Jinx: Daily Jinx Advent Insight 8 📆 🥊

Since I am writing each day and I am still working as a teacher, you can imagine that I don’t have much time during the week to spend hours on the new analysis. Hence don’t expect a continuity in the examinations. Yesterday, I studied the significance of the games in chapter 27. Today, I will focus on a totally different aspect. And that will be Heesung’s injury and the coach’s apology. (chapter 31)

Park Namwook’s apology

The man with the glasses not only said “I’m sorry”, but also announced that Team Black would cover all the hospital fees and any kind of compensation, it signifies that the manager and coach was admitting his boy’s mistake. But actually, this was not the first apology from the coach. (chapter 31) As you can see, as soon as the actor was lying on the floor, the manager was already blaming his “boy”. This exposes that the man was not interested in the truth in the end. He had already given the judgement. But notice that Park Namwook chastised the protagonist for blocking the tackle. He reproached his star that he should have absorbed the comedian’s tackle.

Tackle or absorb?

I have to admit that I am not that knowledgeable concerning MMA fighting. But even for me this recommendation sounded weird, for it meant that the protagonist should have withstood the impact and allowed the actor to let him fall. Absorbing a tackle, especially at high impact, can lead to various injuries due to the sheer force on the body. Common injuries include concussions, joint injuries, fractures, spinal, neck and soft tissue injuries, as absorbing such force without proper technique can be damaging. In conclusion, a full-strength tackle in contact sports can exert a force comparable to that of a low-speed car accident or a moderate-speed bicycle collision.

And now pay attention to the way Heesung tackled the champion: (chapter 31) He used his whole weight and strength to take down his counterpart. This corresponds to a low-speed car accident and Mingwa let us see the effect of this terrible impact: (chapter 31) His facial expression was betraying him: he was in pain. This means that in verity the one who had caused an injury was not the champion, but Heesung. But there is more to it.

In most cases, blocking a tackle is considered safer and more effective than simply absorbing one, especially in contact sports like football or rugby. Blocking a tackle involves actively engaging with the force of the tackle, using strength, leverage, and positioning to reduce the impact on the body and redirect it safely. Here’s a breakdown of why blocking is generally better:

Control and Stability

  • When a player blocks a tackle, they use their body positioning to control the direction of the impact, often keeping a lower center of gravity and stabilizing themselves. This approach minimizes the risk of being taken off-balance, which reduces the likelihood of awkward falls and resulting injuries.
  • Absorbing a tackle, on the other hand, often puts the player in a passive stance, where they are simply bracing for impact without redirecting it. This can increase the chance of injury as the body takes on the full force of the collision.

Injury Prevention

  • Blocking a tackle can protect vital joints, muscles, and ligaments by transferring some of the impact force outward or downward. For instance, football players are trained to block using their hands, arms, and upper bodies in a way that reduces strain on vulnerable areas like the shoulders and knees.
  • Absorbing a tackle, where the body “takes” the hit, can concentrate impact on specific areas, which increases the risk of bruises, sprains, or even fractures if the player isn’t properly positioned.

Maintaining Momentum

  • Blocking a tackle can allow a player to stay in motion, potentially continuing the play or advancing. This is especially true for offensive players trying to avoid being tackled, as blocking enables them to avoid being completely stopped or taken down.
  • Absorbing a tackle, by contrast, often brings the play to an immediate halt, and the player has less chance to keep moving.

Energy Efficiency

  • Blocking tackles is generally less tiring in the long run because it involves proactive positioning and technique rather than bracing the body repeatedly against impact. It requires skill and training but helps preserve energy during a game.
  • Absorbing tackles can be exhausting, as each impact takes a toll on the body. This can lead to fatigue more quickly, especially over the course of a game, which increases the risk of mistakes and injury.

The choice and its signification

In some cases, absorbing a tackle might be necessary, such as in situations where the player has no time or space to block effectively. However, whenever possible, blocking is usually preferable due to its advantages in control, safety, and momentum. Because the Emperor could block the attack, my avid readers can realize that the athlete had made the right decision. In addition, it exposes the Emperor’s superiority over his mentor. He has already surpassed his master. The incident exposes that the athlete actually no longer needs Park Namwook as coach and advisor on the ring. What caught my attention is that absorbing is strongly intertwined with passivity and immobility (“passive stance”, “takes”, “immediate halt”). This represents the manager’s philosophy. He is against move, decision and mobility. Through this discovery, I was finally able to prove that the coach is the source for Joo Jaekyung’s inner passivity and anxieties. Simultaneously, it outlines why none of the protagonists could unveil the mystery behind the schemes. PArk NAmwook was encouraging his boy and star to do nothing EXCEPT mistrust the members from Team Black. (chapter 46) If the manager had been that worried, why didn’t he confront the fighters from Team Black directly? Instead, he sent Yosep on an errand. In other words, he did nothing.

But the mentor’s mind-set focusing on passivity is also visible in a different context, in the way Joo Jaekyung fights in the arena. Yes, I noticed that Park Namwook is encouraging his athlete to use his body as shield, to wait for a while before attacking the opponent. That’s his strategy, therefore the athlete has been so focused on training his muscles. (chapter 37) Look at this:

Chapter 15Chapter 40 Chapter 50

The tactic was always to wait. He always let the opponents throw the first punches and he protected himself by using his arms. No wonder why his shoulders were in bad shape. Notice that Park Namwook desired to use the same strategy in the last fight: “tire Shotgun out and finish him off with the decisive strike”. It was never about taking the initiative! So why did he hire so many consultants? However, due to Kim Dan, Joo Jaekyung changed his strategy and this twice:

Chapter 5Chapter 50
In the second case, the athlete had to change his strategy, for he was already wounded. In other words, Kim Dan’s mistake was to teach Joo Jaekyung to trust his instincts and as such himself. He needs to stop using his body as a shield, but as a weapon, like he did in the doctor’s home: become proactive and anticipate his opponent’s moves.

Moreover, the association between the hyung and absorbing exposes the manager’s stupidity and lack of expertise. He has no idea about the impact on the body. Let’s not forget that Park Namwook is a former wrestler and not a MMA fighter. Hence technically, he doesn’t know judo, jujitsu, karate, boxing and Muay Thai and other disciplines. No wonder why this man is too one-sided. That’s how I realized the huge contrast with the physical therapist’s attitude. (chapter 25) The latter desired to learn the moves from MMA fighting (chapter 25) in order to understand the involvement of the muscles and the possible consequences on the body. This scene displays the lack of expertise from Park Namwook. How did he become a manager and even a coach? Perhaps a crash course organized by MFC (chapter 22), but the latter is definitely influenced by the criminal underworld. This new observation reinforces my previous theory that Kim Dan will come to replace the manager and coach’s position. What distinguishes them from each other is their attitude to knowledge. Kim Dan keeps learning, reading and watching, whereas the other has the impression, he already knows everything. I guess, he has never heard from the concept “lifelong learning”.The latter promotes the idea of continuously acquiring knowledge and skills throughout a person’s life. This approach values education beyond formal schooling, emphasizing that learning can happen in various settings (chapter 42), including personal, professional, and community experiences. The goal is to adapt to changes, meet evolving job requirements, and stay mentally engaged. In Germany and other countries, lifelong learning is promoted to foster personal growth, social inclusion, and employability, especially as technology and society rapidly evolve. I am myself a follower from this concept. Hence I am still looking for new things (learning new cultures, new languages, reading about psychology, …).

Rough on his body

Since the athlete had expressed physical pain through his visage (chapter 31), the man with the red t-shirt should have noticed it. Observe how he joins the actor. His body is facing his “boy”, so he was not standing behind him. From his place, he could have seen that Heesung had done something wrong. It is important because through this incident, Mingwa exposed the verity. Joo Jaekyung is not allowed to voice his pain, but he has to accept to be rough on his body. (chapter 27) Yet, he was chastised. I had always stated the coach’s responsibility before, but I had only found indirect evidences for this interpretation. Since he should have absorbed the impact, it implies that the latter should accept the pain as a normality. However by blocking Heesung’s assault, the athlete had tried to protect his own body. Thanks to Kim Dan, the fighter was learning how to treasure his own body. Moreover, it displays another flaw from Park Namwook: his risky attitude by making a bad recommendation. I would even add that his slap on the fighter’s neck is revealing his recklessness and thoughtlessness. (chapter 31)

And now, you know why Kim Dan had to treat Joo Jaekyung’s neck for more than two hours on a Saturday. (chapter 32) Joo Jaekyung was finally receiving his treatment for his injury, the consequence of Heesung’s tackle. No one checked on his body, just because the other was faking his injury. While writing this, I can’t stop my blood from boiling out of anger. To conclude, I am confirming once again that Park Namwook is a bad coach and manager. He shouldn’t be allowed to become one for the other fighters. He would treat them like toys or even “punching bags”. Imagine that he would also recommend such a strategy to Potato as fighter. That would be very dangerous. In addition, why was he treating his star so badly and privileging the actor? It is because the latter brings money forgetting that the champion is the source of his own income! And this brings me back to the initial picture:

Park Namwook’s hypocrisy

Striking is that the Webtoonist portrayed him with two faces. Naturally, she desired to expose the movement of the manager’s head. At the same time, we should consider this portrait as the symbol for his hypocrisy. The expression double-faced signifies that the person is saying one thing, but does the opposite. And that’s exactly what the hyung is doing: (chapter 43) Interesting is the idiom is a synonym for deceitfulness. And this brings me to my next observation. Why did he add “whatever other compensation you need”? The moment I asked myself this question, I couldn’t restrain myself from thinking that the manager might have known about the true intention from Choi Heesung. Is it a coincidence that Kim Dan was used as compensation for the athlete’s mistake? Moreover, the latter was supposed to meet the actor on a Saturday, his own day-off. (chapter 32) And this proves that Park Namwook is the reason why the athlete never took a day-off. He was forcing an employee to work during his day-off and the latter wouldn’t even be paid for this. It was included in the “salary”. It was, as if the manager was using the PT as his servant.

Anyone could detect that the actor was interested in the PT. Moreover, I would like to add that Choi Heesung made this request (chapter 31) in the hallway, next to the meeting room and office. So technically, Park Namwook could have heard them talking behind the door, a new version of this scene: (chapter 36) Was he truly ignorant about the actor’s intentions with all this wooing and sponsoring? (chapter 31) In addition, he had heard the comment from the gumiho’s manager. (chapter 30) Just because we didn’t see this, it doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen. And maybe that’s the other reason why he was more than willing to use Kim Dan. The latter was bringing a huge client to the gym. (chapter 31) He would come on a regular basis. Naturally, I have no more proof for this theory than the remark “whatever other compensation you need” and its timing. Nevertheless, one thing is sure. Kim Dan was treated the exact same way than Joo Jaekyung, a doll and servant at his disposal.

And this remark brings me to my next interpretation. Why doesn’t Joo Jaekyung apologize or say thank you? (chapter 37) It is because Park Namwook had become his voice. And we can observe this with the apology at the gym: (chapter 31) First, the champion was silenced with the slap. Therefore he couldn’t apologize. His apology was expressed through the bow which the man forced him to do. (chapter 31) It was, as though the star had become an automat that had to obey to his owner’s orders. However, it becomes clear that the apologies and gratitude from the hyung (chapter 37) are just lip-services because at the end, he has no problem to replace Kim Dan. (chapter 53) That’s the reason why I have been wondering if the last incident was not the trigger for the coach to drop his “boy” and find a new “star and champion”. Since he is so obsessed with money and fame, I can’t help myself wondering if he will take a new pupil and torment him so that the latter only becomes a shadow of himself. Let me know what you think about this.

Thanks to this image (chapter 31), I could detect that Kim Dan embodies a different strategy in MMA fighting: change and movement, becoming proactive, trusting his skills and instincts and treasuring the own body. The reason is that he comes from the medical field where the body is treated like a living body and not like a doll or toy.

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.

Jinx: Daily Jinx Advent Insight 7 📆 🃏

Since I updated the analysis “Precious Puppy Pals”, I decided not to write the second part of “Loves me, loves me not”.

Here, I would like to focus on the following panel and its significance: (chapter 27)

Joo Jaekyung a bad loser?

They are playing cards, and the champion is on the verge of exploding because of the Joker in his hand. He is about to lose the game. Since he is swearing (“Goddamn it…” and his facial expression is revealing his frustration, the readers are coming to the same conclusion than the athlete. He lost this card game. Moreover, they could witness his losses before. (chapter 27) His fine motricity and his sense of observation were not well developed, hence he selected the wrong pieces in both games. (chapter 27) In order to win in such games,the players need to take their time and observe. Yes, playing such games are encouraging calmness and patience. Indirectly, it is promoting peace of mind, people can forget their worries and anxieties. And because the athlete had lost all the games before, there is no doubt that he was rushing for a victory. Let’s not forget that he had bet with the doctor, he could win so easily. (chapter 27) In addition, because of the previous negative experiences, I believe that the champion’s belief (being jinxed) got revived. How could he explain that he would lose to such a poor and small opponent? That’s why it is necessary to question ourselves what kind of card games they were playing. (chapter 27)

Cards and the Joker

Based on the image, where a Joker card and a pair of 3s are visible, it seems likely they’re playing a card game where the Joker holds a special value, such as poker, Rummy, or a variation of a game like “Old Maid” or “Chase the Joker.” However, given the characters’ expressions and the presence of a Joker, poker or a poker-based game might be the most probable, as the Joker is often considered a “wild card” in these games, which can dramatically influence the outcome and cause tension.

In poker, the Joker could potentially be used to complete a hand, making the game more unpredictable and intense—explaining the “Goddamn it” reaction if someone has an unexpected advantage due to the Joker. Alternatively, if they’re playing a simplified, casual game where the Joker simply “beats” lower cards or acts as a trump, that could also explain the reaction. The Joker often adds an element of surprise or disadvantage, depending on the context of the game.

Striking is that the Joker in cards is associated with “surprise” and “wild card” which contrasts so much to the champion’s philosophy: routine. Moreover, the game “Chase the Joker” caught my attention.

As you can see, the joker is good news in this game, though the title of the name makes it sound otherwise, as though The Joker were the target. So the moment you imagine that they were playing this version (“Chase the Joker”), you can’t help yourself laughing about the absurdity of the situation. (chapter 27) Jaekyung could indeed have won the game if “Chase the Joker” was played with the Joker as a “Wild Card” that helps rather than hinders. Since he had only one card left, he was in a prime position to shout “Chase the Joker!” and win, especially if the Joker allowed him to play strategically and discard his remaining card.

If Jaekyung’s misunderstanding led him to see the Joker as a losing or undesirable card, he may have felt defeated prematurely. This adds an ironic twist where he believes he’s losing while actually being close to victory. It underscores themes of perception versus reality, where the “wild” or unexpected (like the Joker) can be beneficial if approached correctly. This might mirror Jaekyung’s tendency to view “wild” and “interruption of routine” as threats when, with the right perspective, they could be opportunities or strengths. Hence we could say that the champion is not a bad loser, as he chose defeat and let the other win. The irony is that with this action, he boosted the doctor’s low self-esteem.

Evidence for this interpretation

Interesting is that in the same episode, Mingwa utilized a similar trick with Kim Dan. (chapter 27) Because the latter couldn’t swim, he jumped to the conclusion that he was drowning. (chapter 27) He had no idea that the pool was not deep. Look at the similarities of the images, for the perspective is similar: (chapter 27) (chapter 27) Joy and embarrassment masked behind frustration. This not only made me laugh, for Joo Jaekyung could have won, but also it dawned on me that during that day, both were put in similar situations. Because they were new to this, their past experiences led them to misjudge the situations. One more time it displays that people’s misery and anger is self-inflicted. It is related to their perception of reality influenced by their beliefs and past experiences.

Joker and its signification

But there is more to it. The moment you see the Joker as a metaphor for the physical therapist, you will recognize the true significance of this scene. It foreshadows his function in the story. Joo Jaekyung had not recognized yet that he was holding the “wild card Kim Dan” which would make him win his game. (chapter 37) Is it a coincidence that the doctor drank his drugged nutrition drink? No… The reason why both became a victim of the second scheme is that they were no longer communicating to each other. (chapter 47) They are no longer facing each other, the athlete was even turning his back on his precious roommate and PT. Joo Jaekyung had started keeping his distance from his soulmate because he had listened to his toxic mentor (chapter 46) who takes everything so seriously. In other words, he had suspected the joker to be the “wild card” to make him lose (chapter 51), while in reality the latter had protected his back. Interesting is that exactly like in the penthouse (chapter 27), the athlete deserted the room out of anger (chapter 51) leaving the doctor behind. It was, as if he had thrown away his Joker without realizing his true value. However, we shouldn’t overlook this aspect. The fighter’s words were not reflecting his true thoughts and emotions. He was acting impulsively and thoughtlessly overlooking that words can be as harmful as punches. And what is the common denominator between these two matches? Team Black had reacted impulsively. They made accusations and rushed decisions, while just like in board games, patience and observations are necessary to win a round. Yes, this connection between these two scenes displays that life is like a game… you should take your time, enjoy the moment, you can start afresh and play a new game. While the manager is envisioning to replace the doctor (chapter 53) and as such to change the cards, the wolf (chapter 53) decided to pick up the Joker on the floor and continue the game, as the round is not finished yet. His intention is to bring his Joker Kim Dan back in order to use him properly in the future. He will treat him with patience, trust, respect and care! Moreover, observe that the goal of “Chase the Joker” is to get rid of the cards. Consequently, I perceive this game as a metaphor for the champion’s future actions and decisions: he will have to get rid of certain cards like MFC manager, the Entertainment agency and the lawyer in order to become the true winner. He regains control of his own life. I am leaving out the manager and coach, for I believe that Park Namwook will stay there, but he will have a different position.

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

Jinx Daily Jinx Advent Insight 5 📆🎀

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.

Jinx: Daily Jinx Advent Insight 4 📆 🏚️

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.

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.

Jinx: Daily Jinx Advent Insight 2 📆 🌺🌷🍎

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.

Jinx: Daily Jinx Advent Insight 1 📅

As the title is indicating it, I am planning to release a short essay or podcast each day until the start of the second season. That’s the reason why I am employing the idiom “Advent”. Each day a new window will be opened, and my readers will get a new interpretation. Naturally, I can not write a long essay each day, for I am working as a teacher. As a conclusion, the texts shouldn’t be longer than 1000 words. But how is it possible, especially for me who is so talkative? 😉 The answer is simple. I am intending to focus on one question, panel or scene from Jinx and present new observations. And now, my avid readers can grasp the illustration. I will use these panels for the next analyses.

1. „Where is Doc Dan?“

So let’s start with this panel. (chapter 40) Park Namwook answers to the maknae’s question about the doctor’s whereabouts. Kim Dan is with the security from MFC because of the drug incident. So far, this is nothing new and very interesting. But the devil is in the details. How did the MFC guys get informed about the drug incident? It seems easy to answer: Park Namwook must have informed them, as he is the one giving the answer to Potato’s question. Furthermore Nevertheless, we shouldn’t forget that the questioning was taking place in the USA. The official language is English!! And now look at Kim Dan’s reaction, when he was being interrogated. : (chapter 40) He could barely talk in English, he had troubles to understand the comments from the men in black.

This raises the following question. Can Park Namwook speak English too?

2. Park Namwook and English

I don’t think so. Why? It is because he would always let the champion do the talking. (chapter 37) Only Joo Jaekyung speaks English fluently, a sign that he is intelligent and educated. On the stage after his victory, you can see him talking to Dominic Hill, whereas Park Namwook is standing next to him alone! (chapter 40) He could go to Dominic Hill or to the moderator for example, but no. But I found a more concrete evidence for my assumption in this panel: (chapter 37) Interesting is that Park Namwook was standing behind „his boy“ while trying to restrain him. But he was not looking at the American coach, a sign that he was not trying to talk to that man. On the other hand, he didn’t separate them either or slapped Joo Jaekyung on the neck in order to silence him. (Chapter 31) The passive attitude from the manager displays that he needs the star‘s intervention. It becomes clear that Joo Jaekyung had to communicate in order to obtain something. Moreover, the moment you compare this situation to the one from chapter 31, where the fighter was forced to apologize, it dawned on me that the athlete’s anger was not totally disapproved by Park Namwook in the end. As my avid readers can observe, Park Namwook remained rather passive during the argument. (Chapter 37) Another important detail is that this incident is told from Yoon Gu’s perspective, and the latter seems to have become biased. He is talking about coaches, BUT here we only see one!! This shows that his narration is not reliable. He is blaming Joo Jaekyung. Hence we should question ourselves why the man got upset with the local coaches.

In my opinion, this has something to do with the local gym and his schedule. Something had gone wrong, therefore he couldn’t train like he wanted. In other words, Park Namwook had failed to prepare their trip properly, but he needed to blame someone for his failure. Therefore I come to the following deduction. What Kim Dan was narrating was the coach’s version. And now, if you look back at all the pictures from episode 37, you will see a passive and silent coach in the States (chapter 37) except in front of Kim Dan! The latter’s passivity and silence in all the images from episode 37 shows that the Korean coach in the States was putting a lot of responsibilities on his “boy”. Hence I can only conclude that he is not fluent in English exactly like Kim Dan . Moreover, since the physical therapist has a diploma, but he can not speak very well, I can only jump to the following conclusion. Park Namwook’s knowledge in English must be quasi-inexistent. This observation leads me back to my initial question. How could he have mentioned the incident with the drugged nutrition shake to MFC authorities, when he can not speak English? I doubt that the MFC security guys could talk in Korean.

3. Park Namwook‘s contact

It is because he knew someone who could speak Korean! And that would be this man: (chapter 37) And that’s how it dawned on me that Park Namwook must have met him or talked to him. Hence I am deducing that this mysterious man must be an acquaintance of Park Namwook. I would even go so far to say that this could be the mysterious MFC manager. That’s the reason why he hid his face with the cap. He needed to make sure that the person opening the door wouldn‘t recognize him. This observation led me to another question: if the manager knows him well, how could he be sure not to get caught? And now, look at this! Jeong Yosep was on the phone, therefore he couldn‘t open the door. This call was not random in my opinion. (Chapter 37) As for Park Namwook, there is no ambiguity that he would never open the door. He is the champion‘s coach and manager. Finally, we shouldn‘t overlook the fact that the MFC manager never appeared at the gym. He contacted Team Black (chapter 5) and the agency through the phone. (Chapter 36) So none of the members from Team Black could recognize him. Since Park Namwook is a former wrestler, it is very likely that he knew this man from the past. Naturally, because the man is a fellow citizen, there is no ambiguity that the manager would entrust him with this terrible incident.

4. The coach and MFC

And now, it is time to return our attention to the initial picture: (chapter 40) The moment Park Namwook heard about the intervention of the security, he should have realized that these men in black would talk in English. They were in the States. Yet, he did nothing. His attitude seems to imply that this is no big deal, but his words sound different: „taken in for questioning“. Furthermore, at no moment, he worried about Kim Dan. This description outlines his indifference and selfishness. But why did he nothing here?

It is because this man fears scandals, as the latter embodies obedience and conformity! (For more read the essay To Give  Or To Take? The Subtle battle between Love  and Power  in Jinx) How so? A person embodying conformity and adherence to social norms often fears scandal most, as it represents a rupture in their social standing, reputation, and acceptance within the community. Such individuals often derive their sense of self-worth and security from alignment with societal expectations, which makes public exposure of a deviation or perceived wrongdoing especially distressing.

For such individuals, a scandal threatens not only their reputation but also the very social fabric in which they find comfort and meaning. They often prioritize stability, predictability, and acceptance, so anything that could jeopardize these elements—such as social disgrace or loss of respect—can be deeply unsettling. Scandal embodies unpredictability, potential isolation, and criticism, which are all counter to their need for social approval and norm adherence.

In psychology, this tendency can be related to a high level of “public self-consciousness” or even social anxiety, where fear of judgment or exposure drives behavior. For those strongly oriented toward social norms, avoiding scandal is almost synonymous with self-preservation, as their identity is closely tied to their public perception and social acceptance. But how could he be tainted by the scandal? We shouldn‘t overlook that the coach (chapter 37) was the one who had encouraged Kim Dan to drink the poisoned nutrition shake. So Kim Dan could blame for his suggestion, especially when the physical therapist had suggested to return the beverage. That‘s how I realized why Park Namwook had also an interest to abandon Kim Dan, as he didn‘t want to become responsible. Moreover, he couldn‘t intervene either, he couldn‘t speak in English either. That way, he could mask his incompetence. (Chapter 40) The man prefers relying on others, even delegate tasks to others, but at the same time, he takes credit for Joo Jaekyung‘s success.

And before closing this essay, I would like to add this: Due to his fear of a scandal, there is no ambiguity that Park Namwook has an interest to protect MFC as an organization. Should the latter be linked to a scandal, this would affect his reputation, for he is the champion‘s manager and coach. He is vouching for this company. And now, you know why neither the security guys from MFC were questioned or prosecuted nor the incidents with the spray and the poisoned beverage were leaked to the public. It was not in the coach‘s interest to expose these incidents, it is better, if the athlete takes the fall! Yes… a new version of the scene in the States.

That‘s it.

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

Jinx: To Give🎁 or To Take? The Subtle Battle of Love ❤️ and Power 🥊 in Jinx

The trigger for this essay were quotes from “The Art Of Loving”, a book written by Erich Fromm. In my essay “The Art Of Loving” I had already introduced the German-American socio psychologist, psychoanalyst, sociologist and humanistic philosopher, where I presented his definition of love: Care, knowledge, respect and responsibility. However, notice that the title of my analysis is “To give or To Take?”, which was inspired by other books from Erich Fromm: “To Have or To Be?” and “Escape From Freedom”. The reason is simple, the quotes led me to his other theories which give explanations to the origins of unhappiness or happiness. There he outlined the problems of our modern society and gave advices how to lead a good life. This brings me back to the Korean Manhwa Jinx, where (un)happiness is in the center of the story. As the seme and uke are both really miserable despite their different social status. Both believed to be jinxed. The reality is that they were trapped, and their unhappiness was the result of their own bad choices. How would Erich Fromm explain this?

1. Masters and Slaves

In works like Escape from Freedom and The Art of Loving, Fromm suggested that humans often avoid the responsibility of true freedom by conforming to societal norms, seeking authority figures to follow, or focusing on material gains. This “escape from freedom,” as he called it, results in a loss of autonomy and self-awareness, keeping individuals from mastering their own lives. While Fromm believed we have the potential for self-mastery, he cautioned that this requires a conscious rejection of limiting social pressures and a commitment to self-discovery and personal responsibility. Under this new perspective, my avid readers can grasp my selection for the heading. Freedom defines the distinction between a master and a slave—those with freedom have agency, autonomy, and control over their choices, while those without it are subject to another’s will and have nothing to give to others. It highlights how freedom is fundamental to self-determination and power, establishing a boundary between control and subservience.

1. 1. The poor child and dog

And if you read my previous analysis “Sound Of Water “, you should have realized that Shin Okja embodies the slave who chose to escape from freedom. Thus she blamed life and others (“we”) (chapter 53) for not realizing her biggest wish: to return to the West Coast. With her words, she implies that she never had any choice. Hence she is not responsible for her “misery”. However, after reading Erich Fromm’s philosophy, it becomes clear that she must have always followed social norms and listened to authority figures (parents, husband, doctors, …). That’s how she gave up on her own freedom. One might argue that her scoop of maneuver was limited due to her poverty. However, the Mother Of Pearl Wedding Cabinet is definitely expensive and no junk (chapter 16), especially since the latter is rather old. The grandmother could have sold it, but she never did, for the latter has a sentimental value. Consequently, I would say that she had missed her chance, and naturally her misery is the result of her own wrong choices. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the grandmother portrays herself as poor who has nothing to give to her grandchild. (chapter 53) As a slave, she can not become responsible for Kim Dan and his life. However, she is wrong here again. She was not entirely powerless. She could have talked about her experience with the ocean, she could have loved her grandchild more properly so that Kim Dan wouldn’t have to suffer from abandonment issues and a low self-esteem. Yes, love is something free and no one has control over the emotions of a human being. Due to her lack of self-awareness (Peter Pan Syndrom), she influenced her grandchild negatively, and the latter became a copy of herself: trapped in the past, living in an illusion and rejecting reality. Funny is that by relying on Kim Dan constantly, she was actually teaching her grandson to become accountable and independent. She was entrusting her life into his own hands. Consequently, the main lead chose to accept the deal from Joo Jaekyung during their first night and later asked for a higher salary. Finally, at the end, he chose to leave the penthouse out of obligation (chapter 53) (filial duty), a sign that he is not able to break free from social norms. At the same time, it displays that his feelings for Joo Jaekyung are much stronger than the ones for Shin Okja. His short time spent in the penthouse left a deep impression on him.

On the other hand, we shouldn’t overlook one important aspect. The halmeoni asked for a favor from Kim Dan, and her wish is actually the expression of her own will. In other words, she is making a choice and as such becomes responsible for her own destiny. She can no longer say that life or others had a saying in her desire and choice. That’s the reason why during that night, she turned Kim Dan into a puppy dog. (chapter 53) Her vocabulary exposes that she became a master and in her mind, the puppy dog has to follow her owner. Therefore it is no coincidence that Mingwa created such an image: (chapter 53) The grandmother is now the master of her own life and Kim Dan’s. On the one hand, just before her death, she is learning to become accountable for her own life, even though I still have my doubts that she is really realizing the consequences of her choice. She is still chasing after after an illusion. As you already know, I am anticipating a rude awakening fron her part, as she can not escape from reality and her own mortality. On the other hand, with her request, she gets responsible for her grandchild’s career, and someone could criticize her for making him quit. She didn’t take his job’s obligations into consideration. Simultaneously, this image illustrates a relapse of Kim Dan. He is once again trapped, though he wished to be freed. Thus he wrote this to Joo Jaekyung: (chapter 53) Deep down, he would like to be recognized as a competent physical therapist. Moreover, my avid readers should recall that the champion had already noticed the change of heart in the doctor before the scheme took place. (chapter 53) So the athlete could come to the realization that his departure was related to the grandmother’s sickness and dying wish, a new version of episode 20 and 21. However, even if the fighter helps the grandmother, he can not entirely free the physical therapist. How so? It is because the doctor has to free himself, breaking free from conformity and his own psychological constraints (lack of confidence and as such courage). And the best evidence for his servitude mentality is the absence of his love confession to the athlete. He disguised it behind gratitude. (Chapter 45) But how can he change his condition? I will give the answer below.

1. 2. The release of the rich slave

As you can imagine, the person I am referring behind this heading is the champion. Interesting is that in the story, he received the title “Emperor”. (chapter 14) Yet, the reality is that despite his wealth, he is not free at all. Actually, he reminded me of a Roman gladiator. Gladiators in ancient Rome lived under challenging and contradictory conditions. Although they were often slaves or prisoners of war, some achieved fame, wealth, and admiration comparable to modern-day sports stars. Successful gladiators could earn prizes, attract fan followings, and even enjoy certain luxuries within their restrictive lives. However, they remained under the control of their lanista (manager) or the state, with little freedom to make personal choices. They could not select their opponents or refuse combat, and each fight carried the risk of injury or death, underscoring their vulnerability and lack of autonomy despite their celebrated status.

This comparison between the main lead and a Roman gladiator reinforced my negative perception about Park Namwook. He acts as the owner of the athlete (chapter 40), though the gym belongs to the celebrity. But let’s return our attention to the American-German philosopher. The latter pointed out the importance of self-awareness and the rejection of materialism and social pressures (authority figures, conformity) in order to become truly free.

This aspect is really important, because the athlete Joo Jaekyung is a homosexual which represents a huge taboo in the MMA world. Remember my hypothesis that the jinx could also be an excuse in order to hide his own sexual orientation. (chapter 2) Therefore sex is linked to prostitution and work. Back then, this had nothing to do with pleasure, sensuality and entertaining. It was revolving around power and domination. That way, he wouldn’t appear as weak, he is not controlled by his sexual desires and emotions. That’s how it dawned on me why the champion has been denying the existence of feelings in his past relationships. Naturally, it is possible that he got his heart broken before, but it is also possible that he could never live out his own true homosexuality. Note that his father figure, Park Namwook, has no idea about his sexual life. The athlete could fear to disappoint him. This raises the question how the manager will react, when the athlete’s secret is exposed. Should he request from his boy to organize a conference and deny the allegation there, he would divulge not only his lack of loyalty, but also his hypocrisy. Why? It is because this is something he should have organized after the last match. A conference to expose the existence of schemes. But everything got swayed under the rug. On the other hand, I deduce that if the topic of sodomy is brought up in season 2, there is no ambiguity that both main leads won’t give in to conformity and external pressure (even in the form of threats). Why? It is because during season 2, both characters will come to be true to themselves. That‘s how they can become master of their own life.

This signifies that in order to go on the past of self-mastery, the champion needs to break free from materialism (chapter 41), from his manager’s influence (father figure) and even from the MFC world (authorities) !! What is the common denominator between these three persons? MONEY! (chapter 50) Hence the last match was not cancelled in the last minute. The athlete is not fighting out of fun and passion, but out of obligation and survival. He is trapped in a world where money is everything. Thus he was always pushed to accept any challenger despite his injuries. That’s how I realized why the athlete always suspected Kim Dan of being greedy. It is because he projected his own thoughts onto his partner. However, this negative perception was definitely influenced by his “hyung”, we have the best example in episode 46. Due to Park Namwook, Joo Jaekyung was the one who was constantly thinking and talking about money in front of Kim Dan. (chapter 26) No wonder why he got so surprised by Kim Dan’s reaction in the locker room: (chapter 51) He was disarmed by a single question and a shocked and disappointed face: (chapter 51) The question implied that the doctor had been trusting him.

1. 3. The “lanista’s” chains

We had another perfect example of “Escape from Freedom” in episode 43 at the restaurant. Note that Park Namwook underlined that the fight was the champion’s decision (chapter 43), yet he added shortly this comment: : (chapter 43) The hypocrite coach utilized the personal pronoun “WE” indicating that he and his peers had played a role in the athlete’s decision. Funny is that though he complained about the schedule, he still accepted the switch of the fighter later. But he could have voiced his fears and objections. Nevertheless, he did nothing. Since I connected the halmeoni to past, I suddenly realized that the “lanista” embodies the opposite notion. He is trapped in the future, thus he is always anxious. Imagine that in that scene, they were celebrating Joo Jaekyung’s birthday, it should have been a good time. Yet, the manager kept talking about work and the future. (chapter 43) (chapter 43) This is a sign that he was not “enjoying the present”. In my eyes, with his comments, he was actually ruining the party. Fortunately, no one paid attention to his words except the physical therapist and Yosep. By talking like that, he gives the impression that he is caring and paying attention to the fighter. Yet this is just an illusion, for he is not focused on the present. He neglected his duties, therefore the schemers were able to bring drugs to the champion’s rooms. (chapter 49) Notice that he was afraid of an outburst from Joo Jaekyung in the locker room, therefore they were restraining him. This was no real protection. I am suspecting that the manager is trusting MFC and its organization. In addition, his obsession with the future explains why the athlete’s mental health has been neglected by the coach and manager. As a conclusion, Park Namwook is himself trapped in his own world: money, fear of the future and the champion‘s retirement which means the end of his own career as manager and coach. Therefore he is pushing his fighter to race against time. It is only a matter until his boy gets injured!!

This means that we should see the athlete’s suspension as his moment of release. He is no longer forced to fight. He is “abandoned” by MFC, fans and even by his manager (chapter 53). The latter announces that his “boy” can take a break. What caught my attention is his idiom. The suspension got turned into a break which sounds much more positive. Interesting is that break is not only a synonym for “rest”, but also for “opportunity, chance”. This new discovery reinforces my previous interpretation: the loss of his “title” and his suspension are in verity an escape to freedom. Why? It is because he is no longer exposed to manipulations and external pressure like in episode 36: (chapter 36) money, social media, the agency, the lawyer, Park Namwook and Jeong Yosep. For the first time, Joo Jaekyung can think of something else other than work. Nevertheless, the athlete had not realized it yet. Striking is that the longer the fighter thought about the PT’s resignation, the longer he came to object to it. (chapter 53) This means that the fighter was acknowledging the “uke” as an important member of Team Black. In addition, he was recognizing Kim Dan’s effort and talent as PT. Moreover, it exposes the absence of change in Joo Jaekyung’s mentality. He was still “thinking” of work and fighting. It displays that the protagonist had not realized the true signification of his suspension yet. Hence the doctor’s departure was necessary. Joo Jaekyung is forced to think about his fated partner, making him forget his work and his career. His “obsession” with Kim Dan will push him to stop being a workaholic. But there is more to it.

By leaving the city behind (my prediction), the champion’s not aware that this trip will become a spiritual journey where he will discover his true self. But for that, meditation is required. In my opinion, the grandmother’s illness should serve him as a wake-up call. He spent a lot of money on her treatment, but she couldn’t be saved. It looks like he never visited her again. Should he see her again, he could get shocked. From this (chapter 21) to this (chapter 47) Money is powerless in front of death and terrible injuries. Therefore he is lucky that his shoulder is not ruined forever. Moreover a trip represents a good metaphor for an escape, a travel is a synonym for freedom and the end of “routine”.

2. The ability to love

Far away from medias, public eyes, the agency and his manager, he can discover a different world: the West Coast and nature. And this brings me to a quote from Erich Fromm:

Through this statement, we have the explanation why Joo Jaekyung can love and why he couldn’t love Kim Dan properly in season 1. The fact that he lived alone in the penthouse is a proof of his independency (chapter 35). However, since he didn’t spend much time in his own home, he never took the time to take care of his soulmate. By leaving the city and Team Black behind, he would become truly alone (as opposition to his trips to Busan, the States) which would give him an opportunity to become more honest to himself and to Kim Dan.

In addition, this quote exposes the absence of “unconditional love” from the grandmother. (chapter 53) So far, she could never be alone, she always needed the assistance of others: Kim Dan, the doctor, the nurse, Joo Jaekyung. She always relied on others (“we”, “life”). But it is also the same for Kim Dan who has always been listening to people, as his desire was to get accepted. His conformity led him to experience misery, as he lacked critical thinking. He never questioned people’s words, decisions or behaviors. Only thanks to his soulmate, he started changing. His psychological restrains were his abandonment issues and his low self-esteem. That’s the reason why their love couldn’t flourish in season 1. Nevertheless, Kim Dan still had a good disposition for being capable of loving someone, exactly like his fated partner. He could live on his own as well.This signifies that their future love relationship won’t be toxic, as they won’t be needy or dependent on each other, the exact opposite between the grandmother and Kim Dan or Joo Jaekyung and his hyung Park Namwook. However, this doesn‘t mean that they won‘t help each other.

I am quite certain that the fighter must have noticed the doctor’s low self-esteem in the letter. Therefore he felt bad for his reproaches and lack of trust. Remember that the champion never expressed a compliment or even showed gratitude towards the doctor. (chapter 43) In episode 1, he gave a positive feedback (chapter 1). Nonetheless, his words sounded more negative due to the usage of negation. Moreover, Kim Dan was too scared to take his words seriously. Consequently, it becomes obvious that Kim Dan needs to hear praises from the athlete himself. It is not just about an apology about his misjudgment, the “hamster” needs to hear from his own patient that he trusts him and his hands. Thus he wants to be needed: (chapter 53) This explicates why the young man kept questioning the actor’s intentions behind his gifts. He could see that the man didn’t need him. This thought displays his desire to give a meaning to his own existence as well. If he is needed, he has a reason to exist. This desire of being needed can be expressed by words, but also with the hands: or like this: And what does the hand symbolize? The latter symbolizes gratitude and love! Hence the grandmother took the MMA fighter’s hand in order to thank him. (chapter 22) (chapter 22) As a conclusion, love and gratitude represents the key to freedom and as such to power. And now, you comprehend why The Art Of Loving can not be separated from „Escape from Freedom“.

2. 1. Love and Power

This explains why the famous author declared this:

This means that by giving, the person feels strong and powerful. Why? Fromm views the act of giving not as a depletion of oneself, but rather as a fulfillment and actualization of one’s capabilities. The productive character, according to him, doesn’t define himself by what he possesses or hoards, but rather by what he can give to others. It is his heart which defines his strength. Giving becomes a way of affirming one’s own power and abundance, showcasing that true fulfillment is found in one’s ability to be generous, creative, and life-affirming. Notice that the author contrasts generosity with passivity. By giving, the person becomes proactive and is no longer passive. In the past, I had described Joo Jaekyung as a person suffering from “inner passivity” [For more read “Couch Confession”]. As soon as I read the quote from The Art Of Loving, I realized why the champion disliked receiving presents (chapter 45) so much and preferred organizing a charity event for his birthday . (chapter 41) Being on the receiving side makes him feel weak and powerless. He is reduced to become a passive man. Furthermore, we shouldn’t overlook that such presents are not entirely selfless. Companies or admirers have expectations from Joo Jaekyung, earning some money or getting his attention. At the same time, these presents are strongly connected to his title and fame as champion. Thus they are not taking into consideration about the athlete’s dislikes and likes. Thus he was offered a bottle of wine (chapter 12), though he is no drinker or he doesn’t eat cakes. (chapter 41) The fact that the athlete organized a charity event for his birthday exposes not only his huge heart, but also that he had long recognized the power of generosity. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the champion was willing to pay off the doctor’s debts. (chapter 18) Here, he hoped to see gratitude on his fated partner’s face, but it didn’t happen like he imagined. Yet, notice that despite their argument, Joo Jaekyung proposed to the main lead to live with him in the penthouse: (chapter 18) His facial expression is exposing his true thoughts. He was definitely happy to help the doctor. The reason is simple. He is in control of his heart and life. This shows that deep down, the man has always had a soft heart and could find fulfillment in giving. However, the problem is that the champion had also internalized that there is nothing free in this world. Due to his past experiences, he realized that receivers would exploite his goodness. The green-haired guy was the perfect example. (chapter 2) Therefore it is not surprising that he kept denying his kindness to the doctor: (chapter 18) He had to, because the man was now living with him. Joo Jaekyung feared that his roommate could come to take advantage of his new position and even consider this place as his own. As you can see, the champion had long discovered the power of giving to others. Yet his problem was that he couldn’t live out this principle: he was either exploited or he has no family or close friend so far.

And now, let me ask you one question: who likes giving presents in Jinx? One might reply Kim Dan and Choi Heesung. The doctor and the actor have both something in common. (chapter 30) They both desire to be acknowledged and appreciated. (chapter 45) With this image, it was, as if Kim Dan wanted to be distinguished from all the stans. Yes, I do think that this has something to do their own negative feelings. However, there is a difference between Choi Heesung and Kim Dan. Note that the gifts are related to his sponsors and the agency. They were related to his work. Moreover, the gumiho rarely gave the meals or the presents personally. (chapter 31) (chapter 31) Furthermore, the actor gave these things for one reason: it was to obtain the doctor’s heart or to maintain his good image as a celebrity. In other words, these gestures were not selfless at all. This explains why the athlete was so weary of such “gifts”: a return of favor or a service. But the comedian is not the only one donating things. Naturally, it is the manager Park Namwook. (Chapter 26) (chapter 36) However, my avid readers should ponder on the following aspect: how did he buy the jackets and the junk food? (Chapter 37) This last scene is terrible, for this purchase happened behind the boss’ back. Naturally, everything was bought with the company card!! In other words, Park Namwook’s generosity is fake, for he is not spending his own money. After this new realization, I started wondering if the athlete’s negative attitude towards Kim Dan is not the consequence of Park Namwook’s behavior as well who takes it for granted to spend money on the athlete’s account. Why did the champion anticipate an expectation from Kim Dan, when he received the keychain? (Chapter 45) It is because his relationship with his coach has always been based on „conditional love and expectations“. Don’t forget that the coach was particularly nice to the athlete after winning his match in Busan. He was willing to be his „servant“ in that moment. Furthermore, there exists another evidence that in episode 45 the fighter latched out on the doctor because of his unresolved feelings towards his hyung. (Chapter 45) Kim Dan had not only followed the stans‘ behavior, but also listened to Park Namwook‘s words constantly. ’ (chapter 41) This frenzy was portrayed as something positive. Jinxworms can observe that the manager is mentioning the existence of „favors“. For me, it is no coincidence that in episode 45, the arrival from presents coming from his hyung coincides with the present with Kim Dan. It shows the underlying conflict between the celebrity and the former wrestler. Nevertheless, the fighter has not grasped it yet. So far, Joo Jaekyung has not tried to defy Park Namwook openly, to claim his place as the true owner of Team Black. We should see his words here as a first attempt to act as the boss (Chapter 46) The tension reached its peak in that scene: (chapter 52) The manager imagined that he could act like in the past (recurring to force), for Joo Jaekyung was „used“ to take his slaps. That’s where the generosity from Park Namwook comes from: he gives his punches to Joo Jaekyung and takes Joo Jaekyung‘s company for granted. And now, you comprehend why I selected such a title for this essay.

(Chapter 26) The sparring in episode 26 represents the positive version of giving a punch and taking it. The fighter was not upset about his defeat, moreover he was acting like a real teacher asking the physical therapist to overcome his own fears. On the hand, the slap at the hospital embodies the opposite notions: resent, no real teaching, no reflection, no listening, the one slapping is not overcoming his own fears and vents his anger. The give and take in episode 26 was happiness, true generosity, self-awareness, while this slap displays misery, anger, ignorance: (Chapter 52) True generosity, for Kim Dan had risked his health for the sake of Potato. (Chapter 26) The contrast not only exposes Park Namwook’s fake generosity, but also his greed and selfishness. For me, he missed the opportunity, as at the gym, Kim Dan took the chance, when the athlete was distracted. Hence in my opinion, chapter 52 was the turning point in their toxic relationship. Moreover, it signifies that the manager lost his special position as hyung. Far away from the gym, Joo Jaekyung will see Kim Dan under a different light, maybe even as a true role model, for he is wearing his heart in his hand.

2. 2. The wolf, the hamster and the world

But Erich Fromm wrote this about love:

For Fromm, love transcends a personal or exclusive attachment to one individual; it is a universal force that connects the self to humanity and existence as a whole. True love, in his view, is inclusive and expansive. It’s not a possessive or isolating sentiment but rather one that opens the lover to the wider world, fostering a connection to humanity and, ultimately, a deep acceptance and love for oneself.

Thus I come to the following conclusions: the moment the doctor and the champion admits their affection for their fated partner, they won’t be suffering from self-loathing or low self-esteem. But there is more to it. If you keep the quote in mind, you will realize that the champion’s affection for Kim Dan was not true love. [Like mentioned above, he couldn’t love properly] He couldn’t stand the idea of sharing his partner to others. (chapter 7) (chapter 43) He needed to seclude him from the others. But where does this possessiveness come from? In my opinion, it is not just the result of his own insecurities, but also the influence of the bad role model he had: Park Namwook. First, only in chapter 45, the manager sent congratulations from his family: (chapter 45) This means that Joo Jaekyung was never treated like a real family member. Then, due to his bad portrait of Joo Jaekyung (chapter 9), the manager kept creating a bad image of the athlete: brutal, moody, maniac… but the reality is that the man is actually generous and caring, like mentioned above and the coach knew this. Hence he could lie without any remorse: he is a savior and the gym owner. Moreover, the athlete can speak well and be polite. (chapter 22) This scene at the hospital displays that the fighter had been mirroring the behavior of his counterpart: Shin Okja is sweet and kind. And who is moody, yelling, brutal ? Park Namwook: (chapter 43) (chapter 52) The one who raised him like that is actually him: (chapter 7) Therefore I conclude that this possessiveness and obsession with Kim Dan is the result of the manager’s influence. Park Namwook treated him like a possession. And this brings me to my next part. How to become happy? One might reply: by loving someone. However, how can Joo Jaekyung drop his insecurities and open his heart like that? As you can see, we need another explanation.

3. The guide for happiness

Erich Fromm’s philosophy in To Have or To Be? revolves around two fundamental modes of existence: the having mode and the being mode. These modes represent distinct ways of interacting with the world, structuring relationships, and understanding one’s identity.

I am posting this video which I found very well made. Funny is that the blogger used a haiku to illustrate the difference between the being mode and the having mode.

3. 1. The Having Mode

In the “having” mode, identity and value are based on possessions and control over objects, people, and even oneself. The having mode is characterized by:

  • Possession and Ownership: One’s self-worth and sense of security are derived from what one possesses—material wealth, status, knowledge, even relationships. (Chapter 40) This explicates why the manager is happy in this scene. Thanks to him, he earned a lot of money and felt recognized.
  • Security in Stability: Individuals in the having mode seek to secure their identity through accumulation, feeling stable only when they can cling to things.
  • Alienation and Objectification: Relationships and experiences become objects to be owned or controlled, reducing people and emotions to mere assets.

Fromm argues that the having mode can lead to anxiety and insecurity because possessions can always be lost or taken away. It fosters competitiveness, isolation, and a fixation on external validation, ultimately stunting genuine self-growth and connection with others. Under this light, Manhwa-philes can grasp why the athlete, pushed by his mentor, kept accepting fights after another. The champion was suffering from self-loathing, but in order to get recognition and admiration from his hyung, he needed to win. Notice how gentle and proud the man was after the victories (chapter 15), but as soon as his idol lost his title and got even suspended, he yelled and slapped his fighter: (chapter 52) Why did he not blame the cheaters who had tricked Joo Jaekyung and framed the physical therapist? If you read my previous analyses about the coach, you will certain recall about my diagnosis: he seems to suffer from decidophobia. But as you can see, the man is unhappy, for he is living in the “Having Mode”. Hence he is taking no risk and letting the athlete make decisions. Furthermore, it explains perfectly why the manager lied to the members here: (chapter 22) Since his relationship with the main lead is so secure, he could claim the gym as his own. Notice how he treats the members here: he’s putting them under pressure, threatening them. Everything is revolving around competition, seriousness and greed. Why doesn’t Joo Jaekyung mess with his weight and nutrition? It is because his hyung made sure that the latter would fulfil all his expectations. He needs to be ready for the next fight. Why was the manager not present here? (chapter 43) This exposes his lack of engagement and indifference in the end, but this becomes even more obvious during the night: (chapter 43) Where was he, when his star was drunk? It was, as though he had vanished. (chapter 43) But the best evidence for this interpretation is this image: (chapter 52) The manager is upset, because his boy lost his title and his reputation is ruined. Moreover, many members left the gym which means that the company lost a lot of money.

This highlights the danger of building identity around possessions and the resulting vulnerability. And how did Park Namwook define himself in his life? He was a coach, a manager, the owner of Team Black…. (chapter 9) However, he never presented himself as a father or a husband. It was, as if his children or wife were not a source of his happiness. Why? It is because they don’t bring money, but rather cost money. Thanks to Joo Jaekyung’s popularity, the manager could stand in the spotlight (chapter 40), yet notice that no fans or fighter know his name as a successful coach or manager. He is not a famous manager in the end. His income depends on the athlete’s career and victories. No wonder why he put so much pressure on his celebrity. Thus I had the following revelation: he was actually exposing his true self in front of the doctor at the restaurant. (chapter 43) Joo Jaekyung would have to pick himself up, Park Namwook wouldn’t be there in order to assist him. Why? It is because it represented his own fears. Don’t forget that he is a former wrestler and athlete. He must have experienced it. The end of his boy’s career represents the end of his own career. Hence I am suspecting that the real savior of Park Namwook was the fighter himself, as the latter offered him an opportunity to find a good job.

But there is more to it. Why did the coach neglect doctor Kim Dan (chapter 40) in the States and even at the gym? (Chapter 43) It is because he doesn’t view the uke as a possession contrary to his „boy“. Why? It is because the young man doesn’t bring money or contribute to boast the manager’s self-esteem. In fact, Kim Dan is an expensive PT and the manager is aware of his high salary. Moreover, contrary to the hamster, Park Namwook was never seen in the penthouse, and the celebrity refused to invite the members. This is a clue that the champion could have refused to invite his coach there. The doctor’s stay at the penthouse is something Park Namwook discovered by accident. (Chapter 22) And now, it is important to recall that in the mode of Having, rivalry and competition are predominant. Therefore I deduce that deep down, the coach and manager sensed the physical therapist as a source of threat and rival. Therefore Jinx-philes shouldn’t be surprised that the coach did nothing to keep Kim Dan. (Chapter 53) Here his gestures and words should be judged as lip-services. He can even rationalize his departure: bad luck, they save a lot of money, for the next PT will have a lower salary. In addition, Kim Dan was treated as the celebrity’s possession, therefore he used him as a tool in order to compensate the actor. The manager is definitely imagining that once the break ends, things will work like before. (Chapter 53) Here, I feel the need to add that though I am portraying the coach in a rather pejorative light, I am not saying that he is a malicious or evil man. My point is that he needs to change and realize his wrong-doings. As long as he lives in this mode, he won’t be able to be happy: always in the fear of losing his possessions. So should a separation take place, it is possible that the distance brings more clarity and helps them to improve their relationship. However, I have to admit that I wished to witness a real argument between the hyung and his pupil. A new version of this scene: (chapter 17)

Interesting is that the sociologist stated this as well:

With this observation, it becomes comprehensible why the coach not only used violence against the athlete but also pushed the main lead to be rough with his own body. (Chapter 43) It is not random that Mingwa showed a rough manager while complaining about his star. She was implying his responsibility for mistreating his body in this scene. Park Namwook needed to prove his superiority over the celebrity to justify his position. And he used the fighter’s good heart, trust in him and social norms to manipulate his prize and possession. As a conclusion, both characters have a toxic relationship, exactly like between the halmoni and Kim Dan.

But Kim Dan was not different from the manager. He also lived in the mode of “having”. Hence once he earned money, he would buy gifts to others: (chapter 41) In his eyes, possessions and money determine someone’s values. Hence he bought an expensive keychain for his fated partner. Furthermore, I have been wondering if this spending is not related to Shin Okja, the latter could have been a spendthrift. In the essay „Click 📸: Between Fleeting illusions and Enduring Realities“ I had outlined that all the objects in the flat would belong to the grandmother (Chapter 19). Another possibility is that she made sure that her grandchild would spend money on her: (chapter 41) And this brings me to my next important revelation. The grandmother never said thank you to Kim Dan. She either apologizes (chapter 53 ) or makes it sound like a reproach „Spoil me to death“. There is no THANK YOU. She didn‘t give him her hand like in episode 22 with the celebrity as well. But there is another detail that caught my attention: the nurse mentioned the paid bills (chapter 22) after the departure of Joo Jaekyung, but notice how the halmeoni thanked the benefactor: (Chapter 22) She didn’t express the reason for her gratefulness. She didn‘t bring up the hospital bills, but she knew about it. In other words, when she showed her gratitude, she was in reality just thanking him for his company. That‘s how Kim Dan perceived it first and we should do it as well. To conclude, the grandmother is not really thankful, when it comes to money. Exactly like the manager, she takes it for granted. In fact, she gave him the yoghurt which was offered by the hospital. (chapter 21) One might argue that the poor woman couldn’t do much to express her gratitude. However, this is just a deception. Shin Okja could have written a letter to express her gratitude to Joo Jaekyung. Why do you think Mingwa created two scenes with a letter or card? (chapter 45) (chapter 53) The comparison lets transpire the importance of words. The champion might have judged the keychain differently, if he had read the card. But he didn’t. Another parallel between these two scenes is the rejection of a gift! However, in the final episode, Kim Dan voiced genuine gratitude towards his benefactor. The latter had allowed him to work as his PT. With the letter, he could voice his thoughts and emotions much better. And now, you realize that Shin Okja could have acted the same way. This made me realize that deep down, she resents being poor. She likes Dan spending money on her. (Chapter 41) Despite her rebuke she actually doesn’t meant it. She never actually told him to stop or rejected Joo Jaekyung‘s generosity. Instead, she made the following request to her grandson: (chapter 41). He should treat the sportsman nicely (“do good”). Kim Dan is the one who should be indebted to Joo Jaekyung. However, observe what she said in front of her grandchild before: she was the one who was grateful to the main lead, and not Kim Dan!! (chapter 41) She should have been the one who expressed her gratitude to Joo Jaekyung, but not Kim Dan for the trip (it was work related anyway). One might argue that the poor woman is trapped in the hospital, she can not do much. But you are wrong. She could have written a letter to her benefactor which means that she would have sacrificed some of her time for the athlete. Imagine that she had sent a message to the athlete, the latter might have decided to pay a visit to her. He is not truly heartless. With this silence, she created the impression that his assistance had changed her situation.

As you can see, she delegated her “gratitude” to her relative. Hence no wonder why Kim Dan chose to work hard for the keychain. He had to “work hard” in order to repay the huge debt (the trip to the States, the hospital). That’s why I come to the conclusion that the grandmother doesn’t represent true gratitude. She is similar to her male version: putting the responsibility on others and using words as lip-services. Simultaneously, this new discovery exposes another cause for her own suffering: she was also living in the mode of „having“. As my avid readers can notice, all the characters in Jinx were living the wrong way.

And this brings me to another aspect: Kim Dan’s diploma as physical therapist. In the having mode, education is centered on acquisition and possession of information. Knowledge is seen as something to be accumulated, memorized, and quantified—often in terms of grades, certificates, or degrees. Hence the doctor thought for a brief moment to take a MMA trainer seminar. (chapter 22)

Focus on Outcomes Over Process: Success in the having mode is defined by external achievements, grades, or credentials, rather than by actual understanding or personal growth.

Competitive Learning: Students are encouraged to see education as a competitive endeavor, where success often involves outperforming others rather than cooperating or collaborating.

Dependency on External Tools: This mindset can make students more prone to relying on shortcuts like cheating or using AI to complete assignments without really engaging with the material. In this context, tools like AI might be used to bypass learning rather than deepen understanding, reducing education to a means to an end.

Lack of Internal Motivation: The focus on external validation makes intrinsic motivation scarce. This dependency on external rewards may undermine creativity, critical thinking, and the desire for genuine understanding, as students prioritize “having knowledge” over “being knowledgeable.”

Kim Dan was not a proud PT. In fact, he had no problem to take a job as a courier. For him, the diploma was just a piece of paper. Why? It is because he was not truly motivated to become a PT. His choice was influenced by his halmoni and his financial situation. He was doing it for the money: (chapter 1) In other words, he was not passionate about his profession. This means that he didn’t define himself as PT due to his lack of engagement and low self-esteem. Besides, let’s not forget that he judges people based on their social status and seniority. I would even add, the main lead had not recognized the existence of his own skills (knowledge, genuineness and dedication). But by working for Joo Jaekyung, he came to enjoy his job. This explicates why he kept buying books. (chapter 53) He likes not only his job now, but also learning as such. This is no coincidence that education in the mode of “being” means that the focus is on learning and developing skills. Hence I still see a change in the hamster at the end of season 1: (chapter 53) He is defining himself by his skills: he is a PT!! Money plays no longer a role. He is about to live in the mode of „being“.

However, there are other students in Jinx. Fromm’s explanations about human psychology made me realize why many members from Team Black left the gym soon after the champion’s loss and bad PR: (chapter 52) In this panel, the author let us see glimpses of their motivation and thoughts. For them, the champion has nothing to teach them, since he lost his title and is injured. This shows that they are only interested in the outcome, success and as such fame, but not in the process, how to become skilled! In other words, they see “success” as a possession. He has no title, then he has nothing to offer. They are all living in the mode of having, which can only lead to misery and even self-destruction. No wonder why they were not too upset or shocked, when they heard that the game had been rigged. But what led them to make such a decision?

Naturally, the manager played a huge role in this. The gym gave the impression that by being by the athlete’s side, they would become successful as well. Park Namwook contributed to this wrong evolution, for he didn’t confront the fighters with reality: he made false promises. (chapter 23) Then he only focused on the “outcome” and not on the process. Hence he neglected them, delegated his task on the pressured athlete. The latter had to train them: (chapter 25) and (chapter 36) In my eyes, he didn’t want to play the bad guy. The meeting or his worries were more important (chapter 36) than their training and career. Moreover, he kept bribing them with junk food (chapter 26) or new jackets or towels. He was only interested in getting new members, but not in developing their skills. This explains why he treated Seonho so well: (chapter 46) The latter was a new source of income and fame. Everything was revolving around money. That’s how it dawned on me why the manager got angry for the bet in episode 26: (chapter 26) We shouldn’t judge his words as a verity, he was just using the doctor as a false excuse. The reality is that the sparring had brought no money at all! This fight was strongly intertwined with fun. The notion of „entertaining“ stands in opposition to money. Fun means feeling emotions and being to true one’s self. In other words, Kim Dan stands for a different notion of MMA fighting: the sportsmen shouldn’t work for money, but for fun. They are artists too. This signifies that as time passed on, the members of Team Black lost their passion for fighting (chapter 26) and became more obsessed with possessions and fame. Potato and the remaining members represent the exceptions. They enjoyed the lessons despite the pain and struggles. The other members became dependent on external tools which led them to lose their integrity. To conclude, the reason for their disloyalty is that at the end, they had long internalized the mode of having and were just interested in getting successful.

3. 2. The Being Mode

In contrast, the “being” mode focuses on authentic self-expression, inner fulfillment, and experience rather than ownership. Key aspects include:

Living Authentically: People in the being mode derive meaning from their experiences, creativity, and actions, rather than from acquiring or possessing. That‘s why fun is so important. And who embodies fun in Jinx? Naturally Heesung (special episode2 ), but also Cheolmin (chapter 13) who likes making jokes. That‘s how I came to understand why Cheolmin appeared only one time in season 1. He will come to replace the manager: (chapter 13)

Dynamic Engagement: This mode emphasizes growth, spontaneity, and a deep, active engagement with life. Here, identity is fluid and self-renewing, driven by inner growth rather than external gains.

Connectedness and Compassion: Fromm sees the being mode as fostering a sense of unity with others and the world, as it’s grounded in compassion, shared experience, and a true sense of community.

The being mode fosters qualities like love, empathy, joy, and creativity, enabling individuals to experience life in a richer, more meaningful way.

Cheolmin stands for understanding and trust in humans. He criticized the man first, but he didn‘t imply that he had done it with bad intentions. Secondly, he believed his sunbae, (Chapter 13) when the latter denied his responsibility. This shows that the man doesn’t mistrust people. He has faith in humans. And in this short scene, the doctor shows alle positive notions mentioned above: love, empathy, joy and creativity. Therefore I come to the following interpretation: he embodies the being mode. No wonder why he was not present in season 1. The main lead was definitely obsessed with work. Hence the moment Cheolmin’s path crosses Kim Dan’s, the funny doctor should become the hamster’s new role model.

3. 3. The Larger Philosophical Context

Fromm’s philosophy reflects a critique of modern consumerism and materialism, which, in his view, has led society towards the having mode. He argues that this mode is ultimately destructive, as it alienates individuals from their true selves and from others. The being mode, on the other hand, aligns with the principles of humanistic and existential philosophy, emphasizing the pursuit of self-actualization, meaning, and interconnectedness.

Fromm warns that without a shift from “having” to “being,” society risks falling into moral and psychological decay, driven by the insatiable quest for possessions and power. And we can observe this in Jinx. MFC and the medical world (chapter 48) are full of greedy people who have no problems to commit crimes in order to achieve their goals (more fame, more wealth, revenge, more connections). Baek Junmin became a champion by cheating. (Chapter 49) Thus he thought, the athlete had earned his title the same way. His fights were rigged, yet the verity is that the idol worked hard to achieve this level. The irony is that The Gunshot experienced much too late that his assumption was wrong. (Chapter 52) His shaking is exposing his fears. Like mentioned in the past, I am anticipating that The Shotgun will avoid a new fight with the celebrity.

Thus I interpret these two panels from Mingwa like this: They embody the mode of being. The hands are touching each other directly. They are not attached by money. Moreover, the hands express positive emotions and thoughts: support, gratitude, honesty, tenderness, acceptance and more importantly trust and fun. They are enjoying the present moment. Mingwa announced with these images the happy ending for these two characters who thought that they were jinxed. The reality is that they were responsible for their own misery.

This work urges a reassessment of values and priorities, where personal growth and human connection take precedence over material wealth and social status. And that’s where Joo Jaekyung is standing now. (chapter 53) He is standing at a crossroad. What does he truly want in life? Fame? More money? Or happiness and as such love and fun?

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

Jinx: Sound Of Water 🏖️ (third version)

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 EnglishJapanese
“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 EnglishJapanese
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.

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:

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 EnglishJapanese
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. 😮

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.

It is not just about heat or cold, even rain can increase their pain (arthritis for example) or bring them infections. Here, I found an article showing the great impact of the monsoon on seniors. https://www.patientsengage.com/healthy-living/managing-older-adults-health-rains-monsoon

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.

Painter Of The Night: Lazy Hand ✌of Justice ⚔ ?

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 SeunghoJung 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.

Jinx: Jinxed: Behind The Scenes 🎬

My avid readers might have been wondering why I haven’t released any new essay since “Kiss me”, not even a podcast, though Mingwa has already published the special episode about Heesung and Potato. The reason is simple. I was taking a break too. Imagine that since 2020 I have been releasing essays non-stop while working as a teacher. I counted 649 analyses from 2020 to 2024. Exactly like Mingwa and Byeonduck, I was exhausted.

1. The protagonists’ jinx in the beginning

But now, it is time to focus on the topic of this essay, the protagonists and their bad luck. In the beginning of the story, Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung believed both that their life was cursed.

1. 1. Kim Dan’s curse

For the doctor, his misfortune was linked to his familial and financial situation. Since the physical therapist had to reimburse the debts, he was working non-stop giving all his money to Heo Manwook or to the hospital. Hence he could never rest. Because he was physically and mentally harassed and exploited by the loan shark, he became obsessed with money and his grandmother to the point that he came to forget himself. That’s how he became a ghost. It was his way to cope with the violence from the loan shark and the thugs. Naturally, it was impossible for him not to feel pain, hence he wished this: (chapter 1) The problem is that Kim Dan blamed himself for his suffering, as he must have often not paid the interests on time. That’s the reason why he got surprised, when he saw his enemy in front of his humble home. (chapter 1) Due to the lack of rest and time, he didn’t have the opportunity to ponder on his life and even have dreams on his own. Therefore he had no ambition. At the same time, he couldn’t become energetic and proactive due to his low self-esteem and his abandonment issues.

1. 2. Joo Jaekyung’s misfortune

As for Joo Jaekyung, though successful, the latter imagined that his victories were the result of his sexual performances in bed before the match. This shows that he didn’t attribute his success to his team, talent and hard work, but to chance and misfortune. This shows not only his lack of confidence, but also the division and disharmony at Team Black. Hence he developed a ritual, the pre-match sex session, but it was in his home. That’s how his professional life got mixed with his private life. Sex was work. In his mind, no one could help him, that’s why the identity of his sex partner didn’t even matter. Because he was working constantly, he didn’t have to reflect on his life either.

1. 3. The real significance of their jinx

Despite their different backgrounds, both main leads had something in common: their self-loathing and the absence of meditation. And what is the synonym for jinx and bad luck? Misery and unhappiness. In other words, both main leads were unhappy men. But they couldn’t voice their negative thoughts and emotions, as they had no one by their side to listen to their hidden pain and give them some advice. And now, you know why I selected the picture in the background for the illustration.

It was to display not only the absence of happiness, but also the absence of the sun! The latter embodies life and joy. In the selected image, the clouds are covering the sky and as such the sun. It indicates that both characters were not able to give a meaning to their life. Hence they hadn’t found the source for their happiness yet. In other words, the shades (grey, black and white) and the clouds illustrate danger, depression and suffering for our main leads. It shows how their life was before Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung interacted with each other. (chapter 1) (chapter 2) I selected these two images, because they refer to their respective past and jinx. Both represent bad and painful memories, hence they contain a grey veil. While one is hurt physically, the other is suffering emotionally.

2. The origins for Joo Jaekyung’s misfortune

One might argue about the second panel, for the fighter is represented in a brown color. It indicates that he is somehow alive. However, we should see it as a reference to a rotten body. The main character is acting like a zombie. Therefore he has no eyes and the corners of his mouth are showing displeasure. So we could say that Jinx is the love story between a zombie and ghost. The MMA fighter’s emptiness and corrupted body became truly visible during the couch confession: (chapter 29) The vision about his opponents is mirroring his own reflection. That’s how he views himself. He is surrounded by enemies who will attack him, as soon as he exposes any weakness. Thus it is normal that he is always on the alert. Episode 29 divulged that he was on survival modus. Consequently, it is not surprising that he could trust no one. Should one get too close to him, the former could become a traitor in the last moment. Moreover, this interpretation explicates why he has been so rough on his own body. First, he considered pain as a normality, the side effect of his profession and as such his corruption. In addition, he didn’t have the time to take care of his wounds, for he could get “killed” at any moment. Surrounded by this wave of “rotten bodies”, he imagined that once defeated, he would be swallowed by darkness and literally vanished. This vision displays another important aspect of the athlete’s philosophy. His job is not connected to fun and dream, but to work and nightmare. And now, you comprehend why I selected this panel in the middle of the illustration. (chapter 26) This represents the highlight for the first season. For the first time, both characters had fun together. That’s how they got one step closer to each other. The fighter was enjoying this moment, as he was teaching Kim Dan to become more proactive and fight for himself. The sparring represents the opposite version of the athlete’s vision (chapter 29). He felt safe next to Kim Dan. In fact, his presence boosted his confidence. (chapter 25) It is no coincidence that he employed that expression in front of his fated partner. To conclude, chapter 26 stands for life and happiness, proving that their life is not cursed per se. Consequently, red was the dominant color of this chapter. This pigment stands for love and life. Both felt alive during that day. Moreover, we could see glimpses of the sportsman’s true psyche as well, when he proposed to spar with the main lead. He desired to help the doctor himself. Hence he acted as his mentor and teacher in the ring. There, we could see his generosity, interest and open-mindedness. He wasn’t looking down on the doctor, he saw him as a true member from Team Black.

According to Mingwa, episode 29 displayed the champion’s true personality the best. He is not only vulnerable, but also lonely and isolated. (chapter 29) He has no one by his side. And this observation leads me to my next interpretation. The existence of Joo Jaekyung’s belief is exposing Park Namwook’s neglect and bad management and coaching. We could say that he is partially responsible for the champion’s misery and bad luck. Therefore it is no coincidence that the sparring took place during his absence. (chapter 26)

Remember how I stated above that their unhappiness was the result of their isolation and silence. They could not reveal their suffering, for they had no one by their side who was willing to listen to them. Park Namwook has no idea about his “boy'”s insomnia or his traumas from the past: (chapter 49) But why hasn’t the athlete confided to his manager yet? First, homosexuality is definitely a taboo among boxers and MMA fighters. Their masculinity and strength are questioned. Secondly, his coach views him as a spoiled brat. (chapter 7) Thus he keeps beating the celebrity. (chapter 26) (chapter 31) (chapter 52) The author epitomized the first season with this panel: This shows that Park Namwook has no real respect for the champion. According to my theory, the athlete comes from a wealthy family, hence he is labeled as “spoiled kid”. Due to his social status, the manager can only judge the main lead as “lucky”. Besides, he is successful, for he earns a lot of money and has many fans. He embodies the “American Dream” perfectly. He has everything to be happy in the manager’s eyes. Therefore he couldn’t comprehend the bad mood from the champion. Moreover, Park Namwook embodies social norms and prejudices, and he has many about his star. Not only the latter has a bad temper, but also he is a stubborn workaholic. (chapter 27) But by portraying him like that, the coach gave us a justification why he wouldn’t converse with the gym owner. Why should he talk or listen to Joo Jaekyung, if the latter is stubborn and obsessed with his work? It is pointless. And such an attitude could only get reinforced in this scene: (chapter 46) Yet, according to my interpretation, the main character’s departure was not the sign of stubbornness, but rather of fear and avoidance. Since the manager doesn’t know his star that well, he judges him based on appearances. Moreover, I believe that he has the tendency to generalize, just like certain readers. Since the athlete beat a doctor and was quite brutal with a fighter, he is stigmatized as “thug” or a “spoiled kid”. I am suspecting that the way the hyung met the celebrity affected his perception about the young fighter. (Chapter 26) Oh Daehyun repeated this story, because he had heard it from someone and that can only be from the manager and coach. And it is the same for Kim Changmin either, for the two aren’t long members from the gym. They are not close enough to know the celebrity’s past. These stories must have been spread by the hyung. In my eyes, Park Namwook views himself as Joo Jaekyung’s savior, because Joo Jaekyung (chapter 26) could have become a criminal. Nonetheless, it is an illusion, for MFC is connected to the underworld.

Furthermore, Manhwaphiles should keep in their mind that in chapter 46, Joo Jaekyung had been encouraged to mistrust people. (chapter 46) Despite his attitude, Joo Jaekyung still listened to his hyung’s warning, for from that moment on, he kept his distance from everyone, including the physical therapist. But there’s more to it. Park Namwook keeps associating his star with “good luck”. (chapter 1) (chapter 27) This represents the exact opposite of the star’s jinx. It shows that he is not trying to understand his celebrity. With such a mind-set, it is normal that the champion wouldn’t trust his manager. And the absence of the manager in this panel (chapter 29) represents the evidence that the coach is involved in the champion’s suffering as well. Besides, observe that Park Namwook had the tendency to slap the fighter’s back, a sign that the former was not watching his back at all. In fact, his gesture (chapter 31) stands more for backstabbing.

The author made sure to expose the huge gap between the manager and the celebrity by contrasting their relationship with the interaction between Choi Heesung and his own manager. (chapter 33) The latter truly worries for his star, although he is well aware of his shortcomings. (chapter 30) In addition, he knows about his private life and love life. (chapter 31) Despite his struggles, he accepts his actor. This is the symbol for unconditional love and support. Therefore it is not surprising that Choi Heesung confessed his trick. He was sure that his right-hand wouldn’t betray him. What about the champion? When the latter discovered the verity (chapter 33), he didn’t report it to his hyung. He also kept it a secret. That way, he was not only protecting Kim Dan’s misdiagnosis, but also Park Namwook’s misjudgment. On the other hand, he acted as a real boss, for the comedian is an important client.

In this video, the MMA fighter Myles Jury described what a good MMA manager is.

He declared that honesty and integrity are essential in order to be a good manager. There’s no doubt that the protagonist’s coach is not a corrupted person per se. He is not involved in the schemes targeting his star. (chapter 40) However, he is far from being a honest man. How so? First, he describes himself as the owner of the gym which is not true. (chapter 22) He is just the director of the company. In addition, he is talking big, but he never delivers. But keeping his word is an important condition for a good manager in Myles Jury’s opinion. Park Namwook threatens the members, but in the end, no one is fired by him. He is not following through what he says, he doesn’t keep his promises. I will give you a few more examples. (chapter 23) He promised the fighters that they would win, but the reality is that they failed terribly. (chapter 47) Therefore he bought chicken for them. Instead of showing compassion and understanding for his hungry and miserable champion, he allowed Potato and Oh Daehyun to buy junk food behind the celebrity’s back. (chapter 37) This shows their lack of mental and emotional support. For me, Park Namwook symbolizes ignorance and blindness. Therefore he is portrayed with no eyes.

Additionally, Myles Jury clearly said that a good manager needs to speak the painful truth, like for example, he has to expose the fighters’ flaws which Park Namwook never did. No one informed Potato that his basic posture needed improvement. (chapter 23) He never confronted the members with the truth. They lack skills (chapter 46) or endurance. I would even say that neither Park Namwook nor Jeong Yosep had high expectations for the other members from Team Black (chapter 46). It was, as if they didn’t have the goal to create a new champion. How come? It is because the gym was initially created for Joo Jaekyung’s needs. And now, Jinx-lovers comprehend the dilemna. Team Black needs to redefine itself and its purpose. Moreover, Park Namwook’s true wish is to open the gym for “kids”. And that’s how he treated the staff from Team Black, like little kids. No wonder why many left the gym in the end. They didn’t feel truly supported by the manager and coach. Jeong Yosep and Park Namwook didn’t put any real effort to turn the members into professional fighters. That’s the reason why none of them had a MMA manager, only a coach and nothing more.

For me, Park Namwook’s dishonesty was the most palpable in this scene: (chapter 49) He claimed to trust the champion, but the reality is the opposite. (chapter 52) He blamed Joo Jaekyung for everything: the tie, the doctor’s departure, the suspension and as such the loss of his good reputation. However, even if the champion had vented his anger onto the physical therapist wrongly, he had reasons to doubt Kim Dan. He had not only received the pictures, but he had been warned by the coach himself to doubt the members’ loyalty. There was a spy and a traitor among Team Black. One detail in the last panel caught my attention is the idiom “facts”. It is in plural and not in singular. Fact could be seen as a reference to his own warning, he had not checked the fact either (rumor, suspected disloyalty), yet this is not what he meant. Potato had exposed only one fact to the group: the switch of the spray organized by Choi Gilseok. (chapter 52) So what other fact was Park Namwook referring to? The fighter Baek Junmin and director of King Of MMA had paid Kim Dan. This shows that he had heard the conversation between the two protagonists. (chapter 52) And what did the manager do, after the champion had left the room? He abandoned Kim Dan, followed by the other men. At no moment, he asked Oh Daehyun or Yoon-Gu to take care of the physical therapist. But by following the celebrity or remaining passive, they had implicitly supported Joo Jaekyung’s decision. They had taken his side. And now, you comprehend why all these men chose to put the whole blame on the celebrity. (chapter 52) It is because they didn’t want to feel responsible for doc Dan’s departure. Their admiration and trust in the celebrity is superficial. In other words, they are following the hyung’s lead. Hence there is no regret, only reproaches.

Another important criterion for a good manager is his connections. Therefore the latter is often on the phone (50 or 100 calls a day in order to find sponsors). Nevertheless, we barely saw Park Namwook talking over the phone: (chapter 1) (chapter 49) He should be responsible for his contracts, yet the reality is that the Entertainment agency is the one managing the champion’s career. (chapter 30) This shows that Park Namwook doesn’t have a lot of connections. He should be the one organizing the fights, but no… others are making the propositions (MFC matchmaker and agency). Consequently, the ex-wrestler often voices doubts about the matches. (chapter 41) However, as his manager, it is his duty to protect his star, as the career of a MMA fighter is rather short. Imagine, he let Joo Jaekyung fight three times within 3 months (April- June- July). It is definitely too much. To conclude, he is not doing his job properly, as he is trying to put a lot of responsibility on others (Kim Dan- Joo Jaekyung – the Entertainment agency). According to Mingwa, Kim Dan had been taking care of administrative tasks. However, as the director of Team Black, he should be the one handling it. After the incident at the health center, Park Namwook didn’t contact the press to explain the whole situation. (chapter 52) (chapter 52) The article is indicating that the champion was quickly judged and this within a few days. The article implies the non-intervention of a lawyer or his manager. No one sided with the celebrity. They are not even contacting the media. (chapter 52) Park Namwook never tried to correct this negative reflection, for this is how the manager perceives the man himself. He is an ill-mannered child. This explicates why Park Namwook could slap the patient in his bed. So we should judge the argument between the fighter and his manager (chapter 52) as the negative reflection from that blue night. (chapter 29) He is not standing next to the main lead, but he is facing him. He is like an opponent. Another divergence is that Kim Dan was alone, whereas Park Namwook utilizes Potato and the others from Team Black to corner Joo Jaekyung. The doctor was willing to listen to him, whereas the other gets upset, when the other admits his suffering. Since the gym is facing a crisis, the patient should find a solution to the problem. (chapter 52) The hospital is a place for reconvalescence, rest and not work and pressure. Indirectly, it shows the coach’s lack of respect for the medical world. The champion was right to criticize his hyung, for blaming him was totally pointless. He couldn’t turn back time. The manager desired to hear from the champion (chapter 52) that he regretted his decision and outburst. By admitting his mistake, he would have become responsible for the whole mess. Funny is that he asked compassion from Joo Jaekyung, whereas he showed none to the patient. And what was Kim Dan thinking during that night? (chapter 29) He wondered if he could help him to overcome a defeat. He sensed that the latter could become really depressed. Therefore it becomes comprehensible why the doctor resigned. His decision was influenced by his low self-esteem. However, his departure had a different signification than the other members: it was his way to assist the champion, as he saw himself as not worthy. (Chapter 53) Moreover, he had not earned his patient’s trust. Kim Dan was the only one paying attention to his injured shoulder.

On the other hand, Park Namwook is denying the true physical condition from his athlete. He only talks about it after the slap. Then he is admitting his helplessness. He is unable to assist Joo Jaekyung mentally and emotionally, as he is himself struggling. He is unhappy due to the recent outcome. In order to feel better, he puts the blame on his athlete. (chapter 52) And the only solution he offers to the gym owner is to find a new PT during his a break. (chapter 53) I find it fascinating that the suspension becomes a synonym for “break and rest”. This shows that Park Namwook had no real intention to stop Joo Jaekyung from fighting constantly. This exposes the coach’s hypocrisy. (chapter 27) For me, he is the one obsessed with money and fame. Let’s not forget that a manager gets paid through the earnings from the MMA fighter (in percentage). The more he fights, the more Park Namwook earns money.

The scene at the hospital (chapter 52) resembles a lot to the image with the opponents. (chapter 29) The members from Team Black are surrounding the patient’s bed. But they are supposed to be his “colleagues” and as such “friends”. Let’s not forget that by making constant reproaches towards Joo Jaekyung, they showed no empathy and understanding for a patient. It was, as if they were turning the nightmarish vision into a certain reality. No one paid attention to the celebrity’s mental and emotional well-being. (chapter 52) His scream about his misery fell on deaf ears. This observation brings me back to the video. At the end, the MMA fighter described a good manager as a semi-psychiatrist. He needs to know about the private life of his fighter (drug issues, health, relationships) so that the latter can focus on his training. A MMA fighter needs mental and emotional support. But the father of three kids doesn’t know about his star’s sexual orientation, he was only informed much later that Kim Dan and the star were living together. (chapter 22) Besides, by announcing it in front of this circle, the champion divulged that there existed a certain distance between the manager and the sportsman. Finally, the fact that Park Namwook is still left in the dark about the fighter’s jinx is the evidence that he is a really bad manager. For me, it is because he is afraid of making decisions. He lets other take his burden and responsibilities. Yet, Myles jury declared that a manager needs to take a lot of responsibilities. The gathering in the break room stands in opposition to this one: (chapter 52) For the first time, the champion is no longer looking at his cellphone. He shared his thoughts to others and exposed his powerlessness (chapter 22) and misery (chapter 22), while in the breakroom, he demonstrated his power and silenced the fighters. He was the respected “patriarch”, whereas in the other scene, he is just a heartless child. (chapter 52) Moreover, in one scene, he confessed that they were living together, in the other, he had to hear that the doctor had quit. Shortly after, he discovered the hamster’s departure. This short contrast outlines the parallels and as such the negative role of the manager.

But here is the thing. The members from Team Black knew where the doctor was living. So why did they not visit him there to change his mind? They could have waited for him in front of the building, if they didn’t dare to enter the place, similar to Choi Gilseok’s action. Why did they wait, until the doctor had given his resignation and left the city? It exposes their passivity and hypocrisy. Mingwa didn’t show this, but it becomes perceptible through the mind’s eye. The wrongdoing from Park Namwook becomes even more obvious, as soon as Manhwaphiles notice the parallels between this confrontation (chapter 52) and Kim Dan’s interrogation in the States. (chapter 40) These two situations have many similarities. Both were confronted with an accusation, they were surrounded by people, who were acting as righteous and honest workers. Both were coerced to admit a wrongdoing. In addition, they are actually abandoned by Team Black members, especially the manager. No one is looking for them out of concern. The reality was that they were not their “true colleagues and even less friends. However, like mentioned in a previous essay, the men in black were actually covering up a crime in order to hide the corruption from the organization. This makes me truly wonder if Park Namwook is truly ignorant about MFC’s corruption. He could simply know about the crimes, but he chose to close an eye to the whole situation. (Chapter 46) He is already aware of the existence of illegal betting. Besides, since Joo Jaekyung is paying his taxes properly, Park Namwook could have the impression, he is doing nothing wrong. However, if he knows something and is remaining silent, he “becomes an accomplice” de facto. And what is the other common point with the interrogation from MFC security guards and the hospital visit? No lawyer and the incident was swayed under the rug. (chapter 52) In both chapters, none of the incidents were exposed to the media. And how had Joo Jaekyung reacted to this situation? He had declared the physical therapist as one of his own. (chapter 40) He had rescued him. So by slapping the champion (chapter 52), the manager displayed that the champion was different from the others. “He was not one of them, he was a sinner and wrongdoer”. On the other hand, with his suggestion (to replace the doctor), he denied the star’s previous statement in the States. Kim Dan was not one of them, as he could get easily replaced. To conclude, the slap was there to prepare the separation between Park Namwook and Joo Jaekyung. His departure from Seoul and from the gym was and is necessary. Moreover, the words from the manager could be interpreted like this: the champion doesn’t need to show up at the gym during the break. (chapter 53) He only needs to appear, once the suspension is over.

Moreover, (chapter 52) notice that when he slapped the celebrity, he utilized the personal pronoun “I” twice. It shows that the gesture was motivated by his selfishness. It was triggered by his own negative emotions. Another important element is the expression “thanks to you and your temper”!! This idiom is usually employed to express “gratitude”, yet here he is expressing the opposite. He is blaming the fighter, so the correct expression should have been “because of”. His words are exposing his true personality: he is a hypocrite and his care for the celebrity is not genuine. His gratitude is rather superficial too. Thus I deduce that episode 52 exposed Park Namwook’s true character. He is heartless and selfish, he is a bad manager and coach. Though he claims that he cares for the physical therapist, he is already planning to hire a new one. That way, he doesn’t appear as the bad guy. He is not the one who pushed Kim Dan to leave Team Black, but Joo Jaekyung. Yet, he did nothing to change the situation. For me, he is trying to save his own reputation. He is a honest and good leader, but he is not. In addition, he has another reason to replace the main lead very quickly. Kim Dan’s presence would be a constant reminder of Park Namwook’s own failures. He was not able to prevent three sabotages (I am including the incident at the health center), two members of Team Black became the target of crimes.

Another interesting aspect is that from now on, the manager can no longer threaten the remaining members to expel them from the gym. (chapter 22) They have only 4 members left. Besides, he has to ensure that they don’t mess with their weights too. He can no longer compensate their failures with “chicken and junk food” and new presents, as their income has changed. I would even say that now, the gym is forced to create new champions.

Since the bed scene at the hospital contrasts so much with the one in chapter 29, (chapter 29), I deduce that the slap had the opposite effect than this wonderful night. The gap between the hyung and the athlete got bigger. This represents the moment where Joo Jaekyung is emancipating himself from the hyung’s influence. By refusing the letter of resignation, he clearly indicates that he is rejecting Park Namwook’s suggestion. (chapter 53) He won’t hire someone else. Moreover, the morning after the couch confession, Joo Jaekyung tried to seek closeness with Kim Dan (chapter 30), but failed due to his roughness and cowardice. Hence I assume that the slap was the trigger for the champion to switch Park Namwook’s position with Kim Dan’s. The latter is finally recognized as a friend and even as a competent physical therapist. He is on the verge of becoming Joo Jaekyung’s “hyung”. So far, the athlete has been calling the physical therapist “Kim Dan”. And exactly like that wonderful night, Joo Jaekyung will attempt to seek the doctor’s closeness, resolve the misunderstandings and close the gap between them. He will follow his footsteps, but have a different attitude. Why? It is because the grandmother will be next to them.

Naturally, the champion’s jinx has other origins as well, like for example the schemers who definitely know about his jinx. From my perspective, the way Joo Jaekyung got his previous sex partners played a huge role. That’s why it didn’t matter who the athlete was sleeping with. The jinx is related to a prostitution ring. The plotters must be happy, for they seem to have achieved their goal. Kim Dan left his side. Hence he can no longer testify the involvement of this man: (chapter 37) They imagine that Joo Jaekyung’s recent demise will reinforce his former belief. The prematch-sex session with his regular partner didn’t prevent the misfortune, therefore he needs a replacement. That’s the reason why they made sure to isolate the celebrity. However, they couldn’t be more wrong, for the champion experienced the doctor’s departure as something worse than the whole scandal. (chapter 53) He doesn’t just feel like shit, but like fucking shit! And that’s how Doc Dan is helping the athlete. He is diverting his attention from MFC, his career and jinx. The latter are no longer on his mind. All his thoughts are revolving around his former roommate. (Chapter 53) This explicates why the idiom “jinx” is not even brought up, when he recalls their last sex session. He is not blaming the doctor for not procuring him a “good fuck”. The reason is simple. It is because he had already made this resolution: (chapter 49) He was no longer relying on the ritual.

As for the other cause for the athlete’s jinx, it is related to his bad choices. However, these are strongly connected to Park Namwook. Since the manager is more focused on money and titles, I deduce that the champion’s odd behavior is actually mirroring Park Namwook’s mind-set and attitude. He is rough, selfish and rude, because the other acted that way and even allowed it too. He expressed his thoughts and emotions through his fists and outbursts. (chapter 52), exactly like the athlete. (chapter 52). Did the manager express his regret or apologize towards the doctor? The answer is no. (chapter 53) That’s the reason why the champion has never apologized towards the doctor either. To conclude, the manager had a huge negative influence concerning the sportsman’s mind-set and behavior. Therefore it is necessary for the athlete to distance himself from Park Namwook. That’s how he can get purified. On the other hand, the last incident was essential for the star’s growth. Since the latter hasn’t questioned the integrity of MFC yet, he needed to be suspended in order to realize that his perception of the world was wrong. Though he lost his reputation, he is experiencing that his defeat is not the end of the world. The doctor’s departure was more painful for him. Therefore it was necessary for the champion to make a bad decision. Only through pain, the athlete can turn into a better man. Since Kim Dan left the city for the west coast, I assume that the champion will follow him there. He will reconnect with nature.

3. The champion’s belief at the end of season 1

Interesting is that though Joo Jaekyung had been informed about the protagonist’s resignation, he never anticipated that the latter would move out. This shows that he had already separated his professional life from his private life. We could say that he had already internalized Kim Dan as his friend and even “family”. But he had not realized it yet. And this brings me back to Park Namwook. The latter imagined that he could act like in the past, replace the PTs constantly. But he was forgetting that both men had lived together for 3 months. He had become part of his “home”. The problem is that Joo Jaekyung had not reflected on these changes. And when he had voiced it, he was under the influence of the soju. (chapter 43) So when he discovers the empty bedroom, he is forced to admit that he had become a part of his life. He had liked Kim Dan’s company. (chapter 53) He is now missing him, but he is not capable to express it properly. For the first time, he is confronted with reality. His penthouse feels cold, lifeless and empty. (chapter 19) Yes, we should see episode 53 as the negative reflection from chapter 19, the doctor’s arrival at the penthouse.

And this observation leads me to compare these two pictures: (chapter 19) (chapter 53) Back then, the champion didn’t pay attention to Kim Dan and turned his back to him. His job and training were more important than anything else. Hence he neglected the physical therapist. Mingwa let the doctor stand next to the sun. It is no coincidence. It indicates that Joo Jaekyung never paid attention to his surroundings and in particular to nature. He never looked at the sun. Yet, Kim Dan represents the sun in his life. In other words, he represents his source of happiness. Yet, the latter never got the opportunity to grasp it, for he never rested and took the time to enjoy the present moment. Why? It is because he was chasing after an illusion, the fake light “fame”. It is not random that the synonym for celebrity is “star”. But the brilliance of a star is artificial contrary to the moon and the sun. So when he is looking through the huge window, he is not looking at the moon or the star, but at the city. Why? It is because he has not discovered the existence of cosmos and landscape yet. He only knows one world: the city and the cage. His view of the world is limited. Moreover, the city embodies anonymity and distance. The god Joo Jaekyung needs to go down from his ivory tower and discovers the real world. I had already outlined the importance of travel in Jinx. The latter serves to broaden horizons and as such to remove prejudices. This view over Seoul can only make him feel more lonely. He is truly alone. In addition, because of the doctor’s vanishing, the fighter learned through the hard way that home is not a place, but a person. Home is a synonym for family. Hence he has to look for Kim Dan. At the same time, it pushes the champion to question all his precious believes: the importance of fighting and money, the existence of his “jinx and his traumatic past”.

For me, the doctor’s departure is pushing Joo Jaekyung to travel.And now, you understand why I added the sunlight at the end of the illustration. That represents the champion’s destination. While looking for the doctor, he will discover a new world: mortality but also the beauty of nature. So the grandmother’s wish will affect the champion in a good way. He will be able to reconnect with nature. And that’s how he will become a human. How so? It is because through this journey, he will learn to distinguish between real light and artificial glow. (chapter 53) Here, what Kim Dan saw was not the real sunset, but the lights from the cameras. Far away from the lights from the journalists, the champion will witness the beauty of a sunset, which can not be bought with money. (chapter 53) Humans can only appear as small and powerless. That’s how he could reconcile with the god of time. He will no longer fight against time. I connected nature to temporality of human life because of the grandmother. For me, his break represents a blessing in disguise. He will be able to breathe, to find joy in little things and more importantly he found a true friend and support: Kim Dan. The Webtoonist announced that season 2 would be focused more on feelings which is totally understandable. It coincides with introspection and meditation. Joo Jaekyung will have to prove that he trusts the main lead and he can only achieve this goal by entrusting him his recovery. Moreover, by doing so, he would boost the physical therapist’s confidence. While there was no real seduction in season 1 (money, jinx, treatment, bet during the confession night, drug), we have to envision that their intimacy won’t be so abrupt. It will be more subtle and gradual. The star will have to woo the doctor in order to express his love and affection. Through love, Joo Jaekyung will discover not only happiness, but also strength which will help him to defeat their “enemies” and unmask the criminals. In other words, he should realize thanks to this new journey that he is not cursed, but blessed, for he can help Kim Dan mentally, emotionally and professionally. So far, when the champion travelled, he never visited the cities (chapter 37) or sightseeing attractions. Here, I feel the need to add this French song from Daniel Balavoine (1985): “Aimer est plus fort que d’être aimé” (Loving is stronger than being loved”).

Translation:

You who know what a rampart is

You advance under the wrathful gaze

You write but on the blotter

All the words are reversed

If you speak you must know

That those who cast wrathful glances

Only want to see in the mirror

Only what suits them (These verses remind me of Park Namwook)

You who have broken the ice

Know that there’s no substitute for the truth

And that there are only two races

Or the false or the true

Love carries you through your efforts

The love of all unlocks the secret

Oh, and in the face of all those who devour you

To love is stronger than to be loved

You who know what blasphemy is

You don’t always reap what you sow

You know the supreme ambition

Of those who hate you

They would like to threaten you

To melt you into the mass and suffocate you (Reminds me of the last scheme)

But to sink the icebreaker

It would take a rock

Love carries you through your efforts

The love of all unlocks the secret

Oh, and in the face of all those who devour you

To love is stronger than to be loved

Oh, love carries you through your efforts

Love of all delivers from the secret (That’s how the athlete will reveal his past to Kim Dan, and the latter should do the same)

Oh, and in the face of all those who devour you

To love is stronger than to be loved

Oh, love carries you through your efforts…

Yes, the deceased singer advocated the same than Erich Fromm. (For more read “The Art Of Loving” ).

But let’s return our attention to this picture. (chapter 53) Back then, the champion had looked back at the physical therapist. This shows that he truly cared for the doctor. The latter was not simply his shadow, but also his protector and support. At the same time, this moment represents the doctor’s illumination. In that magic moment, he started associating the celebrity with the sun. The problem is that this light was artificial. Therefore, Kim Dan only perceived the protagonist as a star and not as a human. This explicates why he never wondered about his family. That’s why it is important for the doctor to see the fighter in a different surrounding. Far away from Park Namwook, the media and city, the sportsman can only appear as a human and even as a nobody. To conclude, I am expecting that the champion’s journey will be a journey of meditation and self-discovery. Far away from the toxicity of MFC and the spotlight, he will discover the existence of his own heart and as such his love for Kim Dan. But he can no longer approach him like in episode 1: a trick and money. He should discover the true value of the Wedding cabinet very quickly. It is no junk. Moreover, due to doc Dan’s departure and the last incident, the MMA boxer must have realized that he had totally misjudged the doctor. He is not selfish and greedy. So in season 2, the champion will show a true interest in Kim Dan and his family. He is forced to drop all his prejudices. We should see him talking prettily and gently to Kim Dan too. (chapter 21). By interacting with Kim Dan, he will be able to reconnect with his true self which will change him forever. Notice that after the night in the States, at no moment, the champion mentioned his jinx, but spoke about his physical health. In reality, he was including his mental health. This shows that he was already moving on from his jinx. Moreover, after the tie and the suspension, he is not mentioning or thinking about his former belief. The reason is simple. Because of the doctor, the champion was allowed to perceive glimpses of the truth: corruption and the existence of tricks. This image (Chapter 48) represents the medicine against the champion’s false belief. Moreover, by making him meet his former rival Baek Junmin, the athlete was incited to overcome his past and biggest fears. (chapter 49) The ritual had become obsolete, though he still did it out of routine. Yet, it had already lost its meaning and impact. That’s the reason why the champion didn’t put the blame on the doctor as a bad lover, he had no procured him a good fuck. Because of the last two incidents, the athlete discovered the existence of schemes and corruption, but he has not truly identified the real culprits yet. On the other hand, this exposes that he had already perceived the half-truth. It is just a matter of time, until the verity gets exposed and that will be a real scandal. As a conclusion, at the end of season 1, the fighter’s jinx totally vanished. How so? It is because Kim Dan revealed his self-loathing and lack of confidence to the athlete. He became the personification of the “jinx”. So by entrusting his recovery to Kim Dan, the latter’s self-esteem will be boosted. The doctor’s happiness can only make him feel good and improve his mood. That’s how their misfortune will slowly vanish.

4. Kim Dan’s transformation and jinx

Now, it is time to focus on the doctor’s jinx. How does he feel at the end of season 1? Does he still view himself as jinxed? My answer is yes and no. First, his dream didn’t come true. He wanted to remain by the fighter’s side. (chapter 53) He imagined that he should quit and leave the penthouse. To conclude, he is not entirely free. On the other, thanks to the champion, he was able to get rid of the loan. But more importantly, he was able to experience happiness for short moments.

(Chapter 44) So he was able to create good memories. Besides, he came to fall in love with Joo Jaekyung. Thanks to the latter, doc Dan could overcome his fear (chapter 26) and make others happy too. (chapter 26) He didn’t realize that he brought joy and love to the gym. (chapter 26) The more he spent time with the celebrity, the more confident he became. He was able to voice his opinion and he started becoming more passionate about his job as PT. He studied sports rehabilitation, a sign that he was taking the champion’s career seriously. So when he wrote these words to his soulmate (chapter 53), readers could sense that the doctor had gained some confidence. How so? He employed the comparative “more competent”. So he acknowledges that he has some skills. Let’s not forget that he was able to treat the injured shoulder within a month. The champion was able to fight against Baek Junmin, whereas the schemers and other doctors thought that it would be impossible. (chapter 42) This shows that his self-loathing is gradually vanishing as well. The fact that he is employing the personal pronoun “I” indicates that he is able now to distinguish himself from his grandmother. (chapter 53) Besides, with this sentence, he didn’t realize that he was actually revealing his true wish: he wanted to take care of Joo Jaekyung (“more competent”).

In addition, the word ” I hope” indicates that he is not entirely depressed. There is still “hope” and as such light in his life. Thus the smile on the doctor’s face is a mixture of resignation and peace of mind. (chapter 53) And now, you comprehend what the sunray in the illustration means for Kim Dan. It represents the last light in his life, the champion. He might have become a ghost again. Yet contrary to the beginning of the story, he has now his own identity. Thus he is employing the personal pronoun “I”. We could say that he is actually practicing Potato’s principle: (chapter 35) He is still cheering the athlete on and even wishing him happiness. This exposes that the physical therapist discovered “happiness” through the celebrity. He is no longer believing in the athlete’s jinx.

However, like mentioned above, at the end of season, he became a ghost again because of the grandmother and the last incident. That’s the reason why he appears surrounded by “white”. (Chapter 53), a color symbolizing the spiritual world and purity. But this signifies that going to see the sunset next to the ocean has a different meaning for the physical therapist than the champion. On the one hand, it is strongly connected to death, on the other hand, it also embodies rebirth. I can’t help myself thinking of the legend of Venus’ birth. The goddess of love was born in the sea. It is the reunion of the sky and water. According to me, Yoon-Gu is a representative of this deity. Thus I come to the following deduction. Kim Dan came to discover Yoon-Gu’s principle. It is possible to love someone from far away, which contradicts his past “abandonment issues”. This shows that he moved on from his past suffering. Though his grandmother is about to die, he will still love her. He won’t perceive it as a desertion and abandonment. That’s why the magic of love should take place near the sea. Both characters will meet the goddess of love there.

But let’s return our attention to my initial statement. His transformation to a ghost was caused by the halmoni’s quest. She was no longer thinking about her grandson’s career and job. Joo Jaekyung was no longer important. Only her life and wish mattered. So the champion was not wrong either to state (chapter 53) that the physical therapist had already planned to leave him. He sensed that doc Dan had already started distancing himself from him, because he was bound by this new promise: (chapter 53) Slowly, he was drawing the line between his private and professional life.

Because of the incident with the spray, it is not surprising that the doctor is blaming himself. (Chapter 53) Here, I feel the need to remind my avid readers that though the doctor was victim of a trick, he was not entirely innocent either. He should have come clean with the champion concerning his meeting with the director from the rival gym. His lie still played a huge role in the champion’s mistrust. But why did he not tell him later? It is because he was under the influence of the manager. (chapter 48) The hyung had been his mentor and advisor. Thus he copied his actions and followed blindly his recommendations. (chapter 41) At no moment, he questioned his words and honesty. He should have noticed the hypocrisy of the manager, when he witnessed such a scene. This image contradicts his claim at the restaurant: (chapter 43) How could the athlete be kinder to his own body, when his hyung was slapping him constantly? He was definitely pressured by the former wrestler. This shows that the 29 years old man is lacking critical thinking. On the other hand, we can not blame Kim Dan for trusting the man so blindly, as Joo Jaekyung was behaving the same way. Yet, the fact that Kim Dan cries, when he witnesses this scene shows that he dislikes the scene. For him, it is wrong, yet he doesn’t intervene. This shows that Kim Dan still feared to intervene and even contradict the manager. Why? It is because he thinks, he is the owner of the gym. He is “his employer”, while in reality he is just an employee. His passivity mirrors his affection for Joo Jaekyung. He is not loving him like he is loving his grandmother. He is not taking any risk, he is not ready to sacrifice himself for the athlete’s sake. This shows that he wasn’t loving the champion properly. Exactly like the other members of Team Black, he was following the hyung’s lead.

It is no coincidence that Kim Dan offered the gift at the same time than the coach’s. (chapter 45) Both knew how the champion disliked the birthday and the gifts, but they still chose to ignore the man’s feelings. He believed every word Park Namwook said about the champion in the end. Hence for me, the doctor’s decision to quit was not simply the consequence from champion’s request and reproach, but also from the manager’s indifference and ignorance. At no moment, he contacted him showing that he was necessary for Team Black. His silence and passivity could only be interpreted as a disapproval and rejection.

The other mistake Kim Dan made is that he learned a bad lesson from the celebrity. Having sex with someone is not getting to know someone better. (chapter 44) The intimacy is rather superficial, for it is limited to pleasure and sensuality. This has nothing to do with the partner’s personality. Secondly, during that night, the champion was drunk. In season 1, both protagonists only discovered physical closeness without sharing their thoughts and emotions (chapter 44) . (chapter 44) He never told the athlete that he was so cute or handsome. He kept his thoughts and happiness to himself. The only moment they shared real intimacy was this night: (chapter 29) The problem is that even there, they had sex in form of a challenge. (chapter 29) Moreover, during that sex session, the athlete employed dirty talk. (chapter 29) It was not to express affection.

This interpretation brings me to my next observation. Kim Dan discovered the existence of sex in the most brutal way: (chapter 2) prostitution and rough sex. He never experienced true romance and the birth of “first love”. The courting and seduction were totally absent. His first kiss is connected to fighting, pain, survival and protection. (chapter 14) It had nothing to do with innocent and pure love. For me, Kim Dan didn’t have the time to fall in love with the champion properly. He could even say that his affection is related to his job and he could reduce it to mutual physical chemistry. Thus I deduce that he became a ghost again for one reason. Both need to experience the innocent first love. In other words, we should expect a new version of this magical night: (chapter 20) Till that moment, he lived like a ghost. He had been trying to deny the existence of his own body. And how did the athlete describe his lover in the bathroom? First, he compared him to a whore (chapter 19) before describing him as a baby. (chapter 20) However, we should expect a more pure version, where both act as innocent and inexperienced teenagers, similar gestures: (chapter 44) There should be no drug or no time pressure!! However, there exists another reason why I have such an expectation. First, the grandmother should be close to them. Her presence should represent a hindrance, as the latter is falling back into childhood. Secondly, right from the start, Joo Jaekyung was under the spell from Kim Dan. (chapter 1) He was so attracted to him physically, hence he didn’t pay attention to his partner’s personality. In fact, he had a negative perception of his nature: (chapter 1) By becoming a ghost, the champion is forced to perceive the main lead as a person and as such to pay attention to his personality (dislikes, likes, qualities, career). That’s the reason why I believe that in season 2, he won’t make the same mistake again. He will study the doctor and get to know him better. That’s how he will be able to identify his feelings for the protagonist. He doesn’t love him because of his cute face and body, but because of his big heart and warmth. He is so responsible, generous and dedicated that there’s no one else like him. He embodies true kindness and loyalty. His care and worries are genuine. That’s why the champion will voice his affection differently from the past: “Secret and innocent love behind work”. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why both characters had to go to the seascape. Nature is the perfect place to nurture innocent and pure love. Consequently, I don’t think, the author will rush to create a new chapter full of sex… rather full of tenderness and caresses! Thus Mingwa created such panels: The hands are no longer fists used to express anger and resent, but they are wide open, they are expressing love and tenderness. They will convey a different message: respect, teamwork, and communication. Finally, through such gestures, both are able to reconnect. The hands are encouraging them to express their own thoughts and emotions. They are giving them reassurance and confidence. Season 2 stands for sharing, honesty and communication. Expect a revolution at the gym!

To conclude, the Sleeping Beauty is about to be released from his curse. It is just a matter of time. Kim Dan is on his way to find his true home. Through love, both will be released from their inner suffering and can find happiness, like in a fairy tale: HAPPY ENDING.

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

Jinx: Kiss me 💋 (Podcast)

Gustav Klimt The Kiss

Though the woman appears smaller and more submissive, it is important to notice that she is on her knees. So if she stood on her own feet, she would appear taller than the man. It indicates that the woman is stronger than she appears. Both persons are enjoying the moment, forgetting their surrounding. They are surrounded by nature, creating an association between love and nature. The couple is forgetting society and social norms. It is important to know that Klimt’s paintings were criticized back then, they were considered as Pornography. Though Jinx contains explicit content, the story is more than just sex. It is about maturity and giving a meaning to life and as such to find happiness.

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

Jinx: Powerful Hidden 🦪Gemstones 💎- part 2 (second version)

In this part, I will examine Hwang Yoon-Gu and Choi Heesung’s gemstones and their role in Jinx. Since Potato was born in August, I deduced that Choi Heesung’s birth month must be April. https://www.gemsociety.org/article/birthstone-chart/ According to this chart, Potato has different birthstones: Sardonyx, Peridot and Spinel, while Heesung has only one, the expensive diamond. On the other hand, Sapphire and opal were seen as birthstones for April long before the introduction of the traditional birthstone calendar.

Interesting is that the moment I discovered that Sapphire was connected to April too and divulged it to my follower and friend @rantofalifetime, the latter brought my attention to Saturn and gods again 😮

Yes, Saturn is not just linked to Greek and Roman gods, but also to Hinduism. As you can see, thanks to her, I could connect Heesung to Kim Dan. With this new discovery, I hope, I aroused your curiosity and interest in the gemstones and their hidden powers. But first let’s start with our lovely puppy dog, Yoon-Gu.

1. The Chow Chow’s hidden powers

1. 1. Potato as a lucky charm

Interesting is that the traditional gemstone, Sardonyx, is the oldest of the three gems. Sardonyx is composed of layers of cryptocrystalline quartz, particularly onyx and sard.

The most characteristic feature of sardonyx is its alternating bands of reddish-brown, dark orange sard and white or black onyx, creating a captivating contrast of colors. These bands can vary in intensity and pattern, ranging from subtle stripes to bold, dramatic bands that showcase the stone’s natural beauty.

Throughout history, sardonyx has held significant cultural and symbolic importance across various civilizations. In ancient Rome, sardonyx was highly prized for its durability and smooth texture, making it an ideal material for creating seals and signet rings. The Romans believed that sardonyx possessed protective properties and could ward off evil spirits, making it a popular choice for amulets and talismans.

In ancient Egypt, sardonyx was revered for its association with the goddess Ma’at, the embodiment of truth, justice, and balance. The Egyptians believed that wearing sardonyx jewelry could bring harmony and stability to one’s life, aligning with the principles of Ma’at and promoting a sense of inner peace.

The biblical references to sardonyx are found in the Book of Revelation, where the New Jerusalem is described as having walls adorned with various precious stones, including sardonyx. This symbolism suggests that sardonyx represents purity, righteousness, and divine protection, embodying the spiritual essence of the heavenly city.

Symbolically, sardonyx is associated with courage, strength, and happiness, making it a cherished gemstone for those seeking to overcome challenges and embrace positivity in their lives. It is believed to instill a sense of confidence and resilience, helping individuals navigate through adversity with grace and determination. Furthermore, Sardonyx encourages integrity and good behavior, therefore it helps to improve relationships. How so? It stands for communication.

In addition to its symbolic meanings, sardonyx is also valued for its metaphysical properties, including its ability to enhance focus, promote self-discipline, and foster a sense of inner harmony. It is often used in meditation practices to ground and center the mind, allowing for clarity of thought and emotional balance.

To conclude, Sardonyx holds profound significance across cultures. Used by ancient Romans for seals and talismans, revered by Egyptians for its association with balance and truth, and mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of purity, sardonyx embodies courage, optimism, clear communication, happiness, and spirituality. As a lucky charm and a source of inner strength, sardonyx continues to inspire and uplift those who wear it, making it a timeless symbol of positivity and resilience.

Funny is that I had connected Potato to a chow-chow, when Mingwa associated him with a dog. (chapter 23) The fur of this animal corresponds to the color of Sardonyx. (chapter 23) We have here the orange shade. Moreover, he is also perceived as a lucky charm by Oh Daehyun and Kim Changmin. In many occasions, we could see that he embodies communication and can improve relationships.

First, when the maknae asked a question to the champion, the latter couldn’t help himself to reply to that innocent question, though he was still staring at his cellphone. (chapter 22) Compare his reaction, when Oh Daehyun was talking about his penthouse (chapter 22). The latter was silenced with a threat. (chapter 22) Then when Potato got rejected by his idol, Kim Dan felt the need to ask the young fighter why he was so upset. Therefore he left the office. (chapter 23) (chapter 23) Imagine that he didn’t show any interest in Joo Jaekyung all this time. If the chow-chow had not been hurt, the doctor would have remained in the office. Furthermore, Potato was paying attention to the couple’s interaction. (chapter 23) A sign that he stands for connection and advice. Interesting is that right after, Joo Jaekyung listened to his sex partner in the treatment room. (chapter 24) Thus he gave a task to the maknae. (chapter 24) And Jinx-philes will certainly recall what the pure fighter did during his task: he called Joo Jaekyung! (chapter 23) Another symbol for communication. He should voice about his desires. As you can see, his presence helped to improve the relationship between Kim Dan and his boss. Then the next morning, Potato also showed curiosity towards the physical therapist: (chapter 25) (chapter 25) Once he heard Kim Dan’s intentions, he offered his help and while practicing, both men came to exchange their thoughts and emotions. (chapter 25) (chapter 25) This explicates why Joo Jaekyung came to propose the sparring to Kim Dan. We could say that Yoon-Gu’s presence gave the doctor’s courage to accept the challenge. (chapter 25) Under this perspective, Manhwalovers can grasp why the main lead chose to dedicate his victory to the young maknae. (chapter 26) One might say that he felt sorry for Potato (chapter 25), yet we could see it in a different light. He felt indebted towards the maknae, because thanks to him, he got the chance to spare with the athlete. If Potato had not made the mistake, the athlete wouldn’t have noticed him! In my eyes, Potato became a source for his strength and courage, as it triggered his protective and nurturing instincts. This became visible during the couch confessions. (chapter 29) Even during this night, Manhwaworms could observe the potato-effect😉. Joo Jaekyung felt the need to ask why Kim Dan had made such a wish. (chapter 29) And now, you comprehend why the relationship between the main couple improved so much between 22 and 29, it is because of the lucky charm, the “Sardonyx chow-chow”! Thanks to his presence, he encouraged the main couple to communicate and to be more curious about each other. He stands for respect, responsibility and connection. Only through conversation, it is possible to get know someone. No wonder why he is so treasured by Team Black. (chapter 23) He embodies the notions of love from Erich Fromm: care, respect, knowledge and responsibility. Here, he was supposed to become responsible for the fighters’ success.

And the moment Choi Heesung entered their life, their dynamic got affected negatively, for the actor embodies different values, like true love, secret, privacy, tricks and insinuations. Let’s not forget that Heesung’s admiration was not truly honest. (chapter 31) He said that he didn’t expect anything from the doctor, but the reality is that he wanted to date him. So he had expectations. He was not direct with the physical therapist, as he initially didn’t know what he truly desired. He was just put under the charm of the angel. So what did he like in the physical therapist? His talent or his personality or his face? (chapter 30) Hence Kim Dan had problems to accept his appreciation as a fact. I don’t think, the artist was aware of the consequences of his behavior. Interesting is that after bumping into Potato (chapter 31), the actor changed his tactic. He stopped offering presents, he became more direct. He proposed to hire him as his private physical therapist. (chapter 31) So he used work to get closer to the physical therapist, which was quite similar to the champion’s approach. Simultaneously, Yoon-Gu was able to detect Heesung’s true intentions. (chapter 31) He was interested in the main lead romantically and sexually. We could say that the maknae pushed the comedian to meditate and to be more honest to himself. I would even say that he has a similar effect on the physical therapist, for the latter started pondering on the champion and himself. (chapter 36) The fact that he took over the youngest member’s task during that evening indicates his influence. The problem is that the Sardonyx was not present, therefore his dark thoughts couldn’t be pushed away. This scene reveals the hidden power of the gemstone. But there’s more to it. Mingwa created the positive reflection from that night in the States: (chapter 37) Yes, Kim Dan stood up to Joo Jaekyung, by stating that they would keep eating. Kim Dan was incited to protect Potato and Oh Daehyun. As their huyng, he should become responsible for them. This scene embodies “courage, strength, happiness but also communication…”, as they were having a happy time together before the star’s interruption. Hence the athlete was so jealous of them, for he had been excluded. Because of his intervention, Yoon-Gu felt indebted towards doc Dan, therefore he was the only one who worried about his friend. (chapter 40) This panel stands for transparency, transmission and lucky charm. Without his intervention, Joo Jaekyung couldn’t have protected his talisman, Kim Dan. Interesting is that right after this question, Joo Jaekyung came to admit that the physical therapist was part of his team. (chapter 40) Once again, Potato helped the main lead to perceive the champion in a positive light. Soon after, he came to accept his feelings for the star. Under this new approach, it becomes comprehensible why after chapter 41, neither Kim Dan nor Joo Jaekyung talked to each other properly. (chapter 41) It is because the maknae was no longer focusing on the physical therapist. He was already under the influence of his lover, the gumiho. In addition, observe that Potato admired the owner of the gym in front of the presents, giving the impression that his affection was related to the presents, whereas it was about a charity project. From my point of view, Kim Dan was misled by this scene. (chapter 41)

From my perspective, it is no coincidence that after that chapter, the young semi-professional was no longer seen. His absence, especially during the birthday party, (chapter 43) coincides with the silence between the two protagonists. There’s no doubt that the actor convinced him that he didn’t need to participate, for he predicted the rejection. In this image, we can see how Heesung’s influence is rubbing off on Potato. He is encouraged to no longer worship the celebrity. (chapter 47) The problem is that the actor has such a biased view about the champion, overlooking his own flaws. But let’s return our attention to the Sardonyx. Don’t forget that according to me, Kim Dan also stands for communication due to his gemstones. This explicates why the chow-chow and the hamster felt a certain closeness to each other. In my eyes, Potato’s power is to reveal Kim Dan’s true personality (communication, truth, tranquility). Doc Dan is brave, and he likes interacting with people. Thanks to the Sardonyx, he could discover the importance of dialogue. The chow-chow’s reappearance corresponds to the doctor’s change of attitude as well, though this time, the physical therapist had a different opinion: (chapter 47) Notice that he never agreed to this statement. The reason is simple. Kim Dan had already come to view the main lead as a great professional. (chapter 40) Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the hamster accepted the harsh criticism from his employer in the penthouse. (chapter 45)

Consequently, I see the presence of the chow-chow in chapter 47 as a good omen. How so? It is because (chapter 47) thanks to him, one fighter spoke up and revealed his knowledge about Baek Junmin and the underground fighting ring. (chapter 47) Hence I have the feeling that Potato could play once again a vital role in ruining the next scheme, for he stands for righteousness, truth, harmony and communication. Don’t forget that Choi Gilseok’s meeting with Kim Dan took place in front of Kwak Junbeom, and the latter is just an “unknown” member of Team Black. (chapter 48) He could observe that Kim Dan had been approached by the other director, and not the reverse. Finally, Potato had almost become the doctor’s confident (chapter 25 and chapter 37: .

As you could sense, I left out the most important scene: the discussion between Heesung and Potato. (chapter 35) His presence encouraged the comedian to question himself and his expectations. We could say that thanks to him, Heesung was incited to meditate and not to fall back into his old bad habits. Note that Heesung was actively listening to Potato’s words. (chapter 35) He was opening his mind and heart truly to the Sardonyx. This scene stands in opposition to the conversation at the VIP club, where both seme showed their selfishness, disdain and intolerance towards each other. (chapter 33) Solitude, Unhappiness, Judgement and arrogance versus modesty (chapter 35), happiness, selflessness, empathy and understanding. And now pay attention to the colors in this image: (chapter 35) The shades corresponds to the gemstones onyx (black/white jacket), sard and sardonyx (brown-dark orange), then we have the Peridot (the green bottles of soju) and finally blue (Sapphire)! Under this new approach, my avid readers can sense why these characters were fated to fall for each other during that night. This was the power of the magical hidden gemstones.

1. 2. Heesung’s solace

And now, it is time to focus on the Peridot. The latter, is known for its vibrant green hue reminiscent of lush meadows and summer foliage. Formed from olivine, a mineral found deep within the Earth’s mantle, peridot has long been cherished for its unique beauty and mystical properties.

Throughout the ages, peridot has been associated with various meanings and beliefs. In ancient Egypt, it was called the “gem of the sun” and was believed to protect its wearer from nightmares and evil spirits. Interesting is that the chow-chow had a nightmare after discovering the couple’s secret. (chapter 25) It is because he was acting against his own nature: communication and transparency. That’s the reason why he didn’t shine the next morning. Another interpretation is that Kim Dan as Lapis Lazuli confronted him with the truth. He should admit to himself that he was sexually attracted to the celebrity.

Then the Romans revered peridot as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, often adorning their jewelry with this radiant gemstone. This coincides with the intervention of the maknae, when the latter played a role in the destruction of the scheme in the States. (chapter 38) He was the one making the connection between the doctor’s sudden illness and the nutrition booster.

Peridot is also representing vitality, growth, and renewal. Its vibrant green color is said to evoke feelings of harmony, balance, and inner peace, making it a popular choice for those seeking to connect with nature and find solace in times of stress or uncertainty.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, peridot is believed to possess healing properties, promoting physical and emotional well-being. It is thought to cleanse negative energy and promote positive vibrations, fostering a sense of clarity and rejuvenation.

The symbolism of peridot extends across cultures and civilizations. In the Maghreb, it represents fraternity, joy, and luck, often offered as an offering during ceremonies related to the invisible world. In Israel and Christianity, peridot is associated with the spirit of the Divine, glory, power, and authority. It is mentioned in the Bible as one of the twelve stones on Aaron’s breastplate and has been found in ornaments in churches, including Cologne Cathedral.

Alchemists ascribe virtues of refocusing, purification, and protection to peridot, while in Hawaii, it symbolizes the tears of the goddess Pelé. Olivine, from which peridot is derived, is associated with the nourishing and purifying properties of olive oil, adding to the gemstone’s allure and significance.

I am sure that after reading this short description, Jinx-addicts could recognize the direct reference to Peridot in the Manhwa. First, we see Heesung eating a green olive (chapter 33), while stating that he is willing to steal someone, if it is necessary. Yes, we could see it as an allusion to the Peridot, for the gemstone has a nurturing property like the olive. So we could say that during the night under the tent (chapter 35), the artist snatched away the Peridot from Joo Jaekyung, while the members from Team Black saw him just as a Potato! Then note that the athlete offered his services to console the actor, (chapter 35) which made me think of this description “find solace in times of stress and uncertainty“. Potato stands for physical and emotional well-being which corresponds to the fighter’s self-confidence and optimism. (chapter 25) Interesting is that this gemstone is quite fragile and needs to be treated very carefully.

This would fit the character’s personality perfectly, as he oozes innocence and purity. Kim Dan desired to protect him, he shouldn’t discover the athlete’s sexual orientation. (chapter 24) Hence I see the green bottles of soju as an allusion to the gemstone. The latter pushed the young maknae to open up his heart and mind to Heesung, but contrary to his soulmate, he has no darkness in his heart. (chapter 35) He taught him that true love stands for selflessness and humbleness. Because he is also connected to truth like Kim Dan, I come to develop the following theory. Potato will work together with the physical therapist and Heesung in order to solve the mystery behind the champion’s jinx!! The artist possesses a part of the verity, for he is aware of the existence of the curse. (chapter 32)

1. 3. The “Great Impostor”

Red spinel has long been confused with Ruby, like for example the centerpiece of Britain’s Imperial Royal Crown. The so-called Black Prince’s Ruby is in fact a large Spinel. Hence this gemstone was called the Great Impostor. Striking is that Red Spinel embodies qualities of hope, resilience, and healing. Believed to aid in the recovery from trauma and illness, spinel serves as a potent symbol of renewal and rejuvenation.

As a re-energizing stone, spinel infuses its wearer with a sense of new hope and inspiration, empowering them to overcome adversity and emerge victorious. Thus Spinel is called “stone of immortality”. And now take a closer look at this scene: (chapter 26) The red protection gear incited the athlete to see this sparring as a game, it helped him to rejuvenate and rediscover fun. Thus he was smiling. (chapter 26) But it had the same effect on Kim Dan. The latter was forced to overcome his trauma, the physical abuse from that terrible night with the loan shark. (chapter 26) And don’t forget that this challenge was triggered by Potato’s intervention and mistake: (chapter 25)

With its vibrant red hue, red spinel radiates warmth and vitality, awakening the spirit and invigorating the soul. It is thought to stimulate the flow of energy throughout the body, revitalizing the mind, body, and spirit. In times of challenge or struggle, red spinel offers a beacon of hope, reminding its wearer of their inner strength and resilience.

This fits the portrait of Potato whom I associated with the goddess Venus. He symbolizes love and devotion. (chapter 34) Red spinel’s association with the month of August further enhances its significance as a symbol of rebirth and renewal. As the summer months wane and the promise of autumn beckons, red spinel serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the inherent potential for growth and transformation.

Whether worn as a precious adornment or kept as a talisman of hope, red spinel embodies the power of perseverance and the promise of new beginnings. This explicates why Heesung could invite Potato to his home. (chapter 35) He could smile again and move on from his past failure. It encourages its wearer to embrace life’s challenges with courage and determination, knowing that they possess the inner strength to overcome any obstacle and emerge victorious in the end. My avid readers can grasp why red spinel shares some similarities with Sardonyx: courage and strength.

What caught my attention is that the champion’s memory from the Summer Night’s dream was tainted with similar shades: (chapter 45) This is a sign that the champion had liked that night, but exactly like doc Dan in the past, he chose to lie to himself out of fear. How is this related to Potato? Don’t forget that he was not present at the birthday party, but more importantly he was no longer acting as a supportive friend and confident. Because Yoon-Gu’s philosophy is not to intervene and to admire from afar, he is not realizing that he is actually abandoning Kim Dan and even Joo Jaekyung. (chapter 35) As a rather selfish person, Heesung would see no problem in such a passive attitude. It is because Potato is bringing him happiness. But what about the doctor’s suffering? No one is suspecting about the physical therapist’s suffering: the rejection from Joo Jaekyung and the imminent death of his grandma. In verity, this passivity helps him to lie low and keep his relationship with Potato a secret.

This image. (chapter 45) reminded me of Potato’s nightmare. (chapter 25) The latter had been repressing his homosexuality. I see some parallels between the two characters. Joo Jaekyung ‘s sexual orientation was strongly connected to his career. He could have sex with men, as it was his way to chase away bad luck. Thus I come to the following conclusion: the relationship between doc Dan and Joo Jaekyung can only improve, when Potato interacts with them. It will push him to accept his feelings for doc Dan. While the champion was jealous of him in the past (chapter 26), I feel like the chow-chow could become a great source of comfort for Kim Dan and also for the boss of Team Black, just like he did it with Heesung. How so? It is because he stands for courage and strength. Moreover, the moment the owner of Black Team knows about the relationship between Heesung and Potato, he won’t longer feel threatened by them. He needs to discover the existence of friendship. Besides, since Kim Dan sees the maknae as a puppy dog, (chapter 29) and the star knows this, he could ask the youngest member to guard his physical therapist, similar to this scene: (chapter 31) He needs to ensure that the physical therapist is not snatched away by Mr. Choi Gilseok. At the same time, I feel like Kim Dan has a good influence on the chow-chow, for thanks to doc Dan, Potato could receive more recognition from his idol. The star entrusted his Black card to Potato, when he gave him his first task (chapter 24). Then he accepted the request from Doc Dan and announced to Potato that they would be sparring together from now on. (chapter 26). Finally, he was able to go to the States. (chapter 36) It was, as if the doctor’s presence had activated Yoon-Gu’s qualities from the Sardonyx and Red Spinel: lucky charm and communication. Note that in the States, Potato and Oh Daehyun made sure to deliver the incident with the drugged beverage to the coach and manager. (chapter 40) And now it’s time to examine Heesung’s gemstones: Diamond and Sapphire.

2. Saturn and Heesung

2. 1. The cursed diamond

Diamonds, revered for their exquisite beauty and enduring allure, stand as the epitome of elegance and sophistication in the realm of gemstones. Thus they are called King gems. Composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline structure, diamonds are renowned for their exceptional hardness, making them the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. Therefore I consider them as a symbol for strength and resilience. Due to these qualities, diamonds also hold practical significance in various industrial applications, prized for their exceptional hardness and thermal conductivity. From cutting tools and abrasives to high-tech electronics and medical equipment, diamonds play a vital role in a diverse range of industries, showcasing their versatility and enduring value. This description made me think of the actor’s gifts (chapter 31), then the hospital and halmoni: (chapter 30) Because Choi Gilseok is connected to F Pharmaceuticals (chapter 48), I have the feeling that the actor could also be linked to that company or another huge company.

Beyond their remarkable physical properties, diamonds hold profound symbolic significance, often associated with love, purity, and eternal commitment. As timeless symbols of romance and devotion, diamonds have long been cherished as tokens of affection and expressions of enduring love. Their dazzling brilliance and clarity mirror the radiant beauty of true love, capturing the essence of cherished relationships and unforgettable moments. This explicates why Heesung is advocating the notion of soulmate. The latter stands for eternity like diamond. (chapter 33) In this scene, we could see a glimpse of his diamond nature. I don’t think, it was random that in that evening, he drank a martini, as the form of a martini glass is similar to a diamond’s. (chapter 33)

Throughout history, diamonds have been celebrated for their rarity and unmatched brilliance, adorning crowns, jewelry, and ceremonial regalia of royalty and nobility. In ancient civilizations, diamonds were revered not only for their aesthetic beauty but also for their purported mystical and healing properties. Believed to possess the power to ward off negative energy and enhance spiritual well-being, diamonds were often worn as protective talismans and amulets.

According to this quote and other sources, diamond can increase negative features. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the MMA fighter became so deceptive, possessive, selfish (chapter 33), aggressive (chapter 34) and even menacing, when it came to the actor. (chapter 34) Deep down, the champion could sense the negative effect the King gem had on him. No wonder why he desired to keep his distance from the actor. (chapter 30) At the same time, we shouldn’t forget that the pearl is described as the Queen gem next to King gem. So these titles imply a certain rivalry.

Additionally, we would have an explanation why the actor was cursed in his love life. (chapter 31) No one had been able to perceive his true nature. By meeting the doctor, the actor came to meet the most selfless and gentle creature. (chapter 30) the latter treated him like a human. He could sense that his offer was not motivated by greed or admiration, for he didn’t know him that well. He was just an uncut diamond. And how is the god Saturn alias Kin Dan connected to the diamond Heesung?

It’s because on Saturn, it literally rains diamonds. Yet, contrary to the Earth, diamonds on Saturn are liquified due to the pressure and heat from the planet. In other words, Saturn’s weather creates these precious stones. This discovery made me realize the role of Kim Dan in Heesung’s life. He is the one helping the actor to become a true diamond! The darkness sensed from Potato comes definitely from his environment. I would even add, doc Dan brings light and life enrichment into his life. (Chapter 30) This panel reminded me of a rain of diamonds. Their encounter was magical making him realize how different Kim Dan is from anyone he had ever met. Furthermore, the physical therapist made him feel different, as he pushed him to discover his true nature. Hence I believe that we should see this courting from Heesung in a different light as well. (chapter 31) Though he was not entirely honest to Kim Dan and to himself, his generosity towards the physical therapist was still genuine. In other words, the doctor is responsible for the actor’s change. What caught my attention is that the last gift at the gym were flowers, a sign that he was trying to convey his feelings differently. He was definitely more humble. Under this new aspect, it becomes comprehensible why the actor decided to hide his presence in the penthouse and still to confess his love in the café later. He could perceive the doctor’s innocence. He never saw him as a prostitute. His attachment to Kim Dan was stronger to the point that he chose to help the physical therapist in the end. (chapter 35) However, the rejection from Kim Dan had a negative effect, in the sense that the comedian decided not to help any longer. (chapter 35) His selfishness came back to the surface. As you can see, for me, Saturn lets Heesung’s diamond heart shine. Through him, he could experience what true care and dedication is. Furthermore, he was encouraged to become more proactive. Thus he ended up challenging the athlete directly. (chapter 34) I had portrayed the actor as immature, deceptive and selfish in the past. This explains why after their separation, the comedian reverted to his old habits by badmouthing the champion. He chose to hide his relationship from others. His attempt was to obtain the Chow chow’s affection. But I doubt that the artist came to forget the angel. In fact, I believe that he must have felt gratitude towards doc Dan, because thanks to him, he could meet his soulmate and find a certain happiness! Yes… the famous bumping and the confession under the tent. That’s the reason why I think, Heesung will come to help the doctor, when the latter is facing adversities. He needs to confirm his earlier statement: (chapter 31) Since Potato and Heesung view both doc Dan as an angel, their mission should be to protect their lucky charm. And that’s how next to his soulmate, he will be able to shine as a hero… He would no longer use dirty tricks to achieve his goal. I would say, he would become responsible for Potato and Kim Dan in the end. And this brings me to the second April birthstone: Sapphire.

2. 2. Sapphire and karma

Sapphire, with its rich history and profound symbolism, holds a revered place among gemstones, revered for its celestial beauty and spiritual significance. Throughout the ages, sapphire has been associated with divine qualities and revered as a symbol of heavenly blessings.

In Hindu mythology, the sapphire holds particular significance as it is believed to adorn the head of Shani Dev, the deity associated with the planet Saturn.

As a protector and guardian, Shani Dev is often depicted wearing a sapphire on his head, symbolizing wisdom, truth, and spiritual enlightenment. The sapphire’s association with Shani Dev underscores its role as a guiding light in the journey towards self-discovery and inner peace. I have to admit that I was not familiar with this religion and its legends, @rantofalifetime was the one mentioning it to me.

Born from the union of Lord Surya, the radiant Sun god, and his first wife, Sandhya, Shani Dev’s origins are shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Some versions of the myth suggest that Shani Dev is the son of Lord Surya and Sandhya, while others propose that he is the offspring of Chhaya, Lord Surya’s second wife.

The decision for Lord Surya to take a second wife, Chhaya, arose from Sandhya’s inability to endure his intense radiance. Fearing for her well-being and seeking solace in her own spiritual journey, Sandhya created a shadow of herself, Chhaya, to stand in her place as Lord Surya’s companion. Thus, Chhaya became the mother of Shani Dev, embodying the essence of shadows and secrets amidst the celestial splendor.

Shani Dev’s upbringing under the care of Chhaya was marked by neglect and mistreatment from Lord Surya and his stepfamily. Despite the challenges, Chhaya’s unwavering love and guidance nurtured Shani Dev’s character and resilience, shaping him into the enigmatic deity associated with the planet Saturn.

The relationship between Shani Dev and his father, Lord Surya, was fraught with skepticism and suspicion. Lord Surya’s doubts about Shani Dev’s paternity cast a shadow of uncertainty over their bond, triggering significant events in Hindu mythology. Shani Dev’s piercing gaze, symbolic of his karmic nature and impartial judgment, caused Lord Surya to turn black and lose his radiance, reflecting the intricate interplay of fate and familial dynamics.

Amidst the celestial upheaval, the presence of Sapphire, a celestial embodiment of karmic destiny and cosmic justice, looms large. Sapphire, synonymous with Saturn, embodies the relentless pursuit of truth and the inevitability of consequences. Shani Dev’s association with Sapphire underscores his role as the arbiter of karma, delivering both rewards for virtuous deeds and dispensing justice for transgressions. In other words, Shani Dev should be perceived as “lord of Karma”. And this description reminded me of Kim Dan, who made Choi Gilseok and Heo Manwook lose their money with their dirty and cheap trick. (chapter 46) It was their karma. But it is the same for the famous MMA fighter. The latter threatened the doctor that he could fire him, (chapter 45) and shortly after the physical therapist was offered a new job opportunity. (chapter 48) Thus I deduce that the moment Kim Dan gets the support and protection from Heesung, the former could indeed become the infamous “lord of karma”. So far, Kim Dan has not been even thinking that he could press charges against Kim Miseon. (chapter 48) The reason is that he views himself as powerless. But like I had already announced, Heesung is a trickster himself, therefore he can perceive the deceptive nature of humans. This corrupt doctor could get into trouble because of the actor.

Under this new light, it makes sense why the halmoni suffered, when she was separated from her grandson. She might have struggled financially, but she was happy, when they were together. Her grandson represented her source of happiness. (chapter 48) Kim Dan as Shani Dev was pushing away evil spirits, but at his own expense. Moreover, this signify that the alliance between Heesung and Kim Dan will bring bad luck to the schemers… as Heesung is the sapphire giving power to Kim Dan. Furthermore, the myth of Shani Dev made me realize why there is no “family” and love in the penthouse. Kim Dan needs to receive the support from Potato and Heesung, because their assistance would boost his self-confidence. Since the maknae represents courage and strength, I believe that his influence will rub off on the comedian too. But because Shani Dev symbolizes karmic justice, people came to view him as a god of misfortune.

This is no coincidence that the champion became a victim of a scheme shortly after the actor’s visit. Interesting is that his visit was connected to blue too. (chapter 34) The actor’s presence turned Kim Dan into a lord of karma. I could also use this scene as illustration as well. (chapter 31) It was not his right to intervene in the doctor’s business. The protagonist is actually a free-lancer. Hence he should be the one to select his clients. This shows that as long as the athlete doesn’t consider the comedian as a friend and supporter, he will never achieve his goal. He needs to value human relationships and see people as precious gems and not everyone as a rival and source of danger. On the other hand, I would like my avid readers to keep in mind that Joo JAekyung still remained silent, when he discovered that the comedian had tricked him. (chapter 33) Why? We have different possible interpretations. It was either to avoid a scandal, or out of a certain loyalty or maybe he didn’t want to bring trouble to the manager. The latter would have been suspected. Anyway, Joo Jaekyung stands for loyalty. So he embodies similar notions than the diamond: commitment and everlasting relationship (his hyungs).

But let’s return our attention to Sapphire and its other virtues. Beyond its mythological associations, sapphire has long been cherished for its symbolic attributes and healing properties. Revered as a guardian of innocence and a promoter of good health, sapphire is believed to bring gifts of fulfillment, joy, and prosperity to those who wear it. Here, we have an explanation why he was so moved by Potato’s speech: purity and innocence. (chapter 35) In ancient times, travelers would often wear sapphire as a talisman for protection against illness and misfortune, seeking its benevolent energies to guide them on their journeys. The problem is that he was not present in the States, hence there is no ambiguity that if he came to hear about this incident, he would resent the athlete. (chapter 37) On the other hand, this description about Sapphire displays another similarity between the second leads. Both Heesung and Potato are associated with lucky charms and protection.

As a preserver of chastity and a symbol of inner peace, sapphire holds a special place in the hearts of those who seek clarity and spiritual enlightenment which reminded me of Kim Dan’s second gemstone: This would explain why Heesung felt some affinities towards doc Dan. Its serene blue hues evoke feelings of tranquility and serenity, serving as a reminder of the boundless beauty of the heavens above. Yes, through Heesung and Kim Dan, the champion is forced to face his own fears and anxieties, he is pushed to meditate and develop new strategies. (chapter 48) That’s the reason why I am more than ever convinced that the cheap trick played by Choi Gilseok will backfire on them. How so? The champion is not paying attention to Kim Dan, but to the other director. Moreover, keep in mind that Saturn, Shani Dev, is the lord of karma. Finally, we have a blue night… similar to the color of Sapphire

Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Heesung and Potato could share their thoughts and emotions next to the blue table. The latter was encouraging them to clear their mind and heart and to move on. 8chapter 35) Furthermore, the table is the symbol of the quote “sharing is caring”!

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

Jinx / Doctor Frost : Harmony’s clash⚡: Prince S 👸 and Emperor 🤴- part 2

1. The prince S and his negative reflection

In the first part, I examined Kim Dan’s mentality more closely. There, I portrayed the physical therapist as someone suffering from Dependent Personality Disorder. Moreover, I underlined that so far, Kim Dan had been raised under the influence of toxic positivity. Therefore he was constantly denying his own pain and struggles. Because of these two characteristics, I came to the following interpretation: the physical therapist was raised like a princess, and by meeting Joo Jaekyung, he got confronted with reality. Hence the argument with his fated partner incited him to change his mind-set. First, he was pushed to acknowledge the existence of his broken heart. Then from that moment on, he would no longer rely on the champion. (chapter 46) On the other hand, chapter 47 exposes that the doctor didn’t lose his interest and attention towards his boss. (chapter 47) This exposes that Kim Dan didn’t choose resent or indifference towards Joo Jaekyung despite the inflicted pain. On the other hand, why did I write that the celebrity is Kim Dan’s reflection? Why is the athlete the doctor’s mirror of truth? It is because Joo Jaekyung embodies his negative reflection: independency and toxic negativity. But what is the latter exactly?

Interesting is that I connected the physical therapist to Dependent Personality Disorder thanks to the case of “Tears of Princess Pyeonggang” from the Manhwa Doctor Frost. When the patient Sihyun met Doctor Frost, the latter explained to her why her last relationship was doomed to failure. How so? (chapter 31) It is because when the psychologist met the patient with her boyfriend for the first time, he paid attention to his micro-expressions, and more particularly to his mouth. He saw his smirk. Here, I feel the need to give an explanation how these micro-expressions were discovered. (chapter 30) As my avid readers can detect, the expression from the boyfriend’s mouth displeased the white-haired psychologist. He could recognize his emotion, though such facial expressions are very short-lived.(chapter 30) So what was the “jerk” feeling, when he was conversing with Sihyun? Cynicism. (chapter 31) And the reason why he stated that as soon as cynicism or scorn was present in a relationship, the couple would end up breaking up is because of John Gottham’s observations and conclusions. (chapter 31) And now, you are wondering how this is related to Joo Jaekyung. It is because the famous sportsman is full of cynicism (chapter 45) We could sense it in different scenes, though I would say that his cynicism was slowly vanishing: (chapter 3) (chapter 40) This is the so-called toxic negativity. Therefore it was to expect that the champion would reject the doctor’s present. He could only doubt the sincerity behind his gesture. How so? Remember how the team desired to celebrate his birthday: a surprise party. They bought a cake… (chapter 43) but what happened afterwards? Yosep spoke in the name of the gym’s owner: the latter would pay for the dinner (beef restaurant) (chapter 43) So technically, they offered a cheap cake and got in exchange a super expensive dinner. One might say that this was just a joke. But cynical people are taking things very seriously. This is what the champion learned from this experience, the cake in exchange for a super expensive meal … and now imagine that the next morning, he received an „expensive“ present from Kim Dan which was similar to the gifts from fans (exchange of favors). It is normal that he doubted the genuineness from his doctor, not only because of his past experiences, but also because of the parties before. But there exists another reason why he had to refuse the gift: Cynicism… the end of relationship. Thus dating for the athlete was impossible. (chapter 45) He is not ready yet. But was it Cynicism exactly and how does it represent a hindrance for a healthy relationship?

2. The cynic dog-wolf

First, I would like to present the philosophy of Cynicism in order to outline certain positive aspects of such a mind-set. The latter, originating in ancient Greece, is often associated with the notion of living a life of simplicity, virtue, and independence. The term “Cynic” comes from the Greek words “kynikos,” meaning “dog-like,” and “kyôn,” meaning “dog.” While the origins of this name are not entirely clear, there are two popular beliefs regarding its origin:

Firstly, it is believed that the Cynics were called dogs because the first Cynic, Antisthenes, began teaching in the Cynosarges gymnasium in Athens. “Cynosarges” translates to “the place of the white dog,” hence the association with canines. Another possible origin for the term “dog” in Cynicism is attributed to Diogenes of Sinope, one of the most famous Cynic philosophers. Diogenes famously lived in a large ceramic jar (known as a “pithos”) and embraced a lifestyle of extreme simplicity and disregard for social conventions. He would reportedly wander the streets of Athens with a lantern in broad daylight, searching for an honest man.

Cynic ethics revolve around the principles of freedom, parrhesia (frank speech or fearless expression), living according to nature, and rejection of societal norms and conventions. Cynics believed that true happiness and virtue could only be attained by living in accordance with nature and rejecting the desires and comforts of society. They often practiced asceticism, eschewing material possessions and living a life of self-sufficiency.

The Cynics emphasized the importance of living in accordance with one’s true nature, rather than conforming to societal expectations or pursuing external desires. They criticized authorities and traditions, they valued self-reliance, resilience, and inner strength, believing that true freedom could only be achieved by freeing oneself from the constraints of society and material wealth. In addition to their rejection of societal norms and conventions, Cynics also challenged the traditional notion of family and social hierarchies. They believed that attachments to family and social status were sources of unnecessary suffering and constraint on individual freedom.

Cynics advocated for a radical form of individualism, promoting self-sufficiency and independence from familial ties and obligations. They viewed the traditional family structure as a hindrance to living a virtuous and authentic life, arguing that it often led to conflicts of interest, attachment to material possessions, and moral compromise. Instead of relying on familial relationships for support and identity, Cynics encouraged individuals to cultivate relationships based on mutual respect and philosophical kinship. They believed that true friendship and community could only be found among those who shared their commitment to living a life of simplicity, virtue, and freedom from societal constraints.

By rejecting the traditional notion of family, Cynics sought to liberate themselves from the expectations and obligations imposed by social norms and hierarchies. They embraced a lifestyle of radical individualism and self-sufficiency, prioritizing personal autonomy and philosophical integrity above all else.

Central to Cynic philosophy was the concept of parrhesia, or fearless expression of truth. Cynics advocated for speaking openly and honestly, even if it meant challenging social norms or offending others. They believed that by speaking truth to power and living authentically, individuals could cultivate inner freedom and achieve true happiness.

In summary, Cynicism is a philosophical school that advocates for living a simple, virtuous life in accordance with nature, free from societal constraints and material desires. It emphasizes the importance of parrhesia, self-sufficiency, and fearless expression of truth as essential elements of living a truly fulfilling and authentic life.

After reading this short presentation, Jinx-philes can sense some similarities between the athlete and this philosophical movement. First, he rejects norms and conventions. He is behaving like an animal, compared to a wolf. (chapter 7) This approach also gives us an explanation how Joo Jaekyung came to develop such an exhibitionistic sexual behavior: sex in the shower room (chapter 8), in the office, in the car, in front of a mirror, in front of Heesung in the living room… Don’t forget that Diogenes would even masturbate in public.

Additionally, he doesn’t see Team Black as “family”, but as a place to learn toughness and endurance. That’s where he could experience “freedom”. Thus his honesty is brutal. (chapter 46) (chapter 46) Consequently, he never tried to get close to his members either. In fact, he is expecting from the staff to follow his lead. Potato could only get rejected with such a request. (chapter 23) The latter had to act like a true disciple and follow the champion’s recommendation. (chapter 23) The gym is like his sacred temple. Yet, the gym is just a simulacre of “nature”, as it is in the middle of Seoul. Therefore I realized why after their argument, Joo Jaekyung avoided the penthouse and Kim Dan in the end. (chapter 47) It is because deep down, the champion sensed that his flat had become a home. He wanted to ensure that the penthouse was still a workplace or a hotel room. Thus he refused to eat the breakfasts prepared from his PT. In his eyes, these meals must have appeared as a violation of his self-imposed discipline. It was more than self-sufficiency. Under this new light, Jinx-philes can grasp why he rejects presents and prefers donating money. (chapter 41) He is looking for freedom and self-sufficiency, detached from any material need. This explains why the golden keychain from Kim Dan could only offend him. (chapter 45) It symbolized everything he hates: a reminder of wealth, superficiality, attachment, secrecy and silence. It also exposed the huge difference in their mind-set. Kim Dan is not his disciple! He imagined that he had found a kindred spirit, especially after that night: (chapter 39) The reason is simple. The champion had finally found someone who accepted his roughness in bed and could match his stamina.

As you can imagine, Joo Jaekyung is naturally a fake Cynic, for he is not giving up on his comfort. (chapter 10) He is not resigning on designer clothes. (chapter 42) His dress room is the evidence of his hypocrisy. He might have encouraged Kim Dan to have sex in “public places”, yet he is still hiding his sexual orientation. Furthermore, his jinx is the evidence of his dishonesty. (chapter 2) He needs someone to have sex. This stands in opposition to Diogenes’ masturbation. Besides, he had to pay the goblin and Kim Dan in order to have a sex partner. Hence he needs to be confronted with truth as well. Manhwaworms can grasp the rage from the athlete, when he heard the doctor’s justification: (chapter 45) He might advocate autonomy and self-sufficiency, the reality is that he likes luxury. Hence he is unable to live in harmony with nature. This shows that the fighter is in denial and is living in an illusion. Thus he can not find true happiness, for his freedom is not real. He is attached to the gym which is also strongly connected to his career as the Emperor. (chapter 46) With his brutal attitude, he is doing himself a disservice. Exactly like Kim Dan, he is even ruining his career and own reputation. Not only he lost 4 athletes (I am including Seonho), but also his loyal admirers are calling him a thug now: (chapter 47) Even Potato announcing the gradual Coming-Of-Age from his admirer. However, like Dr. Frost mentioned it, humans are social beings. No one can survive on his own. This explicates why Cynics had disciples in the end. And now, you comprehend the role of Kim Dan in Joo Jaekyung’s life. It is to remind him of his true nature. He is a human and not a dog-wolf. Thus the champion recommended his PT to live elsewhere, a sign that he was indeed a human. (chapter 10)

Yet, pure cynicism is not the way to find happiness. We have the perfect example with Diogenes:

He had the impression that it was never enough, and the pure action from the child caught him by surprise. He seems to have been obsessed with his theory.

3. The cynic emperor

However, in the first part, I mentioned Cynicism from a psychological perspective. So now, it is time to examine what Cynicism means for psychologists.

In other words, they have no trust in human beings. Hence Cynicism is undermining relationships. They judge people as selfish hypocrites. Therefore they use Cynicism as a way to keep people at a certain distance. (chapter 2) This explicates why the champion was crossing his arms while confronting the goblin. He was on the defensive. That’s how it dawned on me why the celebrity fell in love with Kim Dan at first sight, and why he enjoyed their first night together. The “hamster’s fear” was genuine. His desertion displayed respect towards the celebrity. He was recognizing his strength and power. (chapter 1) Then the micro-expressions from Kim Dan exposed his lie (chapter 3) On the one hand, the champion’s worldview about humans got reinforced, on the other hand the doctor’s deception symbolized his purity. He was a virgin, which was contradicting his “theory” too.

But wait… the title of this essay is Prince S and Emperor and not wolf or dog. Interesting is that the notion of an emperor or ruler could indeed symbolize cynicism, especially in the context of power and authority. Here’s why:

Skepticism and Distrust: Cynicism often involves skepticism and a general distrust of motives and intentions. An emperor or ruler, representing authority, may be associated with a cynical outlook on the motives of others, assuming that actions are driven by self-interest. This explicates why the champion assumed another intention behind the doctor’s present. (chapter 45) He imagined that the doctor had ulterior motives. This explicates why he felt no empathy, when Kim Dan asked for an advance. (chapter 11) He even looked like a ruler abusing his authority. (chapter 11)

Negative Interpretation of Intentions: Cynicism often leads to a negative interpretation of others’ actions. An emperor or ruler, when used symbolically, can represent someone who interprets the actions of others with suspicion, assuming that individuals are motivated primarily by personal gain.

Lack of Idealism: It tends to reject idealism and a positive view of human nature. (chapter 11) Here, the champion thought that Kim Dan had been gambling. An emperor or ruler, especially one characterized by a lack of idealism, may embody the cynical belief that individuals are primarily driven by self-interest and that altruistic motives are rare. Therefore the celebrity rejects the notion of soulmate (chapter 33) or even the idea of friendship (chapter 30) Heesung was not just taking advantage of his reputation, he was also teasing the sportsman. Joo Jaekyung has such a negative perception of humans. (chapter 33) Hence he looks down on poor people. (chapter 10): Gamblers, laziness, no sense of hygiene etc. Consequently, he is not capable to understand the worries from Kim Dan (chapter 42), Park Namwook (chapter 46) and Jeon Yosep. He feels like they are questioning his success. It was, as if they had other motives. He only relies on himself, he is not “truly” listening to others… though it is not correct. He is getting manipulated by his “counselors”. (chapter 36)

Use of Power: An emperor or ruler traditionally holds significant power, and cynicism may be associated with the idea that those in power are inherently self-serving. This aligns with the cynical perspective that individuals act in their own interest, particularly when they hold positions of authority. Thus the protagonist is selfish and abused his position during their first night together: (chapter 2)

On a personal level, cynicism can have several impacts. While it may provide a form of self-protection against exploitation or disappointment, chronic cynicism can also contribute to stress, alienation, chronic pessimism, hopelessness, depression and anxiety. It may inhibit personal relationships and lead to a reduced sense of life satisfaction or happiness. Though the champion is rich and even famous, he is far from being happy, as his negative perception of humans represents a hindrance to his inner freedom and peace of mind. He rejects society, yet he needs people to fight and spare with. And now, you comprehend the origins of his inner passivity and emptiness. (chapter 26) He is standing in front of a dilemma. Fighting is the expression of nature and self-reliance, yet his fights serve as entertainment for MMA lovers. MMA is strongly intertwined with business and money.

That’s the reason why he was condemned to loneliness, until he met the physical therapist. As time passed on, he had the impression that he had found a kindred spirit, his real new disciple. But the present which was bought in secret ruined everything. What Joo Jaekyung failed to realize is that the golden keychain (chapter 45) was showing the doctor’s golden heart. He was just judging his lover based on his past experiences and his negative worldview. And this brings me to list the cause for Cynicism:

Manhwaworms can grasp why the athlete is a control-freak, why he hates to expose his vulnerability (chapter 45) He fears to be taken advantage. There is no ambiguity that his negative mind-set is definitely influenced by his childhood and family. I would even say that he must have been exposed to emotional blackmail. I came to this hypothesis, because I detected that the champion had been using “blackmail” as MO in order to control Kim Dan. (chapter 6)

Emotional blackmail within parent-child relationships can have particularly damaging effects on the child’s emotional development and well-being. Here’s how emotional blackmail may manifest in the context of a parent raising a child:

  1. Threats of abandonment or punishment: A parent may use threats of abandonment, punishment, or withdrawal of love to manipulate their child into compliance. For example, a parent might threaten to stop loving their child or to send them away if they do not behave according to the parent’s expectations. This can instill fear and insecurity in the child, leading them to comply with the parent’s demands out of fear of losing their love or approval.
  2. Guilt-tripping: A parent may use guilt-tripping tactics to make their child feel responsible for the parent’s emotions or actions. For instance, a parent might say things like, “You’re making me so unhappy by not doing what I want,” or “If you really loved me, you would do as I say.” This can create feelings of guilt and shame in the child, causing them to prioritize the parent’s needs and desires over their own.
  3. Victim-blaming: In some cases, parents may engage in victim-blaming by attributing their negative emotions or behavior to their child’s actions. For example, a parent might blame their child for causing them stress, frustration, or disappointment, even when the child is not at fault. This can lead the child to internalize feelings of guilt and self-blame, eroding their self-esteem and sense of worth.
  4. Withholding affection or approval: Parents may withhold affection, attention, or approval as a form of punishment or manipulation. For instance, a parent might give their child the silent treatment or withdraw affection when the child fails to meet their expectations or challenges their authority. This can leave the child feeling unloved, unworthy, and desperate for the parent’s validation and approval.
  5. Emotional manipulation: Emotional blackmail often involves subtle forms of manipulation aimed at undermining the child’s autonomy, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. For example, a parent might use gaslighting techniques to distort the child’s perception of reality or invalidate their feelings and experiences. This can lead the child to doubt themselves and their own emotions, making them more susceptible to the parent’s control and manipulation.

This would explain why Joo Jaekyung fears and even rejects any affection and relationships. This is the lesson he learned through his bad experiences. No attachment and no love is freedom, as love is synonym for vulnerability, That’s why he chose independency, rejection of norms and brutal honesty. He sees relationships as a source of danger and vulnerability. I am quite certain that no one would suspect the emotional abuse from his family. Hence he came to view people as selfish hypocrites. The absence of his “family” for his birthday is the proof of their bad education and “abuse”.

That’s how I realized why Joo Jaekyung chose MMA fighting as career too. It was not just a mere coincidence. (chapter 26)

The adrenaline from the training and fighting is diverting his attention from his misery. He can mask his depression behind his anger and his fighting. It was to numb his negative thoughts and emotions. Hence he can not “meditate”. But he knows that Kim Dan is fragile, he can not treat him like the others. (chapter 2) He learned through Cheolmin that he could kill him. This shows his good nature in verity. Hence he resorted to such gestures, when his cynical depression resurfaced: (chapter 32) (chapter 36) (chapter 37) (chapter 45) As you can see, little by little, the champion is learning to control his rage and “cynicism”. During the last argument, he didn’t touch the physical therapist at all. He still allows him to stay at his place and he is shown as caring later. (chapter 46) The irony is that Joo Jaekyung is not recognizing his own transformation. The most obvious evidence for his metamorphosis is the absence of his jealousy towards the doctor. (chapter 47) It shows a certain trust. One might argue about this interpretation. This could be seen as indifference. However, I believe that his altercation with Seonho must have been quite an eye-opening for the champion. (chapter 46) It is because Kim Dan had not talked back to Joo Jaekyung during their argument. He had accepted his criticism silently contrary to Seonho. Right now, he has the impression that he still has the upper hand, but he couldn’t be more wrong.

Since the champion has such a long mistrust in people, Jinx-philes can grasp why the champion believes in the power of money. (chapter 26) He has the impression that he can control people, since he is wealthy. Yet, he is not realizing that he can get stabbed because of money as well. We have two perfect examples. Because of the drug incident, the MFC security guys betrayed him, as they protected the organization (chapter 40) Then in episode 47, the emperor got manipulated by his so-called loyal advisors. (chapter 47) First, I would like to outline that neither the manager from the Entertainment agency nor his acolyte brought up the underground fighting ring and Baek Junmin’s dubious success. (chapter 47) With their video, they presented him as an average and reliable fighter. (chapter 47) Observe the divergence between the advisors’ words and the members’ from Team Black. (chapter 47) The latter portrayed Baek Junmin as dangerous, for he would use any mean to win the fight. He doesn’t stand for fairness and responsibility. The champion didn’t get to hear anything about these rumors.

And how can the champion change his cynical view of life? Naturally, through pain… as he needs to be confronted by his fears. Nonetheless, I believe that the halmoni next to Kim Dan has a huge role in his healing as well. Since the latter is so weak and gentle, he doesn’t fear danger from her. (chapter 21) Moreover, the grandmother’s mortality could serve as a reminder for the champion that he is also a human… just like the others he condemns. Besides, she embodies true selflessness and gratitude. Hence she took the champion’s hand to thank him (chapter 22) This is what psychologists recommend to overcome Cynicism:

As you can see, COMPASSION, GRATITUDE, MEDITATION and CONVERSATION play a huge role in changing the mind-set. So far, the couple never shared their fears and own thoughts. They still kept secrets from each other and they didn’t converse a lot. Moreover, the problem was that Kim Dan had acted in secrecy for the gift, which could only reinforce the fighter’s negative disposition. That’s the reason why I believe that Joo Jaekyung needs to learn through a positive experience that not all people are selfish and have ill intentions. He has to discover his own bias through the doctor’s reflection. He needs to receive unconditional love and respect: (chapter 41) He never heard her recognition. In addition, until now, Kim Dan spoke in the name of others or didn’t defend his own point. Team Black’s loyalty would be the evidence that it is dangerous to judge people based on prejudices and past experiences. He needs to reflect on his own actions as well. If the Emperor heard “his members”, he would realize that MFC as an organization is corrupted and is even involved with criminality. He is already sensing something, but he can not identify the problem. (chapter 47) Should Kim Dan divulge Baek Junmin’s connections to the underground fighting ring or simply show him the message, (chapter 47), he would prove his faithfulness and sincerity to the fighter. And the vicious circle would be broken. Though he is broke, he would give up on an opportunity to earn some money easily. To conclude, as long as the champion is still a cynical character, he can not enter a relationship with Kim Dan. For that, he needs to open up his heart and third eye so that he can recognize his partner’s selflessness and honesty. Finally, he will realize that he needs the assistance of others in order to be able to keep his reputation intact (witnesses, supporters). There is no doubt that the Emperor will be badmouthed again.

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

Jinx: 🐹Hamster’s Soulful Conquest 💪 of the Ring 💍

Though the title is referring to Kim Dan, my focus will be on the interactions between the doctor, Joo Jaekyung and Team Black. I implied the gym and its members with the expression “Ring”. The latter has the following definitions:

Furthermore, in Thesaurus, the ring is described like this: “group participating together”. Thus it has for synonyms “camp”, “clan” and “organization”. (chapter 22) It shows that ring does not necessarily possess a negative connotation. To conclude, ring is a reference to marriage (Kim Dan will become the champion’s official partner), to the MMA arena, to Team Black, but also to Mafia. We had an allusion to criminality during the sparring (chapter 26) and when the champion discovered the loan shark and his minions on the verge of raping Kim Dan. (chapter 18) The doctor is unaware of this, but one of his purposes in the champion’s life is to clean the scene, MFC and its corruption. On the other hand, the illustration contains many pictures of the two main leads having sex.  Why? It is because the characters are acting like fighters. At bottom left, the doctor’s embrace resembles a lot to the one he used during the sparring (see the image in the middle). Their gestures are sudden and quite abrupt, which contrasts to the image on the right bottom. The kiss from the doctor holding Joo Jaekyung’s face represents the exception from all the selected panels. This shows that this Summer Night’s Dream indicates a huge transition in the sex sessions. But let’s return our attention to the images illustrating roughness. Right from the start I detected a strong connection between fighting and sex. [For more read Precious Punk and Wimp] Joo Jaekyung would treat in bed his sex partners as challengers. This signifies that he saw the intercourse as power struggle. But wait… Since the athlete considered sexuality as a surrogate fighting unconsciously, it signifies that the champion came to develop rules in bed, as MMA fighting is strongly regulated.

1. The World in the Ring

Here, I utilized this document as basis for my summary of the regulations :

  1. A match is presented as a challenge (chapter 14) (chapter 36)
  2. The fighters are put in different categories based on their weight. Hence their diet is strongly regulated, just like their medication. (chapter 29)
  3. The match is limited in time (maximum 5 rounds with a duration of 5; between each round one minute break)
  4. The intervention of a third person is forbidden, except the referee. (chapter 15) This means that if the fighter is on his own. He can not rely on others. If he is not able to return without the assistance of spectators or his seconds, he is declared as defeated. So we could say that any interruption is condemned, as it is ruining the flow of the fight.
  5. Each boxer is forced to wear a mouthpiece. (chapter 15) Funny is that conversation is permitted, yet mouth gear hinders the fighters to talk. Should they remove it constantly, the referee can judge it as a violation (“Timidity”), for the fighters can not fight, as long as they don’t wear the mouthpiece. This signifies that the sportsmen are encouraged to express their thoughts through the hands. (chapter 15)
  6. The obligation of wearing hand wraps. This signifies that the fighter’s sense of touch is limited.
  7. Their clothing is also strongly supervised: Mixed martial artists have to be shirtless and barefoot and only wear a trunk. Male mixed martial artists MMA fighters need to wear the appropriate groin protection as well.
  8. Certain gestures are also forbidden, like for example strikes to the spine or the back of the head; Fingers outstretched toward an opponent’s face/eyes; Groin attacks of any kind; timidity (avoiding contact, or consistently dropping the mouthpiece, or faking an injury)
  9. The fighters are getting paid for their show. In case of a victory, their fees increase. (chapter 41) To conclude, while MMA fighting is a work, it is strongly intertwined with pleasure and entertainment. Their fight is witnessed by spectators in the arena or on TV. (chapter 41) That’s the reason why Mixed Martial fighters are called artists, a synonym for actor.

As you can imagine, the moment I listed these elements, I made new discoveries concerning Joo Jaekyung’s sexual behavior.

2. The champion’s sexual habits

First, I deduced that the champion was counting coitus as a round (chapter 12). The absence of kisses and caresses can be explained with the presence of mouthpiece and hand wraps in the ring. Moreover, in the arena, there is no warning up, therefore we have the explanation why the champion never included foreplay. On the other hand, the fellatio was used as the symbol for submission. The rival was always brought to his knees. (Chapter 6) (chapter 39) I would even add that the opponent’s challenge was to overcome the long intercourse. I doubt that he gave his past partners a break while having sex. (chapter 39) At the same time, it explains why the champion didn’t take the partner’s pleasure into consideration. It was a battle in bed, which was led by the protagonist. The latter was not only acting as MMA, but also as arbiter and MFC matchmaker. With his money, he could determine the time, the location and the duration.

And the moment the doctor entered his life, the latter changed, as he represented an interruption of his rituals. I would like to outline that all the previous sex partners had targeted him due to his status: (chapter 5) Their gestures were seductive, a sign that they were not fearing the champion. The challenge was here the difference of weight. On the other hand, by approaching Joo Jaekyung, they looked confident about their skills. That’s the reason why he would have sex with them, until they passed out. (chapter 33) He was testing their stamina and as such he desired to demonstrate his superiority. He had to make them KO in bed. However, the green-haired uke represented an exception, because he managed not to pass out. That’s how he became the athlete’s regular partner. (chapter 2) This means that Joo Jaekyung failed to defeat this competitor in bed. This explicates why the “goblin” came to look down on the star. In fact, he realized that he had the upper hand. (chapter 42) That’s the reason why he no longer put any effort in this relationship. There was a certain balance, but it was based on money. That’s how it dawned on me why Mingwa included this memory in the champion’s narration: (chapter 2) I have to admit that this picture has always bothered me, because we can see that Joo Jaekyung was facing his bed partner. Yet we know that his favorite position was the doggy style.  (chapter 1) (chapter 4) (chapter 8) (chapter 12)  (chapter 34) (chapter 36) (chapter 39). As Jinx-philes could observe, till the night in the States, the champion privileged to have sex from behind. How do we explain the difference and when did this change occur? (chapter 2) Here, it is important to pay attention to details. The corners of his mouth are expressing displeasure and annoyance. I had already stated in the past that the champion had disliked his reflection in the partner’s gaze. The mouth is exposing that the champion was not satisfied with this intercourse. And this brings me to the following remark. When the champion revealed his secret to Kim Dan, he pointed out that he needed to feel pleasure. (chapter 2) The champion’s ecstasy served as a measurement to view himself as victorious. This statement implies that he was not only the fighter, but also the arbiter. This corroborates my previous statement. During sex, he was the fighter and the referee. He acted as the MFC matchmaker.

Consequently, I come to the following conclusion: the green-haired uke was the trigger for the switch of position. (chapter 2) I would like to underline the huge distance between Joo Jaekyung and the faceless partner. It shows not only the huge gap between them, but also the absence of kisses. Under this new light, it becomes understandable why the star called the goblin a prostitute, for the latter never kissed him. By selecting the doggy style, the champion was able to reaffirm his superiority to the goblin. That’s the subterfuge Joo Jaekyung created to run away from reality: he was dependent on the green-haired uke. And now, you comprehend why the Webtoonist created a face-off between Kim Dan and the green-haired man. (chapter 43) In my opinion, during that night (chapter 2), Joo Jaekyung must have perceived the disdain and mockery from the uke’s gaze and switched the position. (chapter 1) That’s how he adopted the doggy style. The latter was questioning his belief and as such his masculinity. (chapter 2) The goblin might have not voiced his thoughts to the celebrity before, but Joo Jaekyung could perceive his soul through the gaze and facial expressions. Hence the star’s domination was quite superficial. In fact, as time passed on, the athlete could only get bored of the goblin. (chapter 42) It is because there was no challenge. The guy was accustomed to the champion’s roughness. Hence he never feared the star. He could only judge him as weak. Because Joo Jaekyung was missing the thrill, he came to look for the “wimp”! On the one hand, the latter would treat him with respect(chapter 1), on the other hand, he would cry and tremble in his presence. Then right after the session, he left the room in a hurry.  (chapter 1) That’s how I realized why during that night, the champion felt the need to call Kim Dan. (chapter 1) It is because the “hamster” had not only feared him (chapter 1), but also challenged him. (chapter 1) He had grabbed his anaconda!! But this represents a breach of rules in MMA! That’s how I realized that the doctor’s action pushed the fighter to violate many of his own rules: interruption of the flow! (chapter 1) The moment he called the physical therapist and the latter accepted his request, it was clear that he would ditch the goblin! Thus I see it as his karma, when he got interrupted in chapter 20: (chapter 21) Then after facing Heesung, he stopped the intercourse too,  (chapter 35) indicating that little by little, the champion’s mind-set was changing. At the same time, it exposes his hypocrisy. But why is he forced to accept the change of flow? It is because life is trying to teach the champion that he is not god, he is not the owner of time. This explicates why the star couldn’t determine the start of their “Wedding Night”, the doctor’s suggestion represented a new challenge. (chapter 3) He was defying the champion’s authority. (chapter 3) Despite his fear, the hamster wouldn’t become submissive like the others. While the green-haired uke faked submission and the others got defeated by KO, Kim Dan remained true to himself. He embodies honesty and modesty, the opposite values of the “goblin”.

And this remark brings me to reveal the second violation of the champion’s rules: he didn’t fuck the doctor, until the latter passed out. They both fell asleep together. (chapter 4) That’s the reason why the two main leads were sleeping under the cover. This explicates why he selected the doctor as his definitive partner. I also discovered another infringement during the “Wedding Night”: the champion refused to wear any protection during sex. (chapter 2) Let’s not forget that during a match, they are supposed wear a sex gear. Interesting is that he grabbed the doctor by the hair (chapter 4). It is important, as it represents a real transgression of MMA rules indicating how powerful the doctor was. The champion needed to break rules in order to get him. Funny is that he thought that after such a long night, he had been able to submit the cute hamster, but he was totally wrong. The latter chose to ignore him. (chapter 5) It was, as if he was hiding from him. What caught my attention is that while he tried to get in touch with the physical therapist, he called MFC Match Manager at some point. Why? I believe that he had planned that after his huge success to organize another match very soon. As you can see, the intervention of Saturn, the god of time, taught the champion through the hard way, he was no real MFC Matchmaker. By refusing to answer his calls, Kim Dan was the one determining the time. (chapter 6) Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the athlete offered this deal to the physical therapist: (chapter 6) He was trying to regain the upper hand in their relationship. He wished to keep his position as the owner of time. But the problem is that despite this contract, he wasn’t able to control Kim Dan. The latter chose to approach Kim Changmin  (chapter 7), while he kept his distance from the champion. This scene made him realize that he was still powerless. (chapter 7) Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why in the States, the goddess Mingwa chose to send the doctor to his room much earlier. Both protagonists were fighting against each other concerning time. (Chapter 39) Hence I come to the conclusion that Kim Dan’s role in the champion’s life is to teach the champion that he doesn’t own time. The reason behind this lesson is simple. It is to show him how pointless it is to race against time. (chapter 29)

And this observation led me to recognize another pattern. Observe that each intercourse with Kim Dan was connected to thrill and test. Kim Dan was always put in front of a challenge. We have for example the sex toy (chapter 12) or having sex in front of a mirror (chapter 20) or anal masturbation in a car (chapter 32) I could mention other defies linked to sexuality, having sex without getting noticed, either in the shower room (chapter 8) or during a phone call (chapter 24). Then we have this bet concerning the doctor’s sensitivity. (chapter 29), thus the champion tried an experiment: (chapter 29) Furthermore, notice that each time they had sex, the doctor was pressured to have sex with the champion. Kim Dan felt that he could never refuse. (chapter 12) On the other hand, the athlete always met some resistance (chapter 27) Kim Dan would never agree to the champion’s requests immediately. They would fight about the time, location and position. Furthermore, note that Kim Dan went so far to punch the protagonist: (chapter 7) This could only increase the athlete’s interest and obsession for the physical therapist. Although he was getting paid, the latter would never admit submission. He thought, he had achieved his goal in that scene (chapter 11), yet the reality taught him a tough lesson. He got to hear something terrible:  (chapter 12) With his words, he was telling the sportsman that he was a terrible lover. He denied any admiration for him. And since sex is a synonym for wrestling in Joo Jaekyung’s eyes, doc Dan’s declaration signified that his title as champion was questioned. Though the champion came to enjoy their intercourse (chapter 12), it was short-lived, as the doctor fainted after one round. (chapter 12) Through this examination, Manhwaphiles can grasp that at no moment the champion could control Kim Dan. Though he was supposed to be treated as a sex doll, the physical therapist never acted as one. Why? It is because he had a mind on his own. In other words, neither his mind nor his heart were focused on the celebrity. He already had a goddess: his halmoni. He literally worshipped her. But there’s more to it.

The doctor had the impression that he could never refuse these defies. First, it was related to money, for the latter implies a consent. But note that as time passed on, money became more and more irrelevant, especially since the champion paid the halmoni’s bills. That’s how I realized why consent only appeared so late in Jinx, though it plays a vital role in their relationship. This notion appeared for the first time, when the champion proposed to spare with Kim Dan. (chapter 26) Observe how the doctor reacted after the sparring took place. . (chapter 27) He rejected the suggestion from the champion. As Jinx-philes can detect, the sparring affected their relationship. However, the notion of consent represented more an exception than a habit. Thus I consider the scene in chapter 44 as a real turning point in their relationship.  (chapter 44) Why? It is because this sex session will have an impact in their work, MMA. During that night, they became real fuck buddies. Sex was not related to work and fighting. But why did the notion come to the surface for the sparring? It is because MMA fight consists of challenges, which implies consent. Striking is that so far the champion never rejected a challenge. Yes, Joo Jaekyung was put in the same situation than Kim Dan in the end, but the one putting under pressure was the MFC Matchmaker and naturally the agent from Entertainment agency. Don’t forget that both are earning money thanks to events. And how did the champion got convinced by them? “You think, you can do it?” With their words, they doubted his talents  (chapter 36) or questioned his title: (chapter 36) The protagonist has the impression that his masculinity and strength were questioned. Hence he could not refuse.This explains why he was in such a bad mood and looked unhappy. (chapter 41) He is treated like a doll, but he is not realizing the manipulation. How can he, when Park Namwook is not detecting it either? Under this new light, Jinx-philes can grasp the real root of the argument in the car. (chapter 42) There, the doctor tried to control the champion’s time, as he suggested him not to go to the training. No wonder why Joo Jaekyung reacted that way. On the other hand, the athlete replied with a defy. Thus I deduce that at some point, the doctor will react to these words. As you can see, the champion needs to learn to say NO to them. That’s the reason why I started suspecting that in episode 5, Joo Jaekyung might have planned a match, as he felt invincible thanks to Kim Dan. (chapter 5) But he had to back out. And now, you comprehend why the MFC Matchmaker and the other accomplices had an interest to manipulate the fights. They were sensing that the athlete was escaping their control. Besides, someone has been targeting him out of resent.

What is the other reason why his relationship with the hamster was so challenging? It is because the champion had to conquer the doctor’s body. The latter was living like a ghost. That’s the reason why he started paying more and more attention to Kim Dan’s physical reactions. He recognized that he needed to procure pleasure to his partner, if he wanted to keep him by his side. (chapter 12) The reason for this change of mentality is that the doctor feared him. (chapter 12) And because the doctor never reacted the way the champion expected it, the latter was forced to infringe more and more MMA rules, like this one (grabbing the groins is forbidden). To conclude, the doctor is there to teach the champion to distinguish between love and fighting. This explicates why the physical therapist embodies violation of MMA rules. We have the perfect example in this scene: (chapter 25) Potato made a mistake which could have made the doctor unconscious. That way, he can expose the corruption within MFC and its implication with the mob. That’s the reason why I am more than ever convinced that Kim Dan is destined to become a MMA fighter in the end. Why? It is because he is the champion’s reflection. The moment Joo Jaekyung is no longer the fighter in the ring, but the spectator or assistant, he is forced to witness how his loved one is risking his life. So far, he never showed any interest in the fights of other members. He needs to understand why Doc Dan would advise him not to fight. And this brings me to the next remark: Kim Dan is a strong believer, like we could observe it in this scene. (chapter 40) This explicates why he was willing to risk his life for his sick grandmother.

Hence I am more and more convinced that the doctor will take risks for his loved one again, and this means that he will enter the ring. And now, it becomes comprehensible why the doctor had to experience pain and fear during the sex sessions in the beginning. He was encouraged to overcome his anxieties and to becomes stronger and resilient. He was not realizing that he was receiving a special training from the champion. Yes, he was receiving an initiation to MMA fighting. No wonder that the physical therapist’s condition improved with time: (chapter 36)

3. Kisses and caresses in Jinx

Striking is that the sex session in chapter 44 started with the doctor’s kisses and caresses. (chapter 44) His gestures represent a transgression of MMA rules, as he had stretched his fingers towards the main lead’s face. (chapter 44) By taking the initiative, the physical therapist is teaching his “mentor” how to express love. Interesting is that during that scene, the athlete remained passive. It displays his consent and trust towards the doctor. He knows that the latter won’t hurt him. That’s how I realized that the kisses are strongly connected to consent. Let’s not forget that when Joo Jaekyung smooched the hamster for the first time, he took him by surprise. Because the latter felt uncomfortable, he made the following request: (chapter 15) This request insinuated consent. Then when the doctor smooched the champion’s ear, the latter objected to it. (chapter 44) Hence the physical therapist stopped. Consequently, I come to the deduction that the more they will kiss, the closer and the more respectful the protagonists will become, for the kiss symbolizes consent.

First, the kiss was out of necessity. (chapter 14) Then it was out of desire (chapter 24) and out of excitement and attraction. (chapter 27) However, I noticed that it is linked to their position. They face each other. In chapter 15, Kim Dan was turned around, hence they were no longer having sex from behind. (chapter 15) In chapter 24, first it was from behind, but then it changed, as the star desired to see the hamster‘s erected phallus. (chapter 24) He wanted to make sure that the doctor would enjoy this break. Yet, what caught my attention is that in chapter 39, Kim Dan initiated the kisses and embraces, because this is what he likes. (chapter 39) Here, the athlete was caught by surprise, and protested, but he got silenced very quickly. (chapter 39) Finally, so far, it was not a ritual, hence we only had smooches in chapter 14, 24, 28 and 39. This signifies that Kim Dan is the one who will introduce kisses and embraces as rituals. Moreover, if someone were to kiss one of the protagonists, the other would view this gesture as a crime against his partner.

Another detail caught my attention: the doctor started touching the champion’s neck in the hotel room. However, you already know that in MMA, strikes behind the head or on the spine are forbidden. (chapter 31) That’s how I recognized the huge importance of this scene: (chapter 32) Joo Jaekyung entrusted his neck to the doctor. The latter stroke it for a long time. And now, you comprehend the initial hesitation from Joo Jaekyung in the hotel room: (chapter 39) He was not used to be touched there (face and neck) during sex! During that night, he discovered that he could entrust his most vulnerable points to Kim Dan.  (chapter 39) Therefore it becomes comprehensible why in the penthouse, he allowed his lover to approach his fingers towards his face. (chapter 44) He even accepted his hands on his back.  (chapter 44) He felt safe. This explicates why he could fall asleep so easily.

4. Kim Dan’s conquest of the champion’s heart

Funny is that while the champion was training to tame Kim Dan, he never realized that he was targeting his heart. And the moment the doctor admitted pleasure during the intercourse (chapter 39), Joo Jaekyung had finally achieved his goal: he had become the winner. He was now the owner of the doctor’s heart (chapter 39). On the other hand, since the doctor was under the influence of the drug, the champion couldn’t take the confession seriously. It is important that the champion doesn’t recognize the doctor’s feelings right away, for he needs to feel insecure. That way, he is pushed to change his behavior, to become more proactive and protective of Kim Dan. Hence I consider this Summer Night (chapter 44) as the positive reflection from the sex session in the living room: (chapter 34) Yes, the meeting with the artist was a challenge, he was showing to Heesung that if he tried to take away his “fighter”, he would have to fight for real. And what did the actor do during that night? He ran away, he refused to take the defy. This position (chapter 44) contrasts so much to this one: (chapter 34) closeness, knowledge, sincerity and warmth versus distance, ignorance, artificiality and coldness. The doctor had a mouthpiece, hence we should consider him as a fighter. It shows that the champion was exposing his philosophy about sex to Heesung. He was not allowed to meddle in his “battle” with Kim Dan. During that night, the star was the MFC matchmaker, the referee and the fighter! He was also the owner of the time. This represents the best illustration of his past sexual habits. And now, you comprehend why shortly after he got to lose everything with this article. (chapter 35) The gods were punishing him for not respecting the physical therapist.

Another divergence is that Kim Dan in episode 44 was the one who selected the place of their intercourse: the landlord’s bedroom. (chapter 44), though the doctor had not sex in mind at all. He brought him there to rest. However, the presence of fighting has not vanished totally in episode 44: (chapter 44). Joo Jaekyung still provoked his lover (chapter 44), but the latter was able to reject his defy by asking a question. One might think that he did that out of habit. On the other hand, I believe that Joo Jaekyung doesn’t know his partner that well, hence he is bothered. He can never predict his actions and decisions. He was definitely worried about his recent change of behavior too. Moreover, note that Kim Dan was the one leading the intercourse, for he determined the time flow: (Chapter 44) (chapter 44) It shows that the power is shifting, Kim Dan is slwoly getting the upper hand in their relationship. He can control time and place.

And now, it is time to show you another relevant reflection: (chapter 29) The celebrity refused to have sex every day, for he considered it as work. Why? It is because he is associating it with fighting. This is what he had in his mind: (chapter 36) But their last sex session felt so comfortable and natural that Joo Jaekyung didn’t have to make many rounds. He already fell asleep around one round. (chapter 44) This means that the connection between sex and fighting is vanishing. The sportsman can actually realize that sex is leisure and resting. He had made such a suggestion in the past (chapter 27) But he got rejected by Kim Dan back then, because the physical therapist considered sexuality as shameful. As you can see, the doctor’s actions are changing the champion’s perception of sex. It is no longer fighting, but resting. On the other hand, the doctor can seize the occasion to express his love through his caresses and kisses. At the same time, he could use it as a treatment for his insomnia.

As you can see, I am sensing that the protagonists will come to a new agreement. But by cutting off the connection between fighting and sex, Kim Dan is actually removing the champion’s belief about his jinx. In my eyes, Kim Dan will come to replace fighting in the long run. Only through that way, the champion can stop living as an workaholic. His obsession for MMA is understandable, for he feels terribly lonely. It becomes clear that Joo Jaekyung always wished to have a confident. This is perceptible, as he always talked, while he was having sex with Kim Dan. (chapter 4) (chapter 12) He asked questions, though his interrogations contained the answers. This shows his poor communication skills. On the other hand, as time passed on, he started opening up. He sought his closeness, but in the beginning, he failed terribly due to his prejudices and lack of understanding. (chapter 10)

Moreover, it is important to know that heart has for synonyms courage, mind and soul!! The moment the champion owned the hamster’s heart, the latter was constantly thinking of the champion. (chapter 42) (chapter 42) Interesting is that the champion was also thinking a lot about the main lead, as the latter was worried by his exhaustion and his lack of appetite. (chapter 44) By occupying his mind, Kim Dan is winning his heart. He is reminding him of the fragility of life, but also of true courage due to his humbleness and selflessness. Hence it becomes comprehensible why I stated that the doctor would risk his life or reputation for Joo Jaekyung. He will appear as a true hero receiving the admiration from his loved one and members from Team Black. In my eyes, he will become the heart and soul of Team Black, while the champion is the face of the gym. Though the members are behaving like a family, I detected a lack of cohesion and a certain indifference. No one was missing Potato during the day of the birthday party (chapter 43), just like none of the coaches were wondering about the whereabouts of Kim Dan in the States. (chapter 40) It is important that he brings the members closer together, as there is an enemy in the shadow: the Mafia.

My final observation is the following: during this night, Joo Jaekyung got revived, hence his whole face was blushing  (chapter 44) See the contrast to the night on the couch: (chapter 29) Contrary to the past (chapter 4) Joo Jaekyung is not hiding his pleasure. He is moaning loudly, as he has his mouth wide open. It exposes once again the increasing trust in Kim Dan. He no longer mistrusts him, in his eyes, he is no longer a prostitute. That’s how the doctor won the champion’ s heart. Now, his heart is truly beating for the doctor. Little by little, the hamster is taming the wolf. The latter needs to recognize that by loving the doctor, he will become powerful.

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

Jinx: The Third 🥉 Man ❓- second part

As you can see, trying to discover the identity of the third man has become my new obsession. Why? It is because I am convinced that he will play a huge role in the progression of the story.

1. The men in the shadow

After releasing the first part, it dawned on me that Shim Yoon-Seok and the unknown man (chapter 37) from episode 37 could be still two different persons. However, the two of them have something in common: both are involved in creating an event, or better said in plotting!! Moreover, they participated in the last scheme. But the condition for a trick is secrecy and manipulation. And this is exactly what was happening in chapter 42. (chapter 42) The roommate acted, as if he was a ghost, as if he had vanished into thin air. He kept a low profile and never asked the green-haired to stop arguing or insulting the young doctor. As for the other, he manipulated Kim Dan to scare him off. That’s the reason why I am more than ever convinced that the next plot is on its way.

2. The discovery of the secret

My problem was that I couldn’t determine properly which secret the hidden man had discovered. Since I detected parallels between Joo Jaekyung, Kim Dan and this negative couple, I realized that the latter could also have a boss-employee relationship. Since the latter is a prostitute, (Chaoter 42) which he is no longer denying, I came to the deduction that the other is a pimp. Moreover, because I connected parallels between chapter 42 and episode 13, the doctor‘s words came to my mind: (chapter 13) The expression „the pond’s been bone dry“ implies hiring. Naturally, Cheolmin meant that it was difficult for him to find a partner, but his declaration could be understood, as if he was referring to male escorts. As you can see, there was an indirect reference to prostitution in the end. However, he was not looking for a male prostitute. And now, if you look at the members from the XY VIP club (Chapter 33), you will realize that they belong to the higher middle-class. On the other hand, Cheolmin pointed out that only desperate people would accept to be his sex partner (chapter 13). Thus I come to the conclusion that the athlete was pushed to hire prostitutes in the end, for the other VIP members would refuse such a rough sexual behavior. That’s why I have always been suspecting that this club has been dealing with whoredom behind the facade. The silent barman could be the link. Yet, notice that Heesung has a different approach at the club. (Chapter 33) He’s looking for his soulmate. This explicates why he could approach these new members so easily. Interesting is that Choi Heesung knows about his jinx and criticized him for his roughness (chapter 33), but he never reproached him to hire escort boys. Our cursed Romeo is not linked to prostitution, hence when he saw Kim Dan during that night, he didn’t see whoredom, but roughness. (Chapter 34) Therefore he was not repulsed. This explicates why he gave up on Kim Dan so easily. (Chapter 35) So imagine his reaction, when he hears that Joo Jaekyung has been treating his angel as a male prostitute. He will get upset, for Joo Jaekyung is looking down on the protagonist‘s job and his magical hands. But let‘s return our attention to episode 42.  (chapter 42) Because prostitution was in the center of the argument, I am quite certain that the third person is also connected to it.

And being a pimp would fit the profile of a person who is looking for an easy and quick way to earn money. Once I made the connection between the third man and prostitution, I had another revelation. Yes, it is about the secret he had discovered. Kim Dan is working as a delivery man during the night and he is on his own! Joo Jaekyung is not protecting him. It looked, as if he had been abandoned. The author already indicated that such a night job can be dangerous, as you can meet drunk and violent people. (Chapter 42) Moreover, the third man knows how to contact the physical therapist, through the restaurant. This means, he can sell the information to someone who is looking for fresh blood.

3. New predictions

Here, we have two possibilities. First, it could be the perverted hospital director!!  (Chapter 1) Or that could be Heo Manwook. Remember how the young protagonist got dragged during the day and no one intervened! (Chapter 16) People‘s passivity and indifference is finally exposed in episode 42: (chapter 42) The physical therapist got verbally attacked to the point that the main lead got scared for an instant, but the witness there remained passive and indifferent. And now, you can imagine my prediction: the mysterious man will call one of these perverted men (chapter 20) and tell them how to meet the physical therapist. Heo Manwook or the physician just needs to call the restaurant and order food! Once there, he can get dragged into a room and abused physically and sexually. And the third man would be just fine. No one would suspect his involvement, in the worst case, that would be the green-haired whore.

If you recall the content of my previous analysis, the cellphone and the drug were common denominators between all the similar scenes. When the doctor got kidnapped, he was talking over the phone. (Chapter 16) In his house, he got insulted as a whore (chapter 16). Though he accepted the insult by remaining silent, he still fought back, when the moneylender was on the verge of raping him. His minions had to help him to restrain Kim Dan. (Chapter 16) But Joo Jaekyung didn‘t realize the true crime due to his biased perspective which I had elaborated in the first part.

Thus it dawned on me that members from Team Black (Kwak Junbeom, Potato and Oh Daehyun) could be close to the scene and come to Kim Dan‘s rescue. Remember how I outlined the parallels between chapter 35 and 42. (chapter 35). Besides the list of similar scenes was 1, 2, 13, 24, 25, 33, 34, 35 and 37. Except the scenes in the penthouse, Jinx-philes can recognize another similarity: Potato and Heesung! That‘s how I came to the following prediction: Yoon-Gu will come to the physical therapist’s rescue. It is also possible that the actor is present as well. Nonetheless, by fighting the pervert , Yoon-Gu would become a hero! It is important, because the physical therapist would recognize that even if he doesn’t mean much to Joo JAekyung, he has found a family, TEAM BLACK! (Chapter 40) „One of his own“ would get a different meaning. And if this prediction comes true, Potato’s action could generate a buzz, he would get noticed by public opinion and they could ask for a fight. In other words, through Kim Dan’s actions, Potato’s dream would come true: being recognized as a professional MMA fighter. The bond between Yoon-Gu and Kim Dan would deepen, while the maknae would be disappointed in the champion. He is so rich, but he pushes Kim Dan to take odd jobs. He is not even allowing him to take other patients, while he is not listening to his physical therapist. He made a huge mistake, hence he would become a human in his eyes. He is truly treating the main lead like a prostitute, ruling over his life. Don’t forget that he saw how the champion poured the coke on the doctor’s head. (chapter 37) He had crossed the line, but this was unfortunately quickly forgotten. And the charity event would appear as a huge hypocrisy, for he is not helping his roommate. (Chapter 41) As for the fighters, they would come to resent Joo Jaekyung too, for Yoon-Gu and Kim Dan are so special to them. Simultaneously, the champion would be forced to meditate on his behavior and past words: (chapter 42) Joo Jaekyung will come to regret these words in the end. He might even jump to the conclusion that the main lead was taking odd jobs because he wanted to leave or to pay the cancellation fees.

„Do your goddamn job!“ But what is his job actually? A nutritionist? No, this work was a decision made by Kim Dan to show his appreciation towards the main lead. A physical therapist? Yes and no… the main purpose for his hiring was sex. (Chapter 6) Yes, the two protagonists have to discuss openly about prostitution. Because he didn’t listen to his doctor, he reduced him into a bump. He is just a tool for his jinx. He was showing no respect to his partner.

If my assumption is correct, the usage of drug will become the evidence that Kim Dan was a victim. And maybe the champion will recall the trespassing from that night and realize that he had misjudged the whole incident. (Chapter 18) Like mentioned before, the plot will affect their relationship forcing Joo Jaekyung to make a new deal. At the same time, if this truly happens, it would validate my interpretation that Kim Dan’s role is to contribute to the maknae‘s emancipation, like the wet dream implied it. The perfect Hero Joo Jaekyung would die in the puppy‘s eyes, especially when he discovers the existence of the champion‘s jinx!  (Chapter 2)

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

Jinx: Sunny 🌝 Deception: Breakfast, Birthday 🎂and a side of laughs 😁

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 4Chapter 18Chapter 22Chapter 41Chapter 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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.