Jinx: Hot 🌶️ Sparks 🎇, Feverish 🌡️ Reality (part 1)

Introduction — Dream, Magic, or Something Else?

Many Jinx-lovers were genuinely happy watching how the champion interacted with Doc Dan during that night. He was caring (chapter 86), gentle, attentive (chapter 86) — asking questions instead of imposing answers (chapter 64). For Joo Jaekyung’s unconditional stans (and I count myself among them), such an attitude (chapter 86) can easily be read as proof that the protagonist’s good heart has always been existent, but it was barely visible. Compared to earlier chapters, the contrast is now undeniable. And yet, I would like to pause you right there.

Because focusing solely on the champion’s behavior risks missing the most decisive movement of this night. Joo Jaekyung’s transformation did not begin in episode 86. Long before that, he had already started changing — sometimes suddenly (chapter 61), sometimes awkwardly (chapter 80), sometimes inconsistently (chapter 79), but unmistakably . (chapter 83) Tenderness, concern, even a certain form of devotion had appeared earlier (chapter 40), albeit in ways that were often overlooked, (chapter 18) misunderstood or poorly timed. This night (chapter 86) does not initiate his metamorphosis.

So what, then, makes it feel so different?

When confronted with a night filled with stars (chapter 86), sparks (chapter 86), and softness, many Jinx-philes might instinctively describe it as magical. The imagery invites such a reading. After all, we have seen similar nights before. The night in the States shimmered with illusion (chapter 39); words were spoken, confessions made — only to dissolve with memory. (chapter 41) The penthouse night echoed A Midsummer Night’s Dream (chapter 44), suspended between intoxication and desire, intense yet fragile. Both nights felt unreal, and both were later reframed as mistakes (chapter 41) — moments to be erased rather than carried forward. (chapter 45). This raises an essential question. Is episode 86 (chapter 86) a renewal of those nights? Another dream layered over the past? A repetition disguised as healing? Or, on the contrary, is this the first night that resists enchantment altogether?

This question matters because in Jinx, nights are never judged by themselves. Their true meaning is revealed afterward — in the morning (chapter 4), in the return of light (chapter 66), in what remains once the sparks fade. A dream dissolves with daylight. Reality does not.

This is why it would be misleading to read episode 86 primarily as evidence of the champion’s improved behavior. Such a perspective encloses the night within its warmth and risks mistaking tenderness (chapter 86) for final transformation. The real shift occurs elsewhere — more quietly, and perhaps more unsettlingly. To grasp the nature of this night, we must follow more importantly the doctor and his interaction with his fated partner.

What changes here is not only what Joo Jaekyung does, but how Kim Dan perceives (chapter 86), processes, and responds to it. How he hesitates (chapter 86), reflects, and allows himself to reconsider what this moment can mean — and what it can lead to. (chapter 86) It is through this inner recalibration that we can begin to determine whether this night belongs to the realm of dream, repetition, or reality. Only by tracing the doctor’s perception can we understand what truly starts flowing here.

To approach this question, the analysis will move through several successive angles. It will begin with the symbolic and mythological references that frame episode 86, before turning to earlier nights that echo visually or emotionally within it. From there, attention will shift to forms of communication, considering how speech, silence, and gesture are arranged across these scenes. The analysis will then examine repeated actions and how their placement within the narrative differs from one moment to another. Only with such a progression can the nature of this night be reconsidered.

From Solar Heat to Electric Current

Many Jinx-lovers instinctively read episode 86 as a romantic turning point because the night looks “magical”: stars (chapter 86), sparks, that strange shimmer that seems to hang in the air (chapter 86). Why? It was, as if their dream had come true. However, is it correct? Is it not wishful thinking? What if this night is not magical at all? What if its true signature is not enchantment, but electricity—a current that interrupts, tests, and resets? 😮

To grasp this, we must first return to the symbolic regime that used to govern the champion’s presence. In earlier chapters (think of the awe and distance around chapters 40–41 and again later), Joo Jaekyung often appears as a solar figure (chapter 40) in Kim Dan’s perception: overwhelming, radiant, dominant, a heat-source that does not negotiate. (chapter 41) The sun can be admired, feared, and endured—but it cannot be questioned. (chapter 58) It simply shines, and the one who stands in its light adapts. This explicates why the physical therapist would choose silence and submission over communication. (chapter 48)

The Invisible Energy

Nevertheless, the excursion in episode 83 and 84 begins to dismantle this solar grammar, though at the time, its meaning is easy to miss. (chapter 83)

The shift away from solar symbolism does not announce itself loudly. It is embedded in the setting itself, almost too obvious to be noticed. An amusement park functions entirely on electricity. (chapter 83) Every ride, every light, every scream suspended in midair depends on current: motors accelerating and braking, circuits opening and closing, energy stored, released, and cut off. (chapter 83) Roller coasters do not move by heat, charisma, or sheer physical force; they move because electricity flows through them. The Viking ship swings (chapter 83) because current allows it to swing. The Ferris wheel ascends (chapter 83) because circuits hold — and descends because they release.

And yet, precisely because this energy is expected, it becomes invisible.

Neither the characters nor most Jinx-philes initially register electricity as a symbol. It is too familiar, too infrastructural. Electricity does all the work, but it remains background noise. This invisibility is not accidental. Unlike the sun — which imposes itself visually, hierarchically, almost tyrannically — electricity operates silently, relationally, conditionally. It does not dominate the scene; it enables it. It exists only as long as connections hold.

When Electricity Fails

This distinction matters, because electricity only becomes perceptible when it fails. (chapter 84)

The Ferris wheel breakdown in episode 84 is therefore not a minor technical inconvenience but a crucial narrative rupture. The moment the current cuts out, movement stops. Height becomes dangerous. Time suspends. Panic enters the frame. The announcement that “the earlier technical issues have been resolved” (chapter 84) explicitly names what had previously gone unspoken: the rides function only because current flows. When it disappears, the illusion of effortless motion collapses.

And it is precisely at this moment — when artificial motion halts — that Joo Jaekyung becomes active in an unexpected way. (chapter 84) The Ferris wheel has stopped. The current is gone. The carefully regulated system that lifted, rotated, and sustained them is no longer in control. Yet movement does not disappear entirely. It mutates. When the champion shifts his weight, grips the structure, reacts instinctively, the cabin begins to shake. Panels emphasize instability: creak, swish, ack. The motion is no longer generated by electricity but by the body itself.

This moment is crucial. The shaking exposes a hierarchy reversal. Human strength now surpasses mechanical control. The ride no longer dictates sensation; the occupant does. And this excess of physical force — uncontrolled, unmediated — becomes unsettling rather than triumphant. Kim Dan immediately responds by asking him to sit down, to stop moving, to restore balance. Stillness, not action, becomes the condition for safety.

From Motion to Speech

What follows is telling. Deprived of the park’s mechanical rhythm, Joo Jaekyung does not compensate by acting more. He compensates by speaking. (chapter 84) Stranded above ground, stripped of the park’s mechanical rhythm, he apologizes. (chapter 84) Not theatrically, not performatively, but awkwardly, haltingly. His body exposes his discomfort (chapter 84) and fears. He avoids the doctor’s gaze, crosses his arms (chapter 84) or squeezes his arm (chapter 84). The cessation of electrical motion coincides with a shift in his own mode of action. Where the park depended on current to keep things moving, he now moves without it. The absence of electricity forces something else to surface: responsibility, attention, presence. Additionally, this sequence anticipates what will later unfold more fully. Proactivity is no longer expressed through force or motion, but through articulation. Words stand for action and have weight. The champion’s future action is announced here, quietly: he will no longer push forward by shaking the structure. He will move by sharing thought, by naming feeling, by allowing himself to be affected.

The interruption of electricity does not merely stop the ride. It forces a change in how agency is exercised. Under this new light, my avid readers can grasp the true life lesson the athlete received at the amusement park, the importance of communication and attentiveness.

As a first conclusion, the amusement park juxtaposes two forms of energy: mechanical electricity and human vitality. The first is regulated, automated, predictable — until it fails. The second is volatile, embodied, responsive. When the Ferris wheel stops, the mechanical system collapses, and a different kind of current emerges: emotional, relational, biological.

Yet, only in retrospect does this moment reveal its deeper logic. I am quite certain my followers are wondering how I came to pay attention to electricity which led to new observations and interpretations. It is related to the “electrical night” in the hotel!

Electricity and Sex

What strikes immediately in episode 86 is not tenderness, nor explicit care, nor even novelty of behavior — but density. The night is saturated with sparks (chapter 86), (chapter 86) jolts, sudden contractions of the body (chapter 86). Kim Dan is repeatedly shown convulsing, gasping, losing linear thought, and it is the same for the MMA fighter. Panels insist on interruption: jolt, tingle, broken breath, aborted sentences. The doctor’s body behaves as if struck, especially in this image. (chapter 86) It is at this point that a phrase surfaced in my mind — instinctively, almost involuntarily. A phrase we use in French when something intangible yet decisive occurs between two people: Le courant passe. Literally, the current passes. Idiomatic meaning: they are on the same wavelength, something connects, communication flows. However, here, the current is not the product of civilization, but of nature. Two people interacting with each other. And it is precisely because of the unusually high frequency of sparks and jolts in the illustrations that a belated realization imposes itself: nature, too, produces electricity — through storms, through thunder.

Joo Jaekyung’s Day and the Thunder

This raises a necessary question: where was the thunder before, as Jinx is working like a kaleidoscope?

One might be tempted to point to episode 69. (chapter 69) A storm was announced back then. And yet, upon closer inspection, no thunder was ever shown there. There was tension, there was excess, there were dark clouds (chapter 69) — but there was no strike, no discharge, no interruption. The imagery remained continuous, fluid, enclosed within the logic of escalation rather than rupture.

The thunder appears in the amusement park. 😮 One detail initially seems insignificant, almost too mundane to merit attention: the day itself.

The excursion in episodes 83–84 takes place on a Thursday. At first glance, this appears to be nothing more than a scheduling detail. And yet, Thursday is not a neutral day. Linguistically and mythologically, it carries a charge. Thursday is Thor’s day. This latent mythology quietly materializes through two objects, the drakkar (Viking boat) (chapter 83) and the hammer (chapter 83). In Roman terms, Thursday corresponds to dies Iovis — Jupiter’s day — the god of thunder. Both gods are strongly connected to thunder and as such current.

The narrative does not underline this fact. It does not name the god, invoke mythology, or frame the excursion as symbolic. The reference remains dormant. But dormancy is not absence. It is latency. This is where the symbolism stops being latent and becomes functional.

The reference to Thor and Jupiter (which was already palpable in earlier episodes -chapter 67-; for more read my analysis Star-crossed lovers 🌕) is not decorative mythology; it introduces a dual model of power that the narrative begins to test on Joo Jaekyung himself. Thor (chapter 83) is the son: impulsive, embodied, excessive, a god who discharges energy through impact. Jupiter, by contrast, is the father (chapter 83): regulating, sovereign, stabilizing, the god who governs the sky rather than striking it. Thunder belongs to both, but it manifests differently depending on position in the lineage. What matters is not which god the champion “is,” but that he oscillates between them. This oscillation becomes legible through the hammer.

The hammer game appears after the champion’s moment of physical discomfort and jealousy. (chapter 83). Before striking anything, he is already unwell: angry overstimulated and complaining, visually reduced to a childlike register. This matters. The hammer does not create excess — it receives it. (chapter 83) It offers a sanctioned outlet for surplus energy that has nowhere else to go. However, contrary to the past, the physical therapist becomes the beneficiary of the athlete’s greed and jealousy. He receives a teddy bear. The hamster doesn’t witness the punching incident, he only sees the result: care and affection. (chapter 83)

Unlike boxing, unlike punching a sandbag (chapter 34), the hammer gesture is not confrontational, for the machine is immobile. There is no opponent. (chapter 83) The arm rises and comes down. The movement is vertical, not horizontal. It does not engage another body; it obliterates resistance. This is not combat but discharge.

In that moment, Joo Jaekyung performs Thor. Not metaphorically, but structurally. He channels excess into a single, downward strike. The absurd score — 999 — is not triumph; it is overload. (chapter 83) Too much energy released at once. The system registers it, but cannot contain it. This means, the record won’t be registered and as such “remembered”. In fact what mattered here was the prize, the teddy bear, and restored self-esteem of the athlete. He could offer a present to doc Dan which the latter accepted without any resistance. (chapter 83) The pink heart indicates the presence of affection and gratitude. And crucially, this act restores balance. After the hammer, the champion is no longer visibly overwhelmed. He has expelled what needed to leave. This shows that the champion is learning to manage his jealousy differently.

This prepares the next transition. Once the excess is discharged, he can shift position. The childlike Thor-state gives way to something else: regulation, provision, containment. This is where Jupiter enters — not as domination, but as adaptive authority. The same character who was dazed now intervenes calmly, mediates interaction, hands over the teddy bear, anticipates need. Son and father coexist not as contradiction, but as sequence.

This duality is essential for what follows. Because thunder is not continuous like the sun. It interrupts. It breaks a state, resets a system, and allows a new configuration to emerge. That is its narrative function here. This means that the athlete’s attitude can no longer be generalized, as such reproaches or description wouldn’t reflect reality. But let’s return our attention to the thunder causing a short circuit and reset.

The Ferris wheel breakdown completes the logic. When electricity fails, mechanical motion stops. When motion stops, the champion’s bodily excess becomes dangerous. When excess becomes dangerous, restraint is required. And when restraint is required, speech replaces force. The apology does not come despite the breakdown, but because of it. The system has been reset. This is why the amusement park is not merely foreshadowing but training.

The champion learns, physically and symbolically, that energy must circulate differently depending on context. Sometimes it must be discharged. Sometimes it must be restrained. (chapter 86) Sometimes it must be transmitted through words rather than bodies. This is not moral growth; it is adaptive intelligence.

Doc Dan and the Thunder

And this is precisely what reappears in episode 86. (chapter 86)

There, thunder returns — no longer as mechanical failure, but as biological event. The sparks and jolts saturating the panels are not just erotic embellishment. They reproduce the same logic of interruption and reset as well. Kim Dan’s body reacts as if struck by current. Thought fragments. Linear continuity breaks. “I can’t think straight” is not poetic confusion; it is systemic overload. I would even say, we are witnessing a short circuit which can only lead to a reset.

A thunderstorm does not persuade. It forces a reboot. In other words, this night stands under the sign of reality despite the sparks. Electricity is real and even natural.

The crucial difference is that this time, the current does not come from machines, nor from spectacle, nor from a game. It emerges between two bodies. This is why le courant passe becomes more than metaphor. The current does not dominate; it circulates. It requires two terminals. It only exists because both are present and conductive. And now, you comprehend why the champion was attentive (chapter 86) and asked questions to his sex partner. The current stands for communication. (chapter 86) Therefore it is not surprising that doc Dan starts looking at his fated lover. Imagine what it means for the athlete, when the “hamster” is staring at him, though he is a little embarrassed. Finally, he is truly looking at him. The champion loves his gaze. And now, you comprehend why the “wolf” listened to the “cute hamster” and stopped leaving marks.

In this sense, the hammer returns one last time — transformed. (chapter 86)

What struck metal in the amusement park now strikes the psyche. Not as violence, not as domination, but as reset. The phallus functions here exactly as the hammer did earlier: a tool of discharge that interrupts an old state and makes a new configuration possible. The result is not surrender, not illusion, but recalibration. Joo Jaekyung is once again releasing his “energy” (chapter 85), but this time, its nature has changed. It is no longer jealousy or anger, but love and desire. Hence the current is not colored in red, but white and pink. (chapter 86) It is not a flame like here , but a thunder and as such it is still restrained and regulated.

This is why episode 86 does not feel “magical”, once the structure is visible. Magic enchants without consequence. Thunder alters systems. After a strike, nothing resumes exactly as before.

And that is the point.

The champion is no longer a sun that burns from a distance. He has become a figure capable of switching modes — son and father, Thor and Jupiter, discharge and containment. And Kim Dan, having undergone the reset, is no longer operating on inherited assumptions (chapter 86) or second-hand data. New information must now be gathered. New meanings must be negotiated. Because Joo Jaekyung acts differently (son-father), the doctor is incited to discuss with his fated lover and not to generalize. He is pushed to become curious about the main lead and even adapt himself in the end.

The system has rebooted. What follows will not be repetition — because the thunder forced a reset. What follows will be movement and reciprocity — because current has begun to pass from one side to the other and the reverse. A new circle has been created.

Dream Nights and Drugged Time: Why Chapters 39 and 44 Could Not Last

If episode 86 confronts us with electricity as reset, then we must return to the earlier nights that failed — not because desire was absent, but because time itself was compromised.

Many Jinx-lovers remember the night in the States (chapter 39) and the penthouse night (chapter 44) as emotionally charged, intense, even pivotal. Confessions were made. Bodies responded. Vulnerability appeared to surface. And yet, both nights collapsed almost immediately afterward. What was felt (chapter 44) did not endure. What was said did not bind. What was shared did not accumulate into change.

Why?

The simplest answer would be to blame the champion’s behavior. But this explanation is insufficient — and, in fact, misleading. The deeper issue is not ethical failure alone, but structural impossibility. These nights were built on illusion. And illusion, by definition, cannot sustain time.

Let us begin with the night in the States.

In chapter 39, Kim Dan experiences desire (chapter 39), arousal, and emotional exposure under the influence of a drugged beverage. His body reacts strongly, almost violently. His speech loosens. He confesses. (chapter 39) He voices feelings that he has never dared to articulate consciously. Many readers interpreted this moment as a breakthrough — the first time the doctor allowed himself to want.

And yet, the morning after reveals the fatal flaw: he does not remember. (chapter 40)

Memory loss is not a narrative convenience here. It is the core of the scene’s meaning. Without memory, desire cannot transform into intention. Without intention, intimacy cannot become choice. What remains is sensation without authorship.

In other words, the confession existed — but outside time.

The body spoke, but the self could not claim it. The night produced intensity, not continuity. More importantly, it denied Kim Dan the possibility of return. Because he did not remember, he could not revisit the moment, reinterpret it, or choose it anew. Desire occurred — but never became decision. The night passed through him without granting him authorship. At the same time, Joo Jaekyung made sure with his joke (chapter 41) that doc Dan shouldn’t remember that night. This remark left a deep wound on doc Dan’s soul and mind, thus he hoped not to look like a fool in episode 86. (chapter 86) In this panel, we should glimpse a reference to the night in the States as well, and not just to the night in the penthouse.

The intensity of that night is why the champion’s later obsession with recreating that night is so telling. (chapter 64) Deep down, he hoped that such a night had been real. That’s why he asked shortly after their return about this particular night. (chapter 41) The event floats, unmoored, like a dream recalled only by one participant. I would even add, the amnesia from the doctor even afflicted a wound on the main lead. This explains why in Paris, he keeps asking doc Dan if the later is well and is not suffering from a fever. (chapter 86) He wants to ensure that his fated lover won’t forget this night. He is doing everything to avoid a repetition from that “dream or fake night”, where the physical therapist acted as the perfect lover, but forgot it. However, observe that here, the champion is touching doc Dan’s forehead, a sign that he is making sure that doc Dan is not “lying” by coercion or submission. At the same time, such a gesture reinforces my interpretation: thanks to the “thunder”, heat is generated. “Le courant passe” (the current passes) through physical contact, that’s how they create intimacy and understanding.

The penthouse night in chapter 44 follows a similar structure, though its emotional register differs.

Here, it is Joo Jaekyung who is intoxicated. (chapter 44) The setting is elevated, luxurious, almost theatrical. The doctor is brought into a space of power that is not his own. (chapter 44) By acting that way, the athlete created a false impression of himself, as if he was still rational and clear-minded. Again, desire unfolds. (chapter 44) (chapter 44) Again, closeness occurs. And again, the aftermath reveals the same fracture.

The champion does not remember fully (chapter 45) and later wants to even forget it. (chapter 45) Why? It is because contrary to the night in the States, the MMA fighter left traces on doc Dan’s body (chapter 45) and he can not deny his own involvement and actions. Hence the doctor is left alone. Only he can recall this “dream”. (chapter 44) But memory alone is not power. Remembering without the other’s participation transforms recollection into isolation. Kim Dan cannot confront, confirm, or renegotiate what happened, exactly like the champion did in the past. Meaning freezes instead of evolving. Striking is that he came to associate feelings with addiction. (chapter 46) No wonder why later doc Dan had no problem to reject the athlete. And for him, the next morning became a cruel reality, even a nightmare. It wounded doc Dan’s heart and soul so much that he learned the following lesson: to not get deceived by impressions. Hence in Paris, Doc Dan tries to explain the change of the champion’s attitude with drunkenness. (chapter 86)

What matters is not simply abandonment, but asymmetry of consciousness. While Joo Jaekyung remembers the night in the States, the other remembers the night in the penthouse: (chapter 44) One participant is altered. The other must carry the weight of meaning alone. The night does not end in shared reflection, but in silence and absence.

In both cases, the problem is not sex. It is not even exploitation or ignorance— though both are present. The problem is that time cannot flow forward from these nights.

Why? Because drugs suspend causality.

Under intoxication, actions do not generate obligation. Words do not demand response. Feelings do not require follow-up. The night becomes sealed — intense within itself, but cut off from before and after. This is why these encounters feel dreamlike in retrospect. Not romantic dreams, but dissociative ones.

And Jinx insists on this reading visually.

In both chapters, speech is unstable. (chapter 44) Words blur, vanish, or are forgotten. Even gestures go unnoticed: a kiss, an embrace or a patting. Memory fractures. The morning after is defined not by continuity but by confusion. The body has moved forward, but the narrative has not.

This logic culminates in the fireworks scene of chapter 84 (chapter 84)

Fireworks are often read as romance. But here, they function as warning. Fireworks illuminate the sky briefly, brilliantly — and then disappear. They leave no trace. And crucially, during this display, words are literally blurred. (chapter 84) Speech bubbles lose clarity. Confessions are obscured. The reader is denied access to meaning. Fireworks, like drugs, produce intensity without duration.

This is the crucial distinction that Part I prepared us for: heat versus current. Heat lingers. It can smother. It can burn. But it does not require connection. Current, by contrast, only exists if two points remain linked.

Chapters 39 and 44 are nights of heat. Bodies respond. Desire flares. But no circuit closes. No loop remains intact long enough for time to resume. This is why these nights are doomed — not morally, but structurally.

And this brings us to a crucial observation that many readers overlook.

In both of these earlier nights, questions are absent.

No one asks: “Are you okay?” (chapter 39) (chapter 44) It was as if these nights could only exist under altered states — as if clarity on either side would have made them impossible.
No one asks: “Do you remember?”
No one asks: “Why are you doing it?” “What does that mean to you?”

Speech exists, but it is not dialogic. It does not seek the other’s subjectivity. It spills, confesses, demands, judges or disappears. But it does not circulate. This is why, despite their intensity, these nights do not move the story forward. They collapse inward.

Episode 86, by contrast, will confront us with something radically different: a night that asks questions. (chapter 86)

But before we get there, we must acknowledge what these dream-nights leave behind.

They teach Kim Dan that desire is dangerous when it appears without agency. That closeness can dissolve overnight. That bodily truth does not guarantee recognition or even knowledge. And perhaps most importantly: that remembering alone is a burden. (chapter 86) This is why, when electricity returns in episode 86, it does not revive heat. It interrupts it. (chapter 86) That’s the reason why the athlete stops for a moment and asks doc Dan, if he needs a break. (chapter 86) This question is important because doc Dan admits his confusion and ignorance. He confesses to himself that he “knows nothing” not only about himself, but also about his fated lover. (chapter 86) The night is no longer sealed. It is permeable. Time resumes. (chapter 86) This signifies that thanks to the “champion’s thunder”, doc Dan was able to leave the vicious circle of “depression”. At the same time, such a confession implies that doc Dan’s present is no longer determined by the past and prejudices. And that is precisely why it matters.

From Drugged Time to Embodied Presence

If the earlier nights failed because time itself was compromised, then the question that naturally follows is this: what allows time to resume?

Chapters 39 and 44 taught us that intensity alone is not enough. Desire flared, bodies responded, confessions surfaced — and yet nothing endured. Not because feeling was false, but because consciousness was fractured. Words existed, but they did not circulate. Memory existed, but it was asymmetrical. Each night collapsed into silence the moment it ended.

Episode 86 emerges precisely at this fault line.

At first glance, it might seem quieter. Less dramatic. Less overtly confessional. And yet, this apparent restraint is deceptive. What changes here is not the presence of desire, but the medium through which meaning passes. What circulates between them in this night is not nostalgia, not projection, not even hope — but presence.

The sparks that punctuate episode 86 are not metaphorical excess. (chapter 86) They function as temporal markers. A spark exists only now. It has no duration. It cannot be stored, recalled, or anticipated. It appears — and vanishes. In this sense, electricity becomes the perfect visual language for the present moment itself.

Unlike heat, which lingers and can smother, current demands simultaneity. It requires two points to be active at the same time. The moment one withdraws, the circuit breaks. Sparks therefore signify not passion remembered or desired, but attention shared. This is why the night in episode 86 feels radically different from earlier encounters. At the end of episode 86, Kim Dan is no longer trapped in the past — replaying humiliation, abandonment or knowledge (as such arrogance). Nor is he projecting into the future at the end — fearing consequences, punishment, or loss. (chapter 86) For once, his thought does not spiral backward or forward. It halts. He decides to follow his heart again. (chapter 86)

The phrase carpe diem applies here not as romantic indulgence, but as psychological fact. To seize the day is not to ignore reality; it is to suspend temporal distortion. (chapter 86) In this night, neither character is reliving an old wound nor rehearsing a future defense. They are not remembering a dream. They are not trying to recreate one. They are simply there.

Electricity makes this visible. The body jolts. Thought fragments. Linear narration breaks. But unlike the drugged nights, this fragmentation does not produce amnesia. It produces grounding. Kim Dan’s repeated confusion — “I can’t think straight” — is not dissociation. (chapter 86) It is the absence of rumination.

This is what distinguishes presence from illusion. Illusion detaches the body from time. Presence anchors the body in time.

The sparks, then, do not represent chaos, rather emancipation and liberation. (chapter 86) Therefore the “hamster” can not control his voice and body. The sparks represent contact without temporal displacement. Both characters inhabit the same instant, without substitution, without rehearsal, without erasure. The present is no longer something to escape or survive. It becomes something that can be shared. That’s the reason why the two main leads are talking to each other.

And this is precisely why meaning finally begins to circulate.

If the first part (From Solar Heat to Electric Current) and second part ( Dream Nights and drugged time) traced how electricity replaces heat, and how illusion breaks time, then the next part turns to the most unsettling shift of all: the disappearance of words — and the emergence of the kiss as language.

No Words, But a Kiss: When Communication Changes Form

One of the most striking features of my illustration for episode 86 is the near absence of visible speech bubbles — even when Joo Jaekyung is clearly speaking. His mouth is open, his body leans in, his posture is attentive, and yet language is visually de-emphasized. Words are present, but they no longer dominate the frame.

By contrast, the star with the cut-off speech bubble appears elsewhere — suspended, incomplete. Language has not disappeared; it has lost its authority. It exists, but it is no longer imposed, no longer unilateral, no longer protected by distance.

This visual shift matters. (chapter 86) In earlier chapters, words often preceded erasure: confessions spoken under intoxication (chapter 10), statements blurred by drugs (chapter 43), sentences remembered by only one side. (chapter 39) Language functioned as exposure without continuity. Here, the narrative refuses that pattern. (chapter 86) It withholds verbal dominance so that something else can emerge. Kim Dan’s answer does not come in words. It comes as a kiss. (chapter 86) This gesture must not be misread as avoidance (silencing) or impulsivity. It is neither silence born of fear nor surrender to sensation. It is embodied communication — a mode forged by a history in which words were unsafe, unreliable, or followed by disappearance. The kiss articulates what cannot yet be stabilized in language without being lost again.

It says: I am here. And more importantly: I accept this moment. Not the future. Not the consequences. The present. But this action catches the MMA fighter by surprise, as in the athlete’s mind, Doc Dan has never initiated a kiss before except in the States, but the doctor doesn’t remember it. At the same time, it is clear that the athlete has not been confronted by his own amnesia concerning the night of his birthday: doc Dan had kissed him there too, thus the celebrity had been able to make doc Dan smile (chapter 44) and even laugh…. if only he could remember that night…

Crucially, this act in episode 86 (chapter 86) cannot be neutralized by Joo Jaekyung’s habitual reflexes — the “it’s nothing” (chapter 79), the “never mind”, (chapter 84) or it is a mistake, the easy erasure that once dissolved meaning after the fact. The kiss interrupts that mechanism. It produces a pause that cannot be talked over. It forces reflection. (chapter 86) Joo Jaekyung will have to ponder on the signification of such a kiss.

For the first time, meaning does not vanish once contact is made.

The kiss therefore marks a decisive transformation in how communication functions between them. Words are not rejected; they are postponed. Language is no longer the condition for intimacy, but its consequence. What circulates first is presence.

And this is why the kiss belongs structurally to the logic of current introduced earlier. Current does not explain itself. It passes — or it does not. It requires proximity, consent, and mutual contact. Once established, it cannot be undone by denial. Hence the champion reciprocates the gesture. (chapter 86) He is even kissing with open eyes, as though he desired not forget this wonderful night. In episode 86, communication no longer seeks to protect itself through speech. It risks itself through embodiment. And that risk, precisely because it is accepted rather than anticipated, changes everything.

First Conclusion — When Conditions Change

With the symbolic framework established, the earlier nights revisited, and the forms of communication closely examined, the analysis has already progressed far enough to reconsider the nature of the night in episode 86.

By moving through these successive angles — from mythological and elemental references, to nights compromised by illusion, to the transformation of how meaning is exchanged — one point becomes clear: this night is not just defined by intensity, tenderness, or redemption. It is also defined by changed conditions.

When electricity replaces heat (chapter 86), power ceases to be unilateral and becomes relational (sky and earth). Thunder does not linger or dominate; it strikes, interrupts, and resets. The champion is no longer read as a solar figure imposing force from above, but as a conductor within a circuit that requires reciprocity.

When the earlier nights are reexamined, their failure appears not as emotional insufficiency but as structural impossibility. Desire existed, but time could not flow. Drugs suspended causality, fractured memory, and sealed each encounter inside itself. What remained were dream-nights — vivid, intense, and ultimately unsustainable. Yet, they left wounds. (chapter 86) At the same time, it becomes clear that this moment in Paris embodies the convergence of two memories and two nights which helps them to recreate a new night marked by desires and communication. So this night will generate new memories and push them to redefine their relationship.

Finally, when attention shifts to communication itself, episode 86 reveals a decisive reconfiguration. (chapter 86) Meaning no longer relies on speech that can be blurred, forgotten, or denied. It circulates through presence. The kiss interrupts fear without abolishing clarity. Kim Dan does not forget the future; he accepts the risk of setting it aside. For the first time, current passes while both remain conscious, present, and aware.

One image quietly condenses this transformation. (chapter 86)

Kim Dan almost sits on Joo Jaekyung’s lap. (chapter 86) Earlier in the narrative, this posture belonged to another body. (chapter 19) The grandmother’s lap structured Kim Dan’s understanding of safety, endurance, and knowledge. Sitting there meant being held — but also being taught how to survive through sacrifice, silence, and self-effacement. That worldview sustained him, but it also confined him.

In episode 86, the posture is almost repeated — but the figure has changed.

This is not a romantic substitution. It is a symbolic shift. The body that now supports Kim Dan does not transmit inherited rules or fixed certainties. It asks questions. It pauses. It waits for response. He is actually more sitting between his legs or on his arms. In this moment, Kim Dan is no longer receiving knowledge about how to endure the world; he is participating in how to inhabit it.

From this point, a first answer to the guiding question emerges.

Episode 86 is neither illusion nor culmination. It does not redeem the past, nor does it erase it. It alters the framework within which meaning can circulate. Time resumes not because wounds have healed, but because they are no longer governing the present by default.

What remains unresolved — and what now demands further attention — is what follows from this shift.

If communication has changed form, how does unpredictability change meaning? If presence has been established, how does recognition operate without erasing the past? And if two nights once marked by failure now converge within the same moment, what does that convergence produce?

These questions open the next stage of the analysis.

The following sections will therefore turn away from possibility and toward consequence: how agency is reclaimed, how repetition acquires new ethical weight, and how two previously incompatible trajectories finally begin to add rather than cancel each other out.

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

Jinx: The Words 🎆The Firework 🎆 Stole 🥷 (second version)

Finally a Love Confession?

Among all the scenes in Jinx, none has ignited more speculation than the moment inside the Ferris wheel cabin—those few seconds when Joo Jaekyung’s lips move (chapter 84), the fireworks erupt, and Kim Dan turns his head too late. (chapter 84) Readers have replayed the blurred panel again and again, straining to decipher the muffled shapes of his mouth. Some are convinced that this is the confession, the moment the wolf finally says aloud what his body has been whispering for months. One Jinx-phile, @4992cb even insisted she had cracked the code: five syllables, just enough to match the Korean 좋아해 김단 (jo-a-hae Kim Dan)—“I like you, Kim Dan.”

And truthfully, the scene encourages such a reading. Fireworks often accompany love confessions in East Asian media (chapter 84) —especially Japanese summer festivals where boys and girls, dressed in yukata, confess beneath crackling skies. Fireworks symbolize joy, romance, fleeting courage. It is no wonder many readers assumed that Mingwa was drawing on this cultural grammar: purple night sky, glowing lights, two lonely figures suspended above the world. A confession seems almost inevitable. And if it truly was a love declaration, then the champion’s refusal to repeat himself (chapter 84) would make perfect narrative sense—confession lost, moment gone, courage spent.

But before we accept the romantic surface, we must pause. Something about the staging feels off—deliberately off. Why would Mingwa construct a confession that the receiver cannot hear? (chapter 84) Why give Kim Dan the long-awaited moment he has yearned for, only to snatch it away with the noise of exploding light? Yes, despite his words, Kim Dan still had the hope to be loved by the athlete. Hence he kept thinking about the athlete’s motivations for his “stay and care at the seaside town”. (chapter 62) (chapter 77) Why does Joo Jaekyung speak exactly when the fireworks begin, as if choosing the one moment when he is guaranteed to be drowned out? (chapter 84) And most importantly: what emotion pushed him to open his mouth in the first place? (chapter 84) Was he truly confessing love—or was he trying to verbalize something far more raw, far more primitive, far more difficult?

Before we can decode the stolen syllables, we need to examine the entire machinery around this moment: the champion’s posture, the lighting, the soundscape, the timing, and the emotional triggers accumulated over previous chapters. Only then can we begin to understand what he tried to say, and why the author ensured that Kim Dan—the boy who has always longed to be chosen—could not hear it.

The Mechanics of a Stolen Confession

Everything about the Ferris wheel cabin — the positioning, the posture, the lighting — undermines the idea that Joo Jaekyung was intentionally directing his words toward Kim Dan. The mechanics of his body say more than the bubble ever could. To begin with, Jaekyung is not fully facing Kim Dan when he begins to speak. (chapter 84) How do we know this? His body tells the truth before any words do: his torso is angled half-way toward the window and half-way toward Kim Dan, caught between desire and retreat. His arms remain crossed — a classic defensive posture — as if he is bracing himself against the very feelings he is trying to verbalize. This is not the stance of someone delivering a confident love confession; it is the posture of a man attempting something dangerous, something he is afraid to expose.

Only his head turns slightly toward Kim Dan, a diagonal tilt rather than a direct orientation. (chapter 84) It signals hesitation, testing the water, not a deliberate act of addressing someone face-to-face. And the light confirms this: the violet firework glow still falls on the same side of his face as in the previous panel, proving that he did not rotate his body or head enough to truly face Kim Dan while speaking. (chapter 84) He remains more oriented toward the window, toward the blur of lights outside — toward a safer, less intimate direction.

This halfway posture makes everything clear: Jaekyung is speaking from a place of longing mixed with fear, practicing honesty without yet daring to look directly at the person who provokes it. It is because as soon as his fated partner asks him to repeat, he turns slightly his head away, to the window. (chapter 84) When someone truly wants to be understood, they turn instinctively toward the listener. But when Jaekyung turns away, he is not refusing vulnerability — he is choosing fear. Turning his head toward the window is an instinctive retreat into the only safety he knows: distance.

This is crucial: he begins to speak while refusing to meet the therapist’s gaze. (chapter 84) The words escape sideways — literally.

Then comes the second mechanical detail: timing. He opens his mouth precisely at the moment the fireworks erupt. Deep down, he knows the noise will drown his voice. This is not accidental. It mirrors episodes 76(chapter 76) and 79 (chapter 79), where he “speaks” only when the other man cannot truly hear him. At the hostel, the mumbling was barely audible: yet according to my observation and deduction, doc Dan seems to have caught something. as later we discover this scene from the champion’s memory: (chapter 77) He already knew that the athlete was standing next to him. However, observe that this vision focused on the doctor’s gaze was accompanied with silence. This means, doc Dan acted, as if he had heard nothing. So if he heard, what did the physical therapist catch exactly in the kitchen? “I lost…”, but it was devoid of any context. Doc Dan had no idea what the director Hwang Byungchul had advised to his former student. (chapter 75) He could not know that “I lost” referred to something far more intimate: Jaekyung losing control over his own emotional detachment, he was totally vulnerable in front of doc Dan. His heart was stronger than his “mind and fists”. Naturally, if Kim Dan interpreted the phrase at all, he would connect it to the only “loss” he understood: the tie with Baek Junmin. A humiliating defeat. A source of shame. This misinterpretation perfectly explains why in the cabin, the hamster immediately assumes that the champion is once again determined to regain his title: (chapter 84) He is taking the champion’s words at face-value. (chapter 77) He trusts the explanation Jaekyung himself gave under the tree. And here lies the deeper revelation: Kim Dan’s misunderstanding exposes the true meaning of the tree confession. Why did Jaekyung suddenly accept the match? Why frame it entirely in terms of “I need you for these two fights”?

Because work was the only safe language he had left for reconnecting with the therapist. He could not say, “Please stay with me.” He could not say, “I don’t want to lose you.” So he said the only thing he believed he was allowed to say:
“I need you for my return match… and my title match.”

It is a substitution — a mask — a plea disguised as practicality. (chapter 84) A deadline designed to keep Kim Dan close without revealing the depth of the emotional dependency underneath. Finally, before we even analyze posture or timing, we must acknowledge the ghost that is sitting inside the cabin with them — Jaekyung’s own admission of dishonesty. Just minutes earlier, the narrative revealed again a thought he had never dared to voice aloud: (chapter 84) This line is essential, because it exposes the truth behind every failed confession that came before it: Jaekyung did not rekindle with doc Dan with honesty. His first instinct was deception (lie by omission), not vulnerability. Keeping Kim Dan near him mattered more than telling him the truth. So his “love” was still more influenced by possessiveness.

And that is precisely why his apology in the cabin lands with such weight. (chapter 84) For the first time, he admits wrongdoing without deflecting, without rage, without pride. This apology is not strategic; it is confessional. A tone we have never heard from him before. It is no coincidence that just before, he employed this expression: (chapter 84) This is the language of surrender — not to defeat, but to vulnerability and selflessness. The champion who once insisted on keeping Kim Dan “one way or another” (chapter 84) now articulates the opposite impulse: the willingness to release him, to give him a choice. (chapter 84) Kim Dan can actually never forgive him. He is giving up, on his possessive love — the possessiveness that fueled all his earlier attempts to hold onto Dan through contracts, pressure, intimidation, manipulations or work-related obligations.

Here, his grip loosens. Here, his desire is no longer expressed as ownership, but as remorse. And this shift matters profoundly for the blurred confession. (chapter 84) By apologizing, Jaekyung crosses a threshold he has never crossed before: he speaks without power, without defense, without dominance.
For the first time, he tells Kim Dan something that is not a command, not a justification, not an excuse — but a truth about himself. Yet this emotional shift, as liberating as it is, does not make him ready to say “I love you” or even “I like you” in a clean, intentional, adult way. In fact, the opposite is true. When guilt falls away, he does not step into romantic maturity — he reverts to emotional childhood. This explicates why later he felt so embarrassed on his bed, hiding his face under the pillow. (chapter 84) Thus for me, in the cabin the champion became, for a moment, the boy with no mother’s gaze, no father’s protection, no safe place to rest. He must have said something cheesy, something a young person would say. Purity returns before experience does. Honesty returns before articulation. And in that moment inside the cabin, Mingwa makes a decisive artistic choice: we do not see Jaekyung’s eyes. (chapter 84) The panel hides them completely — not out of convenience, but out of protection. It is as if the author herself shields the wolf’s vulnerability from the reader, granting him a moment of privacy at the precise instant he attempts something emotionally dangerous.

Just as in episodes 76 and 79, his words are not fully directed at Kim Dan. They are spoken near him, not to him.
They slip out sideways — half internal, half external — the verbal equivalent of a heartbeat too quiet to be called speech. In other words, what happens inside the cabin is not the flowering of romantic eloquence. It is the first trembling attempt of someone who has never been loved to express the only version of love he knows: instinctive, needy, unpolished, raw.

This is why he cannot possibly be saying a line as adult and structured as “I love you” or even “I like you.”
Such sentences require three things he does not possess yet:

  1. A sense that he himself is lovable → he does not. Hence he still views himself as nonredeemable and as a burden.
  2. A sense that Kim Dan feels the same → he has no proof. Besides, doc Dan keeps avoiding his gaze, feels uncomfortable in front of him. He is not speaking his mind. He keeps reminding him of their limited contract.
  3. A sense of equality in the relationship → they are not there yet. Joo Jaekyung feels now inferior with all his sins and wrongdoings. Due to his last words, it becomes clear that he is not expecting something in return.

What he can say at this stage — and what fits the emotional mechanics of the scene — is something far younger, far simpler, far more primal, like for example “Stay with me” or “I want to kiss you ” or “I want to hold you”…

These are not love declarations. They are the vocabulary of a neglected child whose first experience of safety has finally returned — and who now fears losing it more than anything else.

And crucially, this would explain everything about the staging:

  • why he chooses fireworks (the sound protects him from being truly heard),
  • why his body angles away (he speaks sideways, not directly),
  • why his voice is blurred (because the reader is not meant to hear it yet),
  • why he panics when Kim Dan asks him to repeat,
  • why he instantly retracts with “Never mind.”

A man confessing love does not recoil. A child confessing need always does. It is also why the author hides the line. Not because it is a grand romantic confession, but because it is too emotionally naked, too immature, too early, too cheesy. A sentence like “I wish to …”, whispered by a man who has never held anyone without ownership, is more intimate than any polished “I love you.”

And Mingwa knows it. The confession is blurred not because it declares love, but because it reveals Jaekyung’s inexperience with love. He can finally be honest — but he cannot yet be articulate.

He can reach — but he cannot yet claim. He is pure — but not ready. Hence later, he is seen wearing a white t-shirt for the first time. (chapter 84) This pigment stands for innocence, purity, new beginnings and even equity.

That is why the fireworks stole the words. (chapter 84) Because they were not yet meant to be received, only meant to be released. The fireworks allow him to finally attempt a more honest sentence, but in conditions where it cannot reach its target.
Noise replaces courage.
Light replaces eye contact.
Fear replaces clarity.
A man who has only just begun to tell the truth about his wrongdoing cannot yet tell the full truth of his love.
His apology creates the emotional opening — but it also exposes how unprepared he is to verbalize the feelings that have been building silently for 84 chapters. So far, he has never verbalized his desires and emotions, hence he kissed doc Dan right away in the swimming pool. (chapter 81) Yet this is also the limit of what he can say.

But let’s return our attention to the scene in the penthouse (chapter 79), which is similar to the scene in the kitchen and at the amusement park. Though the star was once again mumbling, this time Doc Dan reacted to his words. However, Jinx-philes can sense a divergence between the other two scenes (chapter 76) (chapter 84). It is because doc Dan was looking at him this time: (chapter 79) Thus he could see the athlete’s mouth moving and hear sound. Nevertheless, observe that the moment the wolf reached to the doctor’s words, he bowed his head and looked down. From this (chapter 79) to this (chapter 79) As you can sense, he fears his lover’s gaze, a new version of this situation: (chapter 79) However, he doesn’t fear coldness, but ridicule and mockery, the father’s gaze: (chapter 73) Under this light, people can grasp why Joo Jaekyung was not facing doc Dan directly in the cabin. To conclude, the mechanism is identical, but amplified. (chapter 84) Instead of mumbling, he lets the fireworks perform the silencing. It is not that the environment interrupts him; it is that he chooses a moment when interruption is guaranteed. However, one detail caught my attention: he’s getting physically closer to Doc Dan!! The distance is getting reduced. It was, as if he was practicing how to confess his affection. And so far, he never used the words « I love you ». (Chapter 44) (chapter 76) At the same time, Jinx-philes can detect the existence of another common denominator: the physical therapist’s gaze.

The Spark behind the Wolf’s Confession

To understand the blurred sentence — the words the firework stole — we must first shift our attention away from language entirely and back to what truly matters in this scene: vision. What drives Joo Jaekyung to the brink of confession in chapter 84 is not romance, nor timing, nor even the apology he had just managed to deliver. It is Kim Dan’s gaze. (chapter 84) He is moved by such a pure gaze, full of awe.

The panel makes this undeniable. Before speaking, the champion is watching the therapist’s face illuminated by fireworks, softened into wonder. (chapter 84) This is not the gaze of a caretaker, nor a tired worker, nor a subordinate fulfilling a duty. It is the open, trusting gaze of a child witnessing beauty. And for Joo Jaekyung, that gaze is both intoxicating and devastating.

The champion has lived his entire life without soft eyes directed at him. His mother, always drawn from behind, is eyeless — a woman who never truly saw him. (chapter 73) Besides, the head of her position is indicating that she was not looking at her son, the boy was hiding his face from Joo Jaewoong and his mother. Then his father mocked him, degraded him, and used resemblance as an insult: (chapter 73) Moreover, Hwang Byungchul reduced him to a lineage of failure or talent, not a person deserving recognition. He constantly compared him to his father (chapter 74) or his mother (a poor but good mother), he was not seen for whom he was: a child, a boy. Jinx consistently links sight with recognition, and recognition with love. (chapter 53) Jaekyung has never been granted either. (Chapter 45) Thus when he got upset with the present, he indirectly expressed the wish to be « looked at ». Moreover, in his visions or memories, this is what he keeps seeing: (chapter 54) (chapter 75) Doc Dan’s gaze!

This is what makes the locker-room scene in chapter 51 so crucial. Kim Dan looks at him with shock, vulnerability, and a plea: (chapter 51) And for the first time, Jaekyung freezes. (chapter 51) His breath catches; his eyes widen. It is the moment he realizes his mistake. He never thought that doc Dan had been trusting him. That moment marks the first rupture in his emotional armor, not only because it hurt, but because it revealed. He realizes with terror that he wants to be seen by Kim Dan, but when he faced such a gaze, he could only feel guilty and bad. Thus it is not surprising that later, his nightmare let transpire his guilty conscience. (chapter 54) He is the one who made his fated partner cry. No wonder why he first tried to find a new toy, he felt uncomfortable.

In the Ferris wheel cabin of chapter 84, he encounters his fated partner’s gaze again — (chapter 84) but now it is purified, childlike, unguarded. Kim Dan glows under the fireworks, mesmerized by beauty instead of violence, by wonder instead of fear. And Jaekyung wants — desperately — for that softness to be directed at him. Not at his victories. Not at his muscles. Not at the persona he built to survive. But at the man beneath all of it. A man worthy of admiration, affection, safety. A man who could be held, kept, loved. That’s why I wondered for a while if Joo Jaekyung had not copied Arnaud Gabriel’s flirt (chapter 82), as the champion has always used his surroundings as a source of inspiration. (Chapter 29) It would also fit with 5 syllabes in Korean. And it would be cheesy too. Yet, I have my doubts about this theory which I will explain further below. Nevertheless, one thing is sure. The champion loves the doctor’s eyes and they have the power to move not only his heart but also his mouth. He is encouraged to verbalize his emotions.

This is the true trigger of the confession. Not desire in the adult sense, and certainly not a strategic “I like you” or “I love you,” but a longing to be seen — and therefore, to be wanted. Every wound in Jaekyung’s life is tied to vision: the eyeless mother who vanished, the father who asked whether she would even want to live with him if she saw what he had become, the locker-room moment that shattered his self-perception. All of this returns when he sees Kim Dan’s shining eyes reflecting the fireworks.

He wants those eyes turned toward him with love. Not gratitude. Not dependence. Not fear. Love. What he wants most
and what he fears most come from the same place: Kim Dan’s gaze. (chapter 84) The gaze under the fireworks triggers emotions in him. Thus he blurted out something. But for me, he does not know how to say “I love you.” He cannot even say “I like you.” Those sentences belong to someone who has matured emotionally — someone who can identify feelings properly, but so far he keeps saying: “to stay by his side” and his « affection declarations » were all linked to negativity.. Thus my idea was that Joo Jaekyung could have said this: “I want to hold you!” (안고 싶어 너). Let’s not forget that so far, the champion had never expressed such a longing before; a warm embrace. He would always follow his instincts: (chapter 4) (chapter 43) (chapter 69) The hug represents a metaphor for “staying by his side, for home and to be seen”. Moreover, in French embrasser can mean kiss and hug. And strangely, I noticed that the protagonists were never looking at each other during an embrace. (chapter 44) And let’s not forget that such a gesture is strongly intertwined with “childhood”. (chapter 65) It is for “babies”. No wonder why he retracted immediately.

To conclude, the words that escape him in the dark — too soft to be caught, swallowed by the firework’s explosion — become the linguistic equivalent of reaching toward warmth without daring to touch it. The sentence he forms must fit his emotional stage: childlike, inexperienced, driven by instinct rather than maturity. It must reflect longing, not possession; desire, not declaration. And it must match the blurred outline of five syllables we see in the panel. (chapter 84) 안고 싶어 너: I want to hold/hug you!

The Secret behind the Blurred Words

And now, you are wondering what other secret could be hidden behind these words. It is related to the physical therapist him. Why did Mingwa, the goddess of “narrative fate”, ensure that doc Dan couldn’t hear the athlete’s words? (chapter 84) First, recall that in the previous parallel scenes (76 and 79), doc Dan is portrayed as someone who doesn’t hear Jaekyung’s confessions. But as I argued earlier, we must question whether this is truly the case — especially the one in episode 76. The panel arrangement suggests that something was heard, but not acknowledged. Then during the fireworks, he does not say, “I couldn’t hear what you said.”
He says: “I didn’t catch that.” “Catch” implies arms, grasping, holding — the very things stolen from him as a child.

And then comes the detail that betrays everything: the small drop on his cheek. A sign of discomfort… and something deeper: recognition. The drop on his face was not present before. (chapter 84) For me, everything points to the same conclusion: doc Dan might have heard something — but he cannot yet allow himself to process it.
This denial explains his expression in the shower at the hotel: (chapter 84) Here, the doctor looks sad and wounded. His eyes are unfocused — he is not seeing the present. The water running down his eyelashes gives the impression of tears, even though he is not crying. His gaze is distant, fixed on something internal. His mouth looks tense, almost trembling. The mouth especially is a clue: Kim Dan’s emotions always gather there when something from the past resurfaces.This is the expression of someone thrown into an involuntary flashback. He is inside a memory. This explicates why this scene is similar to the champion’s shower after the latter had met Baek Junmin: (chapter 49) (chapter 49) Both scenes show a man pulled violently into a buried memory. Thus, my assumption is simple: the champion said something that pierced straight into Kim Dan’s oldest wound and brought his trauma to the surface. And this brings me to my next observation. Inside the cabin, there are not two people — there are three: the champion, the therapist, and the Teddy Bear. (chapter 84) Furthermore, we have a window. We have a phone (dead, but present). We have a childlike toy — symbol of stolen innocence. (chapter 84) And now, look again at episode 19: (chapter 19) A window with no view. Three figures: halmoni, the boy, and the phone placed between them like a knife. And the sound structure is identical, but reversed:
silence – sound – silence in episode 19
vs
sound – silence – sound in episode 84, as the Teddy Bear is a silent “witness”. In both scenes, something is stolen.
In both scenes, a child loses something he cannot name. Thus, what Jaekyung said must have resembled the emotional tone — if not the wording — of the words spoken over the phone on that catastrophic day.

This explains why Kim Dan ends the scene wearing black instead of white. (chapter 84) It is not a fashion choice. It marks the moment when innocence collapses and the past reopens.

And now compare the cabin (chapter 84) with the memory that precedes the parents’ disappearance. You will notice the huge difference: the overwhelming silence inside the house. The halmoni sits beside the phone. She must have heard everything. She must have heard the child as well, if the latter spoke She holds him tightly by the shoulder — as if trying to support him. (Chapter 19) To conclude, she knew something was happening. This recollection represents a repressed memory, and so far doc Dan has always avoided to face his biggest fear: his abandonment issues and the loss of his “parents”. (chapter 56) In other words, wearing black is more than just a change of personality or mourning. It becomes the color of mystery, the beginning of descent into truth. (chapter 84) However, observe that doc Dan is holding, even squeezing the teddy bear’s hand, a sign that he is rekindling with his lost childhood. We are getting closer to the revelation behind the photograph — the day doc Dan has never willingly shown to Joo Jaekyung.

(chapter 19). Observe that in the penthouse, doc Dan has never placed the frame (chapter 79) on the night table.

And what is the other denominator between episode 19 and the amusement park?

Theft.
Stolen childhood.
Stolen confession.
Stolen clarity. (chapter 84)

Exactly like in the cabin, (chapter 19) the words on the phone are inaudible. And now, you comprehend why I came to link the athlete’s blurred words to embrace and longing, as the grandmother’s embrace couldn’t diminish or erase the child’s pain. Finally, Jinx-philes can detect another pattern, the absence of gaze. Not only the boy can not see the person on the phone, but also the characters are turning their back to the readers which reinforces the mystery surrounding the conversation and the reactions of the listeners.

Now, connect it with the lost teddy bear (chapter 21) and (chapter 47). Dan once had toys — proof that once, someone loved him enough to give him gifts which contrasts to the wolf’s childhood. (chapter 84) Every time innocence is ripped away, a teddy bear disappears from the story.

So what if Jaekyung’s whispered sentence — a gift of raw affection — triggered the memory of another gift? What if the words under the fireworks echoed the tone of something said just before Dan’s world collapsed?

If this is the case, then doc Dan did not miss the confession entirely. (chapter 84) He remembered something far more painful. It is important, because by remembering his past, he can regain his own identity and get stronger mentally and emotionally. The scene in the cabin represents the positive version of the locker room, which signifies the return of “trust”. That’s why I am more than ever convinced that something at the weight-in (chapter 82) will happen linked to the protagonists’ past (recent and childhood). Let’s not forget that doc Dan still has no idea what Joo Jaekyung went through after his departure: the slap, the drinking, the headache and the indifference of Team Black, just like the athlete has no idea about the blacklisting and bullying in the physical therapist’s past. (chapter 84) So by wearing black, doc Dan indicates that he is gradually becoming responsible for Team Blackand Joo Jaekyung the athlete. (chapter 84) They should realize that their life is not so different from each other, in fact they share the same pain and trauma.

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

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

Revisiting the Symbolism of Intimacy

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

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

The Hidden Shame: Dependency Veiled in Fabric

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Meaning of the Black Underwear: Distance and Disguise

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

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

Shame, Expectations, and the Invisible Chains of Control

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion: The Last Invisible Barrier

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

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

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

Jinx: Sweet 🍬 Redemption or Sweet Poison ☠️? The Price of Desire

Headache, Poison and Addiction

In the previous essay, I focused on the symbolism of the rooms in the champion’s life. Therefore I came to neglect the champion’s headache in the restroom. (chapter 55) One might think that the causes for his throbbing head are his depression and insomnia. On the other hand, I am quite certain that many readers had a different explanation for his migraine. He is missing his lover, Kim Dan, as the color red symbolizes the headache and the physical therapist’s name is strongly intertwined with this pigment which was once again confirmed in episoe 56. (chapter 56) So it is true that his migraine are caused by the doctor’s absence. It was, as if the main lead was suffering from withdrawal symptoms. The fighter has a love addiction, but he is not aware of the existence of this “sweet poison”. But there’s more to it.

Very early on, I had associated the “hamster” to a drug, but more precisely to a sweet candy and even a strawberry, like my different illustrations of analyses are displaying it Thus I consider this image, where the champion is seen (chapter 43) eating a strawberry with cream as the announcement of the magical night between Kim Dan and his fated partner. The fruit with the cream represented a violation to his strict diet.

The wolf’s coping mechanisms

So the moment Joo Jaekyung was left alone, he tried to cope with the withdrawal symptoms by replacing with other drugs, like for example alcohol (chapter 55) or the medicine against migraine. (chapter 54) However, in episode 55, we can observe a huge change in the champion. (chapter 55) The latter is finally admitting the inefficiency of the medicine. In other words, in this scene, he was giving up on them. This represents an important step on his way to enlightenment. For me, it signifies that he is stopping relying on pharmaceutical products. Let’s not forget that in the past, he rejected the PT and even neglected them. Why? It is because he trusted more sprays and other medicines than people. (chapter 49) Therefore the switch of the spray had to occur. He needed to question his prejudices and attitude. But let’s return our attention to the champion and his throbbing head. One detail in this panel caught my notice. (chapter 55) Interesting is that Mingwa portrayed him with closed eyes. It is not anodyne in my opinion, for the author was referring to the star’s third eye. Here, the protagonist was using it. That’s the reason why I interpret this image as a metamorphosis in the fighter.

Headache and alcohol

And what about alcohol? When the cleaning lady with her colleagues removed all the empty bottles of wine, she made the following comment: (chapter 55). This means that she had not seen the mess in the master room before: (chapter 55) And now, pay attention to the number of the bottles in his room: (chapter 55) I count 12 bottles of wine exactly like in the last image from chapter 54. Thus I came to the following deductions:

  • The cleaning staff only comes once a week and it is on Mondays!!
  • This signifies that a week had passed between the moment the fighter started drinking (chapter 54) and the appearance of the staff in chapter 55. It indicates that Jinx-philes can witness time deceleration in season 2. From one month in one chapter, then a week in the next episode, finally we have a reference to a day: Monday. Thus I deduce that in episode 56, only 2 or 3 days elapsed. I have already announced that the couple should meet each other around 25th: (chapter 56), for the day Kim Dan wired his money to his “loved one” took place after 10th of the month: XX = two digits. (chapter 55)

Then, the fact that this woman questioned the fighter’s behavior before removing the bottle, (chapter 55), indicates her surprise. She can not explain his huge change of behavior (messy and dirty room). She is trying to find an explanation: maybe a party with friends? The woman’s comment about the champion’s drinking habits seems to carry a dual tone. On one hand, it could be interpreted as playful or ironic banter, potentially lightheartedly teasing him about drinking heavily or having an active social life. On the other hand, it could also function as a reminder or critique, subtly pointing out the extent of his drinking and perhaps hinting at concern or judgment. For me, she was showing concern for her boss. The other evidence for this interpretation is that she brought the gift with the card: (chapter 55) Consequently, I judge the cleaning lady as the positive version of Park Namwook. Though she uses social norms, she doesn’t use them against her employee. She didn’t condemn him, it is a mixture of teasing and reminder. At the same time, her intervention implies that she must have noticed changes in her boss after the arrival of Kim Dan in the flat and his departure. That’s the reason why I have the impression that this image is announcing another turning point in the champion’s life either: (chapter 55) He won’t drink like before. However, I don’t think that he will behave like in the past: reject any alcohol entirely.

Migraine and the power of love

Moreover, I would like to point out that the moment the champion masturbated himself, (chapter 55), his migraine vanished. Though he is holding his head the next morning and hiding his gaze (chapter 55) (chapter 55), the Webtoonist didn’t add any red or “throb” as an indication for a migraine. As you can see, his headache is strongly intertwined with repressing the physical therapist and as such locking away memories. However, there exists another cause. What had the doctor done in the past? (chapter 44) Yes, the main lead had patted his lover’s head, while the champion had his eyes close. In my opinion, his unconscious had registered this gesture and loved it. However, the champion had not seen it himself. He was drunk and had his eyes closed. This stroke on the head symbolizes appreciation, affection and recognition. (chapter 23) That’s how little kids are admired and loved. This stands in opposition to the abuser’s behavior: (chapter 54) parental criticism and absence of contact. And how did Choi Heesung express his “love” to Yoon Gu? (chapter special 2) The same way than Kim Dan with the patting! In other words, the champion is deep down longing for such a gesture, but he has not realized it yet. Nevertheless, I believe that he just needs a trigger.

And what was he doing it here? (chapter 55) Stroking himself his head!! On the one hand, it stands for self-reliance, on the other hand it symbolizes his growing maturity. He is somehow attempting to be gentler with himself. Thus I interpret this image as the symbol of growth and insight, whereas I judge the scene in the bathroom as its negative reflection. How was the champion drawn under the shower?

(chapter 55) With his left opened eye!! The exact opposite from this picture: (chapter 55) This signifies that under the shower, he made the opposite decision: no insight and clairvoyance. He chose to bury the doctor again. The problem is that it was already too late. And what is the other difference between these two panels? The absence of the migraine! As long as the athlete thinks about Kim Dan, he has no throbbing head. This explicates why at the end, of episode 55, he was no longer suffering from a migraine. (chapter 55) This observation got confirmed in episode 56, though I couldn’t expose it before the release of the new chapter. (chapter 56) As long as the fighter thinks of his fated partner, he is not plagued with a throbbing head. This shows that it has something to do with repressing memories. However, his physical condition is still not improving: (chapter 56) He even looks worse than before: exhausted and malnourished. There is no one by his side taking care of him: his only interaction with his manager is through the phone. At no moment, the guy felt the need to pay a visit to his boss and champion. (chapter 56) Because I discovered the connection between memories and the physical therapist, it is important to examine the interaction between the main lead and the new uke.

Migraine and the placebo

Yes, I am comparing the new uke to a placebo, a fake “medicine”.

Funny is the original meaning of placebo: “I will please”. Who is pleasing whom at the club? I would say, the celebrity is like a sweet reward to the bottom. Hence the latter is smiling, when he starts talking to the fighter. (chapter 55) This signifies that in reality, the uke is the one benefiting more from this relationship, while the “Gucgi guy” is a placebo for Joo Jaekyung. He can not replace the true medicine: Dan’s love. But Joo Jaekyung chose to close an eye to the truth forgetting his “insight” from chapter 2: (chapter 2) However, back then, he had just stated it in order to get rid of the mint-goblin. He needed a justification for switching his partner. In other words, this was reflecting more the protagonist’s corrupted mind and heart. Therefore he is designed eyeless, the symbol for ignorance, lies and blindness.

What caught my attention is that the author zoomed on Joo Jaekyung’s gaze and notice that the zoom was more on his right eye. (chapter 55) And where did he have his migraine exactly? (chapter 55) It was on the right side and eye! It truly exposes that Joo Jaekyung was getting punished for his attitude. He is not allowed to bury and forget Kim Dan. The star’s open eyes in this episode symbolize denial, lack of self-awareness and as such the absence of insight. He is also punished for his lies in episode 2. His words might have reflected the truth, but his words didn’t expose a change of heart. He was taking advantage of this situation as well. So when the pain intensified pushing him to close his right eye, we should consider this image as a short moment of reflection and realization. In the restroom, he was forced to admit that only Kim Dan could kiss him. Is it a coincidence that just before Mingwa presented this image (chapter 55), she designed her characters eyeless? (chapter 55) Naturally no, she was mirroring the attitude of both figures: both were in denial!! Notice that though the star had no reaction in front of the “replacement”, the latter chose not to give up at all. This man was not expecting a rejection, in fact he was in total denial as well. He didn’t notice the star’s passivity and silence.(chapter 55) He was just standing there and avoiding his gaze. (chapter 55) By such a lethargy and the absence of an erection, the uke should have recognized that the fighter was not into him at all! But no, this man chose to close his eyes to the truth. Why? Because of his greed and selfishness. This explains his shocked reaction, when the athlete pushes him away and leaves: (chapter 55) How can the MMA fighter reject him? This displays his huge confidence or arrogance. There’s no doubt that he will put the blame on Joo Jaekyung. At the same time, I believe that his blindness was also caused by his greed. (chapter 55) He knew that the protagonist was rich and famous.

But let’s return our attention to the athlete. Since the champion’s headache is located on the right side, Jinx-philes should pay attention to the place the doctor patted him: the left side! (chapter 44) This shows that he would like to be patted on his whole head, exactly like Potato. And he had received it in episode 5: (chapter 5) Therefore he was in a happy mood after that match. A simple gesture with a lot of power! He has been missing this hand or better said this gesture. This action was the main lead’s true motivation. (chapter 54) Don’t forget that Dominic Hill had expressed his admiration in a similar way, patting on the back: (chapter 40) No wonder why he felt so lost and empty after the last fight. (chapter 5) But whose hand is this? Park Namwook or coach Jeong Yosep? Because I saw connections between chapter 43-44 and 55, I deduce that (chapter 43) this was the coach’s hand. In other words, the athlete felt more close to the coach than to the manager. This would explain why he would listen to the coach and even entrust him with huge tasks like the charity event. Strangely, in season 1, we can observe how more or more he is distancing himself from the fighter. Probably related to his secret relationship with Kim Dan. According to my theory, the coach is aware of their relationship. They are more than just boss and employee. As you can see, I don’t think that the champion is right now just missing the doctor’s sweet lips. Deep down, he would like to be patted by his loved one, exactly like Potato. (chapter 23) (special episode 2) But this is what he received after the last match: (chapter 52) Nevertheless, Joo Jaekyung is lost as well, because he needs to face his old and fake belief: he is jinxed. But in order to remove this persistent superstition, it is important to study the origins of the athlete’s sexuality. How can I do this?

The origins for the wolf’s excitement

I have always stated that the champion’s libido was strongly intertwined with his aggressiveness. His intercourses were like surrogate fights in the bed. This explicates why the mint-goblin didn’t put much effort to “seduce” him and only touched his sex, when he was on the verge of losing his biggest income: (chapter 2) The champion’s reaction is quite telling. He is not easily swayed. But we have another bigger evidence that his intercourses were replacement for “fights”. In The States, the fighter asked Kim Dan to join him at 11:00. (chapter 38) He needed to prepare himself mentally, to visualize how he would screw his opponent Dominic Hill. He was just taking the expression “fuck/screw” too literally. The latter idiom has the following synonyms: to cheat, oppress, bleed, coerce, wrest and to tighten. Just before the doctor came to his door, what was the athlete doing? He was watching a video from his challenger: (chapter 38) Therefore it is not surprising that he rejected Kim Dan’s request first. (chapter 39) He didn’t feel like it, because he was not aroused at all. Imagine that he needed two hours for that erection, a sign that during that night, Kim Dan was in reality a replacement for the American fighter. (chapter 39) Even when the doctor rubbed his hand against his sex, he had no reaction. (chapter 38) In fact, he needed a fellatio to get an erection, and he only started getting excited, when he saw the doctor’s gaze. That’s the reason why he remembered this image under the shower: (chapter 55) However, the more time the champion spent time with his physical therapist, the more he came to violate his own rules and principles: It started with their first meeting, when he crossed the line by mixing private and professional life together: (chapter 56) Here, Jinx-philes should detect a change, for the champion used the idiom “play”, which is strongly intertwined with fun and entertainment. Then the second violation took place, when the main lead suggested this deal. (chapter 6), Sex was no longer linked to matches, but to his own desires. To conclude, for the first time, the fighter connected sex to pleasure and desires and not “work and fighting”. Because of the deal and Joo Jaekyung’s strange behavior (sex shower scene, …) the PT had the impression that his boss was a man obsessed with sex.

However, this connection between sex and fight was not truly severed at the end of season 1, as the athlete didn’t give up on his biggest rule: to have sex before a match. This observation brings me to the last intercourse between the doctor and Joo Jaekyung. (chapter 53) The latter didn’t feel the need to have more sex with Kim Dan, he let his partner leave the place. Why? This contrasts so much to their First Wedding Night: (chapter 4) (chapter 53) Pay attention to the behavior from the fighter during their last night together. He is looking away, he is not paying attention to his fated companion. His mind was elsewhere, focused on Baek Junmin! In my opinion, during that night, the champion had been able to differentiate between the physical therapist and his opponent. Fighting was more important than sex and as such his sex partner. To conclude, the physical therapist had been able to win Joo Jaekyung’s belief and heart. He was no longer a replacement at all. He had become a person close the fighter.

This signifies as well, the sex before the match had lost its true purpose, and this change occurred in the bathroom, when the athlete made the following resolve: (chapter 49) he wanted to screw Baek Junmin for real. In this image, the athlete oozes confidence and strength. This means that he was no longer dependent on the good fuck before the match. (chapter 53) However, the main lead never realized this huge change, he kept his old belief as a tradition out of habit. This explicates why the fighter tried to replace with a new uke (chapter 55), but here the sex was longer connected to a match, rather to fun. Finally, observe how the champion is now blaming his PT for his ruined match: (chapter 56). I don’t think, he was referring to the spray incident, rather to their night before the match. The doctor had not behaved like a real opponent, he had admitted his “defeat” quite easily. He had left the ring before procuring him a good fuck. He was blaming his partner for violating his rule: (chapter 2) But here is the thing. Kim Dan had just accepted the deal because of his grandmother. Secondly, he learned an important lesson during that magical night: consent! (chapter 44) Sex is a synonym for love and as such it is about giving pleasure and affection to his partner. It is a two-way street. And this is something that the champion has to admit and accept. Thus I deduce that the fighter still has a long way to go before dropping all his fake principles. Like mentioned before, he needs to ponder on the following question: what matters to him the most? His championship or his happiness? Or what is sex to him? Why does he think that he is jinxed? He needs to face his own painful past and remember the face of his tormentor.

However, so far, I didn’t elaborate why Joo Jaekyung came to link fight and sex together. So where does it come from? The answer is simple. The origins of his anger and belligerence were linked to the ghosts from the past: (chapter 49) Baek Junmin and the abusive parent. (chapter 54) Deep down, he wants to punish them. Back then, he must have felt powerless, therefore he chose to erase them from his memories.In both cases, the athlete succeeded to forget them, but he didn’t truly move on with his life. The sufferings they brought upon him were still lingering in his heart and mind. Many readers could detect that the fighter had masturbated on the couch, as he left two tissues on the table: (chapter 54) But I doubt that he had been thinking about the doctor during that time, as Kim Dan only emerged in his nightmare: (chapter 54) But the masturbation had taken place before. So who did he have in mind, when he was jerking off? I might shock my avid readers, but I would say: Baek Junmin. (chapter 54) However, this gesture had the opposite signification: rage, resent… but also sweet revenge! He must have recalled the Shotgun’s face. (chapter 52) There’s no doubt that thanks to the doctor, the champion will learn that he can get “justice” and satisfaction through other means. He can defeat the ghosts from the past, not just thanks to his fists and hard work, but also thanks to his surroundings and knowledge. Lawsuit and media!

The Price Of Desire

Before meeting the doctor again, Joo Jaekyung has to mature and reflect on his way of life. That’s why I included “Sweet Redemption” in the title. The latter mirrors the transformative influence of Kim Dan, who acts as the “cure” to Jaekyung’s toxic patterns, helping him grow emotionally and morally. Kim Dan is sweet like a strawberry, but it signifies that his lover needs to violate his own old “rules”. As for “Sweet Poison”, it ties into the lingering struggles, like the headaches and the karmic weight of his past actions, symbolizing how this transformation isn’t without pain and challenge.

Kim Dan’s influence is a blessing or a painful process of reckoning (or both). It is not surprising that Joo Jaekyung is cursing him. It also balances the themes of suffering (his headaches, physical changes) and healing (learning to separate aggression from intimacy, and focusing on his true battles). It perfectly mirrors the push and pull of his internal conflict. He needs to give up on his false principles, like self-reliance or jinx. In fact, Mingwa already exposed the message of Jinx in the first episode: (chapter 1) The physical therapist is not only his reward and price, but also his “second shoulder” and as such his pillar. The new PT won’t be able to replace him. Joo Jaekyung is not just a champion, but also a team: Kim Dan as his PT and his lover. As for Kim Dan, the celebrity is his “energy drink”, his source of comfort and joy. He is also his home, for he is the first one who invited him to stay with him! Yes, the grandmother didn’t invite her grandson to live with her, he was just dumped at her place. And because the celebrity is like a home and family, it explicates why the doctor is once again “living like a ghost”. (chapter 56) He feels lonely, but contrary to his fated partner, he is not truly looking for replacement. He might use work to divert his mind, yet he is not erasing Joo Jaekyung from his memory due to his promise: he needs to repay him. So his MO is slightly different. He is just using work and his halmoni to survive. Yes, he is also suffering from depression. In other words, when both main leads will meet each other again, they should have reached the bottom so that they can see each other’s misery and both are willing to listen to each other.

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 18 📆😘💋

In this essay, I would like to focus on the doctor’s kiss in chapter 44. (chapter 44)

What does this gesture mean exactly?

One might reply that the physical therapist is kissing his cauliflower ear as a sign of acceptance. He likes everything about the champion, not only his handsome face (chapter 44), but also his wounded ears, his „imperfections“. One might add that by kissing the ear, Kim Dan is indirectly recognizing the champion‘s past and as such his previous fights. Therefore we should see this kiss on the ear as a gesture of admiration as well. However, I think, there is more to it.

First, it is important to question ourselves what incited Kim Dan to give the celebrity a peck kiss. Why did he caress and kiss his lover’s face so carefully? I believe that the young man’s action had been triggered by coach Jeong Yosep. (chapter 43) Note that he put some cream on his face in order to obtain his consent. He showed him that the athlete had nothing to fear from this surprise party and the cake. (chapter 43) That’s how the 29 years old man learned that the face symbolizes vulnerability, care and respect. Another explanation is that the protagonist was following his own heart, because he had given his consent to his partner. (chapter 44) In other words, this quick but tender kiss was the expression from the “hamster’s heart”. One might see this interpretation as a validation, when the young doctor came to this realization: (chapter 44) On the other hand, his words expose his previous dishonesty towards himself concerning sex. He knew deep down that sex could be the expression of love and not immorality and corruption. Sex is dirty. (chapter 20) His thoughts were definitely influenced by his grandmother. Secondly, observe that he is implying that this intercourse just looks like making love. On the one hand, this observation indicates the doctor’s low self-esteem. He can not imagine that the champion would make love to him. On the other hand, his words imply that Kim Dan was aware of the athlete’s drunkenness. Deep down, he knew that his soulmate was not true to himself. He was acting under the influence of the alcohol, though the readers should keep in their mind that in wine, there‘s truth. Nevertheless, the divulging of his vulnerability was not the star‘s choice.

The “strange love” between Doc Dan and Jaekyung

That’s how it dawned on me that the young man was acting for the first time as a selfish person. He was following his true desires. Therefore we should see this intercourse as the positive version of their “first Wedding night” together. (chapter 3) (chapter 3) And how did the celebrity appear during that night? Selfish, rough, brutal like a beast… or better said, like a leopard!! The gaze from the dangerous feline changed during that magical night: he appeared as a sulky cat. (chapter 44) Interesting is that the athlete reciprocated to his partner’s animalistic gestures: (chapter 44) Nuzzling often evokes imagery of animals displaying affection or seeking comfort, particularly creatures like leopards, or even wolves, which use gentle contact to bond with their pack or mate. So nuzzling like a leopard suggests graceful affection, a combination of power and tenderness. It reflects a careful approach, as though the young man is testing his lover’s response while still exuding vulnerability. But if you consider the star as a wolf, then the latter do it as a sign of trust and reassurance. Wolves are seeking comfort and offering unconditional love. This comparison highlights loyalty and the young man’s desire to feel close to his partner emotionally and physically.

To conclude, the peck on the cheek (chapter 44) and the ear (chapter 44) were mirroring the behavior of a “hamster” trying to get to know his soulmate, the leopard. 😉

He was testing his boundaries, as Kim Dan was carefully exploring his lover’s reactions. The shift from a cheek kiss to this more intimate gesture could indicate a desire to gauge comfort levels or test mutual affection. He was expressing his subtle vulnerability. A peck can signify a tentative step toward deeper intimacy, reflecting the young man’s own hesitations or the novelty of this dynamic in their relationship. Unlike passionate or dominating kisses, a peck is often gentle and exploratory. It suggests an effort to connect emotionally rather than to assert control or satisfy desire. Moreover, observe that he was taking his time, giving space for the other person to respond or reciprocate. And now, you comprehend why he let the champion make such an expression: (chapter 44) These kisses symbolized respect and care. However, since the other partner was drunk, Kim Dan was actually violating social norms. Above, I mentioned that he was just following his own heart, and the latter is a synonym for instincts. Yes, this sex session stood under the sign of animalistic love and not love between two humans who are equals.

But there exists another evidence that this beautiful night was a reflection from their first night. Both protagonists had the same desire and feeling. Both of them didn’t want the night to end: (chapter 44) versus (chapter 4)

It is important to realize this connection between animalistic behavior in their relationship and their separation. It explains why their relationship was doomed to fail first. The reason is simple. They were not treating each other like humans. Kim Dan’s low self-esteem was restraining the doctor from voicing his true desires, from becoming mature and as such responsible for himself. He never saw himself as a worthy person. As for the other, he just viewed the physical therapist as a tool and pawn. First, he was just a prostitute, later a PT, yet he still doubted his loyalty. The problem is that they were both following conformity which symbolizes lack of critical thinking and control. In other words, in order to reconnect with each other, the two protagonists must find the right balance between nature and civilization. Money shouldn’t replace integrity or happiness. IF homosexuality is a huge taboo in the MMA fighting world, it just exposes the society’s hypocrisy and intolerance. Homosexuality has nothing to do with lack of strength or masculinity.

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

1. Friends with Benefits: Responsibility beyond Desires

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. The Birth Of A Star

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

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

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

3. The Arrival of Happiness

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

3. 1. Bloodstone, the shining talisman

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. 2. The Ocean and Aquamarine

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

3. 2. 1. Cultural Significance of Aquamarine

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

3. 2. 2. Virtues and Metaphysical Properties

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

3. 2. 3. Origins of Its Virtues

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Nature and reflections in Jinx

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

Chapter 4Chapter 43Chapter 48Chapter 53

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

But we will see!

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

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

Jinx: Dire 😢 Youth 👦 Mystery🔍 Unraveling

1. Clock and past

One might wonder why I selected such a picture for the background. While looking for a symbol for past, I discovered on Canva the clock as symbol for “past”. Why? It is because the clock represents time which includes past. As you can imagine, in the illustration, the clock is representing not only the past, but also Joo Jaekyung and his youth. But before presenting my new observations about the champion’s mysterious youth, I would like to focus on the clock.

There was another reason why I chose this image. I couldn’t help myself thinking of this panel: (chapter 48) Why did the Webtoonist gave us the time, when the next episode starts another day? On the one hand, it exposes that the schemers knew about the champion’s nightly activities. He wouldn’t sleep much and he would keep his cellphone next to him. (chapter 48) It shows once again that the traitor is close to the athlete, for he knows about his way of life. Furthermore, the unknown person could text to the champion, hence this means that his cellphone number got leaked by a person close to him. On the other hand, I am quite certain, the Webtoonist desired to fool her readers making them anticipate a confrontation between the two protagonists. However, nothing happened indicating that Joo Jaekyung didn’t react, like the plotters had anticipated it. Thus they had to create a new scheme. First, let’s not forget that they had used a similar method in the past. (chapter 35) This made me think of Painter of The Night and No-Name’s advice: (chapter 76) “A deed once foiled has no chance of success the second time around”.The criminal was referring to learning through experience. After going through such an event once, the athlete is no longer caught by surprise. We could say that he learned not to jump to conclusions and control his emotions. That’s the reason why in episode 48 he remained level-headed. Because the champion didn’t get angry, he could be more attentive. (chapter 48) Secondly, (chapter 48) contrary to the journalist, the sender of the pictures remained anonymous. He was exposing his personality: a traitor and a coward. So what did the anonymous sender want to divulge with these images? In my opinion, they wanted to create the illusion that Kim Dan was leaking information about the champion’s physical condition. That’s the reason why Choi Gilseok was seen smiling and taking the doctor’s hands. It looked like he was thanking him. (Chapter 48) The irony is that the doctor had been able to treat the star’s injury. For me, the Summer Night’s Dream played a huge role, as during that night, Joo Jaekyung felt treasured and loved. Therefore the pictures could only expose the duplicity of the director of King of MMA. Under this new light, it becomes understandable why the celebrity didn’t fall into their trap and why they had to turn doc Dan into a traitor by giving him a weapon without his knowledge. Finally, I believe that Joo Jaekyung had another reason not to confront the physical therapist. How so? It is because he had sent away his soulmate, while the latter had approached him. (chapter 48) He had missed the opportunity.

Too obsessed with his upcoming match and as such the future, he had neglected the present. But imagine this. If he had gone to doc Dan’s bedroom and questioned him, once he had received the message, the latter would have appeared not only as selfish, rude, but also as indecisive, mistrusting and easily manipulated. However, the athlete’s biggest desire is to look confident, reliable and strong. Because he had missed the timing, he was encouraged to analyze the images and ponder on them. Furthermore, I couldn’t help myself connecting this scene to the one in the bathroom: (chapter 30) Here, he wished to seek the doctor’s closeness. Nonetheless, if he had gone to Kim Dan’s bedroom during that night, he would have achieved the opposite: he would have created distance and caused an argument. The latter could have told him that he was looking out for himself, for Joo Jaekyung had threatened to fire him. Through these observations, it becomes visible why the athlete couldn’t ask Kim Dan at all. Consequently, I come to the conclusion that the clock (chapter 48) was announcing missed opportunity. It is important, because it displays the falsehood of the champion’s belief. (chapter 2) He is not jinxed, but his failures are the result of his bad choices, like for example trusting the wrong people or not listening to the trustworthy ones or keeping secrets. Or we could say that he is just the product of his education and childhood. He is cursed, for he was not properly raised. He refused to listen to his PT, when the latter wished to tell him something. (chapter 48) He had ignored him by not even looking at him. And this brings me to my next observation: REGRET. I am quite sure that after receiving the message, Joo Jaekyung must have felt regret. First, he had yelled at Kim Dan and menaced him to terminate his contract. (chapter 45) Then in the bedroom, he had rejected all his requests (massage, conversation). It was, as if he no longer needed him. He was no longer eating his breakfasts too. (chapter 47) Under this new light, Manhwa-lovers can comprehend why he looked annoyed in the hallway. (chapter 49) The gaze displays not only worry and anxiety, but also regret. It was too late to ask the doctor. For me, he chose silence, for he was regretting his reactions in the penthouse. He feared to ask Kim Dan, because if he brought up the meeting with Choi Gilseok, this could push the hamster to quit his job. However, thanks to Kim Dan, the star’s condition improved greatly. That’s how it dawned on me why the champion became a beast and why he is hiding his past: (chapter 26) It is because the man is full of regrets and resent. But by creating new regrets, the champion is incited to focus more on the present so that he stops missing the timing. Because of his immense regrets and frustration, he was still trapped in the past. So he was unable to move on. To conclude, Kim Dan and Baek Junmin pushed him to face his youth and the source of his own unhappiness. His biggest suffering is a secret, because he would appear as weak and pitiful which would ruin his image as the strongest man in the world.

2. Midnight: the magic hour

Nevertheless, I believe that the author had another reason to create such an image. (chapter 48) It is related to the time. It’s 12: 13 and 47 seconds. I have to admit my hesitation about the minutes: 13 or 14 minutes? But I opted for the first choice, for there are only 13 seconds left, until it is 14 minutes. So the minutes hand had to move closer to 14. Because it is midnight, I couldn’t restrain myself thinking of Cinderella and her transformation, especially when Kim Dan noticed that the athlete returned home just before midnight! (chapter 48) But why is midnight so important? It is because the number 12 carries religious, mythological and magical symbolism, generally representing perfection, entirety, or cosmic order.

This explicates why in the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty from Grimms 12 fairies who are called as “wise women” in the story.

In episode 12, (chapter 12) the couple was supposed to reach Nirvana, but the athlete failed terribly. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the protagonist chose not to confront Kim Dan in episode 48. It was, as if the champion was closer to the heavens. This represents the champion’s leap of faith. Don’t forget that the star got scared for one moment (chapter 48), when he noticed doc Dan’s presence too late. But nothing happened to him, that’s how he got incited to trust Kim Dan. The latter wouldn’t backstab him. Under the blue light, the champion got transformed. (chapter 48) Observe that Jinx-philes can see the champion’s gaze again, an indication that his “blindness” vanished which contrasts to this image: (chapter 48) On the other side, the fact that the champion is always targeted during the night is a sign that the villains desired to approach him, when he was isolated. So they know not only about his insomnia, but also about his solitude. I would even add that the plotters are aware of his association between the night and danger. Remember how he described relaxation: he would give an opportunity to his enemies to attack him (chapter 29) This new observation reinforces my past theory: he would be suffering from Somniphobia due to traumas. [For more read Twinkle, twinkle … little star] That’s how I realized the role and significance of the nights Joo Jaekyung spent with Kim Dan. One purpose of these nights was to change Joo Jaekyung’s perception of the night. That’s how the Beast could be tamed and even transform into a lovely and cute cat. In other words, he should make different experiences during his nightly activities. But there’s more to it. Thus I listed all the nights where the couple was together.

Chapter 4Chapter 9/10Chapter 12Chapter 13Chapter 19/20Chapter 29
The champion called the doctor, because it was urgent. The reality is that he wanted to have good sex due to his jinx. Yet he enjoyed the night so much that he allowed Kim Dan to sleep in his bed. Kim Dan voiced his loneliness and his longing for warmth. He wished that his grandmother wouldn’t leave him behind. For me, that’s the moment Joo Jaekyung took over Shin Okja’s role.The sex was initiated due to Kim Dan’s request. He needed money: dire situation. Interesting is that he called this night a lucky day! Here, he had restrained himself out of fear that he might endanger Kim Dan’s life. No emergency, but a secret, as he was turning his back to Kim Dan.“I want to fuck”: urgent, hence the doctor had to prepare himself. The champion witnessed for the first time Kim Dan’s ejaculation. He could procure pleasure to his partner. He compared the doctor’s anus to a baby’s mouth.The champion confessed a lot to Kim Dan, before they ended up having sex. Joo Jaekyung brought up the notion “pregnancy”, when Kim Dan expressed the wish that the athlete would use protections. No urgency, but he divulges his secrets: fears and insomnia.
Chapter 33Chapter 34Chapter 39Chapter 44Chapter 45Chapter 48
The sex here was an emergency, for Joo Jaekyung feared that he might end up losing Kim Dan. The doctor didn’t know the cause for such a behavior (secret).Contrary to the previous sex session, the champion directed his fears and anger at Choi Heesung. Another emergency! The actor’s visit was kept a secret.This wonderful night was an illusion, for the doctor was acting under the influence of the drug. Emergency! The doctor had to join his boss during the night: secret meeting.Here, the roles were switched, as now it was the champion’s turn to act under the influence of the soju. The doctor chose to have sex, as he didn’t want to miss an opportunity. But the hickeys threatened to expose the nature of their relationship: secret.The protagonists kept secrets from each other. The champion noticed the departure of his soulmate which could only make him anxious.Like mentioned above, the champion refused to listen to Kim Dan. Since the latter entered silently, he caught his room mate by surprise: secret visit which stands in opposition to episode 29.

By creating this table, I noticed the following parallels: emergency, delicacy and secrecy. What I mean with delicacy is the allusion to babyhood, vulnerability and inexperience (chapter 9, 10, 12, 13, 19, 29, 44). After the “lucky day”, the champion had to hear that he was risking his partner’s life with such a rough behavior. (chapter 13) It is important, because through this terrible experience, Joo Jaekyung came to internalize the connection between sex and danger. This would explain why he has been so rough in bed before. He came to see it as a normality, a sign that his perception of sex had been negatively influenced. And this can only come from bad experiences. It had nothing to do with “enjoying the moment”, until the protagonist met the shy hamster. We can see his gradual transformation. In episode 12, he definitely saw the night as “carpe diem” (chapter 12), until he was confronted with the consequences of his lack of empathy and interest. Due to his selfishness and prejudices, he didn’t notice the bad shape of his partner. Secondly, the fact that sex is strongly connected to urgency made me think that in the past, Joo Jaekyung must have been himself in a dire situation too. And it must have happened during a night, because all his memories with Baek Junmin are connected to darkness. (chapter 49) In the previous essay, I had mentioned the theory that the champion might have been raped and even gangraped which would fit the criteria (sex, danger and urgency). Finally, the recurrence of “delicacy” during the night is an indication that the athlete must have been like Kim Dan in the past! Vulnerable and alone!

And the moment I recognized the role of the nights in Jinx, it is to push the protagonists to open up their mind and heart, I started pondering on the symbolism of the night. The latter can signify:

Fears and dangers: The darkness and shadows of night can evoke feelings of apprehension and vulnerability, as visibility decreases and the unknown becomes more prominent. Therefore the halmoni sang the lullaby “Twinkle, twinkle little star”. (chapter 21) Furthermore, the champion exposed why he could never relax: (chapter 29) He could get assaulted the moment he rests or sleeps.

Reflection and introspection: The quietude of the night often invites contemplation and self-reflection, providing an opportunity for individuals to delve into their thoughts and emotions. This would correspond to the night in episode 29 and 48:

Transformation and rebirth: The transition from day to night can represent a period of transformation or renewal, as darkness gives way to the promise of a new day. Remember how I compared Jinx to the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast [for more read Belle 👸 and the Bear🧸 in the penthouse – part 1] and Summer Night’s Dream. [For more read 🌹A Summer Night’s Dream 🧚‍♂️]

During their evening conversations, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, Beauty and the Beast have the opportunity to truly get to know each other beyond their initial impressions. These moments of quiet reflection and intimacy allow them to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and empathy between them. For example, in the evening scenes, Beauty and the Beast engage in heartfelt discussions about their pasts, their hopes for the future, and the true nature of love and compassion. These conversations reveal layers of complexity in their characters and deepen their bond as they learn to see beyond outward appearances and appreciate each other for who they truly are. The evening setting adds a sense of intimacy and vulnerability to their interactions, creating a space where they can open up to each other and build trust and affection over time. As they share these moments together, the evening becomes a symbol of the transformative power of connection and empathy, marking the beginning of a profound journey of growth and love for both Beauty and the Beast.

As for “Summer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare, the night serves as a pivotal time for the characters, marking the beginning of transformative experiences and the resolution of conflicts. One example of this is the final scene which brings resolution to the romantic entanglements and conflicts among the characters. As dawn breaks, we witness the reunion of Hermia and Lysander, who had been separated by the interference of magic and the meddling of others. Similarly, Helena and Demetrius find themselves united in love, overcoming the misunderstandings and obstacles that once stood between them. Moreover, the fairy king and queen, Oberon and Titania, reconcile their differences, restoring balance to the natural world and the fairy realm. Their reconciliation symbolizes the restoration of order and harmony after a night of magical mischief and confusion. As the sun rises on a new day, the characters emerge from the enchanted forest transformed by their nighttime experiences. The transition from night to day signifies not only the resolution of conflicts but also the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, marked by love, reconciliation, and the promise of a brighter future.

Spiritual connection: Many cultures view the night as a time for spiritual connection or communion, whether through prayer, meditation, or rituals performed under the cover of darkness. So we could see the doctor’s kneeling in the bathroom as a spiritual connection, for he had been recollecting the diagnosis from Kim Miseon and kept thinking of his grandmother. After this painful meditation, he came to recognize his selfishness and his relative’s love and generosity (chapter 47). And what was the main lead feeling after that terrible night? Regret, for he had not been able to notice his relative’s suffering and sacrifice! (chapter 47)

Creativity and inspiration: For some, the night sparks creativity and inspiration which could be observed during the sex sessions: we have sex in front of a mirror (chapter 19) or a new request like swallowing the sperm (chapter 39) or kissing the champion’s ruined ears (chapter 44)

Surrender and release: As the day comes to a close, the night can symbolize a time to let go of worries or burdens, embracing a sense of surrender and acceptance. After his conversation on the couch, the star attempted to seek closeness and intimacy with his fated companion. But he failed unfortunately, as he was not truly honest: (chapter 30) He was rough and used the toothpaste as an excuse.

Temptation and allure: The darkness of night can also evoke feelings of temptation or allure, drawing individuals into the unknown or enticing them with forbidden desires. (Chapter 29)

Endings and beginnings: In literature and mythology, the night often marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, symbolizing transitions and turning points in characters’ lives. The Beast turned into a prince during the night, when Belle’s tears fell onto her husband. And now, if you look at all the nights mentioned above, you can see how they marked a change in the relationship between the two protagonists. I would say that between 30 and 39, the star was forced to question the place Kim Dan had in his heart. In chapter 40, he came to admit that the PT was part of his team. (Chapter 40) That’s the moment he stopped considering the hamster as a prostitute, while from chapter 2 to 18, he viewed Kim Dan as a tool, as a talisman against his jinx. However, I detected a transition after he kissed the physical therapist. From that moment on, the doctor was connected to food and sweetness. (Chapter 18) And now, observe that during the night in the bathroom, doc Dan was associated with a baby receiving food: (chapter 20) As you can see, here the champion started viewing him as a human being. It exposes that little by little, his perception of the physical therapist improved. So from chapter 30 to 39, Joo Jaekyung was forced to question the nature of his relationship with Kim Dan: a PT or a prostitute or a pet? (Chapter 34) Here, he was in denial, he described the main lead as a possession, but he couldn’t fool the actor. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the nights in chapter 19, 29 and 39 were so magical, they announced a transition or better the end of viewing Kim Dan as an object (tool for his jinx) and possession. From 41 to 49, the champion was cornered to recognize Kim Dan as a physical therapist and not just as a member from Team Black. Don’t forget his attitude in the car, when the main lead suggested him not to train. (Chapter 42) He rejected his advice, a sign that he was doubting doc Dan’s skills and competences. That’s the reason why I come to the conclusion that with the pictures, the champion was pushed to admit that Kim Dan is his physical therapist (chapter 48) and he can not fire him like that. Thus I come to the conclusion that in the locker room, there should be an open conversation between all the members of Team Black. (Chapter 49)

3. Clues about the champion’s youth

But wait… if Joo Jaekyung has been trapped in the past, this signifies that in the present timeline, he has to be confronted with his past. That way, he can overcome his traumas and become happy. And now, you comprehend why his path led him to meet the star Choi Heesung (chapter 34), then the fake star Baek Junmin (chapter 49). These meetings are not random at all, a sign that someone knows about the athlete’s hidden suffering very well. Observe that both characters challenged the celebrity by giving him an order: (chapter 34) “Don’t get in the way” and “make sure you give her a good polish”. (chapter 49) The sportsman is viewed as a hindrance to their dreams, he should clear the way for them. I deduce that in his youth, people must have treated him the same way. He represented an obstacle, therefore these two figures must have challenged him in the past too. Their confidence comes from their past experiences with the athlete. Both must have defeated Joo Jaekyung, but naturally they must have tricked him. (chapter 33) (chapter 49) Then I noticed another parallel between the two plots: the presence of a scapegoat, and the involvement of a third person. Heesung faked his injury by putting the blame on the athlete, while he asked Kim Dan as compensation. In the second plot, the roles are switched. Kim Dan is now the perpetrator, while the athlete is the victim! Baek Junmin is the beneficiary of this scheme. And what do these plots have in common? Joo Jaekyung is the victim of a trick, though Heesung’s manipulation was rather benign. First, he acted on his own. (Chapter 31) Moreover, he utilized the genuine concern and innocence of his surroundings. In other words, he used his image as a good and honest man to his advantage. Thus I come to the conclusion that the artist’s sin in their youth was rather minor, as the artist tends to violate social norms. So though it was no illegal, the actor’s wrongdoing definitely left scars on the protagonist’s heart. (chapter 29) Probably, Heesung utilized Joo Jaekyung’s innocence to his advantage in order to maintain his good reputation, like for example he was not supposed to be smoking or he took away a friend from him, as the topic of their conversation was about the theft of a person (chapter 33) (chapter 34)!! That’s why Choi Heesung had a smile on his face, when he thought of the champion’s future reactions: sour mood. He likes provoking the celebrity (chapter 30), because it always makes him appear as a well-mannered and honest man. He gets fun at his frenemy’s expense. In addition, he could play tricks without getting caught… and the other would appear as the bad guy and take the blame, like we could observe at the gym with the manager’s judgement. (Chapter 30) Another common denominator between The Shotgun and Heesung is their envy and greed. (chapter 49) The actor tried to get the doctor as his lover. The expression “That’s rich” is not random, it indicates that The Shotgun is jealous of his social status.

Furthermore, I am assuming that his scheme is related to gambling and the arcade. (chapter 26) Why would the athlete go there and utilize the punching machine so many times? The arcade is a place for young people, especially for high school students seeking entertainment. So I assume that Joo Jaekyung went there, because he was trying to find someone, and at the same time he wanted to prove something: he was not weak at all. My avid readers will certainly recall this scene: (chapter 5) Joo Jaekyung destroyed the sandbag, when he imagined that doc Dan had blocked him! This signifies that the former could no longer contact the shy hamster. Joo Jaekyung saw it as an affront, a challenge! (Chapter 26) Thus I view this past incident as a challenge which led him to face terrible consequences. He got blacklisted. It made him look like a black sheep. As you can see, I believe that there exists a connection between Baek Junmin and the arcade. This panel (chapter 46) could be seen as a reflection from the arcade and the star’s past. And since Kim Dan wounded Joo Jaekyung in the locker room (chapter 49), I deduce that such an action must have happened in the champion’s youth. He got not only hurt by people, but also betrayed by a friend. There exists many reasons for this hypothesis.

Many Jinx-philes initially thought that Joo Jaekyung was an uneducated brute due to his lack of manners and poor vocabulary. He would constantly swear (Chapter 04) and be rude towards others. (Chapter 7) (chapter 37) But Mingwa left many clues that the celebrity’s personality shouldn’t be judged by impressions. During their first night together, Manhwa-lovers could see books next to the bed. (Chapter 3) Some of them are not written in Korean or English. Moreover, the Webtoonist revealed that one of his hobbies is reading. This explains why he can talk prettily. (chapter 22) This shows that his behavior mirrors the counterpart’s. Consequently, it is not surprising that the champion is rough with his own body, as Park Namwook is not treating him like a delicate child. (chapter 31) But there exists another proof for his intelligence. The celebrity is capable to lead an interview in English on his own. (Chapter 37) Even stressed and filled with anger, he could understand and speak fluently in English. (Chapter 40) Compare Kim Dan’s English skills in the same scene: (chapter 40) Besides, Jinx-philes should question why Mingwa is not divulging his scores as a student contrary to Kim Dan or Jinwon from BJ Alex. It is because she wants to create a certain image about the champion: he is a bad boy. In my eyes, she is playing with prejudices about MMA fighters. People often imagine, they lack social manners and education. They chose this path, for they could do nothing else. And this brings me to my next remark. We know that Kim Dan selected PT because of his halmoni. (chapter 47) So what was the protagonist’s motivation to become a MMA fighter? In my eyes, this question represents the core of the mystery. My idea is that the suffering in his youth led him to become a boxer. It is definitely related to his experienced powerlessness and loneliness. So when he suggested the sparring to Kim Dan, we should see it as a reflection from the past: (chapter 26) Joo Jaekyung was also an amateur in the past, but his motivations were his rage and resent. On the other hand, contrary to his soulmate, the athlete likes sports as well. His other hobbies are jogging and swimming. Thus I am suspecting that Joo Jaekyung might have been part of a swimming club in the past. Striking is that he forgot his passion due to his career as a MMA champion. (chapter 27) I see a contrast between these two sports: swimming which is related to relaxation, pleasure and fun and MMA fighting which stands for challenge, pain and seriousness. This contrast is even more present in the following panel: (chapter 29) The position of the zombies made me think of waves of challengers. I feel like the protagonist’s future was changed and even manipulated. Similar to the way Kim Dan ended up as the champion’s PT. First, he was treated like a prostitute, until the athlete came to value him as a real physical therapist.

Another thought came to my mind when I examine the last image closely. The champion views life as a constant battle, where he is always challenged. It was, as if his masculinity and strength were constantly questioned. If he doesn’t accept these defies, then he will submerged and end up drowning. However, thanks to Kim Dan, the champion was able to touch the ground. He is a champion, hence he never loses. (chapter 49) Is it a coincidence that this Enlightenment took place under the shower? For me, no! I see a strong link between water, swimming and the champion’s job. It looked like swimming represents a source of danger for the athlete’s job, as it is an entertainment! Hence I can’t shake the feeling that in the past, Joo Jaekyung might have shown aptitude for becoming a natation athlete! Let’s not forget that for the calendar 2024, the champion was seen carrying swimming googles and not “MMA gloves”. This detail caught my attention and made me wonder why Mingwa selected these items.

But one detail from this image (chapter 29) caught my attention. He described himself as a prey chased by a pack of hyenas. The expression “nipping at my heels” implies that the athlete is trying to flee, but he is followed by dangerous and voracious animals. Consequently, I consider this confession as a reflection from the past. Note that he doesn’t say “fighters”, but “challengers”. For me, we should include the actor under this idiom. Don’t forget that he challenged him at least twice. And what is the symbolism of “hyenas”?

In African literature and folklore, hyenas are commonly associated with cunning, trickery, and deceit. They are often depicted as opportunistic scavengers, lurking in the shadows and preying on the weaknesses of others. In many African myths and stories, hyenas are portrayed as cunning and sly creatures who use their intelligence to outsmart their prey and rivals. They are sometimes seen as symbols of chaos and disorder, disrupting the natural order of the animal kingdom.

In some African cultures, hyenas are also associated with witchcraft and dark magic. They are believed to possess supernatural powers and are often feared and revered as powerful spiritual beings. In this context, hyenas may symbolize the unknown and the mysterious forces of the spirit world.

In Asian literature and folklore, hyenas are less commonly depicted but still hold symbolic significance. In some cultures, they are associated with similar traits of cunning and deception as in African folklore. However, their symbolism may vary depending on the cultural context and beliefs of the region.

One notable modern depiction of hyenas in literature and popular culture is in Disney’s “The Lion King.” In the film, the hyenas are portrayed as villainous characters who serve as the henchmen of the main antagonist, Scar. They are depicted as greedy and power-hungry creatures who will do anything to serve their own interests, even if it means betraying their fellow animals and causing chaos in the Pride Lands. And how do we recognize hyenas? Through their laugh and as such smirk!

This explains why this animal represents communication. The latter is needed to create a plot. Is it a coincidence that Choi Gilseok has connections and is constantly talking and smirking? (chapter 49) He is a hyena, hence his color is brown. (Chapter 48) And The Shotgun has a similar attitude: (chapter 49) Interesting is that his description of the challengers fits the situation in the new plot perfectly. The Shotgun imagines that he will fight against a diminished champion. His shoulder is injured and they have planned to add a new injury. The hyena stands for balance and cleansing as their task is to remove the weak ones.

And the moment I read gratitude, I was reminded of the fake star’s fake gratitude: (chapter 49) He was thanking the star, as the latter would be delivering the medal on the silver plate. And the moment I made the connection between King of MMA and hyenas, I started laughing because of the athlete’s criticism to the director: (chapter 49) As an old man, Choi Heesung is revealing vulnerability and senility. Due to his old age, he could be replaced by another hyena, a younger hyena!

And this observation brings me back to the champion’s youth. The latter became the target of schemers due to his vulnerability, isolation and probably due to his wealth. For me, the star comes from a chaebol family. The hyenas took advantage of his “innocence, ignorance and solitude” to gain something in exchange. However, there is no ambiguity that karma retaliated. Baek Junmin’s scheme led him to become a criminal, while Choi Heesung’s popularity never reached the same peak than Joo Jaekyung. And because of my association with the hyenas, I come to the following conclusion that the main character was bullied and even physically assaulted. But no one took his side, until he caught the attention from someone: (chapter 26) That’s how he ended up entering MMA. This person knew about his struggles and fears from the past and took advantage from this. Hence I am suspecting Seo Gichan (chapter 5), as he is the only person who has not appeared yet, though the champion has his cellphone number. And this remark brings me back to the present and the night messages and the hyenas.

The latter are working as a team in order to corner the target. In other words, their task is to ensure the prey’s isolation. But what is the point of such a MO? It is to exhaust the prey. The latter is forced to run constantly, until he is too weak to keep fleeing. That’s why the champion described it as an endless running. (chapter 29) And that’s how they are operating with the messages: isolation. We could see it through the article and its impact. The protagonist was in a sour mood (chapter 36) which could only affect the members from Team Black. Their loyalty could waver. Then he got to hear bad comments from the Internet (chapter 36), creating the illusion that he was losing popularity. That’s how the lawyer could convince the champion to accept a new match in such a short-time. Finally he got reprimanded for his outburst. (chapter 36) Under this new perception, Manhwaphiles can grasp why the MFC manager offered him a new defy right away. They needed to exploit his injury! (chapter 41) With the pictures (chapter 48) and the switched spray, they are now attempting to portray the doctor as a member of the pack. He is a hyena himself, a backstabber. Joo Jaekyung shouldn’t trust his soulmate, he is a hypocrite. But what these villains don’t know is that the champion committed wrongdoings against Kim Dan in the past, like for example the sex session with the dildo. (chapter 13) This could have ended badly. Another wrongdoing could be the rejection of his birthday present and his harsh reaction. (chapter 47) At no moment, the physical therapist brought up his misdeeds and asked for an apology. His silence became the symbol for his tolerance and even forgiveness. In addition, the doctor and his halmoni embody both vulnerability and poor health, which is strangely connected to crime and scandal. (chapter 13) (chapter 48) Through them, the champion is learning that hunting weak and pitiful creatures is not only a sin, but also a crime! In the first case, he could be accused of hurting an innocent.

Since the beginning of this Manhwa, I have been presenting theories about the champion’s youth, like for example he could have suffered from Traumatic Brain Injury (for more read the essay Joo Jaekyung, the strongest man in the world) which would explain why he has problems with memories. Then in Shocking discoveries!!” I had pointed out Somatosensory affectionate deprivation, SAD as an explanation for the champion’s attitude. He was deprived of motherly affection. This made me think that he had no female role model in his youth. Then I had described him as a silenced and invisible child due to neglect. This interpretation got validated in chapter 45. How so? It is because he only received the presents from the fans and a text from Park Nawmook accompanied with a short video! (chapter 45) At no moment, the author let us see the celebrity receiving a gift or a message from a family member! It was, as if he was an orphan and had no family. Their absence and silence are the evidences of neglect. But one might argue that his parents could be dead, something I had already envisaged in the past. However, if so, as a teenager and young man, he needed to have a guardian by his side, exactly like the doctor with his halmoni. And Park Namwook is not acting as his guardian, for he doesn’t visit him in the penthouse or calls him there. So where was the guardian in episode 45? Invisible, silent and passive! Like mentioned above, I am suspecting the mysterious Seo Gichan. Thus I consider the champion’s criticism as the expression of deep scars which came to the surface: (chapter 45) He wanted Kim Dan to look at him and take care of him. In other words, he wished to be seen and not neglected! He has not realized it yet, but he is longing for a companion, a playmate. He desires to have someone by his side who would talk to him and listen to him. From my point of view, the champion must have received on his birthdays many presents, but he was all alone. He had no one by his side. The gifts couldn’t replace the warmth from a loving parent. The moment I made this connection, it dawned on me what the nightly desertions could have meant for the star. (chapter 45) He could have been reminded of the behavior from his family (father, mother or guardian) who would abandon him during the night for work or would return home very late due to work. In other words, the doctor’s departure triggered his abandonment issues too. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Joo Jaekyung rejected the golden medal and why he became workaholic. There was no family celebration like here: (chapter 11) He wished to receive attention and to have a normal conversation. Consequently, I assume that the champion has been copying his role model. That’s how he was pushed to grow up too quickly. For me, he had no childhood at all, hence when he met Kim Dan, he was encouraged to develop his inner child!

We could observe the awakening of the champion’s inner child, when he suggested a sparring to Kim Dan. (chapter 26) For the first time, he had fun sparring. Hence he kept smiling. It is no coincidence that soon after he chose to accept to take a day-off, when Kim Dan made the suggestion. (chapter 27) That’s how he remembered that he liked swimming and he could play a prank on his lover. (chapter 27) Here, he could smile, because it was fun and there was no real expectation. It was not truly connected to money.

There are many reasons to why our inner child gets wounded. Most of us have experienced various forms of trauma. However, trauma does not necessarily have to be as extreme as growing up in a war or being physically and mentally abused. There are many forms of trauma:

Having unavailable parents who withheld their affection from you and didn’t emotionally encourage or support you.

Being the recipient of inappropriate sexual behaviour, including getting subjected to pornography.

Growing up in a home where your parents kept fighting, arguing and eventually ended up divorcing.

Being given inappropriate or burdensome responsibilities such as looking after the family and doing most of the chores.

Being abandoned by one or both parents.

Being rejected by your peers.

Not having a safe home to sleep in, or a clean hygienic environment.

Growing up with parents who would abuse various substances, such as drugs or alcohol, to numb their emotions.

Parents or family members who were overprotective and interfered with everything you wanted to do, which denied you of your confidence.

Judgement of your personality, interests, passions or sexual orientation.

Parents or family members who were excessively demanding and had high expectations or who projected their feelings in unhealthy ways (i.e. anger, verbal attacks and emotional blackmail).

Parents or family members who humiliated you, or did not address any issues you experienced at school (such as bullying).

Growing up with a parent who had low self-esteem and body image issues.

Emotionally unavailable parent/parents who did not know how to hold space for your feelings. Quoted from https://mentalawakening.com.au/the-inner-child-and-its-connection-to-tms/

As you can see, this long list contains a lot of elements which I observed with Joo Jaekyung. Everything is pointing out that the young man suffered in his youth, and feared rejection and condemnation for showing vulnerability and tears. And if his family or guardian was too busy, there is no ambiguity that when the athlete faced a huge problem (bullying, rape etc.), he wouldn’t have confided to his relatives.

Moreover, I had already underlined the great importance of the cellphone in the champion’s life, the fake illustration for “sharing is caring”. Maybe it is because his family or guardian were too busy to take care of him, that they used the cellphone to keep in touch with him. That’s how he internalized this terrible habit: connect with people through the cellphone. I noted that when the doctor was next to him during the night, the champion would never bring his cellphone! This exposes that the item is embodying a “person”. And now, you comprehend why the champion fell for this trick here (chapter 35) and not in episode 48. It is because Kim Dan had paid him a visit during that night, a sign that he was thinking of him as his patient and VIP client. (Chapter 48) On the other hand, I am inclined to think that when a terrible incident in his youth occurred, he couldn’t contact his family or guardian. Hence he keeps his cellphone by his side constantly. Yes, I was thinking of the doctor’s assault in the street and his failed rape: (Chapter 16) Heo Namwook’s minions had confiscated his cellphone. Hence it was impossible for him to call for help. And now take a closer look at this scene: (Chapter 16) Though he had been on the phone and it was daylight, no one stopped the thugs from kidnapping the main lead or reported the incident to the police. Hence I am also suspecting that Joo Jaekyung must have faced a similar situation: he was surrounded by malicious people and no one had assisted him. So he could have been targeting at school due to his grads or his social status. And his isolation at home could push to seek company outside, to look for friends at school.

What caught my attention is that before each scheme, his hyungs were both seen talking over the phone. (chapter 37) (chapter 49) And the anonymous person on the other side of the phone was definitely calling in order to be updated about Joo Jaekyung, for his coach asked him about his physical conditions. (chapter 49) That could be the hidden guardian who has not showed up yet, I am thinking of Seo Gichan. And now it is time to close this long essay.

Since the champion, as a new version of Simba, was chased away by hyenas, I am inclined to think that his bad luck is not the result of a curse, rather the cause of a bad surrounding. He was not raised properly, for the adults failed to protect him correctly. Despite his super living conditions, he was confronted to the cruel brutality of the civilization where he was exposed to violence, schemes, gambling, drugs, prostitution and abuse. He discovered the existence of hyenas among Korean society behind their fake smiles and “gentle gestures”. The problem is that no one has ever detected their presence. That’s how he lost faith in humanity and developed Philophobia. (For more read (Un)Wanted love) But thanks to his soulmate, he is learning to see the positive aspects of life. What appeared as a weakness can become a source of strength. Compassion and love can put an end to the loneliness and misery. And in order to be happy:

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.