s trail. Moreover, note that the doctor’s dream was to travel too. However, this desire is strongly connected to his relative. (chapter 47) As you can see, we have dream and ocean combined together. But if the ocean is connected to dream, how did I come to associate Alfredo with the dark elf? My theory is that the sea also represents the source of his suffering and as such his nightmare. I believe that his parents died drowning which would explain this reaction in the swimming pool. (chapter 27) Yet according to my previous interpretation, the PT’s totem is the duck: (chapter 19) A bird that is associated with water. And what is the common denominator between these last three panels? (Chapter 17) (Chapter 27) (Chapter 47) The number 7… All of them are oozing pain and fear, but also they are linked to water: (chapter 7) (chapter 37) (chapter 47) The bridge from San Francisco is a place where people often commit suicide. My idea is that after they vanished, the halmoni never discussed their death with him. Since the grandmother was harassed by the loan shark, I can only assume that they killed themselves due to the debts, and suicide is a huge taboo in South Korea. Notice that his first trip led him to Busan which is a town next to the sea. However, back then, he had not the time to go to the beach. But when he went to the States, it was far from the coast, as UFC/MFC is located in Las Vegas. Hence he came to enjoy his trip. In fact, it inspired him to travel. (chapter 47)
So if my theory is correct, then Mingwa made sure that Kim Dan wouldn’t meet Alfredo too soon. He needed to be ready for that trip. Thus fortunately he got injured. My point is that we should make connections between episodes containing the name number, like for example 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52… At the same time, I also think, Alfredo could announce the emancipation for both characters, for pain has a positive effect on people: growth and change. Moreover, it is important to underline that the city “Venice” represents a combination of nature and civilization. Since it is surrounded by water, the latter has the upper hand. In other words, Venice stands for balance.
And now, it is time to give the champion’s number. I tipped Joo Jaekyung, 21. 06. 1997. His radical and name number is 3 confirming my observation. He is Jupiter. As for his destiny number, it is 8 and as such Kim Dan. This implies that Joo Jaekyung was following his destiny, when he chose the cute hamster as his partner. But it is not the same for Kim Dan. This signifies that loving the champion will be the doctor’s own choice. At the same time, it implies that the doctor will have the upper hand in their relationship. But his favorable numbers are 6 and 9… and now, you understand the signification of 6! These chapters helped him to metamorphose. No wonder why his wish got fulfilled in episode 39: (chapter 39) Then his favorable days are Thursday, Tuesday and Friday. And if we combine the days from the two protagonists, there is only Wednesday off.
As for Potato, I tipped 19.08. 2003. His radical number is 1, while his name number is 4. But more importantly his destiny number is 5! Keep in mind that for me, Heesung is Mercury, number 5. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Heesung could woo Potato. (chapter 35) We have a 5, but 3+5= 8, the double of 4. Besides, his favorable numbers are 1, 7, 4. Then we would have the explanation why he became more important in episode 22 (chapter 22), why he protected the doctor from Heesung in episode 31 (chapter 31), why he asked for Kim Dan in episode 40 and why he reappeared in episode 47. (chapter 47) and helped him in the locker room. (chapter 49)
As you can imagine, I could write much more about this topic. Here, I just analyzed the number 6 and a little 7. But before closing this composition, I would like my readers to look again at the list of the master numbers. As you can imagine, when I saw the signification for 55 (“lesson for communication”), my hopes got up, for it indicates that the protagonists will open up to each other. 5+5= 10, which means 1. This number stands for unity, moreover it symbolizes equity. Nevertheless, don’t forget that anguish is necessary in order to make them growth. Hence I am still expecting a painful conversation. They would reveal their wounds to each other. Consequently, it should diverge from episode 5 (violence, silence, avoidance), 45 (restrained strength, yelling but avoidance), 51 (no violence, yelling, confrontation and a question). The force is slowly vanishing replaced by words.
If you liked this type of essay, then it would be great to let me know. I could focus on other numbers, like for example 3 or 8 or 1, and their connections to the protagonists and the villains. That’s why I wrote part 1, but if I receive no feedback, then I will like it to my readers to analyze the numbers and their signification.
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.
Please support the authors by reading the Manhwas on the official websites. I am also using doctor Frost and Bj Alex as references. This is where you can read the Manhwas: Bj Alex, Jinx and Doctor Frost. But be aware that the first three Manhwas are mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes.Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first analysis about BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx“Precious Puppy Pals“
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining manhwas.Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
1. Return to the past
The trigger for this title was initially chapter 34. 😮 When the latter was released, this title came to my mind, but I never got the time and chance to write about it, for people were too upset about the champion’s behavior. He had broken the doctor’s trust by exposing their relationship to Choi Heesung. Back then, many Jinx-philes were upset to the point that I chose to focus on the author’s decisions for such an outcome. Thus I wrote the essay “Why?“. Since the whole story hasn’t been completed yet, I could only present assumptions. Hence that analysis contains some errors, though the main interpretation was correct. The relationship between the two main leads helps them to heal each other so that they can find happiness. This reminded of Doctor Frost, where the psychiatrist in charge of Doctor Baek tried to treat his PTSD by encouraging him to treat another patient suffering from the same disorder. (chapter 140) (chapter 149) Both were suffering from survivor guilt. To conclude, Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan represent the bitter medicine for their scars. I mentioned “bitter”, because through their loved one, they are forced to face painful moments. That’s how they can overcome their past and discover happiness. However, while looking for a new title, I rediscovered the first illustration , and it suddenly made click in my head. To conclude, I had another revelation concerning episode 50.
2. “What have you done?”
I could connect my illustration to episode 50 and in particular to this image: . (chapter 50) At first glance, the champion is blaming Kim Dan for the wound. He betrayed him. However, his words could have a different signification. Don’t forget that a message always has 4 sides according to Schulz von Thun. Consequently, while many saw this question as a “factual information” and as such as an accusation, the reality is that it gave us an insight about the sender too. The sportsman was not using the personal pronoun “I” or “me” in his inquiry. As you can see, the absence of the personal pronoun is indicating that Joo Jaekyung was in reality not referring to him and his wounds. He is not prioritizing himself, rather the doctor and his action. So this question could be prompted by curiosity or a desire to understand the person’s recent activities. Thus I deduce that the champion was asking his lover to tell him the truth. He should come clean. He desired a honest explanation. His attitude reminded me of an adult confronting his child.
Finally, the expression “What have you done?” (chapter 50) is strongly intertwined with the notion “crossing the line” or “daring”. It was, as if the physical therapist had dared to do something… Thus I believe that Joo Jaekyung must have perceived the gesture as the game “Truth or Dare” and not as betrayal. How is it possible? Don’t forget the absence of the personal pronoun “I” or “me”. He was focusing on the action itself. However, after the match which ended with a tie, he needed to find an explanation for his “failure”. (chapter 51) But note that he never accused Kim Dan of assault, but of leaking information. That’s the reason why I don’t think that this inquiry “What have you done” was about seeking accountability. In that case, he wouldn’t have rejected the doctor’s offer. By letting him treat his wound, Kim Dan would have become responsible for the injury. (Chapter 50) It becomes comprehensible why the Emperor refused the offer. The rejection was the symbol of his “trust” in Kim Dan unconsciously. Astonishing, right, though people and Kim Dan had the opposite impression. Yet, because of the “tie”, Kim Dan felt responsible for the incident, therefore he apologized. (chapter 51) This means, the main lead recognized his responsibility. He should have checked the spray more carefully. The champion could perceive this excuse as a confession of his complicity. Hence he asked his lover if he was the spy. (chapter 51) This signifies that in episode 51, he dared to question his physical therapist’s loyalty. Yes, we have another “Truth or Dare” in episode 51.
3. Truth or Dare in the locker room
But why would the athlete think of the game “Truth or Dare” in the locker room? It is because the star has long internalized this “mind-set”. From my perspective, this game played a huge role in his traumas. My theory is that he is suffering from different traumas, and one of them is BETRAYAL Trauma, which I will elaborate further below. But let’s return our attention to the two protagonists. My avid readers will certainly recall that I had long detected the existence of “challenges” between Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung. [For more read the essay Delicate challenge]. However, this game became truly obvious in episode 34 with Choi Heesung. It is important, because truth plays an important part in overcoming mental illness (abandonment issues, trust issues). The patients need to face verity and as such they need to cross the line: return to the painful past. Thus I come to the conclusion that in episode 50, the champion was not able to face his biggest fear: betrayal. (chapter 50) This is the face of a scarred man. Yet, contrary to the past, he is not expressing his fear through rage. That’s the reason why his emotions were controlled. Under this new light, Manhwaworms grasp why the athlete asked such a question from his soulmate: (chapter 50) He was afraid of confronting his physical therapist. His inquiry was ambiguous contrary to the one in episode 51. The problem is that he had to hear that he had not won. (chapter 51) Interesting is that he was more pained by the idea of a betrayal from Kim Dan than the tie, if you compare these two panels: (chapter 51) He imagined that Kim Dan had dared to cross the line because of money. (chapter 51) But note that at no moment, he is accusing him of an assault. Because of this confrontation, Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan had a honest conversation. The doctor asked him a painful question (chapter 51) which the emperor needed to hear. He has trust issues. And the moment he saw the doctor’s facial expression, he could only get shocked and hurt. (chapter 51) He could sense the wound in doc Dan’s voice and gaze. It is important, because the sentence “You don’t trust me?” is actually constructed like a statement and not like a question. It only becomes a question through the tone. Through the latter, the champion could detect his partner’s genuine pain. The wounded tone could only move the champion’s heart. Kim Dan dared with a single question to shake the fighter’s confidence. No wonder why he reacted badly. (chapter 51) On the other hand, don’t let yourself get fooled by this rude request. The reality is that the alpha didn’t chase away the doctor, in truth he was the one running away. (chapter 51) Thus Kim Dan could overcome this shocking but terrible discovery: he hadn’t earned the full trust from Joo Jaekyung yet. (chapter 51) As my avid readers can see, my perception about chapter 50 was confirmed with episode 51. The arguments in the locker room were reflecting the quarrel in the penthouse with Choi Heesung. What is the common denominator between these two scenes? The lack of trust from Joo Jaekyung, but his private PT failed to realize it in the penthouse. Why? It’s because he chose to trust his destined partner.
Chapter 34/35
Chapter 51
I believe you = I trust you
Here, the doctor is forced to meditate on the reasons for the champion’s mistrust. This can only incite him to reflect on his past behavior (the silence about his meeting with Choi Gilseok)
And this brings me to the following remark. In the locker room, through the question “You don’t trust me?” Kim Dan was actually fulfilling the athlete’s wish: (chapter 15) He told him something that he didn’t know. Note that after the terrible meeting with the actor, Joo Jaekyung couldn’t even find the answer himself: (chapter 35) He was still clueless about the trigger for his behavior. With this inquiry “You don’t trust me”, the hamster pushed his destined partner to face his biggest fear: trust someone and in particular him. This conversation can only incite him to meditate about their relationship. So while in episode 15, he behaved like a pouting child (chapter 15), in the latest episode, Jinx-philes can perceive his growth and maturity. (chapter 51) His gaze is softer, he is no longer hiding his emotional wound and he is able to ask a painful question. (chapter 15) This painful incident was a wake-up call Thus I come to the following deduction. Kim Dan will try to earn the champion’s trust, whereas the champion will be forced to take a leap of faith towards Kim Dan. Contrary to episode 34, the champion could see the truth directly through the doctor’s gaze and voice: (chapter 51) This scene stands for honesty and forthrightness, whereas the encounter in the penthouse symbolizes acting, artificiality and self-deception. (chapter 34) As a conclusion, while the champion thought that his loved one had dared to cross the line, he was confronted with truth. He was biased and mistrusting his room mate and PT. This shows that though dare was the opposite choice of truth, the fighter ended up to be confronted with verity.
4. The daring but coward imugi and gumiho
And now, it is time to present my observations about episode 34 which I couldn’t present before. Choi Heesung dared to challenge the Emperor by forcing him to deny the truth. He had no feelings for doc Dan. (chapter 34) These questions were all rhetorical: (chapter 34) This signifies that in the sauna, truth was not standing in opposition to daring. The sauna reminded me of the cavern where an imugi hides, until the latter leaves its hidden place and find his star, his yeouiju. Only then, he can turn into a dragon. To conclude, because of Heesung’s pressure, the imugi had to select between daring or lie. In other words, telling the truth became the challenge itself. Heesung knew that Joo Jaekyung would never confess. (Chapter 34) What Heesung wanted was actually a lie by omission or commission which would have been presented as the truth. Through this game, the actor thought that he could impose his will onto the celebrity. He anticipated the athlete’s silence. This signifies that he knew about the star’s denial and turned it against him. Besides, that way Heesung could maintain his good image: he had not stolen his partner and as such there was no cheating. No one was betraying him.
On the other hand, though the protagonist was silent, he couldn’t repress his emotions: Anger! Readers could observe that his rage was coming to the surface. Not only his gaze exposed his emotions (chapter 34), but also his hand. (chapter 34) He caught the actor by surprise, the latter never thought that the celebrity would become violent. The redness on his face was displaying that he was barely controlling his annoyance and impatience. (chapter 34) However, they were in a public place, the hotel’s sauna, and the actor is a celebrity. Hence he is protected by his fame and social status. That’s the reason why the champion didn’t hit his frenemy, he had learned his lesson at the gym. (chapter 34) Despite his words, the gumiho still got scared. The racing of his heart is an indication of his fright. Therefore he ran away more or less after ordering his trainer not to meddle in his love life. (chapter 34) Note that when he did this, he avoided his counterpart’s gaze. Deep down, he knew that he shouldn’t provoke his frenemy too much. Only when he was at the door, he turned around and LIED! (chapter 34) Yes, after that incident, he chose to give him a fake excuse for his departure. As you can see, this conversation was strongly intertwined with the notion “truth or dare”, but both ended up lying. Whereas the champion didn’t admit any feelings, the other acted, as if there was nothing wrong and he was not scared. The gumiho thought that if he were to remove the champion from the doctor’s side, the latter would be able to open up to the actor. (chapter 34) What does it reveal? The actor had been projecting his own thoughts onto the future dragon too. He was the one who didn’t dare to become more honest with the physical therapist. He used work to spend time with Kim Dan. One might say that Heesung failed terribly. Yet, this is just an illusion, because his “failure” pushed him to become more honest with Kim Dan. Thereby he asked to meet the doctor again. (chapter 34) Yet, the message is exposing that Heesung was still lying, as he kept using work as an excuse. Hence Joo Jaekyung had to intervene again: (chapter 34) The champion dared to challenge his rival. (chapter 34) Should he cross the line and steal his “possession”, the other would retaliate and as such cross the line. The dragon pushed the comedian to come clean!! (chapter 35) Yes, by challenging the athlete because of Kim Dan, the comedian ended up telling the truth.
However, we can not say that Joo Jaekyung won the defy either. After the first challenge, he might have controlled his temper (chapter 34), but his anxiety reached a new peak, the fear that he might be abandoned. Hence he used the sandbag to vent his temper. And what did the cute puppy do during that incident? He dared to offer his help to his idol: (chapter 34), yet he was in total denial about the reality: it was dangerous. Deep down, the champion knew that it was impossible for him to control his lover’s time, but also his body. Besides, the other problem is that the athlete is rejecting the notion of love. By denying the existence of his own feelings, he can not claim the doctor’s heart. That’s the reason why the champion got so mad and frustrated. (chapter 34) Thus he had to play a trick. Because this nightly meeting represents another round of “Truth or Dare”, (chapter 34) I deduce that he chose lie in the end, for he dared to expose his relationship to Heesung. (chapter 34) He was not telling the truth, when he stated that Kim Dan was his “possession”. This explicates why he couldn’t stay by the doctor’s side (chapter 35) after the actor’s departure. He had been acting in front of Heesung. This confession could only kill any desire. Would you feel attracted to a tool or possession? No… Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Joo Jaekyung had to cover his lover’s eyes and ears. The celebrity knew deep down that if the doctor were to hear his confession, he would be shocked and feel betrayed and hurt. Besides, don’t forget that the protagonist serves as the mirror of truth for Kim Dan. Thereby Jinx-philes can grasp why the visit from Heesung could only remain a secret. He should only hear the truth. Joo Jaekyung chose avoidance and deceptions (chapter 34) in the end. He manipulated the main lead by letting him think that he had no other choice. Yet the last panel displays his trick. It was up to the doctor to decide how he should spend his free time. Nevertheless, while people were mad at the champion for his deception, many failed to realize that the champion was actually deceiving himself. So all the tricks (episode 33 and 34) were manifestations of avoidance, the fear to face the truth: his affection for Kim Dan and this due to a past betrayal. Hence these chapters stand under the sign of silence hidden by “pranks”.
Interesting is that Kim Dan chose to trust his partner blindly. (Chapter 34) To conclude, he chose TRUTH! The words “I believe you” were important, because the athlete was in the position where he could violate and break that trust. He became the “traitor” which Heesung and readers witnessed. And through that experience, Joo Jaekyung came to trust Kim Dan more, as the latter had put his fate in his hands. Yes, he was encouraged to mirror his attitude. Finally, despite his lies and tricks, the gumiho was able to perceive the truth: (chapter 35) On the other hand, the artist could only tell one part of the truth: the presence of feelings. However, the deceptions in the penthouse exposed something else: (chapter 34) his mistrust towards the cute “hamster” and his abandonment issues. He had to deceive him. Under this new light, Manhwaphiles can see why the champion made such a threat to Kim Dan (chapter 45) or left the doctor in the locker room in episode 51. (chapter 51) He wished not only to keep the upper hand in their relationship, but also to keep Kim Dan by his side. That’s how it dawned on me why Joo Jaekyung didn’t mention the jinx in the dining room and why he started treating him as his real PT. (chapter 45) It is because by denying his affection, he needs to justify his presence next to him. He is his PT… forcing his enemies to portray the doctor as a traitor or a bad PT. However, they failed, as the champion is not doubting the doctor’s innocence concerning his wound on the foot. Nevertheless, the incident is not closed, as the culprit has not been brought to justice.
5. The schemers and Truth or Dare
There exists another cause why episode 34 is related to the wound in the locker room. (chapter 50) First, the schemers’ MO corresponds to the game Truth or Dare. Choi Gilseok asked his minion to cross the line. This explicates why they are trying to use tricks and manipulations. Daring means no truth, thus someone will be framed: Kim Dan. Yet, the plotters are not aware that thanks to the cute hamster, the alpha is turned into a mirror of truth. Hence he couldn’t get deceived by the MFC security guys: (chapter 40)
And it was the same with the first attempt. What did the manager from the Entertainment agency ask to his client? “You think you can do it?” (chapter 36) The lawyer, the journalist and the manager pushed him to choose “dare” and not truth! That’s why there was no interview and the leak was not investigated. He had to prove his strength. (chapter 36) And exactly like at the sauna, daring became a synonym for verity. No wonder why the fighter is never rejecting the challenge. It corresponds to his past attitude: he has been burying the truth and as such the past. But let’s return our attention to the plotters.
Because of dare, in the States, the antagonists had planned to trick the champion with the drug. (chapter 37) This mysterious man dared to act as a MFC manager, though my intuition is telling me that he works for MFC. The irony is that by challenging constantly the champion, the plotters are not realizing that through their game, the truth is slowly coming to the surface. How so? In the last panel, the doctor noticed his origins: He is Korean indicating that the conspiracy started in South Korea. As you can see, Kim Dan was able to perceive a glimpse of the truth. Then at the café, Choi Gilseok confessed many things to the doctor: he owns the café, he has connections to the company F Pharmaceutical. Moreover, through this game, the champion is confronted with his fears and past. That’s how he can overcome his traumas. The doctor is the mirror revealing the monsters. Hence I come to the following deduction: the succession of new characters mirrors the champion’s past and traumas. The following characters are involved in the champion’s suffering, though the order of the appearance is exposing the gravity of the involvement: Heesung, (chapter 29), the journalist without a face (chapter 35), the “fake” MFC agent (chapter 37), the invisible man in the flat (chapter 42), Baek Junmin whom the champion couldn’t truly identify (chapter 47), then he recognized the director without naming him, (chapter 48) and finally the ghost from the past (chapter 54). These characters are all connected to “Truth or Dare”. (chapter 50) This scene exposed that the champion repressed a certain incident which is rather common among victims of a trauma, especially people suffering from PTSD. This shows that some traumatic event took place for quite some time, but the champion acted, as if nothing had happened. (Doctor Frost, chapter 140 ) That’s how the champion became a zombie, he couldn’t live properly due to his untreated scars. (doctor Frost, chapter 139) But thanks to his fated partner, the traumatic past is slowly coming to the surface.
The moment you link the game Truth or Dare to the locker room, it is necessary to include chapter 48. Since the doctor rejected the option “Dare”, he should betray his boss and lover, Choi Gilseok chose to play a trick on Kim Dan and expose him as a traitor. (chapter 48) The director created a stage for the betrayal. That should represent the truth, while in reality it was a lie! Nevertheless, Joo Jaekyung could perceive the truth: Kim Dan had met the director from the rival gym. (chapter 48) Interesting is that Kim Dan didn’t take the risk to bring up the topic to him. (chapter 48) Yes, he didn’t dare to tell him what had happened. No truth… no daring which reflects the games in the sauna and the living room of the penthouse. Kim Dan could have come clean the next morning, but no. This panel explains his silence. He also mistrusted his VIP patient. He had a negative perception of his lover’s mental state. On the other hand, the champion’s attitude reminded me of a parent who has not the time to listen to his child’s problem due to work. (chapter 48) Should the athlete remember this night, he will realize that he was the one dismissing his physical therapist, although the doctor could have come clean later. At the same time, Joo Jaekyung’s attitude could be mirroring the parent or guardian’s in the past. They didn’t have the time or the inclination to listen to their son, hence the traumatic incident got buried.
But let’s return our attention to our alpha and his hamster. Both share the responsibility for the miscommunication: silence, no risk, but as such no communication and no truth. Yes, when they are together, they dare things (chapter 27), hence truth comes to the surface! Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung feel attracted to each other and have come to love each other. When they speak their mind, they feel comfortable around each other. Truth is strongly connected to communication. Hence the painful conversation in the locker room was necessary. “You don’t trust me?” also reflected the doctor’s attitude. He never tried to approach his room mate (chapter 47) and voice his true thoughts and emotions: (chapter 45) He lied, when he portrayed himself as grateful. He was avoiding his gaze either. No wonder why the fighter got even more mad and threatened to fire him. Such an attitude could only increase the celebrity’s mistrust, as the latter could discern a certain dishonesty.
So when Choi Gilseok encountered the “puppy” in the hall, the celebrity could notice the doctor’s discomfort. (chapter 49) The latter didn’t even greet the director or acted, as if they didn’t know each other. He exposed the existence of a secret, an uncomfortable secret. Consequently, I believe that the champion could only jump to the conclusion that Kim Dan had been indeed acting behind his back, even coerced to do something. (chapter 50) We shouldn’t overlook the usage of present perfect in the question, a sign that the champion was referring to the past as well. Consequently, it is no coincidence that there was a trick. That way, the verity would come to the surface. He was a “traitor”, but the irony is that Park Namwook’s words and blindness stopped the dragon from blaming his soulmate for his injury. (chapter 51) Note that the star never came clean with the truth either. (Chapter 35) Through the doctor, the champion is encouraged to become honest to himself.
What are the common denominators between these three chapters (34/50/51): SECRET, BETRAYAL and CHEATING! The latter is not just a reference to infidelity, but also to dishonesty. Choi Gilseok used the spray to weaken the emperor and bought the referees and moderator. Keep in mind that in the sauna, the actor desired to come clean with the fighter by divulging his intention. This signifies that the gumiho was actually dropping this principle for the doctor’s sake. (chapter 33) Simultaneously, it exposes that the champion has a secret, which is strongly intertwined with betrayal, love, money and deceptions. I couldn’t help myself thinking of “blackmail”. Kim Dan had been coerced to do something, as the director was holding something against him. Hence we have the question: “what have you done?”. Remember how the actor chose to approach the angel. (chapter 31) He tricked his boss by faking an injury. He put the gym under pressure, as this incident could be leaked to the outside. The whole situation reminded me of blackmail. If he did not follow his request, there could be a scandal. That’s the reason why I believe that the champion’s past is linked to blackmail as well. How is it possible? It is because of the game “truth or dare”! The latter is strongly intertwined with divulging information and crossing the line!! To sum up, this game embodies trauma, secret, leaking information, trust and overstepping a boundary or rule. This observation brings me to my next point.
6. The true face of “Truth or Dare”
First, this game is often played with friends. Therefore many are thinking that this game is harmless, yet it is far from the truth.
Even though the game is meant to be fun to challenge a dare to our friends and watch them face awkward situations, most of us know when to STOP and are aware about the Do’s and Don’ts and acknowledge the need to maintain rationality in our action. But sometimes we do cross the line into making it a psychological trauma for some. Quoted from http://www.stopbullyingsystem.com/blog/truth-or-dare
The author is pointing out that such a game can cause traumas. First, one problem lies with the limit. Secondly, truth signifies that people are disclosing personal information. Hence TRUST is essential. Without “trust”, the honest confession can be used against them later. Another important aspect is that this fun is strongly intertwined with peers and alcohol! We have the perfect example with this defy: (chapter 9) And what did happen after they left the restaurant? The champion discovered the truth: (chapter 10) (chapter 10) Kim Dan was terribly poor, but he was also on his own, missing his grandmother.
Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the athlete avoided the gatherings, before the doctor entered his life. For me, he must have been exposed to the game “Truth or Dare” which led him to suffer greatly. Moreover, look at the reaction of the champion, when he heard about the comedian’s intentions: (chapter 34) “Are you drunk?” With this question, the protagonist revealed something about himself. He associates dating and love confession with drunkenness. He implies the existence of a lie. But a confession is strongly associated with verity and sincerity. On the other hand, for the sportsman, no one in his right mind would admit to be in love and in our case to love another man. For me, one part of the problem is that the champion is afraid of admitting his homosexuality. The latter is still a stigma in South Korean society. But there’s more to the game Truth or Dare. If you paid attention to the origin of the last quote, you will realize that this fun is linked to bullying and even hazing.
The school counselor entered and much to my surprise the counselor was there to talk about the game “Truth or Dare”. A fad of this game started at the beginning of the school year and apparently some students were bullied and out casted for not doing a dare. The frustration, and hurt associated with this game is not realized seriously as it should be. The students assume that it is fun to embarrass each other but it is hurtful to some who do not end up enjoying it. One word that instantly crosses my mind is “Bullying”. Some may not agree with that or may even put it in the category of peer-pressure but wherever purposeful action that causes pain and trauma comes, it automatically puts it in the same basket. The main motive of games is to create a healthy environment of fun and laughter and not stress or tension. Quoted from Quoted from http://www.stopbullyingsystem.com/blog/truth-or-dare
If you think carefully, bullying is working similarly to this game. As long as no one reports the students’ aggressive behavior to parents, teachers or authorities (“truth”), the juniors feel safe and can go to the extreme. Many beholders had the impression that Joo Jaekyung had been a victim of bullying due to Baek Junmin’s confession. (chapter 49) Furthermore, bullying is never done alone, but in groups. (chapter 57) There is one leader and the others are following the flow, the latter even become more proactive by making new bets and suggestions in order to ensure their own safety. As long as no one divulges the truth, the bullies are safe. But there’s more to it. Striking is that the way they coerced the champion to fight resembles to bullying too. He was manipulated with the articles, then with the advises from the lawyer and manager. Once in the States, they tried to drug him, which corresponds to a physical assault. (chapter 37) Finally, note that the schemers are working in teams exactly like the bullying students. Therefore I judge Park Namwook’s attitude as the teacher’s who is closing the eye to the truth. He is rather passive and puts the whole responsibility on his “boy”. (chapter 41) It is the champion’s choice to refuse or not the matches. The moment I associated the game with parties, peer groups and bullying, I had many revelations.
First, I couldn’t help myself connecting this “fun” to college and students. That’s how I found this article:
It’s no secret that excessive drinking and sometimes violent hazing happen at welcoming parties for university freshmen. The most recent case which came under the media spotlight involved Dong-A University students in Busan being soaked with makgeolli, a traditional fermented rice drink, mixed with food waste. In a photo posted on the school’s Facebook page, a group of freshmen are standing in a room, with a vinyl curtain hanging behind them. A woman in front of them is pouring makgeolli from a blue plastic bowl onto their heads. Quoted from https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/02/113_201344.html
Yes, the sophomore’s gesture reminded me of the champion’s action at the hotel: (chapter 37) Interesting is the athlete described this night as a party which made me think of a students’ party. Therefore I couldn’t help myself wondering if the champion didn’t go to college, but due to an incident, he was forced to drop out. And the latter could be related to a party organized by students. The latter chose to cover up the incident by remaining silent. I would like to outline that the doctor got fired, though he was actually sexually harassed by his superior. The nurse never testified in his favor, she chose to close an eye to the crime. (chapter 1) The main lead never considered her behavior as betrayal and abandonment. In fact, he never considered the crime as a betrayal from an institution. (chapter 1) He put the whole blame on the hospital director himself. He is a liar. Furthermore, through these pictures (chapter 47) (chapter 47), Manhwalovers can see that Kim Dan was a loner. Therefore I doubt that he had friends during his college years. The only person he knew from his school was his mentor: (chapter 1) It is important, because it implies that Kim Dan avoided to socialize and participate in gatherings. Interesting is that in season 2, Jinx-philes discover that Kim Dan had been bullied in the past. ( chapter 57) This new discovery reinforces my hypothesis that his fated partner went through a similar experience. Thus I had the following idea.
What if the champion was present at a party and had been left behind by his friend, though he was drunk? Observe the parallels:
Chapter 9
Chapter 35
cHapter 43
Chapter 44
In episode 9, both puppies were drunk, (chapter 9), yet Park Namwook made sure that the physical therapist wouldn’t be abandoned drunk. Thus he tasked his boss to bring him home. And as for Potato, it is clear that Oh Daehyun would take care of him, as he was sleeping in the dormitory next to him. In other words, no one was left behind drunk. But this scene contrasts so much to episode 43. First, no one was missing Potato. No one asked about his absence. Secondly, pay attention that the fighters invited Kim Dan to join them for another round, while they were neglecting their boss, though it was his birthday party. (chapter 43) Moreover, they never wondered about his physical condition. Was he drunk or not? Funny is that the intoxicated character was the one who forced Kim Dan to go home. (chapter 43) Actually, it should have been the opposite. The drunk champion should have been protected, but no. For me, it exposes a certain neglect from the members of Team Black, even Park Namwook and Jeong Yosep. Besides, imagine the irony. If Joo Jaekyung had not voiced his desire, triggered by his jealousy,… no one would have paid attention to the protagonist. (chapter 43) It was, as if he would have been indeed left behind. His behavior is the reason why Kim Dan chose to bring him home. (chapter 43) That’s what a friend is supposed to do.
And this observation leads me to chapter 35 which I didn’t bring up first on purpose. What caught my attention is that Mingwa placed 2 characters from BJ Alex in episode 35. (chapter 35) Nam Dong-Gyun is taking care of his drunken chingu Kim Myun-Dae. The former is showing an exemplary behavior. But what about Heesung and Potato? (chapter 35) They left Kwak Junbeom behind. Note that Oh Daehyun had gone to the bathroom, so the fighter was alone for a moment. On the other hand, Junbeom was quite safe there, for the owner of the tent knew them. (chapter 35) So the auntie could keep an eye on the judo fighter, and it was only a matter of time, until his friend would return. Nevertheless, this scene is implying a certain problem: a drunken person shouldn’t be left unguarded. Thus imagine that during a party, an unconscious person is brought to a room and left there unguarded, as the friend desires to keep partying, similar to this scene: (chapter 37) The person could get sexually assaulted, and no one would notice it. Secondly, I would like to outline that the hazing party from the article reminded me a lot to bullying. These freshmen were humiliated, and the perpetrator excused her behavior behind traditions and social norms. So the champion could have been betrayed by a friend, as the latter would have justified his action similarly. So instead of admitting his mistake, he could have justified the incident like this: the victim was responsible for his misery, because he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. It was just his misfortune or better said his jinx. Yes, for me, the jinx is indicating that people responsible for the champion’s traumas were denying their wrongdoings.
7. Truth or Dare in the bathroom
By connecting the game to bullying and coercion, a sudden question popped up. Why would Joo Jaekyung hate to share the shower room with members from Team Black? (chapter 8) From my point of view, this place is not just symbolizing purification and reflection, but also indicating the presence of a wound. As soon as I connected the bathroom and as such water to pain, all the champion’s past behavior appeared in a different light. In episode 3, when he went there, he was wearing his pajamas. (chapter 3) Neither Kim Dan nor the protagonist were seen both naked in the shower room. (chapter 8) (chapter 20) (chapter 30) Therefore I perceive the champion’s last comment as relevant. In my opinion, Kim Dan’s gesture reflected the champion’s mind-set. So by saying this, Joo Jaekyung was forced to admit the absurdity of such an attitude. Therefore Manhwalovers can understand Joo Jaekyung’s annoyance at the sauna. He imagined that he would be alone there. (chapter 34) He feels uncomfortable naked around people… As soon as you connect this place to a wound, my avid readers can finally better interpret the champion’s irritation in episode 36: (chapter 36) Kim Dan’s entrance could be perceived as a violation, for the champion was naked. This intrusion caught him off-guard. But since his gaze was covered, his anxiety masked behind his anger was diminished. On the other hand, this led him to leave the bathtub undressed and have sex in the kitchen. (chapter 36) For me, everything is pointing out that one of the champion’s fears is intimacy with water. He has long internalized this association. Don’t forget that the sexual encounter in the swimming pool started with clothes, before they got completely removed. (chapter 27) Under this new perspective, I don’t think that it is a coincidence that the champion felt the need to take a shower after meeting Baek Junmin and recalling the past. (chapter 49) This helped him to overcome his trauma and past wound. (chapter 49) Yet, keep in mind that the athlete’s wounded soul is not the result of one traumatic incident, but of many anguishes.
Another common denominator between all these scenes is that this place is also connected to a challenge: (chapter 3) Kim Dan dared to make him wait (I don’t think the athlete was truly honest here). (chapter 8) they dared to have sex next to Oh Daehyun and the other fighter. However, note that in all these scenes, neither the doctor nor the champion were honest. They were both lying… not only to their counter-part, but also to themselves. (chapter 19) That’s the reason why the argument in the locker room (chapter 51) doesn’t represent the final moment where both main leads opened up their heart and mind to each other. They were not truly honest to themselves and to each other. There was no water… and according to me, the spray was a pepper spray, so the champion’s ankle should have been cleaned and not simply covered. For me, both characters need to prove their trust and loyalty to each other. But they are moving in the right direction, for Joo Jaekyung divulged a huge information to Kim Dan. There’s a spy in the gym, hence the doctor will become more observant. He is pushing him to question people’s words and actions, even to say no to others. To conclude, I connect the champion’s trauma to water… and don’t forget that in episode 7, the athlete acted like a bullying member. (chapter 7)
8. The true significance of “Betrayal Trauma”
Because I made a connection between Betrayal trauma, truth or dare, bullying and BJ Alex, I could help myself bringing up Nam Dong-Gyun’s tragic past. The latter represents the perfect example of a person suffering from betrayal trauma. (chapter 70) His sexual orientation was exposed in high school, his friends were behind the rumor (chapter 70), although we have to envision that his crush played a huge part in it. Why? It is because he didn’t want to be associated with homosexuality. (chapter 70) Not only he cut off ties with him, but also he made sure to isolate the main lead from other students. The worst is that this person acted, as if this ostracizing had never occurred. (chapter 69), as if he had done nothing wrong. For me, it shows that the traitor never grasped the significance of his actions. Hence Park Sung-Woong could forget Dong-Gyun, while the latter could never forget him at all. The result from this huge betrayal was that the cute uke decided to keep his distance from people. (chapter 70) He could no longer trust people, he avoided meetings. In order to outline how severe betrayal trauma can be, the Webtoonist showed us the immediate effects of betrayal trauma: physical and emotional reactions (chapter 70) (chapter 70) and the long term effects: (chapter 69) he is trembling so much, he can not look at his former friend. Readers shouldn’t underestimate the issue. Betrayal trauma is so severe that it is comparable to being hit by a white truck. The pain is so great that it affects the brain functioning and as such personality.
The 7 signs of betrayal trauma are: anxiety, avoidance, trust issues, negative intrusive thoughts (shame, guilt), withdrawal and rumination.
We can see these signs in Joo Jaekyung: anxiety (chapter 34), avoidance (alcohol, gathering) (chapter 9), trust issues (chapter 30), negative intrusive thoughts (chapter 29), withdrawal (we know nothing about his family and he dislikes going to gatherings, he is not meeting his hyung Cheolmin) and rumination: he got upset, when the hamster ignored his calls. (chapter 05) Then when he stayed at home, (chapter 32), it was clear that the doctor’s actions were constantly on his mind. He was so bothered that he had to bring him to Heesung. He made sure that Kim Dan would forget Choi Heesung in the car. (chapter 33) Interesting is that this trauma resembles a lot to PTSD.
Betrayal trauma encompasses a distressing range of experiences that stem from breaches of trust and safety, often occurring within intimate relationships. This form of trauma can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and various emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms. The deep-seated connection between betrayal trauma and PTSD is notable, as this type of trauma can cause symptoms akin to those found in traditional PTSD. […]
Despite these differing origins, research has shown that individuals who experience betrayal trauma often exhibit symptoms and triggers that closely resemble those seen in individuals with PTSD. These shared characteristics might include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, heightened anxiety, emotional numbness, and difficulties in establishing trust with others. Both betrayal trauma and PTSD can lead to a persistent state of hypervigilance, where the individual is constantly on alert for potential threats, even in situations that might seem safe to others.
Understanding the connection between betrayal trauma and PTSD is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it emphasizes the profound emotional impact of betrayal on an individual’s mental well-being, potentially leading to symptoms comparable to those experienced after traditional traumatic events. Recognizing the commonality of these symptoms helps validate the experiences of those who have undergone betrayal trauma and underscores the significance of addressing their psychological needs. Quoted from https://www.evolvetherapymn.com/post/betrayal-trauma-and-ptsd
As you can see, through the game “Truth or Dare”, I could connect one cause for the champion’s suffering, betrayal trauma, and the latter was never treated. But there exists different kind of betrayal.
Parental: Children who live with abuse from their parents or guardians can experience betrayal trauma.
Institutional: This includes professional relationships and social support systems in categories such as employers and lawmakers.
Partner: Betrayal trauma can occur because of spousal abuse.
In BJ Alex, Mingwa presented four types of betrayal trauma: the parents with Ahn Jiwon (chapter 49), the latter was not loved, as he didn’t reach the first place like his older brother. Then we have Interpersonal with Nam Dong-Gyun and his high school friend. However, since the rumor circulated at school, and no adults intervened, we could see it as a reference to Institutional betrayal. Finally, Mingwa presented the last type (partner) with Hweemin. (chapter 51) But why is betrayal trauma so severe? It is because everything appears as a lie, as an illusion. All the memories become tainted. The victim can only question his own senses and judgment. How could he not detect the lies? Since PTSD and betrayal trauma share some common points, it is not surprising that such persons come to blame themselves and develop huge self-loathing. (doctor Frost, chapter 139). And now, it is time to expose my latest observation: (BJ Alex, chapter 51) Ahn Jiwon caught his first lover cheating on him at a club. Interesting is that the new lover resembles a lot to Joo Jaekyung! Mingwa said that characters from BJ Alex will only appear, but Jinx is not connected to her previous work. Note that they were kissing in a public place. Moreover, the club is a location where students not only meet, but also drink alcohol together. However, once Jiwon saw Hweemin, he dragged him outside so that they could talk. In other words, the “new lover” was left behind. Thus I come to the following conclusion. Joo Jaekyung has been suffering from betrayal trauma exactly like Ahn Jiwon. He was betrayed by his guardian (chapter 54) who refused to help him. If he got bullied as a kid, this signifies that he was bullied at school and the institution failed him. (chapter 49) Then if he was exposed to violence and his friend chose to close an eye to his situation imagining that he would report the incident to his own parent, the friend betrayed him too. And that could be Heesung who stands for passivity and distance. Finally, Joo Jaekyung could have been backstabbed by a lover as well and this because of money reminding us of Hweemin. (BJ Alex, chapter 51). If this theory is true, then Mingwa would finally outline the devastating effects of Betrayal trauma on people, something she barely touched in her previous work.
Finally, if the athlete was betrayed by a previous lover, Kim Dan would be forced not only to confront him, but also to claim his place. He is not interested in Joo Jaekyung for his money and for fun, but for his amazing talent and personality. Joo Jaekyung is actually very tolerant in front of the hamster: (chapter 51) No rough grabbing, no death threat, no punch … Imagine that he left the doctor in the locker room giving him privacy, while he went elsewhere. Don’t forget that he was wounded. (chapter 51)
To conclude, the game truth or dare is associated with wrongdoing, pain and deceptions. The main leads are choosing more often “daring” which stands for truth, whereas the enemies prefer daring, unaware that they are bringing truth to the surface. However, imagine that I didn’t say everything about the dangerous game “Truth or Dare”, hence I will write another part.
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Please support the authors by reading the Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa:Jinx. But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes.Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx“Effective Anguish”
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Any beholder of the illustration can recognize that with the puppies, I am referring to Hwang Yoon-Gu and Kim Dan.
In episode 23, Mingwa introduced the maknae Potato as a dog. (chapter 23) On the other hand, the physical therapist has always been associated with a hamster, like in this image. So how did I come to connect the main lead to a puppy dog? (chapter 47) It is because Shin Okja called her grandson “her puppy dog”.
1. Kim Dan’s birth as puppy and its signification
It is not anodyne at all, for it indicates doc Dan’s transformation. He is no longer a little boy (chapter 5), but a young dog. This signifies that in the bathroom, the main lead’s true nature came to the surface due to the bad news concerning his grandmother. (chapter 47) Yet, a puppy embodies innocence and inexperience. Thus it needs the guidance of a mother. On the other hand, in my essays about the doctor, I kept describing him as a person who would constantly grow and mature. So “a puppy dog” would appear as a contradiction to my previous interpretation. Nonetheless, we shouldn’t forget that this was representing the grandmother’s desire. By turning him into a puppy dog, she expects from him obedience and loyalty. She is denying his right to determine his own life. He needs to follow its master. Hence this scene announces a certain regression for Kim Dan. On the other hand, I believe that this is just temporary. What the elderly woman didn’t know is that by linking him to a dog, she was freeing Kim Dan from society as well. He is now an animal. He belongs to Nature from that moment on. This animal symbolizes freedom and independency. So when the grandmother described him as a puppy dog (chapter 47), she didn’t realize that she was telling him that he should do anything in order to survive. She was encouraging him not only to find a new home, but also to protect himself. As a conclusion, her words were ambiguous. On the one hand, she was putting chains on him with her new request, for she was expecting loyalty from him. (chapter 53). On the other hand, she was also cutting off ties with him symbolically. She was also liberating him from any obligation and expectation, as her favor was linked to a single moment: watching the sunset once again. The moment he does this, she can no longer ask for a new favor, especially after admitting him that she had never done anything for him. (Chapter 53) In that moment, she became the person indebted towards him. I would even add, she was inciting her grandson to follow his instincts, though I doubt that she recognized the consequences of her words. Kim Dan should no longer follow traditions, like do everything for her sake. So the patting on the head is an allusion to Nietzsche’s transcendence of conventional morality. [For more read Effective Anguish] Hence I come to the following conclusion. With her words, Kim Dan’s animal instincts were triggered. It is relevant, because animal symbolizes nature, which stands in opposition to civilization. The latter represents laws, social norms and money! But money means nothing to a puppy! And now, you comprehend why Kim Dan could only reject Choi Gilseok’s offer. (chapter 48) Furthermore, Jinx-philes could observe how the doctor had followed his instincts during the conversation with Choi Gilseok in different panels, like for example in this image. (chapter 48) The idiom “fishy” is a reference to smell, indicating that he was relying on his own senses. But we have another evidence that the puppy dog was using all his senses to judge his counterpart: (chapter 48) He rejected the touch from Choi Gilseok. That’s how he could detect the director’s hypocrisy. He refused to drink the coffee from the senior, although it had been recommended. As you can imagine, all his 5 senses were on alert, and the latter are strongly intertwined with instincts. In addition, when he asked his counterpart to go to the point and speak frankly (chapter 48), he was urging Choi Gilseok to drop all manners. Yet, Manhwalovers should keep in mind that the synonyms for manners are etiquette and ceremony. This proves that manners stand for civilization. But what are good manners?
1.Greetings (…) 2. being punctual (…) 3. respecting elders (…) 4. always speak the truth (…) 5. asking permission (…) 6. using please and thank you (…) 7. listening actively (…) 8. saying please and thank you (…) 9. being kind and compassionate (…) 10. stop wasting food (…) Quoted from https://www.krmangalambahadurgarh.com/blogs/10-necessary-good-manners-for-kids
In the last picture, Jinx-addicts can detect doc Dan’s good manners (“please”), yet at the same time a certain rudeness. He is not drinking the coffee (“wasting food”) and he is not obeying to the director. (Chapter 48) This means, he was disrespecting the elder. However, his disrespect didn’t start at the café, but in front of the gym. (chapter 48) He refused to take the card from the director. However, the moment his grandmother was brought up, he became obedient and accepted the invitation. (chapter 48) He acted out of loyalty and love for her. Nevertheless, the director’s offer for his halmoni served him to see the truth. His behavior during the conversation exposes the awakening of his wild and rebellious side. Thus we could say, Doc Dan showed more and more his rudeness. He left without asking permission and saying goodbye. (Chapter 48) He even gave an order to the patriarch and turned his back to him. No wonder why Choi Gilseok got so upset. (Chapter 48) To conclude, the conversation displayed that Kim Dan was already following his halmoni’s advice, he was living as a dog. This made me smirk, because I could detect how Joo Jaekyung had rubbed off on Kim Dan!! 😂 (Chapter 7) Thus I deduce that Kim Dan will follow more and more his instincts and as such ignore more social norms! I will elaborate further this point in the last part: predictions.😉
But what is the role of a dog? It is to act as a guardian and protector. Hence the dog symbolizes home and family, as the latter is supposed to guard the household. But for that to happen, the dog has to be raised and treated properly. Consequently, the basis of the relationship between dog and home is affection and trust. Therefore it is no coincidence that dog stands for loyalty, courage, vigilance, companionship and friendship too. Everyone knows the saying “dog is man’s best friend”. Under this new perspective, it becomes comprehensible why I added so many hearts in the illustration about the puppies. These two characters symbolize true friendship. Thus I come to the following deduction: Kim Dan is about to get truly adopted by Team Black, while it looked the opposite at the end of the season. He might have been wearing a uniform and a jacket Team Black, yet there were signs that he wasn’t truly part of the team. (Chapter 43) He wasn’t simply left out here, when it was dinner. They never questioned the origins of his tiredness, indicating a certain neglect and disinterest. Their concern was rather superficial. He was not included as well, when Oh Daehyun and the other members prepared a surprise party. Hence he was caught by surprise. (chapter 43) The cause for this issue is that Kim Dan was hired as the private Physical Therapist for the champion. He occupies a special position, for he is no fighter. Yet, he did everything to integrate his new family by treating the other members, though it was never his responsibility officially. (chapter 47) But for the adoption to happen, he needs to prove his loyalty. How will he do it? Once again… wait for the part with the predictions. Yes, I am taunting my attentive readers.
2. Doc Dan and Team Black
But now, I would like to return my attention to the grandmother and the two puppies. While writing the first part, a detail caught my attention. Thus I created a table of the three panels so that people could understand how I came to this new discovery.
Chapter 5
Chapter 23
Chapter 47
What caught my attention is that when Shin Okja treated the protagonist as a little boy, she caressed his cheeks. But when she called him a puppy dog, her stroke changed. She was patting his head. In other words, the halmoni was copying the gesture from Oh Daehyun and Kim Changmin! 😮 We could say, she was giving her blessing and some strength to her poor puppy. It was to encourage him to become strong.
It is important, because only in episode 47, we discover that Potato as lucky charm has never been efficient for the fighters! (chapter 47) They could never break into the MFC! Yes, chapter 47 actually exposed the falsehood of this belief: Potato hadn’t been bringing luck to Team Black. But why? The first reason is simple. It is because of his good vibes. (chapter 23) He stands for innocence too. None of the fighters were mad or angry enough to hurt their opponents. Yes, their “killer instincts” had not been awakened. And now, you comprehend why the author portrayed the fighters as chibies in episode 47. (chapter 47) She was underlining their innocence and naivety. Thus they are still ignorant of the existence of schemes in the MFC world. They have the impression that the underground fighting ring and MFC are two different worlds. (Chapter 47) That’s the reason why they were not expecting that their idol would get so hurt or lose the fight. Kim Dan didn’t dare to contradict them, especially when Potato asked for his opinion. (chapter 47) In my eyes, Doc Dan didn’t dare to ruin the maknae’s illusion about his idol, though he thought otherwise. His broken sentences and his drop of sweat are revealing his discomfort and skepticism. He was not sure about the success of his VIP client. But Kim Dan as his PT knew about the champion’s true conditions: he is not truly healthy. But why are the fighters so innocent?
Park Namwook as their coach raised them too kindly. He treated them like little kids, while he was really harsh towards his star. (chapter 7) (chapter 26) That’s how it dawned on me what had been happening in the past. Don’t forget that Park Namwook is the coach of Black Team. Hence he brought the fighters to the match himself and left Potato, Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan behind. (chapter 23) While it looks like he has high expectations from his members, the reality is different. He offered them chicken (chapter 26) or gave them new jackets, as compensation for their disappointment and bad mood! (chapter 36) To sum up, he was buying their loyalty. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the coach of Team Black treated Seonho so gently (chapter 46) and why he was worried about the desertion and betrayal from members. (chapter 46) It is because the success of the gym relies only on the champion’s glory and the number of members. Till the end of season 1, he has not changed his behavior yet. (chapter 52) He only relies on the star’s image and success while trying to take credit from his fame. He is his manager and coach, he was the one who made him into a celebrity. Hence he claims to be the gym owner. Joo Jaekyung has always been the face of Team Black, hence the manager came to neglect the other fighters. The members from Team Black have not participated in any official bout yet. It signifies that with a defeat and an injury, the gym has no other income! The words from Heesung’s manager were valid for the gym. (chapter 31) It looks like I am diverting from the topic, as I am now talking about the fighters and the gym. No wonder why most of the members switched the gym, as soon as the champion lost and his reputation got tarnished. Nonetheless, keep in mind that his game with Baek Junmin ended up with a TIE. So it is not a complete defeat. In my opinion, the schemers desired to tame the Emperor, not to ruin him, as they definitely need him to make money.
But like mentioned in the first part, a dog is strongly intertwined with home and family. The latter is its guardian. The problem is that at Team Black, the opposite was happening. The members from Team Black would protect the dogs by leaving them behind at the gym! (chapter 23) Kim Dan and Yoon-Gu had no task at all. The latter were treated like playmates and nothing more. Hence the manager asked patience from the doctor. (chapter 36) He should keep the star company, as no one was willing to be exposed to his sour mood and roughness. To conclude, both puppies were treated the same way: like puppies and not dogs or better said as fighters.
However, home is not just alluding to a place, but to people. Secondly, Jinx-philes could keep in mind Choi Gilseok’s goal. What did he want exactly? He wasn’t only motivated by his desire of revenge (chapter 46), but also by his greed. He had lost so much money. He needed to refill his pockets. Thus his wish was to “kill” the emperor and as such to ruin Team Black. In other words, he had planned the destruction of the rival gym. With the victory, Baek Junmin could replace the champion, and Choi’s gym King Of MMA would attract members. And my prediction came true. With the tie, many members from Team Black went to King Of MMA hoping that they would come to get rich and famous very quickly. (chapter 52) And since the other fighters from Team Black had never been able to break through MFC, it is not entirely surprising why they made such a decision. With their desertion and the champion’s ruined image, the future of the gym Team Black seems to be sealed: failure. Under this new light, my avid readers can grasp the true signification of this gesture: (chapter 49) It was not just about Kim Dan’s fate, but also Team Black’s. Hence he can not quit or run away. This new interpretation made me perceive the entrance of Kim Dan in the arena in a new light. (chapter 50) Remember how I said that the locker room had become a temple. Thus I come to the conclusion that he got baptized there. He discovered the power of his hands, similar to this scene. (Chapter 14) So when he comes to the arena, he is still following his instincts, unaware of his own metamorphosis. He is no longer a puppy, but a dog. Deep down, he feels that he has to be there despite his agony. He needs to be there in order to protect his home. To conclude, in the locker room, the doctor reached adulthood. Interesting is the chosen perspective from Mingwa. It was, as though he was flying high in the sky, like a yeouiju. (chapter 40) In this image, he has to look up, whereas in the other panel, the beholder has the impression that doc Dan is rather standing on the same level than his soulmate, the alpha Jaekyung. However, since the athlete blamed him for the incident and rejected his hand, for Kim Dan, it sounded that he was no longer needed. (chapter 53) This exposes that the physical therapist learned through this terrible incident the huge significance of a PT. The latter is the sportsman’s protector. He is the one making sure that the athletes don’t ruin their career. (chapter 27) Thus I come to the following conclusion. With the switch of the spray, Joo Jaekyung was forced to recognize the importance of a physical therapist. Keep in mind that till his meeting with Kim Dan, he never saw them as necessary. Even before his immanent match, he kept looking down on his soulmate. (chapter 42) Here, it becomes obvious that he didn’t see his PT as a partner, but as an underling.
Interesting is that the dog is the domesticated version of the wolf.
Genetic evidence suggests that dogs descended directly from wolves (Canis) and that the now-extinct wolf lineages that produced dogs branched off from the line that produced modern living wolves sometime between 27,000 and 40,000 years ago. The timing and location of dog domestication is a matter of debate. Quoted from https://www.britannica.com/animal/dog
Thus this animal represents a combination of two worlds: nature (freedom) and civilization (rules, duties). He is attached to a place and he can not do what pleases him. This explains why the alpha is getting tamed. Furthermore, I realized that the dog stands for selflessness as well. He is not living for himself, but for his “family and owner”. This aspect was palpable in the puppy’s love declaration: (chapter 35) Thus it dawned on me why Joo Jaekyung reacted so violently, when he received the golden keychain. (chapter 45) Have you ever seen a wolf wearing a collar? No, this animal symbolizes freedom. What the champion wants from his soulmate is the following: he wished his puppy dog to follow him! (chapter 40) And that’s how the champion will come to realize that he can not live like before, as Kim Dan can not keep up to him. He is physically weaker. He desires his loved one to always look at him, to never leave his side, to stop living like a stray dog. (chapter 4) (chapter 48) Yes, these images represent a metaphor of a wandering dog. On the other hand, the shadow below the doctor is indicating that he is slowly turning into a human being out of flesh and blood. He is no longer living like a spirit.
But since the doctor chose to listen to his boss by quitting, the dog ended up with no home. Hence he even gave up on the Wedding Cabinet. So we should perceive the vanishing main lead as the beginning of his real freedom. (chapter 53) Observe that the doctor’s shadow is getting bigger. I interpret it as a sign of his growth, and it implies that Kim Dan is leaving traces behind inviting Joo Jaekyung to follow him. In the nature, far away from the city, the wolf should be able to reconnect with his true nature: freedom, but also loyalty and family. Home is no longer a place, but a person: (chapter 53) As you can see, with this new interpretation, I recognized that at the end, Joo Jaekyung stopped being under the influence of PArk Namwook. The latter hasn’t recognized the true role of a PT for an athlete yet. Hence he has no problem to hire a new one. (chapter 53) They are just tools and nothing more.
3. Yoon-Gu, the hidden puppy
Striking is that doc Dan was the first one to compare Yoon-Gu to a puppy, (chapter 29) while all the others called Yoon-Gu as Potato. (chapter 9) The image divulges us the origin of this nickname: coach Jeong Yosep. Yet, this shows us the naivety from the hyung. And what did the other fighters do? They simply followed the suggestion from their elder: (chapter 23) Note that the cute puppy never appreciated their gesture. Because the maknae was associated with a potato (“Tater Tot”), he was left behind. They imagined that if he were to come to fights, he would be eaten alive. This is the other reason why Potato was not invited to watch the fights first. Interesting is that the doctor was the only one respecting the maknae by calling him Yoon-Gu, exactly like he wished. (Chapter 23) This shows that he was not infantilizing him despite judging him as a child or “puppy”. (Chapter 29)
But Yoon-Gu is not a potato, but a dog. Hence he is brave and can be rude. (Chapter 49) Not only he yelled, but also he protected his star by standing in the front line. (Chapter 49) I detected a huge contrast. He is the only one with clenched fists, ready to punch the other fighters or even Choi Gilseok, whereas the other members were trying to restrain their athlete, though the perpetrator was in reality the other director. As you can see, exactly like his hyung doc Dan and Joo Jaekyung, Potato is also disregarding good manners, when it is necessary. I could include another example for his impoliteness: (chapter 35) He stood up, yelled and gave an order to the artist, though he is a junior. No wonder why the other guests turned around and looked at him. But this shows his strength, as he is following his instincts and as such his heart. He has already developed his own moral codex.
Moreover, because of his weight and seize, he does appear as young and as such weak. However, the hyungs from Team Black were all making a huge mistake: such fighters are by no means less dangerous than bigger guys. The best example are the punches Joo Jaekyung received from Kim Dan. (chapter 7) He might have not wounded his partner terribly, but we shouldn’t forget that he was facing the Emperor. To conclude, by calling him Potato, the fighters were misjudging the young fighter. Kim Dan was the first one to identify him correctly. He was a dog, hence he desired to treat the champion as his master.
Potato’s dream exposed his true nature: he was thinking like dog. (chapter 23) His desire was to become the Emperor’s companion and as such best friend. The problem is that he was projecting his own thoughts onto the protagonist. The latter is not a dog, but a wolf. Moreover, Jinx-philes can sense that in his mind, the maknae was viewing the training as a playground. However, for the Emperor, life is like a battlefield, where death can strike at any moment. It is deadly serious. So in the star’s eyes, training has nothing to do with pleasure and fun, but survival. That’s why Joo Jaekyung received punches from his soulmate, a reminder that he needed to be careful. And that’s how Kim Dan earned the athlete’s respect. (Chapter 8) I noticed that the champion initially only listened to violence. It was, as if he had internalized this Nature’s law: the strongest prevails. No wonder why the champion didn’t react to Potato’s admiration so positively. (Chapter 23)
I also think, this false perception about the athlete (chapter 23) came from the treatment Potato was receiving from the other members of Team Back. He was treasured and protected. So he imagined that at some point, the champion would come to notice him and his dedication and treat him like the others. However, Joo Jaekyung mistrusts people and as such he never desired to have a friend. Hence Yoon-Gu could never become Jaekyung’s best friend.
4. The birth of a true friendship
In the same chapter, Mingwa placed the two puppies next to each other. (chapter 23) Interesting is that she cut the chibi Kim Dan in half. Why? In my opinion, the main lead had not found his true self yet. She didn’t place any puppy above his head as well, because she wanted to keep her readers in the dark. However, let’s not forget that a puppy will recognize another puppy much more easily. Therefore Potato felt jealous and resentful first. (chapter 25) Moreover, we should interpret his nightmare like this. The puppy doc Dan had already marked his territory: (chapter 25), though in his vision it looked like the roles were switched. The “dog” was the champion, whereas the doctor was the owner. That’s the other reason why Potato was so worked up. He preferred the strong man or beast.
However, Potato noticed the main lead’s isolation. (chapter 25) The latter was trying to learn more about MMA, as he desired to improve his skills as PT. (Chapter 25) That’s how Potato came to offer his assistance. Interesting is that Yoon-Gu became the teacher for the physical therapist. (chapter 25) It is relevant, because the maknae was acting like a sunbae and not like a junior. He was given responsibility. His task was quite important compared to the coffee incident. With such a task, the cute puppy got to learn the importance of PT. This explicates why Potato always paid attention to the protagonist and his duties afterwards. Though Kim Dan had been constantly diminishing himself as physical therapist, in front of Potato he acted differently: meticulous, dedicated and caring. As you can see, this training session had huge repercussions for the chow chow.
Their interactions reminded me of Potato’s dream: (chapter 23) Without realizing it, Potato was replacing his idol with the cute Doc Dan. Let’s not forget that so far, Joo Jaekyung has never jogged or trained with Kim Dan. Thus I couldn’t help myself thinking that this could actually happen in the future between the two dogs, as they belong to the same weight category. They would help each other in their career. But during the training session, they were both puppies.
Through the training session, the two puppies came to open up to each other. (Chapter 25) Hence it is not surprising that Kim Dan chose to repay Potato’s kindness by fulfilling his dream. (chapter 26) He was following his heart and as such his instincts. That’s the reason why money was out of question.
I am quite sure that his reproach towards his idol is the moment when Kim Dan detected the maknae’s true nature: First, he barked, (chapter 25), then he lowered his face like a moping mutt. (chapter 25) Because of his sacrifice and generosity, doc Dan became a role model in Potato’s eyes. (chapter 26)
However, since he had discovered the secret between the two protagonists, he decided to protect their relationship. For him, they are a couple and that’s it. Hence he acted like a guardian, when Heesung appeared in the picture. It was, as if he had found his home finally. (chapter 31) But how could he judge the actor as a danger? It is because he was using his senses as well. Don’t forget that they had bumped into each other (chapter 31) Secondly, since Yoon-Gu is a dog, this signifies that he can not be bought with money or presents either. Hence he could only mistrust the artist’s generosity. It is important to recall that before meeting the “angel”, Heesung would simply offer meals (chapter 30) and not expensive stuff like designer clothes or electronics. So Potato was not wrong either to mistrust the actor first, for the latter was indeed expecting affection in return despite his claim. He did want to date the doctor, but the puppy knew that the protagonists were together. He represented a threat to his new found home.
Interesting is that the comedian was the second person to identify Yoon-Gu’s true personality. (chapter 31) Heesung described him as ugly, which is actually an insult. Note the contrast. Heesung is smiling despite his words. It is because he was voicing his annoyance at Potato. The latter represented a hindrance to his courting.
For me, the trip to the States represents a turning point in their relationship. Though Potato was still admiring the champion (chapter 40), the former came to appreciate the doctor much more than before. (chapter 40) First, he informs him about his patient’s conditions. On the other hand, it becomes obvious that he worries much more about the doctor’s health. His increasing care started with the party. (chapter 37) When Potato and Daehyun saw that Kim Dan was feeling down, they tried to cheer him up. Moreover, let’s not forget that when they got caught partying, the hyung tried to protect them: (chapter 37) Besides, Yoon-Gu witnessed the effects of the drug (chapter 38). Contrary to the other fighter, he touched his head. This gesture reminded me of a mother’s. And now, I know why Kim Dan saw Potato as a puppy. (chapter 29) It is because unconsciously, he was projecting himself onto the maknae. The latter might be innocent too, but like the description is mentioning it, he is already a semi-professional in term of skill levels and is able to teach regular gym clients. To sum up, as a fighter, he is no longer a puppy. Thus the champion doubted his perception. So we should see the training session as a “mother” teaching her child how to fight. (chapter 25) On the other hand, Yoon-Gu lacks experiences, for he has never been exposed to the cruelty of this world, unlike Kim Dan or Joo Jaekyung. His fighting spirit is not developed yet.
If the two puppies were destined to become best friends, why was Kim Dan alone after their return from the States? There exist many reasons. First, it is related to his confession to Heesung where he describes his “love” as “cheer that person”. (Chapter 35) However, this term indicates that he is thinking more like a fan. At the same time, it exposes Potato’s passivity. He is just standing by the side and watching. He is doing nothing except “thinking and wishing happiness”. But the definition of “love” is caring, knowledge, respect and responsibility. [For more read “The Art Of Loving”] And now, you comprehend why the puppy could never get the love from Joo Jaekyung. He wanted his idol to become responsible for him, while he knew nothing about him and his tragic past. He is only interested in the champion and the present. Thus I deduce that since Potato knew that the protagonists were together, he thought that Joo Jaekyung would take care of his lover. Yes, he was thinking exactly like Heesung. (Chapter 40) Therefore it is not surprising why after mentioning the incident with the MFC security guys to Park Namwook. (Chapter 40), he didn’t follow his boss despite his concern. In his eyes, it was Joo Jaekyung’s role as his soulmate to take care of his partner. Furthermore, since Potato came to value doc Dan as PT, it becomes understandable why he brought up the vanishing of Kim Dan. For him, the latter is already part of Team Black and plays an important role, as he is taking care of the physical condition of the Emperor.
But there exists another reason why Yoon-Gu neglected his future friend. The former was busy because of his love life. He had a secret relationship. There’s no doubt that the admiration for the champion must have bothered the actor: (chapter 41) Thus the latter must have suggested to go out during the planned birthday party. (chapter 43) This could be seen as a violation of his belief: Joo Jaekyung is his idol! Here, the puppy was starting distancing himself from the Emperor. His absence is displaying that he was transcending social conventions. Therefore it is no coincidence that he agreed, when the boxers compared the champion to a thug! (chapter 47) Little by little, he got influenced by his other hyungs who would always listen to Park Namwook. Therefore it is not surprising that at the hospital, he came to blame the main lead, but not the manager. (chapter 52) He never questioned why the coach didn’t stop Kim Dan from quitting. On the other hand, I wondered how he came to change his mind about his idol. It can not be his brutality (chapter 1) and rudeness, for he didn’t criticize the athlete in the first episode or episode 7. In my eyes, the maknae lacks critical thinking. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t overlook that he followed the members’ behavior. No one from Team Black called Kim Dan and looked out for him. They all abandoned him after the match. (chapter 52) They only talked about the lost members, not about the physical therapist. This exposes that they didn’t treat him as one of them. To conclude, as time passes on, Yoon-Gu came to mimic and think like hyung Namwook.
While Yoon-Gu was slowly distancing himself from the alpha, his respect and care for Kim Dan was even stronger than before. Therefore he asked for his opinion. He saw Kim Dan as an expert. (Chapter 47). In my eyes, it is related to his job as a physical therapist and its role in the champion’s career. This explicates why in the locker room, he paid attention to the main lead (Chapter 49) and helped him. I have to admit that the way the main lead was holding his hand reminded me a little dog. (chapter 49) For me, it becomes clear that the more time Potato and Kim Dan interacted together, the more the chow chow valued the job as physical therapist as significant in the career of an athlete. Besides, thanks to Kim Dan, the young puppy had the impression that he was contributing himself to his champion’s success too. It gave his presence a meaning. In other words, the puppies bonded through their jobs. That’s the reason why I am quite certain that with the recent incident, Potato will change his attitude towards Kim Dan. His vanishing made him realize how important he was to the team. (chapter 52) Hence he looked so upset and sad. Thus I can only come to the deduction that for Kim Dan’s return, he will do anything. Moreover, after the discovery of the scheme, there is no doubt that the chowchow will become Kim Dan’s guardian. He will protect him, as he failed to do so in the locker room. At no moment, he vouched for the PT’s innocence, he chose to follow the hyungs. On the one hand, we could see glimpses of a change in the locker room. He not only gave him an advice, but he spoke loudly and clearly to his role model: (chapter 50) He was cheering him up! On the other hand, he still remained passive, and didn’t question the sunbaes like Park Namwook or Yosep. One thing is sure. After the last incident, he should have realized cheering someone is not truly loving someone. And this brings me to the other reason why Kim Dan was alone between 41 and 47. Yoon-Gu didn’t know doc Dan that well. He has no idea about his past and his actual situation. He can not expect the champion to act like in the States, as now the situation is different. He is already injured. Consequently, I am quite certain that it is also time for the semi-professional to reveal his true nature: he is a chow chow in verity! He sometimes acts more like a mother towards Kim Dan, though the latter is his hyung. Take the last panel as an example. Yoon-Gu is strong, extremely loyal and intelligent! His nickname Potato might be cute, but it doesn’t reflect his personality.
Finally, the third reason for his passivity is that from the outside, it looked like the relationship between the two main leads was fine. Even Choi Gilseok was thinking that their relationship had not changed at all. (Chapter 50) However, the doctor (chapter 47) was hiding his sadness and pain behind his job. How could Potato notice his suffering? Kim Dan never let his wounds transpire. Finally, we shouldn’t overlook the fact that Kim Dan never confided to the puppy dog as well. The protagonist has always been a loner, like we could see it in his memories. (Chapter 47) He never had a friend before, and Joo Jaekyung was more than a friend. (Chapter 21) He was first of all his boss and his landlord. Yoon-Gu is not connected to the main lead because of money. The foundation of their relationship is based on trust, care and respect. Thus I deduce that Potato is on his way to become not only his first true friend, but also his second stan. He might have noticed his angelic nature in the past (chapter 26), but his adoration for the champion was still very strong. (Chapter 40) However, when Potato helped doc Dan in the locker room, he expressed his admiration for the first time. (Chapter 49) Though he still followed the herd, he turned around and spoke loudly to his hyung. It shows his increasing attention and care. (Chapter 50) Furthermore, his words were indicating that he was waiting for him. Since I detected that Yoon-Gu is the only one among the members showing a great interest in Physical Therapy through his actions, I can’t help myself thinking that the young fighter might decide to change his career later and follow doc Dan’s footsteps.
5. The role of their friendship
Since their nature is similar, they can understand each other very well. Hence it is only natural that they are destined to become best friends. Thanks to the two puppies, Team Black will be saved from destruction. It is no coincidence. Youth represents the future. Without children, humanity is doomed. Nevertheless, there exists another cause for their friendship. (Chapter 33) Yes, through them, the dragon and the gumiho can become real friends. So far, they had been more frenemies. They know each other’s secret (chapter 33), hence they can talk frankly to each other. Heesung knows that he won’t be condemned for his confession. (Chapter 33) Thanks to him, the actor can drop all good manners and expose his true self. In the essay Two Worlds, I announced a return to nature and the transformation of Kim Dan reflects this interpretation. Remember that the dog symbolize the union of nature and culture. At the same time, I had another revelation. Kim Dan is a magician, because he is able thanks to his touch to turn a wolf into a dragon or into a cat. (Chapter 44) And what did the doctor do during that wonderful night? He patted his lover on his head (chapter 44). He was telling him that he was doing a good job! One might say that he treated him like a little child. The second interpretation is that he was treating him like a pet. The dog was complimenting his lover, the wolf!
5. Predictions and reality
In my first version, I had presented the following prediction. Kim Dan would come to use his fists. MY reasoning was that since I described that Kim Dan had become a dog, he would be following his instincts. This signifies that etiquette and laws are no longer important. Yet, Jinx-philes shouldn’t jump to the conclusion that the doctor has become a beast. No, don’t forget that a dog represents the link between wildness and domesticity, between abandon and self-restrain. Hence I assume that he is on his way to develop his own moral codex, which are based on Nature’s laws, and as such like moral laws: faithfulness, protection and integrity, while he will drop his good manners, the symbol of civilization. However, I overlooked an important aspect: the influence of the environment. Kim Dan was still in the sports arena and as such in the city. Both represent civilization. Moreover, Kim Dan still has his grandmother who embodies social norms and conformity. Thus he didn’t question authorities and vent his anger. In addition, we should consider the grandmother’s deaths the moment for the PT’s true emancipation. He is no longer bound by social norms and conformity. Hence we should still expect that he will forget his good manners and even stand up for himself. But which good manners will he disregard exactly? (chapter 49) Respecting the elders! For me, Kim Dan will see red, when he hears the truth about the incident. From that moment on, he will start questioning not only seniors (manager Park Namwook), but also authorities (doctors). (chapter 1) Yes, he never exposed the truth. He didn’t even try to sue the man.
Imagine the scandal. A physical therapist is punching a senior, even a director. He would appear as a crazy person. What did Nietzsche say about craziness? “Madness is rare in individuals – but in groups, parties, nations, and ages it is the rule.” The madness is already present in this society, as MFC uses money and medias to control the fans. Like everyone else, Choi Gilseok thinks that money rules the world. (chapter 50) Therefore he is safe. And how did the main lead describe the antagonist? As a crazy person! (chapter 48) He had judged the man correctly. While the director believes that money can buy everything, he is overlooking that money is powerless in front of a punch, as it is just paper. (chapter 42)
Though my idea was that Kim Dan would punch someone, my prediction was not entirely wrong. Potato was the one who used his fists and questioned his sunbae. (chapter 52) His behavior shows that he was no longer respecting social norms, respecting the elders. While in the beginning, he still followed Seonho (chapter 52), at the end he chose to leave the restaurant on his own accord. Yes, he stopped being a follower of “herd mentality”. (chapter 52) But who caused him to change like that? Naturally, it was first his idol. (chapter 52) However, since Kim Dan had been framed for the incident, there is no doubt that the PT was also the other motivation. That’s how it dawned on me that thanks to Kim Dan, Potato is following his idol’s footsteps: he is breaking social norms. Hence it is very likely that this young man was banned from the restaurant after the physical argument. In other words, thanks to Team Jaekyung-Dan, Potato’s natural fighting instincts are getting more pronounced. Little by little, he is losing his innocence while maintaining his purity. He is still loyal and protective. Despite his disappointment in the champion, he still chose to stay at the gym.
Very early on, I had announced that Kim Dan would become a fighter! He had always restrained himself (18, 42) because of his grandmother. He didn’t want her to get into trouble. But since she is about to die, Kim Dan has nothing to lose. Both puppies are making the same transformation in the end. Hence they are destined to become best friends. For me, it signifies that the moment Kim Dan returns to the gym, Potato will treat him as a real hyung, a role model. He will listen to his advices, which is important, for the MFC matchmaker and Park Namwook are only using fighters as possessions and tools. They should make money as quickly as possible. They are racing against time, and they don’t pay attention to mental well-being.
Now, take a closer look at this panel: (chapter 49) The hyungs and Oh Daehyun were restraining the star, for they feared that he would punch the “old man”. But no one paid attention to the puppies, even less to doc Dan. They have the impression that as an educated man, he will never use his hands like that. This image was revealing Potato’s transformation as well. Little by little, he was becoming a guardian, a real protector. On the other hand, keep in mind my previous statement: Joo Jaekyung understands the language of the hands and violence. The star was never upset, when Kim Dan punched him. From my point of view, the moment Kim Dan defends himself, the champion can only be happy, for he tried to teach him to protect himself. (chapter 26) In other words, both worlds (medical and sports) will join their hands together. Kim Dan and Joo JAekyung will learn from each other, which will naturally bring some changes at the gym. Their partnership will affect the fighters’ career in the long run. Their bodies will be protected from overuse and money will no longer be the motivation to accept a challenge. Training will be more focused on fun and teaching than on work and money.
So far, none of the members from Team Black questioned the decisions and actions from the hyungs. They were always respectful towards them. Yet, note that in episode 47, the doctor took over Park Namwook’s role. (chapter 47) Little by little, he gained authority among the staff. But how can he do that? Let’s not forget that after the match, the staff is usually invited to enter the ring like here. (chapter 40) I am quite certain that some readers might be shocked or call me crazy… but actually such an incident was a blessing in disguise. How so? It is because it pushed both protagonists to drop their bias and flaws.
With his return, he would create a new event. Team Black is challenging King Of MMA! Thanks to Kim Dan, our little fighters would get the opportunity to break through MFC! (chapter 47) However, there is no doubt that the physical therapist is a thorn in their eyes.
Finally, according to my interpretation, Kim Dan is Saturn. He is the owner of time! By becoming a dog, he reconnected to his true nature and has time on his hands now. Hence he came to judge the meeting with Choi Gilseok as a waste of time. (chapter 48) Is it not funny that each interpretation I made in the past gets more validation after the release of each new episode? Saturn brings Karma to people: retribution or reward. Park Namwook received his karma by not protecting his champion and claiming that he was the gym owner. The question is if the man has learned his lessons from the incident.
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When my inquisitive readers contemplate the illustration for this analysis, they can detect the presence of a fragile balance between three people: Joo Jaekyung, Kim Dan and Team Black. The latter is represented by the snake. I selected beads for each group, because they imply movement and change. Naturally, the physical therapist is caught in the middle. It is because since episode 7 we have been witnessing a subtle fight between the captain of Team Black and the other sportsmen. But why?
1. Sharing and jealousy
First, it is related to the champion’s jealousy. (chapter 7) In the essay “Lucky loser and jinxed winner (full version)”, I detected how Kim Dan affected the champion’s relationship with his members. For the first time, Joo Jaekyung shared the shower room with Oh Daehyun and the other fighters. (chapter 8) Secondly, in the analysis “Sharing is caring“, I elaborated how the champion had never had a family dinner, but thanks to the second main lead, Joo Jaekyung discovered home-made breakfasts and was encouraged to eat with the staff from Team Black. Note that till the birthday dinner in chapter 43, he never ate the same dishes than the coach and the fighters. (chapter 43) As a conclusion, the physical therapist embodies “sharing” which is strongly connected to eating. Furthermore, the symbol for giving is the hand which fits Heesung’s description about Kim Dan: “Magic Touch”. (chapter 31). It is important to recall that the artist came to discover the angel, for the latter offered his assistance unrequested. (chapter 30) As a conclusion, Joo Jaekyung is taught how to share through the doctor. This means that at some point, the champion will realize that he has to share the main lead too, if he wants to become truly happy. How so?
“Jealousy in romance is like salt in food. A little can enhance the savor, but too much can spoil the pleasure and, under certain circumstances, can be life-threatening.” Maya Angelou
Like the quote above is indicating it, jealousy is not simply a negative emotion. In fact, this feeling serves as a reminder for the jealous person. The latter should improve their relationship.
Although jealousy is a painful emotional experience, evolutionary psychologists regard it not as an emotion to be suppressed but as one to heed—as a signal or a wake-up call that a valued relationship is in danger and that steps need to be taken to regain the affection of a mate or friend. As a result, jealousy is seen as a necessary emotion, because it preserves social bonds and motivates people to engage in behaviors that maintain important relationships. Quoted from https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/jealousy
Thus I deduce that on the one hand jealousy is strongly intertwined with modification and adjustment. The latter stands in opposition to routine and old habits. On the other hand, the condition for a positive change is that the person can identify this emotion and ponder on its causes and consequences. This signifies that the person has to be more rational and calm. Mingwa exposed it in chapter 35, when the athlete questioned his change of behavior and trick: (chapter 35) This scene represents the first step of the athlete’s meditation. Interesting is that this self-reflection got interrupted by the text from the journalist. Consequently, the athlete’s old habits resurfaced. Thus the athlete began neglecting the doctor again. Additionally, identifying jealousy and its cause means that emotional intelligence is necessary. However, Joo Jaekyung possesses a low EI… yes, he really has the mind-set of a baby.
These are the signs of low Emotional Intelligence.
trouble understanding what causes certain feelings
frequent emotional outbursts or mood changes
difficulty asserting opinions or taking charge in a situation
little interest in finding new ways of solving problems
trouble accepting criticism, constructive or otherwise
difficulty expressing ideas clearly or getting a point across
a habit of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time
a certain obliviousness to emotional cues from others
a tendency to fixate on mistakes instead of learning from them and moving on
This list corresponds to the champion’s personality: his “jinx” exposes his pessimistic attitude. In these two panels, the beholder can view his poor emotional self-control (chapter 7), self-centeredness, poor social skills (chapter 43), low empathy, how he is blaming others. Thus I come to the conclusion that one of the doctor’s role is to encourage the celebrity to develop empathy, as the latter is necessary for a high EM. The other task is to let him experience mistakes and learn from them. Like mentioned in the previous essay, Joo Jaekyung is Mister Perfect and Kim Dan Mister Mistake. Through the mistakes, the athlete is experiencing the positive side of errors. This brings me naturally back to “sharing” which is also a synonym for compassion and love.
“Love is an activity, not a passive affect; it is a “standing in,” not a “falling for.” In the most general way, the active character of love can be described by stating that love is primarily giving, not receiving.” ― Erich Fromm, The Art of Loving
As you can see, jealousy is linked not only to love, but also to action and change. Therefore it is no coincidence that the champion felt the need to punch the sandbag, after Heesung expressed his desire to date Kim Dan. (chapter 34) He was presented as a hindrance to the artist’s happiness. (chapter 34)
2. The causes for the champion’s jealousy
But why is the champion so jealous and possessive of Kim Dan? It is related to his undetected low self-esteem and trust issues. Distrust is an important determinant in experiencing and expressing jealousy. This explicates why in the beginning of the story, the athlete was so rude to the doctor. (chapter 7) He didn’t know Kim Dan at all. Thus he utilized the contract as reminder (chapter 8), as he felt that he had no other tool to keep his partner by his side. In addition, in order to control his jealousy, he always employed the same method: SEX!! (chapter 34) Consequently, as long as Joo Jaekyung could not control his possessiveness and jealousy, he was shooting himself in the foot. Which corresponds to the metaphor with too much salt in the food. Mingwa gave us many examples for this situation. When the champion became jealous in episode 7, he forced the physical therapist to have sex with him. Thus his karma was to be perceived as a man obsessed with sex. Then, in episode 9, he provoked Kim Dan with the drink. (chapter 9) It was, as if he wanted to steal the show from the physical therapist. His punishment was to take care of the physical therapist, but the latter never witnessed his caring side due to his high intoxication. When he challenged the comedian (chapter 34), he deceived the doctor, imposed his will on Kim Dan out of fear that the latter might not choose him. The result was that the doctor came to view himself as a tool for the athlete’s jinx again. Then at the hotel, he poured the coca cola on the physical therapist’s head (chapter 37) giving the impression that he was resenting Kim Dan the most. However, in reality, he was jealous of Oh Daehyun and Potato, for the latter were having a good time with his lover, while he was left alone in his bedroom. While they were happily laughing with Kim Dan, he was totally excluded. (chapter 37) He was envious that they were the source of Kim Dan’s happiness, whereas he was not. Finally, when the athlete confronted them, the doctor sided with them. (chapter 37) In other words, sharing happiness is triggering his jealousy.
3. Jealousy and happiness
Manhwaphiles can observe this phenomenon in episode 7 and 22. Note that the boxers were all in a good mood, when the doctor was treating Kim Changmin. (chapter 7) The same happened, when Oh Daehyun expressed his envy at dinner: (chapter 22) Each time, the star put an end to this happy mood. In the break room, Joo Jaekyung threatened them, because he considered their suggestions as a threat. Their comments imply that he would have to share Kim Dan, if they came to the penthouse. It looks like the celebrity is in reality jealous of happy people. It was, as if he was going after “happiness and rest”. Therefore it is not surprising that he accepted the next fight. (chapter 41) He looks grumpy again. It shows that he is not truly enjoying his recent success. After the birthday party at the restaurant, the champion felt jealous again. (chapter 43) His gaze was betraying him. Though he was the star of the evening, the fighters didn’t invite him to the second round. Yet, he didn’t mind, until he heard them asking the physical therapist. But contrary to the past, episode 7 and 37, Joo Jaekyung acted more gently. (chapter 43) He didn’t vent his anger on the doctor, as he embraced him gently. Why? In my opinion, there exist different causes. One reason is the phone call and the long conversation. Another cause for this change of behavior is that the time spent with Kim Dan at his penthouse. Through the breakfasts and their days-off, the celebrity got to know Kim Dan better. The champion’s jokes (chapter 27) and smiles are an evidence that the protagonist is feeling more and more comfortable around Kim Dan. (chapter 41) Yet, he was still crossing his arms while talking to the physical therapist. This shows that he has not completely lowered his guard yet. Finally, Manhwaworms shouldn’t overlook the doctor’s drunken confession accompanied with kisses and embraces. (chapter 39) Consequently, I could observe that the athlete is gradually capable to manage his jealousy, the longer he is living with the main lead. Simultaneously, I believe that the recent transformation of the physical therapist (exhaustion, skipping dinners) incited Joo Jaekyung to observe his lover and meditate. (chapter 43) However, I would like to outline that in this scene, he didn’t feel jealous, as Kim Dan was excluded. Hence he had no reason to claim the doctor as his. As you can see, the star’s jealousy was the trigger to change his behavior in front of the members. Thus I come to the deduction that we were witnessing the positive aspect of “jealousy”. He was not questioning the doctor’s integrity and trust. Therefore it is no coincidence that contrary to episode 7, 9, 22 and 37, he didn’t look grumpy, when he stated that Doc Dan is coming with him. (chapter 43) He had almost a smile. Why? His words were revealing his intentions. Here, he wanted to make the members from Team Black jealous of him. Let’s not forget that his statement implied that he would have a good time with the physical therapist. However, his attempt failed, for the members expressed their surprise and happiness. (chapter 43) It was seen as a miracle that Joo Jaekyung was showing such a care for someone. Kim Changmin, as a representative of Team Black, was not at all envious, because they are used to sharing (dinner, dormitories, etc). The boxer felt that he just witnessed a wonder. It is important, because through this scene, we have an explanation for their passivity in the States. They thought that the athlete didn’t really care for Kim Dan. (chapter 40) The champion has always hidden his care for Kim Dan in front of Park Namwook and the others. Don’t forget that the athlete was even particularly rude towards the main figure before the match. (chapter 37) I could also include the scene with the new jacket. (chapter 36) When the sportsmen were all fighting against each other to give their new cloth to Kim Dan, the champion intervened by throwing his jacket to Kim Dan. He was not smiling at all. In fact, he gave the impression that Kim Dan was causing trouble. (chapter 36) At no moment, Oh Daehyun and the others could detect the main lead’s jealousy. That’s how it dawned on me why Kim Dan was not informed about the surprise birthday party. (chapter 43) He was as astonished as Joo Jaekyung. I deduce that they desired to protect him, in case the celebrity would react so negatively. (chapter 43) Since the athlete had been so impolite and rude towards the doctor in front of Oh Daehyun and the other members on so many occasions (7, 9, 11, 36, 37), they imagined that Joo Jaekyung was treating him the same way than them: if he was not rough, then he was indifferent. (chapter 22) When he announced to the staff that Kim Dan was cooking for him, his facial expression and words are indicating that this is no big deal! He was not smiling and voicing his admiration for doc Dan. He created the illusion that the physical therapist was just living at the penthouse for the celebrity’s comfort. It was to do his job and nothing more. But this was only partially true. That’s the reason why I come to the assumption that this miracle in episode 43 will change the dynamics at the gym. Kim Changmin, Oh Daehyun and the others know now that the celebrity not only cares for the doctor, but also has become his friend. Thus they could seek Kim Dan’s closeness in order to get his advices and assistance.
On the other hand, the fighter was still ordering his lover. (chapter 43) Note that he had intervened at the same time than the doctor’s. (chapter 43) So he never took the doctor’s choice into consideration. Although Joo Jaekyung is no longer dragging the doctor like in the beginning of the story, he is not truly respecting Kim Dan’s decisions. But how did this rivalry between Joo Jaekyung and his team start?
4- The origins of the rivalry
Here, I won’t focus on the champion’s feelings, rather on the way the doctor entered the gym. His contract diverges from the other members’. (chapter 7) He occupies a special position, for he is only working for the alpha as doctor. But note that doc Dan crossed the line, the moment he started taking care of Kim Changmin’s problematic shoulder. (chapter 7) By treating him, he acted, as if he was the physical therapist of Team Black. Secondly, observe how he got introduced to Team Black. (chapter 7) Park Namwook is employing the expression “joining us”, he is insinuating that he is a member from Team Black. Therefore it is not surprising that the doctor decided to share his talent and give a treatment to Kim Changmin and others. (chapter 7) This short introduction could only encourage him to treat the other fighters too. As you can see, though the doctor has a contract, his duties and position among Team Black were not clear. Moreover, the moment the boxers discovered that the main lead had his own physical therapist, they asked if they could have one too. (chapter 7) Thus I deduce that Kim Dan still needs to find his own place at the gym. This can only generate tension. Moreover, it dawned on me, neither the champion nor coach Jeon Yosep nor Park Namwook recognized the consequences of his arrival at the gym. (chapter 7) First, they made the mistake not to bring Kim Dan to Busan. (chapter 36) After that event, they learned their lesson. However, note that the champion refused that the physical therapist would follow Oh Daehyun and the others to their fight. (chapter 23) On the one hand, he was reminding his companion that he was only working for him, on the other hand, the uniform and the treatment from the members were giving the impression that he was also part of Team Black. (chapter 23) That’s how he discovered the ritual with high five!! This is something he could share with his lover! By using this gesture, they would not only become closer, but the gap between the fighters and Joo Jaekyung would be reduced. On the other hand, by hindering Kim Dan to follow the group, Joo Jaekyung was hindering the main lead to do his job. This shows as well that they are slowly developing a new routine, but it is not fully deployed. The doctor is bringing the real changes due to his special but unclear position.
Besides, as a hyung and physical therapist, he should be part of the management, hence he should get the right to voice his opinion about a match. Yet, in chapter 36, he was not invited to the meeting (chapter 36). Moreover, by mopping the floor, he acted like an errand boy, as if he was the lowest member. I doubt that he got consulted for the next fight too. (chapter 41) On the other hand, Kim Dan is a freelancer, hence he could have simply joined the conference. That’s how I realized that until Kim Dan met the champion, he had always been working as an employee. (chapter 1) This indicates that the doctor has not the mind-set of an entrepreneur and free-lancer. He allowed Choi Heesung and Joo Jaekyung to determine his work. (chapter 31) (chapter 32) And now, you comprehend why Kim Dan chose to become a courier (chapter 42) and didn’t look for new patients. He needs a role model as entrepreneur and doctor. In my eyes, that’s where Cheolmin comes in. The latter should become Kim Dan’s mentor. Moreover, I would like to outline that by intervening in the doctor’s life and career, the champion was blurring more and more the boundary between private life and profession.
Another source for the tension between the captain and Team Black is that the doctor was treated like a full member by Team Black. Therefore he received an uniform (chapter 9) and the welcome elixir. (chapter 9). But like pointed out above, he is actually just his private physical therapist. For Kim Dan, the famous athlete is just a VIP client. (chapter 25) It is relevant, because the doctor is not technically involved with the other members. He is attached to them, because they are very nice to him. (chapter 9) There exists no contract between them either. Their relationship is simply based on the goodness from the characters. And now, you comprehend why the champion had to come to this welcome party. It is because he feared that the doctor would feel closer to them than to him. His money was already competing with the heart from the fighters. Is it a coincidence that the champion felt the need to remind them that he was the one paying for the party? (chapter 9) Funny is that for his birthday party, money was no longer rivaling with the fighters. Furthermore, he was joining the table for real. (chapter 43) Finally, he had another reason for not becoming furious during that evening. He had shared the goblet with the doctor, something that none of the fighters had done before. (chapter 43) To conclude, the causes for the tension between the alpha and his members are the undefine position and duties of Kim Dan.
In addition, I noticed that the captain and Team Black are both associated with dinner. Whereas the champion stands for healthy but tasteless dinner (chapter 13), Park Namwook and Oh Daehyun are representing the other extreme: junk food (too salty, greasy, too much sugar) (chapter 22) (chapter 37) or fasting!! Notice that Park Namwook preferred Kim Dan resting than eating dinner with them! (Chapter 43) Joo Jaekyung listened to his hyung, as he had already heard such an advice before. But actually by skipping dinners, the doctor is living like in the past. This could lead to malnutrition again. As you can see, I sense here a new source of problem.
Another interesting aspect is that the champion desired to spare with his lover, but the former got punished by his hyung. (chapter 26) He proposed this idea after seeing his lover learning moves from Potato. In other words, due to his jealousy, he offered his sex partner the possibility to learn from him. (chapter 25) This was the positive aspect of jealousy. It is not surprising that the champion smiled during this little game. (chapter 26) It helped them to become closer. Striking is that none of the boxers noticed the true meaning of this sparring. (chapter 26) The members didn’t recognize how gentle the celebrity was towards his partner, therefore Park Namwook imagined that Kim Dan had been coerced to spare and the punch was the expression from anger and frustration against the alpha. Thus he came to misjudge the situation. That’s how Kim Dan got excluded from the ring. And this observation brings me to the following conclusion. Till episode 43, none of the fighters realized that Kim Dan was receiving a special treatment from Joo Jaekyung. They were totally oblivious of the truth, even during this incident! (chapter 43) The boxer on his right was not shocked how quickly the athlete calmed down after realizing his mistake. They only got aware of this, when the athlete tried to make them jealous: (chapter 43) That’s how it dawned on me why the champion will be forced little by little to expose his sexual orientation to the members from his gym. It is because the nature of the competition is changing. He is fighting with the members with his heart and no longer with his wealth and fame!! Joo Jaekyung made the discovery during that night: (chapter 29) A puppy needs care and protection!!
This signifies that each decision from Kim Dan will affect the relationship between the alpha and his team. Imagine that the physical therapist decides to become a full member of Team Black and learn fighting. He would definitely work with Potato. (chapter 23) In addition, I would like to outline that Potato had been favored by his hyungs (chapter 22), because the latter was somehow neglected by the champion. They were compensating for the lack of interest from the captain. Interesting is that no one was missing Potato during that day and party except the readers. Why? It is because little by little, his adoration for the champion is vanishing. He is starting to have a life on his own. It is important, because Kim Dan could receive now more attention from the members than before, especially because he is receiving the good grace from his boss. Don’t forget that Park Namwook never protected them from his bad mood. (chapter 36) He could become their speaker, their lawyer… a new version from this scene: (chapter 37)
So far, Kim Dan has always viewed himself as different from the sportsmen, because he was just standing by the side (chapter 36) or he was sitting in the office. It is not surprising that he kept his distance at the hotel, when the champion was taking his meal. (chapter 37) But it started changing, after the athlete declared him as a part of his team. 8chapter 40) The problem is that he met the green-haired uke which reinforced his insecurities and low self-esteem. Observe that while returning home, he was only remembering all the champion’s words (chapter 43) before his intervention with the MFC security guys. Hence I believe that this statement and embrace (chapter 43) can only move Kim Dan’s heart. Finally, I would like to outline that the champion was asking his lover to become responsible for him. (chapter 43) He should bring him home. If you read the essay “The Art Of Loving“, you already know that responsibility is one of the conditions for love. The others are trust, respect and knowledge! And this brings me to the final conclusion. Since no one among Team Black knows about the doctor’s past and second gig, it becomes comprehensible why Oh Daehyun, Potato and the others can not take care of Kim Dan properly. (chapter 43) But the more the champion is revealing about his relationship with the doctor, the more the latter will receive recognition and protection from Team Black. Though the manager recognized that Kim Dan had been beaten (chapter 11), he chose to close an eye to this. Thus he remained passive.
To conclude, the doctor is there to bring harmony and happiness at the gym. This can only happen through changes (like introduction of new rituals) and as such mistakes. His presence is little by little affecting the champion’s mentality. The latter is showing more and more concern for his fated partner. (chapter 43) Though the doctor’s hands had been bleeding, Kim Dan chose to treat his patient first before taking care of his own wounds. His selflessness could only catch Joo Jaekyung’s notice. Doc Dan’s benevolence can only make him realize that fame can never be a source of joy and adoration is totally different from true love and warmth.
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Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa:Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes.Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx“Whispers of Dusk, Blossoms of Dawn”
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After reading the title, people might wonder why the illustration doesn’t contain any picture from episode 42, as the topics, birthday, party and breakfast, are present there. The answer is quite simple. I created the title and the illustration for this essay before the release of chapter 42. Nevertheless, the presence of these elements in episode 42 confirmed my interpretation that these topics are strongly connected together. Naturally, this means that I will include the scenes from the new chapter too.
1. Breakfast: work or friendship?
First, it is important to create a list of all the breakfast scenes.
Chapter 4
Chapter 18
Chapter 22
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
First, let’s focus on the characters and their respective position. What caught my attention is that till chapter 42, none of the protagonists have been eating breakfast together. In episode 4, only Joo Jaekyung went to the kitchen. Then in episode 18, though both were sitting at the same table, only the athlete had his glass of milk. He didn’t offer anything to his room mate. The latter was supposed to prepare himself his own breakfast. (chapter 18) Then in episode 22 and 41, the physical therapist stood by the side acting like a cook. (chapter 22) At no moment, he was invited to sit down. I consider the apron as the symbol of “drawing the line”. This explicates why the cloth is covered with lines. Kim Dan acts as the champion’s employee. Furthermore, though the dishes are influenced by traditional Korean cooking, the physical therapist was paying attention to the fighter’s nutrition. (chapter 22) Consequently, the physical therapist has been working as the champion’s nutritionist. We could say that in episode 42, it is the same, as he is once again wearing the apron. (chapter 42) The only difference is that he is no longer standing by the table which the champion noticed immediately. It is important, because it shows that now, Joo Jaekyung is missing Kim Dan’s presence and more precisely his conversation with him. Yes, the breakfast has become the moment where both protagonists exchange their thoughts. (chapter 41) And the champion came to enjoy this little moment during his long day. They became a part of his routine. This signifies that the association between breakfast and work was slowly vanishing. It was gradually turning into a moment of intimacy.
Thus chapter 42 represents a turning point. How so? It is because in episode 42, the champion was confronted with a tired doctor. (chapter 42) Thus he couldn’t talk to Kim Dan. On the other hand, the cook had done his job, for the dishes were cooked perfectly (chapter 42) Hence Joo Jaekyung couldn’t complain to the physical therapist. (chapter 42) This means, the “intimacy” vanished, while the notion of work got reinforced. Consequently, I deduce that this little change, a tired doctor, unable to converse with him, will definitely affect the fighter in the long run. The latter will be forced to meditate about the cause for his exhaustion, but more importantly about his emotions and his real expectations from Kim Dan. Why was he annoyed, though the breakfast was made? Does he view him as a employee or a friend? This is what he stated in episode 18: (chapter 18) His stay was justified with work. Kim Dan had a similar reaction. He considered the breakfast as a part of his “work”. (chapter 22) Therefore it is not surprising why Joo Jaekyung had no problem to admit that Kim Dan was cooking his breakfast (chapter 22). In his eyes, it was related to his profession. However, the moment Oh Daehyun and Kwak Junbeom expressed their surprise (chapter 22) and their desires (chapter 22), Joo Jaekyung set a limit very quickly. (chapter 22) Why? Was it because he didn’t want to share his penthouse to members from Team Black? For me, his main reason was Kim Dan! If they had come to his place, they could get close to the physical therapist. It would be more difficult for him to “control” doc Dan. He could even experience a similar situation than in episode 7, where he was totally left out. (chapter 7) Oh Daehyun, Kim Changmin and the others would even get the opportunity to eat his great dishes… Notice that the boxers were using “work” in order to be able to visit the place. This means that “the breakfast” would lose his special meaning for the fighter. Kim Dan would no longer be conversing with him only. Joo Jaekyung would become like the others not realizing that by allowing them to come to his house, the nature of his relationship with the members of Team Black would change too. They would become his “friends”. Too scared of losing the doctor, the boss put an end to the discussion. Thus Joo Jaekyung was forced to use his title and position to silence them. This means, he created a wall between himself and the others. To conclude, the line between work and private life is slowly vanishing through the breakfast. The latter is gradually embodying the notion of intimacy, confidentiality and friendship. And now, you comprehend why there was sex in episode 18, though there was no Korean breakfast on the table. (chapter 18) Intimacy without real warmth.
2. Breakfast, the symbol of happiness or deception?
If you contrast all the breakfast scenes together, you will notice the following common denominators: deception, mistakes, misunderstanding but also smiles. My avid readers might be surprised with the first description, deception. In episode 4, while the champion drank his glass of milk, the doctor chose to run away. He deceived the athlete in such a way that Joo Jaekyung thought that Kim Dan was still in bed. (chapter 4) His silent departure made the celebrity smile. (chapter 4) However, in his mind, Kim Dan had not run away, for he had spent the night in his bed. (chapter 4) The smile became the symbol of his miscalculation. He imagined that he was still in control of the situation. (chapter 4) He had misinterpreted doc Dan’s action. So we could say, this was his biggest mistake. After their separation, he could no longer get in touch with the physical therapist triggering his biggest fears. No wonder why he got so mad. (Chapter 5)
Then in episode 18, it was Joo Jaekyung’s turn to “deceive” the main lead. He was on his way to the gym (chapter 18) , when he changed his mind and asked for sex as “breakfast”. (chapter 18) The trigger for his change of attitude was the following announcement from Kim Dan. (chapter 18) The physical therapist expressed his wish to leave the penthouse as soon as possible. Why? It is because Joo Jaekyung had drawn a line which the physical therapist shouldn’t cross. (chapter 18) The sportsman was denying his benevolence towards the main lead. With such a statement, the famous athlete created the impression that Kim Dan’s presence in the flat was more or less “bothering” him. (chapter 18) He was just tolerating him because of his jinx. This explicates why Kim Dan wanted to leave the penthouse as soon as possible. He didn’t want to intrude in his life. Nevertheless, Manhwa lovers should keep in their mind that the athlete had offered to share his huge flat not only to help him, but also to „control“ him. By sharing the same apartment, he could know about his „whereabouts“. In other words, his decision was unconsciously motivated by his fear to lose him. But because Joo JAekyung denied the existence of his good heart and showed him the cold shoulder, the other thought that his stay should be temporary. As you can see, their conversation was full of misunderstandings. It was, as if both were rejecting each other too. Naturally, there was a reason for the champion’s harsh attitude: he feared to expose his heart, for he views “kindness” and “pity” as vulnerabilities. (chapter 18) I would even add, he hates pity… exactly like Kim Dan. (chapter 37) That’s why he reacted so strongly in the States. In my eyes, he imagines that someone could deceive him, if he was kind or if he loved someone. That’s the reason why he is acting so tough. What an irony! He is deceived, even if he is so brutal and strong. We have the perfect example with the MFC doctors and the MFC matchmaker. To conclude, in episode 18, Joo Jaekyung made sure to protect his heart from Kim Dan out of fear. And this could only backfire. The doctor chose that it was better to leave the champion’s side. But his declaration triggered the celebrity’s hidden anxieties. (chapter 18) Thus he asked for sex. Interesting is that by acting this way, he reinforced the impression that the athlete was a sex-maniac. (chapter 19) He would do it at any moment and at any place. Yet, we know for sure that the champion’s libido was different in the past. It was strongly intertwined with his matches. He considers sex as hard work and as such bothersome. (chapter 29) So we could say that by requesting sex as breakfast, he deceived his partner. He might be smiling and happy (chapter 18), but deep down, he was masking his abandonment and trust issues. For me, both characters made huge mistakes, for they were not honest to each other. Back then, Kim Dan was still rejecting sex, and as such denying the existence of his own pleasure. They could only misunderstand each other, because both were in denial about their own emotional and mental state. Hence they could only commit wrongdoings.
In chapter 22, Kim Dan chose to cook breakfast for the champion for the first time. (chapter 22) For Joo Jaekyung, it was a mistake. Kim Dan had crossed the line. But the moment he tasted the food, he liked it so much (chapter 22) that it put him in a good mood. Thus he smiled. (chapter 22) However, observe that the champion tried to “deceive” his partner after tasting the food. (chapter 22) First, he hid his happiness by looking so deadly serious. He was restraining himself to expose his true emotions. Secondly, in that same picture, he is voicing his doubts. He feared that the doctor tricked him in order to impress him. He couldn’t believe that he was such a cook. As you can see, the athlete considered the first breakfast from Kim Dan as a trick and wrongdoing, before he changed his mind. Here, I would like to point out that at no moment the athlete praised Kim Dan properly. (chapter 22) It was reduced to a basic skills so that for him, the breakfast is still viewed as a part of his work. However, by watching the athlete enjoying his dishes each morning, Kim Dan got accustomed to observe a content man. It is quite clear that the champion is enjoying his dishes so much. (chapter 41) His chewing is betraying his happiness. Through his happy chewing, the doctor started perceiving the athlete differently. He was acting more like a happy child.
And now, it is time to focus on chapter 41. Where was the deception here? One might say that it is related to the drug incident. (chapter 41) Like mentioned before, the celebrity got tricked by the MFC authorities. They want to sweep this scandal under the rug. As for the mistake, Kim Dan was the first one bringing it up: (chapter 41) His expression made Joo Jaekyung smile. (chapter 41) However, his words were quite ambiguous. What was he referring to? Many people thought, it was related to the doctor’s love confession, as Joo JAekyung wanted to know if he remembered anything. (chapter 41) For me, it is clear that Joo JAekyung had loved this night so much that he hoped that Kim Dan would also have a good memory from it. Remember how happy he was after taking his shower. He was in such a good mood that he had placed the doctor in the middle of his bed. (chapter 40) For me, Joo Jaekyung had enjoyed this night for many reasons. Kim Dan had been proactive. He had even accepted all the requests from the athlete (chapter 39). At no moment, he had rejected him. Moreover, he had voiced his pleasure (chapter 39) something that Joo JAekyung had been longing to hear from him. (chapter 12) He had liked the love confession from Kim Dan, as he had replied to it with a kiss. (Chapter 39) Finally, they had many rounds during that night. We could say, he had become the perfect lover during that night. However, the word “mistake” from Kim Dan triggered the champion’s memory. (chapter 41) He could only make fun of the doctor. But what was his one hell of a mistake? We have three possibilities:
The whole night would be considered as a mistake, for the doctor is usually shy and passive. (chapter 39) He had thrown all his rules over board.
Secondly, he had confessed his love to the athlete which Joo Jaekyung qualified as nonsense.
Finally, he had urinated while having sex and this twice. Moreover, the champion had been “blessed” with his urine. (chapter 39) Imagine the doctor’s embarrassment, if he got to hear that he had peed twice while having sex. (chapter 39) Moreover, he had challenged his sex partner by peeing on his face.
Since the champion had a huge smile while thinking of this incident (chapter 41), it signifies that for him, it was a funny memory. I am more opting for the last option, for he was smiling like in the moment he discovered his partner’s secret talent. (chapter 39) This would also explain why he kept the main lead in the dark. (chapter 41) The problem is that this silence can generate a misunderstanding, especially after hearing this “advice” from the former sex partner. (chapter 42) He needs to demonstrate his talent to the champion in bed. And the fact that Joo JAekyung never replied to the doctor’s pleas (chapter 41) could also be judged as deception. He was “lying” by omission, because he didn’t praise his lover for that wonderful night. It was described as a huge mistake!! On the other hand, how could he say that he had such a great night, when the doctor was under the influence of a drug? In other words, the sportsman had also his reasons not to mention too much about this night. He preferred it, if the doctor could remember it on his own. At the same time, this conversation during breakfast exposes how close they have already become. They are now finally able to talk about intimacy (chapter 41) and real problems (drug incident). (chapter 41) Joo Jaekyung has no problem to expose his rough side to the physical therapist. Interesting is that he doesn’t get scolded by the doctor, though the latter is bothered by his reaction. (chapter 41) That’s how I realized how the champion would affect the physical therapist forever. Through him, he will come to accept the usage of the fists. He will stop accepting the emotional, mental and physical abuse from others.
From episode 1, where he was covering his head with his hand (chapter 1) to episode 7, where he punched the champion with his elbow. (chapter 7) Finally, he was encouraged to punch the fighter during a sparring. (chapter 26) Additionally, his growing resilience and fighting spirit became more obvious with his fist. He began clenching his fist, (chapter 10) (chapter 18) each time his pride got hurt. Here, he was restraining himself out of anger (chapter 42) after getting insulted by the ex-sex partner. (chapter 42) Yes, his hand gesture reminded me a lot of the fighter’s: (chapter 37) As you can see, the protagonists are influencing each other through their conversations and interactions. And this brings me now to the final breakfast scene, chapter 42.
Deception: Kim Dan is hiding from Joo Jaekyung that he is working during the night. (chapter 42) I would even add that he is no longer following the athlete’s rule. (chapter 18) There is no ambiguity that the champion noticed the doctor’s dark circles. (chapter 42) This picture reflects the celebrity’s perspective. So he must have noticed his lack of sleep. However, in my eyes, he must have thought that his exhaustion was related to his grandmother, as episode 42 mirrors episode 21. (chapter 21) However, since the physical therapist has been working each night behind the champion’s back, I assume that such a scene (chapter 42) won’t occur just once. It could become a new habit, but the champion got accustomed to his conversations with the physical therapist. He is longing for the doctor’s presence next to his table. Because in episode 4, 18 and 22, the main leads came to a new deal or agreement, I am expecting a new deal again. Why? It is because their relationship evolved. Each change forces them to make new arrangements. Furthermore, the moment the champion notices the physical therapist’s vanishing during the night, he can only get upset. What if his partner decides to run away. especially after Joo JAekyung acted like that? . (chapter 42) And this brings me back to the previous physical therapist. (chapter 1) The latter had also vanished suddenly!! According to Park Namwook, the champion had beaten him. (chapter 1) But I am not entirely sure about this, for the athlete was caught by surprise. So envision the athlete’s reaction, when the latter discovers an empty bedroom with the Wedding Cabinet. The latter could be seen as a reimbursement for the paid loan. Since the doctor’s abandonment issues resurfaced in the past episode (chapter 42), I have the feeling that his partner is about to go through the same experience. With his disappearance, Joo Jaekyung would not only lose his delicious dishes, but also his only companion who was able to make him smile and laugh.
Mistake: He is now working during the night which affects his breakfast and as such his relationship with the athlete. Kim Dan is now giving the impression that he is keeping his distance from his loved one, while it is the opposite. (chapter 42) He is too tired, this can only make the champion suspicious. Why is he so exhausted? Is he now suffering from insomnia, as a side effect from the drug? (chapter 41) And if he discovers the empty bedroom, this can only generate fears and even misunderstandings. Thus the champion could make the following request: he has to sleep in the same bed, in order to keep an eye on him.
The absence of conversation explains the absence of smiles. (chapter 42) And this can only affect the champion’s mood. (chapter 42) His irritability and outburst get even worse. From this (chapter 41) to this (chapter 42) In the car, he yelled at doc Dan. He advised him not to cross the line. He was no fighter. He should stick to his job, overlooking that Kim Dan was acting as a good physical therapist. He was right to ask the celebrity to stop his training.
To conclude, the absence of communication around the breakfast made the champion unhappy, generating a new gap between these two characters. (chapter 42) And now, you comprehend why I associated breakfast to laughs.
3. Fanning Birthday and breakfast
Interesting is that the doctor had prepared a similar breakfast than the previous one: (chapter 42) (chapter 41) However, there exists one difference to the first breakfast the physical therapist put on the table. (chapter 22) The soup looks a lot like a seaweed soup, a typical dish offered in South Korea for a birthday. And now, you comprehend why in the illustration, the first breakfast is facing the birthday cake (chapter 41) The latter stands for anonymity, professionalism and admiration, while the seaweed soup embodies closeness, home and real affection. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the presents from the fans and companies are not making the celebrity happy. (chapter 41) It is because there is no direct conversation between him and others. They are congratulating through the gifts, and not through words and gestures (hugs). They don’t know what the athlete truly likes. Finally don’t forget that he starts receiving the gifts even before his real birthday. (chapter 41) We can observe that his birthday is creating such a buzz that it looks more like a marketing event. Hence at no moment, the athlete makes a joke or smile. (chapter 41) In fact, he is crossing his arms, as if he was putting a distance between himself and the gifts. In other words, his birthday is connected to business and artificiality which contrasts to the doctor‘s past birthday: . (Chapter 11) One person, only on one day, and the present was the sweet bread which the little boy liked so much. This shows that the grandmother knew her grandson very well. (Chapter 11) This simple party made the cute boy smile making him forget his worries and fears.
While the one celebrated it in a ruined but „warm“ home, the other will definitely take place outside the house. It is not intimate, but public. It is not surprising that the mysterious man prefers creating an charity event in the end. He is not sensing any true love and affection from all this. Jinx-philes can sense that he is somehow excluding himself from all this. It was, as if they were celebrating something else… Because Joo Jaekyung mentioned a charity event (chapter 41), I am assuming that a party will be organized outside his penthouse and this will take place in the evening. This stands in opposition to the breakfast. On the other hand, I deduce that such a birthday party is reflected in the following scenes:
chapter 9: the welcome party
Chapter 37: the late snack party
And the moment Manhwaphiles compare these two scenes, they can detect the following common denominators. Joo Jaekyung was not eating!! In the first party, he was not invited, because he would never show up. He dislikes alcohol. But even when he was present, he sat there refusing to eat with the others. (Chapter 9) His body language was displaying his distance and „rejection“. Yes, he was excluding himself. But why? It is because he never messes with his nutrition. (Chapter 36) Yes, he is not allowing himself to eat „unhealthy“ food or to enjoy a „drink“. Under this new approach, it becomes understandable why the athlete got so furios, when he caught the trio having a party. First, he got upset, because he got excluded. He got jealous, because Kim Dan was laughing with the others. (chapter 37) But more importantly, he cannot eat like the others, (chapter 37). I don’t think, it was just caused by his upcoming match. Even during the first party, he never took a bite. Striking is his choice of words: stuff. It was, as if eating snacks was a synonym for overeating. Like mentioned in the essay „sharing is caring“, Joo JAekyung needs to learn to become less perfect, to allow himself a „snack“ from time to time. That way, he can enjoy life. In his eyes, he can not celebrate like the others, for his job and title are a synonym for his life. (Chapter 9) That‘s why I believe that during the charity event, the champion won’t be eating and drinking like the others again, though I am expecting a „change“ there too. Moreover, while during the breakfasts the doctor is able to make the athlete happy and smile (chapter 41), it is not the same for Joo Jaekyung. So far, the doctor has barely smiled in front of the champion. (Chapter 22) And this is something the champion has been missing. When he paid off his debts, he wanted to make the doctor happy, hence he was looking at his facial expressions. (Chapter 18) In other words, as long as Kim Dan is not laughing and smiling, the other can not find real happiness either, and I would even say, real peace of mind. But in order to make his partner happy, the latter has to cross the line. He needs to stop living like a champion all the time, and as such to become human. This implies that he needs to make mistakes, for error is human. At the same time, humanity is a synonym for benevolence and vulnerability. This corresponds to the charity event. (Chapter 41) So if the money is donated to cancer treatment and especially to the halmoni’s, the latter will become the symbol for the champion’s sweetness and weakness. Finally, many Jinx-philes can realize that Joo JAekyung‘s birthday is the evidence that he is a human after all.
To conclude, I am predicting that at some point, the two main leads will come to eat breakfast together. I am already anticipating that Joo Jaekyung might prepare breakfast for Kim Dan, just like he cooked a dinner for him in episode 13. (chapter 13) But for that, the champion has to change his way of life… give up little by little all his past habits (waking up, showering, jogging, then breakfast, training till late in the evening). Everything was revolving around his own life and profession. However, by allowing Kim Dan to live with him, he is forced to find new habits: cooking for each other, jogging together, sleeping together… taking care of each other. This can only happen through arguments. I would even add, it is only possible, when both are honest to each other. Right now, Joo Jaekyung only knows how to share intimacy sexually with the protagonist. He needs to learn to listen to Kim Dan and trust him.
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I have to admit that when I read chapter 126 for the first time, I was disappointed. Why? It is because Yoon Seungho appeared so stupid and weak. He kept running from one place (chapter 126) to another (chapter 126). He allowed his father to humiliate and abuse him (Chapter 126) once again. It was, as if the story was back to square one and the protagonist had learned nothing at all. Under this perception, my avid readers can comprehend why I selected such a title. However, instead of thinking that the author was a bad writer, I decided to ponder on the following question. Why did the author choose such an evolution?
1. The fools in love
First, since it is Baek Na-Kyum’s destiny to go through the same experiences than his loved one, I deduce that the main lead is now following Baek Na-Kyum’s path. In other words, they are switching their fate. This explicates why the lord is naïve, blinded by his love for the painter. Yes, Yoon Seungho is a fool in love too. (chapter 7) Like Baek Na-Kyum, he rushed to his loved one’s side. However, he was first stopped (chapter 126), because it was not the right time. How so? Notice that his brother had fetched him at the port (chapter 125), but he never followed him to the bureau of investigation. And the same happened later. Why didn’t he go to his shed, when he was trapped there? Where was he, when the eldest son visited the father? (chapter 126) His absence exposed his passivity and betrayal. However, at no moment, Yoon Seungho noticed this. To conclude, Yoon Seungho was so worried for the painter that he didn’t pay attention to his surroundings, just like the painter didn’t see the learned sir’s disdain expressed through the cold gaze. (chapter 07) Therefore Yoon Seungho didn’t notice the presence of a civilian next to the governor. (chapter 126). Striking is that the governor knew about Yoon Seungho’s whereabouts before his arrival: the coast. As you can see, I am detecting a link between the governor and the younger master Seungwon. Yet, it was disguised as a rumor behind the expression “I had heard”. My assumption is that Seungwon came from the bureau of investigation in order to inform his brother. Therefore it is not surprising that Seungho was invited by his brother to visit the prison during the night. (chapter 126) And the moment I perceived the protagonist as a fool in love, I realized that chapter 126 is a reflection of episode 7, 29 (chapter 29) and 40 (chapter 40). Here, the painter was trying his best to protect Jung In-Hun’s interests (life, high position). Moreover, in episode 40, the painter had a dream, when he saw the announcement for the civil service examination. He smiled, for he was looking forward for the future. (chapter 40) And what have these episodes more in common? A betrayal, abandonment from a loved one and a paper (painting, poem). Hence I am more than ever convinced that the petition will resurface very soon and play a huge role in the downfall of the schemers and haters. Besides, chapter 40 represents the negative reflection of the conversation in the prison. (chapter 126) Though they are in a tough situation, Yoon Seungho is not leaving his side contrary to episode 40. (chapter 40) There is neither disdain nor mockery. The mentioned scenes are similar, for the present resembles the past. And this brings me to the second reason for the Webtoonist’s decision.
2. Past, present and future
It is because Byeonduck is now mixing the past with the present indicating that the future will be different. Let me elaborate my thoughts more precisely through the relationship between the protagonist and his father. First, when the incident with the stolen kiss was reported, (chapter 123), Yoon Chang-Hyeon considered Yoon Seungho as a human, for he employed the personal pronoun “he”. He was still his son. Then in episode 77, he judged him as a slave (chapter 77), hence he was submitted to the straw mat beating and was held captive. He even refused to send for a physician. (chapter 83) Here, the father is denying his humanity, he is just an animal. In their next confrontation, he describes him as a monster, hence he wished that he had never been born. (chapter 86) However, his words exposed that he was still viewing him as a living being. Therefore it is not surprising that he accepted lord Song’s request to order the murder of his son! In the gibang, he decided to no longer acknowledge Yoon Seungho as his son. (chapter 107) The tragedy is that the protagonist still viewed the Yoons as his family because of Yoon Seungwon, who keeps calling him “brother”. This explicates why Yoon Seungho sponsored his brother to have an official position. (chapter 115) Therefore it is not surprising that he followed Yoon Seungwon’s advice again. (chapter 120). He would bring the petition to his own father. This means that he is acting like the painter who listened to his noona Heena so well. (chapter 46) But now, Yoon Chang-Hyeon believes to have the petition. (chapter 125) This explicates why the patriarch is now calling the main lead “nothing”. (chapter 126) He is not even a thing. This means that he is actually discarding him. This explicates why he sent him to the shed. (chapter 126) It was, as if he had become a merchandise. Or we could say that the elder master had been using him as a tool, which he can now abandon. (chapter 126) Interesting is that the idiom “plaything” has for antonyms tool, implement, instrument and utensil. And this brings me to the following remark. The father’s words are reflecting the last scheme. Yoon Seungho was used as the sword to get rid of an enemy, lord Song. It was, as if someone had decided to get rid of lord Song, for he represented a danger or threat. It also mirrors the trick in the shrine. Min and the others got killed, because Lee Jihwa went to his childhood friend. And who had seen the main lead using this sword, when he was enraged? Father Lee! (chapter 67) But let’s return our attention to the patriarch and his son. Yoon Seungho is no longer recognized as a Yoon member. Therefore I come to the conclusion that Yoon Seungho will make the following decision: to become an orphan. And this is symbolized by the loss of hair. I am expecting him to cut off his hair, something the painter has been doing for a long time. That’s why Byeonduck showed us the lord without a topknot. (chapter 126) This would coincide with my previous statement. The lord is going through the same experience than his loved one. However, people will come to the conclusion that this was done by the father. How so? Remember how each rumor became a reality. (chapter 1) I had already demonstrated that Yoon Seungho was not a fiend for sodomy with no regard for time and place, until he met Baek Na-Kyum. But once a deed is done, it can never be repeated. (chapter 101) So should Father Lee claim that he has long disowned Jihwa by cutting off his topknot, no one will believe him, for the young master was still seen with a topknot after confessing his feelings in public. (chapter 57) In other words, the topknot incident at the kisaeng would be brought up. It is impossible for 2 fathers to act the same way. Besides, the loss of the topknot has another signification: Yoon Seungho would cut off ties with valet Kim, for the latter was the one who gave him the topknot. And episode 126 reflected one more time his position: (chapter 126) He is the one dressing him. It was, as if he was the pope.
3. Abandoned plaything
Because of my initial disappointment, I examined the chapter more closely. This sentence from the patriarch caught my attention (chapter 126) Why would he call Baek Na-Kyum a “plaything”, when before he viewed him as a servant? (chapter 116) It is because someone had reported to him the conversation between lord Song and the painter. (chapter 122) There was a spy listening to their conversation. Since all the guards died (chapter 124) (chapter 125: I am assuming that the survivor got executed), I am suspecting the scholar. Moreover, why would Yoon Chang-Hyeon accuse his son to have abandoned Baek Na-Kyum? It is related to this departure of the staff and Yoon Seungho. (chapter 120) And who was present there? Jung In-Hun! But there is more to it. Since leaving Baek Na-Kyum behind is considered as an abandonment, it means that the patriarch abandoned his son too. (chapter 27) By speaking to Yoon Seungho, the elder master Yoon didn’t realize that he was admitting his own wrongdoings. Actually, he had abandoned him many times… like here for example (chapter 87) Therefore his words will come back to bite him. But these words are also exposing the valet’s betrayal and abandonment towards Yoon Seungho!! How so?
Where was he, when the protagonist was looking for Baek Na-Kyum? (chapter 125) Where was he, when the latter visited the patriarch’s home? Why did he only appear during the night? One might argue that he needed to wait the night in order not to be detected. But since Kim was supposed to be with Yoon Seungwon and the staff (chapter 122), then he should have been at the patriarch’s house. The absence of the valet is the evidence of his treason. For me, he is now working for Jung In-Hun which explains why he never mentioned his presence in the mansion, only lord Song. Besides, keep in mind that once deed done can not be repeated. In episode 27, the lord was too angry and busy to notice the learned sir’s spying activities. (Chapter 27) Moreover, Kim didn’t report the interrogation to his master. This means that the butler covered up for the teacher’s wrongdoing. But here is the deal: (chapter 120) The library was ransacked, hence this crime is bound to be discovered. Finally, his intervention in the shed is exposing his deception. (chapter 126) He could do something in the past! He entered the shed, and even brought him clothes. This stands in opposition to this scene: (chapter 83) That’s why I am convinced that these words (chapter 126) are reflecting the butler’s actions. He treated Yoon Seungho like a tool which he could use. In verity, he could have helped his master in the past by telling the truth!
Because my theory is that the lord was the king’s male kisaeng, the noble could utilize this principle against the monarch. Since he always left him behind, he just treated him like a plaything and not like a loved one and allowed others to use him.
4. The return of Yoon Seungho’s strength
Finally, I believe that Byeonduck had another reason to turn the table so that Yoon Seungho would appear as powerless. It is to outline his desire to live. (chapter 126) He is no longer suicidal, in fact he is full of hope! Though he was sent back to hell for a short moment, he came out of this as a winner. My evidence is that the lord has now become a believer. (chapter 126) Yes, episode 126 exposes the return of his faith! And where could we see the atheism of Yoon Seungho in the story? In chapter 92! (chapter 92) He didn’t believe in the spring poetry to ward off bad luck! That’s why he was sent back to the past. He needed to lose everything in order to find hope! In his darkest moment, he expressed a wish: to meet his loved one! And where did he pray to the gods? In the shed! (chapter 126) Observe how he is kneeling in direction of the bars. He is hoping to meet Baek Na-Kyum again. As you can see, though this scene (chapter 126) seems to be a repetition from the past, (chapter 83) it is not! The reality is that in episode 83, Yoon Seungho had lost all hope. This explains why he showed only resignation in front of his father. (chapter 83) However, the Painter Of The Night-philes certainly could observe how he had reacted, when he was put down by the guards. (chapter 126) He was showing resistance and anger towards his father. Moreover, he was no longer shaking in front of the patriarch or the guards. (chapter 86) Thus I deduce that though he was mistreated and insulted like in the past, he was no longer suffering from his traumas. He is healed. His will is now really strong, supported by his new found faith.
Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Yoon Seungho sent the painter to the shed after the so-called desertion! (chapter 62) Even if they were hugging, they were not close emotionally and mentally. This stands in opposition to the scene in the jail. They might be separated by the bars, but they are touching each other tenderly. (chapter 126) They are able to see each other.
What to Do When You Feel You Are Losing Your Faith
Acknowledge and Accept What You Feel (…) (chapter 126) Try Meditation (chapter 126) or Prayer (chapter 126)
As you can detect, Yoon Seungho did everything to revive his faith. He didn’t listen to his father’s words in the end. He chose love over hatred. He might be a sinner, but he is no longer self-destructive. But more importantly, he went to jail while carrying the light. (chapter 126) It is relevant, because light represents knowledge and truth. He is now the bearer of the truth. And he got his blessing from Baek Na-Kyum, when he touched his hands. (chapter 126) Because he came with the candle, Kim had no reason to follow him. In other words, Yoon Seungho no longer needs the butler by his side. But why didn’t the domestic follow him to the prison cell? It is because he feared that if the painter were to see him, his memory could get triggered. The artist could ask him where he was, when the scholar came to the mansion? (chapter 120) Yes, chapter 126 mirrors 92! This somehow confirms my theory that the butler was the one hiding under the purple hanbok. (chapter 92) Moreover, we have another reference to this episode, the pouring of alcohol! (chapter 92) (chapter 126) It was, as if someone wanted the lord to pay for Min’s insult! That’s the reason why I come to the following conclusion: Yoon Seungho is now opening up to Baek Na-Kyum. He is confessing to the painter about his wishes. (chapter 126) Therefore I am suspecting that the lord will reveal his past to his loved one, something he never did before. (chapter 85) The manhwaphiles should keep in mind that the request from the artist in the study was strongly connected to forgiveness. And Baek Na-Kyum could also confess what happened in the past: his guilt and regret asking for the lord’s forgiveness. Right now, both are blaming themselves for the incidents, although they got fooled by many schemers. Because the lord proved his loyalty and blinded trust in the painter, I see the scene in the jail as a new version of this confession: (chapter 75) Thus I consider the prison cell as a sacred place, where both characters are about to be freed from their guilt! (chapter 126) That’s the reason why now I view the lord’s short torment as a necessity. His faith was and is tested through the trials which coincides with the upcoming trial. Through his love for the painter, he found support and strength. He is not resigned, though their situation looks terrible. He is now true to himself. This means that he chose to drop his life lie for good.
Life Lie : 1.the false conviction held by some individuals that their life plan is bound to fail due to other people or to circumstances beyond their control. This was postulated as a method of freeing oneself from personal responsibility. [defined by Alfred Adler]
And what was his life lie? To be powerful… (chapter 11) thus he could escape justice! (Chapter 11) Simultaneously, the first definition of life lie corresponds to Yoon Chang-Hyeon. The latter blames his eldest son for the downfall of the Yoons. ! (Chapter 86) Secondly, he still thinks that he is powerful. But it is just an illusion. (Chapter 126) How so? The guards are able to manipulate him. He has become their puppet, for he follows their suggestions. Hence they make decisions on their own (chapter 125). They fail their duty, for they allowed the main lead to barge in the room. (Chapter 126) Finally, observe how they keep apologizing without giving any explication. (Chapter 125) Their apology is fake. As you can see, the patriarch is living in an allusion. He is powerless, and the best evidence is that he doesn’t have the petition. (Chapter 125) He took the paper full of blood, the evidence of his involvement. This means that in this scene, (chapter 126) the elder master Yoon chose to maintain his life lie. This explains why he blames Yoon Seungho one more time. And this coincides with his speech about hatred. (Chapter 126) He is actually encouraging his son to hate himself and indirectly his own father! However, the son made the exact opposite decision: love!! Hence I am more than certain that the elder master is about to experience a harsh awakening.
On the other hand, the Manhwa lovers can grasp why I selected the title “dropped amusement”. Faith is something serious which stands in opposition to the gangrape in the shrine. Here, the lords had made fun of the spirits and gods. (chapter 101) Thus they got punished. And now, the two main leads are about to face human justice. (chapter 65) But strangely, the painter is showing no fear at all. (chapter 126) He is ready to sacrifice himself. So why was Yoon Seungho dressed up in the end? One might say that with the topknot and the hanbok, the abuse from the patriarch got covered up. That way, Baek Na-Kyum wouldn’t detect Yoon Chang-Hyeon’s lies and abandonment! (chapter 125) The latter brainwashed him to take the fall for everything, implying that way, his loved one would be protected! However, I am suspecting that if the lord were to leave the prison, he could meet someone in the office. That way, this person is not confronted with the reality: the main lead was “abused”. According to the butler, he was supposed to meet his brother at the office. (chapter 126) If the noble encounters his brother there, then Seungwon would appear as hypocrite, for he would feign “ignorance”. He was not there, when he got insulted by their father. However, he could meet someone else. (Chapter 92) In episode 92, we have a mysterious man in the background dressed in black, but he is not wearing his gat. Besides, I would like my avid readers to remember this image from the trailer: which reminds us of the office: (chapter 98) This place symbolizes power and strength. And because episode 126 is a reflection of chapter 7, 11, 29 and 40, I think, Yoon Seungho is about to receive a deal, for these episodes are focusing on the deal between the painter and the protagonist: protection from the father and punishment in exchange for entertainment. He would appear as a fake savior in the end. Remember what in episode 11 the artist said in front of his fated partner: (chapter 11) He would do anything except painting!! He was not willing to give up on this principle, which reminds us of faith. So when Yoon Seungho faced his father, he experienced powerlessness for one reason. (Chapter 126) They wanted to corner him, to make him desperate so that he would look for a way to become powerful! Moreover, they desired him to resent his father more than before. To conclude, he was pressured on purpose. And this brings me to the following remark. Why did the father describe the painter as “Plaything”? It is to minimize Baek Na-Kyum’s value in the lord’s life. However, if this theory about a new deal comes true (pedophile rekindling with him), then I believe that exactly like in episode 11, the lord will choose to follow his conscience and integrity over power and torment. He will make the same decision than his partner which corresponds to a rejection. However, I don’t think that he would make it obvious. He could fake submission.
5. Quit smoking
In fact, I have the impression that his memory could get triggered. What caught my attention is the absence of the pipe! According to me, the pedophile is a smoker, that’s how the main lead started smoking. But so far, the lord was not seen in connection with the pipe in season 4. This tool appeared on this drawing making fun of officials and the king (Chapter 105) Then in episode 122, we discover that lord Song employed the pipe to beat the painter. Moreover, I detected a progression. In season 2, Yoon Seungho was still smoking. (Chapter 74) But once the painter showed that he didn’t like smoking, Yoon Seungho stopped taking the drug. This explicates why in season 3, he was no longer seen with the item in his hand. Even under stress, he chose to hunt instead of smoking in front of the window. We have two scenes where the pipe is present. One is when the lord is throwing it out of anger,: (chapter 86) which reminded me of the incident with the music box. (Chapter 85) This shows that this item had no value to the protagonist. Then the pipe appeared in the gibang on the table. (Chapter 96) However, here the lord had only eyes for the painter or Heena. Hence I have the impression that the pipe could resurface and serve as an tool to identify the perpetrator, just like the glasses were used to recognize the scholar. (Chapter 102) Finally, since the pipe appeared in the gibang twice, it indicates that this hobby is linked to the kisaeng house!! And this brings me to my final observation: the pipe is connected to paper (chapter 121), just like in the erotic book of sodomy! (Chapter 1) (chapter 1) However, there exists two books!! And one has no PIPE! This coincides with the decision of the painter to stop drawing erotic pictures! Yes… dropped amusement! At the same time, Yoon Seungho has long lost his interest for erotic publications. He also dropped this hobby. On the other hand, the books were dropped in front of the painter. (Chapter 1) Finally, the petition was dropped in front of lord Song (chapter 123) which announced his death sentence. To conclude, the papers have a strong connection to punishment and death.
As you could see, Byeonduck had many reasons to create such a chapter in the end. We are definitely getting closer to the end. And before closing this essay, I would like to point out that the Yoons’ mansion had been left empty, yet neither his father nor his brother moved in!! (Chapter 126) Yoon Seungho went to the father’s mansion, and it didn’t take him that long! As you can see, I consider this trip with Yoon Seungwon as a diversion. (Chapter 121) So why didn’t the elder master return to his old home? It is to drive the Yoons out of their propriety. In other words, the lies from the past are becoming a reality exposing the liars in the end. Their life lies will be ruined.
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.
Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa:Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes.Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx“Tough Life Lessons – part 1”
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1. Why is Jinx so painful?
In the first part, I examined Kim Dan and his interactions with the other characters, it is now time to turn our attention to Joo Jaekyung. Once again, Mingwa chose to upset her readers by showing him as a brutal and rude punk. (chapter 37) This explains why more and more manhwaphiles are dropping this story. But here is the deal. Jinx can only be enjoyable, as long as the readers try to grasp the Webtoonist’s intentions. It is the same for Painter Of The Night. In my eyes, this can only happen, when Manhwalovers are able to understand the champion’s personality. Here, I am not talking about finding excuses for his misbehavior. And this brings me to the topic “life lessons”. Exactly like the physical therapist, Joo Jaekyung needs to be taught life lessons, but for that he needs to commit wrongdoings. Consequently, he needs to experience pain and regret so that he doesn’t make the same bad decisions again. At the same time, these life lessons are also destined to the readers, for this fiction works like a “fairy tale”. I have already pointed out the similarities between “Sleeping beauty” and “Belle and the Beast”. One of these lessons would be: “Don’t judge people by looks or by rumors” (chapter 36) Mingwa is here criticizing the attitude of netizens writing hateful and gloating comments behind anonymity. This is no coincidence that since certain BL-readers came to hate this character, they start transferring their resent towards the author or Jinx-philes. If the latter like Joo Jaekyung, they must be deranged or they are advocating rape or violence. They are confusing fiction and reality. However, the purpose of stories or fairy tales is to reflect and internalize life lessons. And now, you are wondering what Mingwa has planned for the champion. For me, chapter 37 was important, because it outlines the champion’s flaws which are linked to his mindset. He can only change through tough life lessons.
2. Joo Jaekyung’s life lessons
2. 1. To have an open ear
What caught my attention is the professionalism and perseverance of Joo Jaekyung which was even noticed by doc Dan. (chapter 37) He embodies the positive reflection of Kim Dan. The latter lacks experiences and proper guidance. Besides, when the physical therapist makes decisions (chapter 15) (chapter 22), (chapter 35), he often changes his mind. He doesn’t stick to them. Why? It is because he listens to others. Consequently, he doesn’t appear as a competent physical therapist. This signifies that the champion is the exact opposite. Once he makes his choice, he won’t change his mind. Therefore he can only appear as stubborn and selfish. Consequently, one of his previous lessons was to listen to Cheolmin and accept his advices concerning his sex life. (chapter 13) He learned that he could ask for his help in a case of an emergency. (chapter 13) Notice that there was no scandal after this incident. So since Kim Dan drank a drug (chapter 37), Joo Jaekyung is now incited to listen to Oh Daehyun and Potato, and as such to trust them. He needs to figure out how the physical therapist got poisoned.
2. 2. Life is a game
So what is he supposed to learn through the other incidents in episode 37? (chapter 37) (chapter 37) (chapter 37) One might reply that he needs to respect people. In other words, he has no notion of politeness. He behaves like a tyrant outside the ring. The manhwaphiles shouldn’t forget his nickname: “Emperor”. (chapter 14) Thus I deduce that the champion is making no distinction between inside the ring and outside the ring. (chapter 1) This signifies that he views life like a fight which never ends. This would explicate why Joo Jaekyung can never relax. (chapter 29) He needs to be constantly on his guard, and at the same time, this means that he judges everyone as his “enemy” or “rival”. Only the hyungs are exempted, for they are no longer fighting in the ring. Besides, they were the ones who helped him to become a legend. Under this new perspective, it becomes comprehensible why Joo Jaekyung listens to Jeong Yosep and Park Namwook. They don’t represent any danger for him. Therefore it becomes comprehensible why the champion was always so rough with the other members, when he was sparring in the ring. (chapter 1) Why should he restrain himself, when his life and career are always on the line? If he were to lose during the sparring, he imagined that people would question his talents or position. For him, sparring was a synonym for fighting and not playing! This explicates why he is not resting in the end. (chapter 29) Under this new light, the Manhwa lovers can comprehend why the champion refused to invite the members from Team Black to his penthouse. (chapter 22) It was, as if he was invited a competitor to his place. Therefore I come to the conclusion that one of his life lessons is that he needs to differentiate between life inside and outside the ring. Moreover, he has to internalize that life is like a “game” in order to be able to enjoy life. Yes, he is taking things too seriously. Hence the physical therapist’s suggestion for the day-off was not bad for a start. (chapter 27) This let him reconnect to his past and how he liked swimming. Moreover, we have the best example for “life is a game” in chapter 26. (chapter 26) He had fun here with Kim Dan, he was restraining his strength. Therefore it is not surprising that after his defeat, he had no problem to accept Potato as his sparring partner!! (chapter 26) And because life is like a battle for him, it is not surprising that Joo Jaekyung is not capable to say (chapter 37) “thank you” or “please”, like Park Namwook outlined it. Furthermore, it explains why Joo Jaekyung is not voicing his suffering to others. If he had complained here, then he would have appeared weak. The absence of complain explains (chapter 37) the doctor’s reaction. He is feeling for him. (chapter 37) Consequently, it is not surprising that Joo Jaekyung is not complimenting the doctor either. The former is not receiving encouragements and support from his hyungs. In the ring, the fighters are silent too.
2. 3. Sharing is caring
(chapter 37) Moreover, imagine that he barged in the room of the maknaes. He was actually an intruder, for he had not been invited to the party. Naturally, if one of the characters had criticized him for his trespassing, there is no doubt that the champion would have replied that he had paid for their stay at the hotel. This explains why he could open the door, though for each room at a hotel, you need a different keycard. Striking is that this was not his first intrusion. He had already done it in the past. (chapter 30) However, he was violating the doctor’s privacy. This explicates why he had to find an excuse for his sudden appearance. (chapter 30) And now, what is the common denominator between these two scenes? SHARING!! Observe that in episode 37 they were eating together, and they were sharing the chips. In the bathroom, Kim Dan was forced to share “his toothpaste” to his roommate. And what is the common points between all these scenes? (chapter 9) (chapter 18) (chapter 21) (chapter 22) (chapter 37) The champion is never eating with others!! He is not sharing his meals to others. This signifies that he has no notion of a family dinner. This was perceptible in this scene as well. (chapter 13) Joo Jaekyung had prepared two plates, but in South Korea the tradition is to put all the dishes in the middle of the table, and people take bits from the plates, like at the restaurant. (chapter 9) This is important, because once again, it outlines the coaches’ flaw or bad decision. Neither Yosep nor Namwook tried to convince Joo Jaekyung to assist to the meals. I am quite certain that his abstinence (chapter 9) and the argument “he never messes with his weight” (chapter 36) were used as excuses not to intervene. I am not saying that these two hyungs had bad intentions or excluded him on purpose. It is just that they simply didn’t bother. They could say that he wouldn’t listen anyway. (chapter 27) So why bother to invite him? Moreover, if he were present, he would represent a source of trouble. Under this light, it becomes comprehensible why he had to use the company card for his appearance. (chapter 9) But this interpretation exposes the hyungs’ hypocrisy. They are not truly caring for the athlete. The irony is that in the same chapter, the champion “shared” his drink with the doctor. (chapter 37) Consequently, Team Black has now an interest to investigate the matter, for this could happen to the other fighters. Thus I conclude that Joo Jaekyung will learn to share Kim Dan. However, he needs to differentiate between private and professional life. And that’s how his obsession for the physical therapist will become visible. Little by little, the physical therapist will change the atmosphere at Team Black’s. We could see this through Heesung’s meddling. (chapter 31) Thanks to Kim Dan, the fighters’ life improved.
And this brings me back to the doctor’s first day at the gym. (chapter 7) Joo Jaekyung got jealous, for the doctor was asked to treat the other members. By taking him away, he refused to share him with the other members. And note what happened in the next chapter. Joo Jaekyung accepted to share the shower room with the other sportsmen. (chapter 8) Interesting is that each time, Kim Dan was focused on others, he took the initiative to approach them. (chapter 7) He would even talk to them. (chapter 30) As you can see, I see a strong link between sharing and communication. Why? It is because conversing is sharing thoughts. (chapter 29) Because the champion had shown an interest in the doctor during the day, the latter reacted the same way during the night. Spending time together is like sharing time.
Since my interpretation is that Joo Jaekyung has been treated as a silenced and invisible child, I doubt that he could learn the notion sharing. Besides, this can only be taught, if a child has friends and is not isolated.
Don’t force sharing. (…)
Put special toys away. (…)
Help develop a sense of empathy. (…)
Encourage cooperation and being helpful. (…)
Create opportunities for playtime with other kids. (…)
And this brings me to the following interpretation. When Joo Jaekyung left the door open of his penthouse (chapter 2) (chapter 34), it symbolizes that he was willing to share his home to someone. This is no coincidence that later, he proposed to Kim Dan to live with him. Thus I deduce that Heesung will also become Joo Jaekyung’s real friend, as he had been invited to enter his penthouse.
2. 4. Rest is important and not partying the night away
Therefore it is now necessary to examine this scene again. (chapter 37) Don’t forget that each message has 4 sides. Why was Joo Jaekyung so upset? It was not just about the junk food! It is because Joo Jaekyung was alone in his bedroom and couldn’t sleep. (chapter 37) In reality, he was feeling lonely, and probably hungry. Then he suddenly smelled the ramen , (chapter 37) which could only make him feel more excluded. But the final straw was, when he heard that Kim Dan was having fun with the others. Not only he was not sleeping like usually, but also he had decided to chat with Potato and Oh Daehyun. (chapter 37) He could only get envious of the other fighters. Kim Dan had not tried to visit him… like during this night. (chapter 29) He had not been seeking his company. Thus I deduce that he got envious of the chow chow and the eagle! This was the reflection of the doctor’s thoughts. (chapter 37) Moreover, it is important to recall that each time Kim Dan spent time with his partner, he would often fall asleep so easily or sleep for a long time. (chapter 12) (chapter 28) However, with Potato and Daehyun the physical therapist behaved differently. (chapter 37) As you can see, this episode exposes the lack of communication between the couple. Why? It is because both are relying on Park Nawmook. (chapter 37) (chapter 37) Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Joo Jaekyung has no manners or acts like a spoiled child. It is because he is reflecting Park Namwook’s behavior. (chapter 37) This panel exposes the tyrant Park Namwook who is drawing an invisible line between the athlete and the members. This means that the coach has the same impact on the protagonist’s life than the grandmother on her grandchild! Both ended up without friends due to the surrogate parent. I have long portrayed the athlete as a mirror of truth, and the best evidence is the halmoni. (chapter 21) Joo Jaekyung was gentle and well-mannered, because the grandmother was nice and polite to him. But we all know that the athlete is not a hypocrite.
2. 5. Karma
However, Joo Jaekyung is also responsible for the increasing alienation between him and the doctor. Remember how he treated his lover in front of Choi Heesung. (chapter 34) It was, as if the latter was an object, a plaything. He didn’t treat him like a human. Moreover, later he utilized him as sex toy. (chapter 36) This scene contrasts so much to this picture: (chapter 37) Coldness through the shades, day, no food, no sharing, silence and pain versus food, warmth through steam and the bright colors, sharing and happiness. This was his punishment for his mistreatment towards the doctor. Back then, the doctor had shown concern and had brought him water, but he got rejected. (chapter 36) Therefore it is not surprising that Kim Dan was no longer seeking his company or was distancing more and more from him. And now, the legend is confronted with reality. Kim Dan is not an object, for he is now sick. (chapter 37) In fact, the drug could have terrible side effects on him due to his weak constitution, like for example it could affect the heart or the liver.
Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
Agitation, severe or
Anxiety, severe or
Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), severe or
Heart attack, recent or
Heart failure or
Heart or blood vessel disease (eg, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease) or
Heart rhythm problems (eg, ventricular arrhythmia) or
Hypertension (high blood pressure), moderate to severe or
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or
Stroke, history of or
Tension, severe—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
Blood vessel problems (eg, Raynaud disease) or […]
By learning to share Kim Dan, he can get real friends. At the same time, he can ensure a better protection for himself and his loved one. Only through that way, he can change. However, until now, he only experienced sharing through Kim Dan and the halmoni. First, it happened, when the main lead begged the athlete for his help. (chapter 11) He exposed his vulnerability to the protagonist. Then the grandmother gave him one yoghurt. (chapter 21) Striking is that the athlete received the drink after chatting with the elderly woman. As you can see, the meal is strongly intertwined with conversation. (chapter 13) Both scenes are the perfect illustrations for sharing is caring. Thus I deduce that this “family dinner” was fake (chapter 22), for there was no sharing. No wonder why the champion was not conversing with the others. Nonetheless, in order to happen, he has to realize that he needs to communicate properly to Kim Dan. He needs to give his partner compliments and encouragement. (chapter 37) He remained silent contrary to episode 1. It is not just Park Namwook’s task to compliment him. However, as long as he doesn’t give any feedback to the insecure physical therapist, the latter won’t open up to him. Why does Kim Dan feel close to Potato and Oh Daehyun? It is because they are sharing their thoughts and emotions. But why is it so important for the champion to share the doctor? It is because through him, the doctor can get recognition and advance in his career. If he secludes him, Kim Dan is bound to make no progress. That’s the reason why I consider Joo Jaekyung’s intervention here as inappropriate. (chapter 31) It was not his place to decide for the main lead. Kim Dan could have had another client, even though it was just an excuse. (chapter 31) Because he treated Kim Dan like an underling, he received the same treatment later. He was not allowed to defend himself (chapter 31), just like he replied instead of the doctor! Thus I conclude that the moment he sees Kim Dan in pain, this will remind him of his lover’s human nature (chapter 37) and as such his vulnerability. In my eyes, this will move his heart… exactly like in that scene. (chapter 21) In other words, the champion has to recognize that all his actions have consequences. As long as he is not treating Kim Dan properly, he is doomed to suffer and as such face adversity. But this perception is also valuable for the doctor. As long as he neglects his job due to his low self-esteem, he is fated to be treated like an errand boy. To sum up, both characters have to recognize their own flaws and misbehavior. Furthermore, I deduce that as long as Joo Jaekyung doesn’t expose his true position within the company in front of Park Namwook, he is bound to be treated like a prize. To conclude, Joo Jaekyung needs to confront his hyungs for their negligence. How come that they let Kim Dan fetch the drink and no one questioned its origins? Why was Yosep Jeong on the phone? (chapter 37) In my opinion, the coach is not involved in the conspiracy, for it looks like Mingwa has no intention to turn the members into bad guys. Nevertheless, this man was not talking to his wife, for the latter had blocked him. This raises the question. Who was he talking to? I have the feeling, that the person on the other side of the phone must have involved in the scheme in order to distract Jeong Yosep: MFC manager or the agent from the entertainment company?
As you can see, I am siding with no one in the end. They all have their flaws which make them human!
3. Prediction
Since I outlined the importance of sharing in episode 37, I come to the following deduction: Joo Jaekyung will share a room and probably his bed with Kim Dan. Remember that he was seen alone here (chapter 37), just like the athlete had carried the physical therapist to his bed after their sex session in the swimming pool. (chapter 29) Observe that here, the main lead was sleeping in the middle of the bed… he had been placed exactly like Joo Jaekyung would sleep. (chapter 13) That’s the reason why the champion didn’t share his bed with Kim Dan. This means that I am expecting a new version of this scene (chapter 4), but I don’t think that the doctor will sleep in a cocoon. At the same time, we have the explanation why Joo Jaekyung felt so refreshed after his first night with Kim Dan. He had been able to sleep, for he had shared his bed with the doctor. No wonder why the champion got so upset afterwards. However, since the doctor is sick, I doubt that he would sleep next to him. So my idea is that the champion could give his bed to Kim Dan, while he sleeps on the floor. I noticed that the carpet of his bedroom is red (chapter 37) And red or pink is the color that brings them together. Secondly, when he was trying to lose weight, he looked like someone sleeping on the floor. (Chapter 37) Finally, this panel (chapter 37) reminded me of the champion’s kiss, when he left the swimming pool. Kim Dan has a similar position. (Chapter 27) Additionally, both were on the floor. Finally, we shouldn’t forget that Joo Jaekyung has been learning to take care of the “weak” doctor. He is already experienced how to treat him. Taking care of him in his room is no novelty. Moreover, if Kim Dan notices that the champion could fall asleep despite his presence, he could suggest to Joo Jaekyung to share a bed. (chapter 37) So don’t give up hope! Joo Jaekyung still has his own merits.
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.