Protected: Jinx: The Hollow Crown 👑: An Ambiguous Dream 😶🌫️
Tag: Chapter 44
Jinx: Lavender-Tinted 🪻Pillow Talk 🛏️ – Part 2
Please support the authors by reading Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the Manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed Manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the 2 previous essays about Jinx Lavender -Tinted Pillow Talk (locked) and Fickle Jinx, Faded Past
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining Manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
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.
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Jinx: Fickle Jinx 🐈⬛, Faded Past
Please support the authors by reading Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the Manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed Manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the 2 previous essays about Jinx A Body’s Worth and Lavender -Tinted Pillow Talk (locked)
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining Manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
Introduction: The Evolution of the Jinx
Joo Jaekyung’s perception of his ‘jinx’ has undergone a significant transformation since the beginning of Jinx. Initially, he believed that his routine 
(chapter 2) —having sex the night before a match—was a necessary ritual to maintain his champion title. However, by Episode 62, his view of the jinx had subtly shifted. (chapter 62) He now includes his entire routine with Kim Dan—not just sex, but also his physical therapy and treatment—as part of this so-called jinx. This shift is crucial because it implies an unconscious recognition of Kim Dan’s significance in his life. What once was purely about his career and success has now expanded to include a specific person and their role in his well-being.
Kim Dan, however, misinterprets Jaekyung’s words. First, the athlete employed the expression “usual pre-match routine” which is quite ambiguous. What was he referring to “usual pre-match routine”? The sex or the treatment he was receiving from Kim Dan: the tasty breakfasts, his company on his way to the gym 
(chapter 46), the stretching and massage at the gym? The problem is that the champion never complimented the “hamster” for his good work directly. So it was, as if his dedication was nonexistent. Without the champion’s genuine gratitude and appreciation expressed so openly, the physical therapist couldn’t perceive the true message behind the champion’s. Joo Jaekyung’s statement was actually an acknowledgment—a sign that the fighter values their routine, not just for performance but as an integral part of his life. So when the star mentioned his jinx 
(chapter 62), the doctor’s memory got triggered. Because of his past experiences, he has long associated the jinx exclusively with sex. This contrast in understanding highlights both Jaekyung’s lack of self-awareness and Kim Dan’s tendency to filter reality through his own expectations and trauma. However, the deeper significance lies in Jaekyung’s evolving perception of dependency. His jinx is no longer just a superstition tied to his performance in bed. It now subtly acknowledges that his success has been intertwined with Kim Dan’s intervention. (chapter 62). At the same time, his skills in the ring become more relevant. This explicates why the champion talked about it on the treatment table. The location is not anodyne. This implies that the champion’s torment is moving away from the bed and bedroom. This is not the first time the celebrity has recognized Kim Dan’s good work 
(chapter 61) By entrusting his care to Kim Dan, he was insinuating that the main lead was trustworthy and competent, yet his inability to verbally express appreciation keeps the doctor unaware of his true feelings. This struggle resurfaced in front of the hospice, where Jaekyung could only bring himself to admit that Kim Dan was not responsible for the incident with the switched spray. 
(chapter 62) His reluctance to openly acknowledge his gratitude suggests a deeper internal conflict—one that hints at a growing but unspoken emotional reliance on Kim Dan.
Another cause for this inner struggle stems from his difficulty to separate his professional and personal life. While he continues to frame his reliance on Kim Dan as part of his career routine (chapter 62), his subconscious attachment tells a different story. The jinx, once strictly confined to his fights, has now extended beyond the ring, blurring the lines between necessity and emotional dependency. His hesitation to verbalize his appreciation reveals a man grappling with an unfamiliar vulnerability—one that he may not yet be ready to confront.
The champion’s past: fixed foundation or distorted memory?
As you know, articles from Dr. Jennifer Delgado often assist me to grasp better the couple’s personality and issues. Funny is that her articles often coincide with the progression of Jinx. In her recent article, You Are Not Your Experiences, the author explains how people often mistakenly identify themselves with their past experiences, believing that their traumas, failures, or successes define who they are. She argues that while past experiences shape our perspectives, they do not have to dictate our future choices.
The past exists and, in a certain way, it has contributed to making you the person you are today. However, that does not mean that it should continue to condition your decisions and your life. The past has allowed you to accumulate experiences, but you are not only your experiences. In fact, we are much more than a story, because what is truly important is the potential that we have on our horizon.
In fact, the true greatness of the children of Kauai lies in their understanding that their childhood experiences did not have to determine their future. These children did not use their past as a mold to continue making decisions, but instead turned it into a lever to propel themselves forward and build a better future. https://psychology-spot.com/you-are-not-your-experiences/
This means that people need to break free from their past. However, in order to achieve this goal, they have to recognize past experiences as a reference rather than a destiny—something to learn from, but not something that confines personal growth.
Emotional Traps: Fear and Avoidance
One of the most common ways people become trapped by their past is through fear-driven decision-making. Those who have faced failures, disappointments, or trauma may avoid opportunities for change out of fear of repeating past mistakes. This avoidance does not create true freedom but rather reinforces a cycle of limitation.
Conversely, others may become so deeply attached to their past choices that they justify and cling to them, believing that changing direction would undermine their previous efforts. This mindset prevents self-reflection and the possibility of meaningful transformation.
The Power of Choice
True autonomy comes from self-awareness and intentional decision-making. Instead of reacting based on past fears or past justifications, individuals can reclaim control over their future by making choices that align with their present values and aspirations. The ability to consciously choose a path forward, rather than following patterns dictated by past experiences, is what ultimately leads to growth, fulfillment, and personal freedom. I am quite certain that my avid readers could recognize the main characters in these descriptions. It becomes obvious that Joo Jaekyung belongs to the second category. His perspective on time is one of continuity and justification. He sees the past as an unchangeable foundation (chapter 62) that naturally determines the future, a mindset that enables him to move forward without regret. Hence he is sure that he will regain his title and can separate ways with Kim Dan. 
(chapter 62) It was, as if he was warding off bad luck by repeating the last match. For him, past choices are justified by their results—he has built a successful career through sheer discipline and sees no reason to question his trajectory. His mentality reflects the belief that one’s past is a stable structure upon which the present and future rest. This perception explains his resistance to self-reflection and emotional vulnerability; admitting a mistake would mean disrupting the stability he relies upon.
His refusal to listen to emotional advice, especially concerning Kim Dan’s well-being, can be traced back to his survival-driven upbringing (chapter 54), where emotions were likely dismissed as obstacles. Instead, he follows only what aligns with his success: the advice of figures like Park Namwook and Yosep, who reinforce his pre-existing beliefs about strength, control, and endurance. Hence he was pushed to fight despite his ankle injury. 
(chapter 50)
However, as recent events unfold, his foundation is beginning to show cracks—particularly with Kim Dan’s absence, forcing him into a state of emotional confrontation that he has never encountered before. His departure made him feel not only lonely, but also cold and stressed. And because his past determines his future, it signifies that Joo Jaekyung is caught in a cycle where his past successes and struggles dictate his present mindset. 
(chapter 61) This rigid perception prevents him from questioning his past choices or embracing change, reinforcing the illusion that repeating past patterns will restore stability. However, as his reliance on Kim Dan grows, the boundaries between his personal and professional life blur, challenging his belief that he can control his future by clinging to his past. (chapter 61)
But what happens when the past is not remembered correctly? When Jaekyung convinces himself that everything was fine before his tie with Baek Junmin (chapter 62), he is unknowingly rewriting his own history. This distortion is further reinforced by external voices —MFC 
(chapter 57) and Park Namwook 
(chapter 54), who claim that Jaekyung ‘lost’ the fight, when in reality, it was a tie. The very way people around him are framing the event warps his perception, creating a false narrative where his struggles seem to stem solely from this supposed ‘loss.’ His belief in a stable past provides him with a sense of security, but that illusion is fragile. In addition, if his struggles predated his championship loss 
(chapter 29), then reclaiming his title cannot be the solution he believes it to be. Finally, what happens when he is forced to confront the reality that some of his past choices were mistakes – ones that he can no longer attribute to the jinx or external circumstances,
(chapter 13) because they affected the doctor’s life? 
(chapter 41) In one case, he refused to listen to his friend’s advice, whereas he trusted the words from MFC, MFC doctors and his hyung. When the foundation he has relied upon begins to crack, Jaekyung’s entire mindset is shaken, forcing him to question whether his past truly holds the answers he seeks. We could say, the athlete needs to be betrayed by his own past in order to throw his old belief. The latter is strongly intertwined with the organization MFC and authorities in general. Questioning his past equals challenging the company MFC and his past “guardians”: the terrifying ghost and even his two hyungs.
As my avid Jinx-philes can sense, the champion is actually going through a similar path than his lover. Joo Jaekyung has a distorted perception of his past. In Episode 61 
(chapter 61), he expresses the belief that reclaiming his championship title will rid him of his headaches, nightmares, and sleepless nights. However, the reality is different—he was already suffering from insomnia long before he lost his title. 
(chapter 29) The origins of his struggles existed before his recent failures, suggesting that his belief in a simple solution—reclaiming his title—is an illusion. This disconnect reveals how deeply his professional and personal life are entangled; his need for control in the ring has masked his deeper emotional vulnerabilities. He isn’t merely striving for victory—he is chasing the illusion of stability, believing that his success is the sole factor that determines his well-being. (chapter 54) But as his nightmares and frustration intensified, it becomes clear that his problem is not the loss of his title, but the erosion of the identity he has built upon it. This means that the longer he stays away from the gym, the more the fighter is learning about himself. He is more than just a MMA champion. To conclude, he is on his way to redefine himself, to discover his humanity.
- The very fact that he associates (chapter 61) the headache and nightmares only with his loss suggests that he has rewritten his own history, convincing himself that he was completely fine before his tie with The Shotgun.
- This distortion reflects his habit of suppressing personal struggles—a conditioned mindset that prioritizes his image and career over his mental and emotional well-being.
- His unconscious rewriting of events serves a psychological function: blaming the championship loss allows him to avoid deeper introspection. Under this new light, you comprehend why he is not investigating the matter with the switched spray and the rigged game.
This pattern extends to his changing interpretation of the jinx. Originally, his pre-match ritual was about control. It was a way to ensure consistency and maintain a sense of power over his performance. However, by integrating Kim Dan into this ritual, he unknowingly shifts its meaning—it is no longer solely about control, but also about dependence. But there is more to it. The moment you contrast this recollection and belief (chapter 61) with the champion’s rejection in the bedroom with this excuse 
(chapter 29), you will realize that alone in his penthouse, Joo Jaekyung was actually admitting the importance of sleep and rest. His earlier belief in relentless training as the key to success now clashes with his realization that exhaustion is affecting him. This shift signifies an unconscious admission that his well-being is not just tied to physical endurance but also to recovery and relaxation—something he previously dismissed. This realization subtly parallels his growing dependence on Kim Dan, reinforcing the theme of blurring lines between his professional and personal life. And what had occurred after this magical blue night in the penthouse? 
(chapter 30) The athlete woke up later than usual. In fact, he was rather late, for he was still wearing his pajamas, while the doctor had already taken his shower. But back then, observe how he opened the door! Like a clumsy beast, grump leopard! Why? In the past, I explained that he was seeking the champion’s closeness, but didn’t know how to approach his partner. I am now adding another aspect. He was actually annoyed, because he had not been following his daily routine!! Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the champion had such a “angry” facial expression, while deep down he was happy. The older version of this scene: 
(chapter 44) However, this means that in episode 30, he never acknowledged his dependency on the physical therapist for his rest loudly. On the other hand, it explains why the champion felt threatened, when the actor approached his “lavender-tinted pillow” or “sleeping pill”. 
(chapter 31) In fact, he used guilt to create a link between him and his roommate. That’s the reason why I am more than ever convinced that the champion will sleep better after this lavender-tinted night. (chapter 63) But contrary to the past, the athlete should come to recognize his lover’s great sleeping power officially. This made me laugh, imagining Kim Dan’s reaction, when the latter sees that his wish 
(chapter 62) won’t come true at all. 😉 He will stay longer and ask for Kim Dan’s presence during the night.
Kim Dan: The Past as a Lesson to Escape
Dr. Jennifer Delgado’s assertion that the past should be a reference, not a destiny directly applies to Kim Dan. Although the physical therapist believes he is actively shaping his future by rejecting his past, in reality, his decisions are still dictated by fear—fear of repeating past mistakes, fear of attachment, and ultimately, fear of abandonment. He belongs to the first case described above. He regrets to have developed feelings for the champion, therefore he wants to relive their first night together. (chapter 62)
Fear and Avoidance Dictate His Choices
Rather than truly choosing his future, Kim Dan structures his life around avoiding his past. 
(chapter 56) His childhood and early adult experiences, marked by financial hardship, emotional neglect, abandonment, betrayal and powerlessness, have conditioned him to associate attachment with suffering. Because of this, he withdraws from relationships 
(chapter 56) and opportunities that could offer him security, convincing himself that he is protecting his independence when, in truth, he is reacting to past trauma rather than making an intentional choice.
This aligns with Delgado’s concept of emotional traps, where individuals believe they are exercising free will when they are actually making fear-based decisions that keep them stuck. Kim Dan’s reluctance to let Jaekyung back into his life is not just about his personal preferences—it is an extension of his attempt to escape a future that resembles his painful past. 
(chapter 46) 
(chapter 46)
The Illusion of Control: Running Instead of Choosing
Delgado emphasizes that true freedom comes from conscious decision-making, not reactionary avoidance. Kim Dan, however, has yet to reach this level of autonomy. By pushing people away, he believes he is exercising control over his life—but in reality, his choices are being made for him by his unresolved fears. He resembles a lot to the athlete in season 1. He is not moving toward something new; he is merely fleeing from what once hurt him. This means that he is imitating his grandmother as well. And now you comprehend why both liked each other immediately. Both could recognize in each other. But living like his halmoni has terrible consequences, for unhealed wounds of the mind fester beneath the surface, seeping into the body like cracks spreading through glass—until even the strongest foundation begins to break. 
(chapter 19) She became terribly sick, while the other had to get surged and risked his career. There is no doubt that the halmoni is hiding her pain as well. Kim Dan’s declining physical and emotional state further reflects the consequences of living in avoidance. 
(chapter 61) He is endangering his life. Instead of taking action to improve his well-being, he isolates himself, refusing help even when it is necessary. His reluctance to accept care—be it medical, emotional, or relational—mirrors the very trap Delgado describes: mistaking survival for true agency.
The Turning Point: Breaking Free from the Past
For Kim Dan to truly reclaim his future, he must stop defining himself by what he is running from and start choosing based on what he genuinely wants. Someone needs to remind him of these feelings: 
(chapter 62) If he continues making decisions based on past fears, he will remain trapped in the same cycle, unable to experience true growth or emotional fulfillment.
Delgado’s article suggests that the key to breaking free lies in self-awareness—Kim Dan must first recognize that his past does not define him before he can truly take control of his life. That’s the reason why I perceive the doctor’s suggestion in a positive light: 
(chapter 62) Here, he is actually facing his past which he has strongly connected to regret and remorse. Don’t forget that after this night, he is expecting Joo Jaekyung’s departure. (chapter 62) That way, he can move on. But what the “hamster” fails to recognize is that the Jinx was brought up in a different location. (chapter 62) Unlike in the past, this conversation takes place in the living room indicating transition from transactional interactions to genuine connection. Unlike the bedroom 
(chapter 3), which has been the setting of power imbalances, physical dominance, and silence, the living room represents a shared space—a place where dialogue and openness can exist. But why is the bedroom linked to silence? It is because of the TV, the third invisible companion! 
(chapter 48) Hence during that night, none of the protagonists talked sincerely to each other. And now pay attention to the living room at the hostel: (chapter 62) The TV is not switched on!! That’s how it dawned on me why Mingwa made Joo Jaekyung live alone for a while. 
(chapter 54) He needed to get rid of this poor habit: watching TV or cellphone. He had to realize that the TV or cellphones were never real companions and never brought him peace of mind! This was the invisible “love” triangle. Back then, the athlete deceived himself by thinking that he was truly self-reliant, while in verity he was dependent on his cellphone and the TV.
In Episode 62, (chapter 62) the shift to the living room for their conversation about the jinx is significant because it suggests that Jaekyung and Kim Dan’s relationship is evolving beyond purely physical interactions. The living room is typically associated with comfort, social interaction, and daily life, meaning that their dynamic is subtly moving towards something less confined, more integrated into reality. Jaekyung and Kim Dan are neither strangers nor true partners, and the living room reflects this in-between state of their relationship.
For Jaekyung, this space signifies a growing familiarity and trust, as he now acknowledges Kim Dan’s presence in his routine beyond sex. For Kim Dan, however, it is still a space of unease—his perception of their relationship remains tied to his initial trauma, making it difficult for him to see the fighter’s shift in behavior.
Secondly, I would like Jinx-philes to compare Joo Jaekyung’s behavior on the treatment table between episode 62 and the previous scenes where patients received Kim Dan’s treatment:
| ChapTER 1 | Chapter 27 | Chapter 34 | Chapter 37 | Chapter 43 | Chapter 61 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
Kim Dan doesn’t talk to his patients in general, unless he feels that it is necessary. In addition, all his comments were work-related. His silence is oozing indifference and neglect. This observation exposes his lack of professionalism. Thus no patient is chatting with him and thanking him for his good treatment. On the other hand, thanks to Joo Jaekyung, the “hamster” is also learning not to get too attached to his “patients” as well. A natural distance is still required. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Kim Dan doesn’t feel his job as physical therapist not rewarding and why he felt differently in the past. (chapter 62) Right now, he is not receiving any compliment from his patients, for he is acting like a robot. However with the gym, it was different, for he felt recognized by members from Team Black. They would give him some positive feedback. 
(chapter 37) And all this started because Kim Dan had taken the initiative. 
(chapter 7) But now, it is no longer fulfilling for him, because his relationship with them didn’t go beyond their work.
So by relocating the champion’s new confession to the living room (chapter 62), Mingwa is announcing a change in their relationship. The living room acts as a threshold—a place between past and future, where the lines between professional and personal, dominance and dependence, jinx and reality begin to blur. (chapter 03) At the same time, I am also sensing that the treatment table could become the place where Kim Dan starts initiating conversations with his patients so that he can become an active listener and advisor.
To conclude, this confession marks a turning point not only for the champion, but also for the doctor. Both affect each other. Though Kim Dan didn’t grasp that Joo Jaekyung was emphasizing his role in his overall routine, I am quite certain that unconsciously, the “hamster” learned a lesson: the importance of listening and conversing with his patient. Let’s not forget that too focused on his own guilt due to his past trauma, he came to hurt one of his patients. 
(chapter 59) Striking is that here the doctor didn’t apologize to the elderly man, but only to the family. 
(chapter 59)
While Joo Jaekyung now sees Kim Dan’s care as part of what sustains him, even if he does not consciously acknowledge it as emotional attachment, the champion is not realizing that life is about to teach him a lesson. Past can not be a source of strength, but of torment, pushing him to throw over the board his belief about the past and jinx. (chapter 62) While he focused too much on his “loss”, he overlooked the importance of the incident with the switched spray on the doctor’s soul. Only through his conversation, he recalled his initial reaction 
(chapter 62) – which is quite understandable in my eyes. The ones who failed the couple were the two other hyungs from my perspective. The past affected the doctor so much that he views himself and his feelings as “trash” now, yet it is clear that neither Park Namwook nor the coach are suffering from guilt or remorse. The star’s follow-up statement, 
(chapter 62) further reinforces that Kim Dan has become an integral part of his preparation. Although Jaekyung does not yet frame this as emotional reliance, his words betray an unconscious attachment—one that Kim Dan himself does not recognize. Moreover, by including him in his jinx, the champion is only one step closer to include him in his “success”. Should the doctor be the target of malicious comments, the star will consider it as a personal assault or as his responsibility.
The Ghosts That Surface in Absence
A striking aspect of Jaekyung’s evolution is the way his subconscious reacted to Kim Dan’s absence. (chapter 54) The moment Kim Dan left, nightmares came to the surface The ghosts of his past—his insomnia, his unresolved emotions, his hidden fears—made its entrance revealing that the champion had a false perception of his own past. It was, as if he had erased his time before becoming the champion. This suggests that Kim Dan’s presence was acting as a stabilizing force, even if Jaekyung was unaware of it. He had become his “home”, which Joo Jaekyung forgot due to his intoxication. 
(chapter 43) Someone needs to remind the athlete of his own “statement”. Simultaneously, since the doctor never got curious about the fighter’s past and family, his presence could only be seen as a bandage covering a rotten body. In order to heal completely, he needs to expose his traumatic past and vulnerabilities.
This aligns with his distorted memory (chapter 61)—he tried to convince himself that everything would return to normal once he regained his title. However, reality proves otherwise:
- The insomnia that he attributed to his championship loss existed in the past. Thus if the sportsman doesn’t change his life style, his sleeping problems should still be present after the recovery of his title.
- The emptiness in his life remains, unaffected by his standing in the MMA world.
- His frustration and irritability increased, indicating that his struggles were never truly about the title
(chapter 56), but about something deeper. Here he felt the need to see his beloved “companion” again. - His instinctive blaming of Kim Dan at first is a defense mechanism—an attempt to deny that his life had already changed far more than he was willing to admit.
To conclude, as long as the champion doesn’t expose his past relationship with Baek Junmin and his childhood to Kim Dan, the athlete can not find inner peace and become his true self.
A New Kind of Jinx: The Unconscious Shift in Priorities
At the beginning of Jinx, Jaekyung’s only goal was to maintain his championship title. His ‘jinx’ was a superstition, a tool to reinforce his absolute focus on his career. However, by Episode 62, the nature of this jinx has evolved. (chapter 62)
- It is no longer just about winning—it now includes a person.
- By extending the jinx to include Kim Dan’s role in his routine, Jaekyung unconsciously acknowledges that his well-being is tied to someone outside himself. He was dropping his past conviction: self-reliance. This explicates why during the same episode, he was seen helping others in the village.
- This suggests a new, hidden priority—a source of stability that extends beyond his career.
Whether Joo Jaekung realizes it or not, Kim Dan is now part of his happiness, even if the fighter has yet to define it that way. And if you contrast this to his previous definition of well-being, you will notice that it was defined by the absence of physical and mental pain. (chapter 61) We could summarize his statement with “peace of mind” which is a synonym for “happiness”. This confirms my previous interpretation that in the past, his abuse towards his own body was his way to express his emotional and mental suffering. 
(chapter 27) At the same time, this confession displays that his past was far from being perfect, the evidence of a distorted memory. After working so hard for the community, he came to receive a treatment from Kim Dan: 
(chapter 62) This means that he is now treasuring his own body. No wonder why he smiled. 
(chapter 62) That’s why I come to the following conclusion: The athlete must have felt happy in the living room, for he felt comfortable and safe.
(chapter 62) But why did he show his back? One might say that he desired to hide his “satisfaction” and his “reliance” on his fated partner. Or he didn’t feel the need to watch the doctor’s facial reaction, when he would confide his new intentions and the transformation of his jinx. He didn’t expect the physical therapist to mock him for his absurd belief contrary to episode 2: 
(chapter 2) He trusted the doctor. Yet, in my opinion, there exists a bigger reason behind this change. It is related to his manager: 
The doctor is treating the star (chapter 62) where Park Namwook used to punish him physically. He is receiving his “sweet” and “reward”. Thus I interpret the sportsman’s admission in the living room as the moment where the manager is losing his influence over the champion. On the other hand, it is clear that the athlete has not realized it yet. Through the massage, the doctor is recognizing that the champion worked hard in his life.
The Convergence: A Future Defined by Choice, Not Circumstance
The irony in their opposing perceptions of time is that they both remain equally bound by their pasts—Jaekyung by his refusal to question it, and Kim Dan by his refusal to acknowledge its lingering control. However, the unfolding of their relationship is gradually pushing both toward transformation. Jaekyung, for the first time, is being forced to fight for something that is not guaranteed by his status, money or power, and Kim Dan is being forced to recognize that fear-based decisions are not true freedom.
Park Namwook exhibits a mindset similar to Jaekyung, where the past dictates his present and future actions. Unlike Jaekyung, however, he is entirely reliant on the champion’s success, living vicariously through him. He positions himself as a figure of authority, even claiming to be the gym owner 
(chapter 22) when he is not, using his seniority and past influence to assert dominance. His attitude is related to his past decision: from his perspective, he saved the athlete from turning into a criminal. 
(chapter 26) His dependence on Jaekyung’s achievements makes him resistant to any shift in the fighter’s trajectory 
(chapter 40), as it threatens his own stability. Rather than acknowledging change, he reacts negatively to it and shifts blame onto Jaekyung, avoiding responsibility for his own shortcomings.
Park Namwook’s reaction to Kim Dan’s presence highlights his discomfort with anything that disrupts his established control. He loves delegating tasks to others. He initially praised Kim Dan’s skills 
(chapter 43), but when confronted with a serious incident, he failed to take responsibility or make a decisive choice 
(chapter 50), allowing others to step in instead. Later, rather than addressing his inaction, 
(chapter 52) he deflected blame onto Jaekyung, holding him accountable for his own passivity and incompetence. Instead of facing the consequences of past mistakes, the coach and manager prefers to erase them entirely, bringing in a new physical therapist 
(chapter 53), as if the past never happened. By doing so, he reinforces Jaekyung’s belief in his so-called ‘jinx,’ manipulating the fighter’s perception of events and contributing to a distorted memory of reality. Meanwhile, the manager must face the reality that change is inevitable and that Jaekyung’s evolution does not mean his own irrelevance. However, his position must change.
Thus I am still expecting that the doctor will fall very sick. All of these men can not act, as if the past was like the future. They are not immortal. Kim Dan’s worsening condition would force the couple to reconsider their perceptions of time—Jaekyung in terms of regret, and Kim Dan in terms of embracing a future not defined by resignation and fear. I would even add that so far, the doctor has never confessed to the champion that he feels his life jinxed as well. 
(chapter 59)
The Fickle Nature of Jinx and the Power to Reclaim the Future
And now, you are wondering why I chose to focus on chapter 62 again, where I examined chapter 63 only one time. My reasoning is the following. In season 1, after his first night with Kim Dan, Joo Jaekyung made a terrific experience. 
(chapter 5) He felt so empowered that he won very quickly. 
(chapter 5) But this good vibe was attributed to the sex with Kim Dan and unfortunately linked to his match. The reality was that he had slept better and longer. So by recreating the past, Kim Dan places the athlete in front of a choice. What matters in his life? His title or his peace of mind? He is correcting the champion’s distorted memory. Kim Dan is the reason why he can rest properly and not the title. Don’t forget that he was suggesting to go separate ways during the massage. But if he sleeps better before gaining his title, he won’t feel the urge to return quickly to the ring. In the living room, he was still acting as the celebrity, but in the bed chamber he is now gradually pushed to leave his title out of the bedroom. Now, in the bedroom he becomes a man and can almost make a mistake as a lover. (chapter 63)
This analysis Fickle Jinx, Faded Past, encapsulates not only the essence of this transformation, but also outlines the existence of a crossroad. A jinx is something unpredictable, unstable—like Jaekyung’s belief in controlling his own path without interference. But just as a jinx can turn against its owner, his sense of certainty is now in flux. At the same time, relying on a certain person signifies taking a leap of faith. He is taking a new road. Meanwhile, Kim Dan’s faded past represents his attempt to erase what has shaped him, but fading does not mean disappearing—it lingers, influencing every step he takes. He can not erase the death of the poor puppy: 
(chapter 59) However, he needs to realize that his physical and mental recovery can only happen, if he truly wishes it. From my perspective, the doctor has to sense that he is not on his own, he has someone by his side who supports him emotionally and mentally.
Ultimately, both must reach a point where their decisions are no longer dictated by their pasts but by conscious choice. They need to recognize that freedom does not come from escaping the past or justifying it, but from choosing to move beyond it. However, this can only happen, when both meditate and become true to themselves. At the same time, both must become more curious about their partner and past life. Only then, they will be able to listen to each other and understand each other.
PS: I am still waiting for a confession outside, close to nature: in the woods and in front of the ocean.
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.
Protected: Jinx: Lavender🪻-Tinted Pillow 🛏️Talk – part 1
Jinx: A Body’s 👂🏻 Worth 💵 ❤️🩹
Please support the authors by reading Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the Manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed Manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the 2 previous essays about Jinx Only Wanted Me For My Body (locked) and Blooming Muscles
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The Commodification of the Body
Throughout Jinx, the concept of value is inextricably linked to the body. (chapter 27) This aspect becomes particularly evident in Kim Dan’s perception of himself and his interactions with Joo Jaekyung. 
(chapter 62) In episode 62, Kim Dan reproached the champion for only being interested in his body, reflecting his own inability to see his body as something valuable. Hence he never wondered about the true cause for such a huge bruise. (chapter 61) While with his words, he implied that his fated partner was a man obsessed with sex, his complaint reveals his mindset. First, he is the one longing for human warmth 
(chapter 59), hence he felt terrible sleeping alone. Secondly, he does not attribute worth to his own physical being beyond its utility for others. This explains why he has consistently neglected himself—avoiding food, disregarding his own injuries, and refusing to seek medical help when necessary.
This cyclical pattern suggests that Kim Dan’s actions are not just self-sacrificial but deeply ingrained behaviors passed down from his upbringing. Mingwa’s decision to portray Kim Dan’s declining health is crucial. 
(chapter 60) It underscores the reality that without his body, he cannot work. In this way, his physical deterioration forces him to confront an undeniable truth: (chapter 59) his body is not just a tool for others, but the very foundation of his survival. I would even so far to say that his sick and stressed body would question his identity as PT and caregiver.
As my avid readers can sense, the doctor is going through a similar path than the celebrity’s. Both Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung struggle with their own worth, but their journeys take vastly different paths. While the champion has learned to commodify his body, turning strength into currency and dominance into power, he has also been conditioned to disregard his own well-being. MFC viewed him as a commodity, using him as long as he remained valuable in the ring. Once his body is worn out 
(chapter 43), they will replace him with a new ‘doll.’ This exploitation shaped his relationship with his own body—one that prioritized its use over its care.
Unconsciously, Joo Jaekyung projected this treatment onto his partners (chapter 2), using sex as an extension of combat, mirroring the way MFC dehumanized him. His encounters were never about intimacy but about exerting control, reinforcing the notion that his body—and by extension, others’—only mattered as long as it served a purpose. Under this new light, Jinx-philes can grasp why the identity of the sex partner didn’t matter in the past too, for the champion avoids to fight against the same opponent in the ring.
Kim Dan, on the other hand, internalized a different form of self-neglect, seeing his body as an instrument of service rather than a source of personal value. As I analyzed Jinx, I noticed striking parallels between episodes 26 
(chapter 26) and 62 
(chapter 62) that highlighted a crucial shift in how each of them perceives their own worth—and, more importantly, each other’s. The mirroring of these two episodes suggests a deliberate narrative structure that showcases their evolving dynamic, with each character taking on a role the other once held. This realization led me to explore how their perspectives on strength, vulnerability, and agency transform over time.
Episode 26: The Submission and the Challenge
Episode 26 presents a crucial turning point in Kim Dan’s journey, one that lays the groundwork for the mirrored themes in episode 62. Several common denominators connect these two episodes: the imbalance of power, the nature of the challenge faced, the poor health condition of the doctor 
(chapter 26) 
(chapter 62), Kim Dan’s smile (genuine versus fake) and the characters’ shifting roles in confrontation and protection. The numerical structure of this episode—where Joo Jaekyung (2) represents dominance (chapter 26) and Kim Dan (6) embodies the nurturing, protective role—establishes a foundation for their evolving dynamics. 
(chapter 26)
But there’s a reason why I connected these two episodes together. Beyond the nature of their respective battles, another common denominator is Joo Jaekyung’s implicit care for Kim Dan, which is evident in both episodes despite his usual harsh demeanor. In episode 26, this care is symbolized by the red protective gear Joo Jaekyung gives Kim Dan before their sparring session. 
(chapter 26) This small yet significant act reveals that the champion does not see Kim Dan merely as a ‘sex doll’ but as someone worth protecting, even when challenging him. The protective gear is a contrast to Joo Jaekyung’s usual treatment of his one-night stands, reflecting an unconscious distinction between how he views Kim Dan versus his other partners. Finally, this sparring day exposes the doctor’s biased perception about the athlete in episode 62 once again. (chapter 62) Though he is portrayed as an arrogant man who had no respect for Kim Dan as doctor, he was only invited for sex services. 
(chapter 62) It was, as if he had no real talent. But let’s return our attention to the safety gears. The latter underline the high sense of responsibility of the champion, which readers could detect in episode 62. With the red accessories, Joo Jaekyung was showing his respect to the doctor as a man. In that scene, Kim Dan could choose his destiny. It is clear that “the hamster” has long forgotten this happy day 
(chapter 26) – he was smiling genuinely here- , and has reduced his time spent with Joo Jaekyung to sex:
One of the clearest parallels lies in the nature of the trial each character undergoes. In episode 26, Kim Dan was pushed to face his biggest fear 
(chapter 26) —a powerful, intimidating man who mirrors the threat of Heo Manwook 
(chapter 16) and his minions. At the beginning of the fight, the doctor was not fighting for himself but for someone else, reinforcing his deep-seated belief that his worth was tied to service and sacrifice. However, during the match of the century, there was a short change. Kim Dan was reminded of his own past and fears. Thus, I deduce that in episode 62, it is Joo Jaekyung who must face his own greatest challenge—not a physical opponent, but the emotional vulnerability that comes with loss and uncertainty. Though he helped others, his generosity remained unnoticed by Kim Dan. Hence the latter was still unwilling to return to Seoul. 
(chapter 62) On the surface, it looks like Joo Jaekyung lost. (chapter 62) More importantly, Kim Dan’s words (chapter 62 push Joo Jaekyung to confront his deepest fear—his own self-perception. Kim Dan has depicted him as a ruthless, inconsiderate man who views him purely as an object, reducing him to someone fixated on sex and control. This challenges Joo Jaekyung’s fragile self-worth, compelling him to question the unsettling possibility that this is how others and in particular Kim Dan see him. That’s why it was important for the champion to help the inhabitants during that day. The genuine admiration and constant requests from the community could only boost his ego. Thus he remained calm, when he heard the doctor’s blame. If Kim Dan’s accusations hold truth, then Joo Jaekyung has indeed been embodying the ‘spoiled brat’ Kim Dan claims he is (chapter 62) —exploiting people without genuine regard. This reckoning is not solely about emotional vulnerability but about identity itself. If Joo Jaekyung wants to validate his worth beyond his physical abilities, he must present his authentic self, proving his depth not just through his body, but through his emotional sincerity.
And what happened in the ring? The celebrity talked to Kim Dan, 
(chapter 26), was happy to demonstrate his talents and kept smiling all the time: 
(chapter 26) For the first time, fighting had become a source of joy for the athlete. He felt not only good, but confident about his skills, as a teacher and fighter. In both instances, this moment serves as a turning point, pushing each character to redefine their role and perception of self.
Though in episode 26, Kim Dan took on a maternal role toward Joo Jaekyung and Potato, prioritizing another’s well-being over his own, it is important to recall that the starting point for the challenge was “envy”. 
(chapter 25) Kim Dan was interested to know more about this sport for the protagonist’s sake, whereas Potato was jealous of Kim Dan’s closeness to the star. How did the celebrity react, when he heard the doctor’s desire to learn fighting moves? He was totally pleased, hence he lowered himself smiling 
(chapter 25) before returning to the ring: 
(chapter 25). Notice that he employed the word “happy” here. This shows that the athlete liked to be a teacher and mentor to a novice.
Later, Kim Dan knelt before Joo Jaekyung 
(chapter 26), reinforcing his belief that his worth lies in service, and he requests an opportunity for someone else. The physical challenge that followed, in which the champion invited him into the ring, was meant to teach Kim Dan to overcome fear, though the original idea was to learn jujitsu moves for the champion’s sake. As you can see, there was a switch in the intentions for the “lesson”. This moment also highlights Joo Jaekyung’s approach to the body—power, physicality, and dominance, which will later be subverted in episode 62 when emotional resilience becomes the true test of strength.
However, Joo Jaekyung forced Kim Dan to step into the ring, forcing him to confront this fear head-on. 
(chapter 26) Though the doctor was initially immobile and passive, the experience became a significant lesson: fear was something that could be faced and overcome. From that moment on, he became more proactive (chapter 26), though he lacked speed, strength and endurance. 
(chapter 26) This is a moment of physical initiation for Kim Dan, teaching him resilience. Nonetheless, he was still fighting for someone else, still locked in his pattern of self-neglect.
To conclude, though Kim Dan was taught an important lesson, he didn’t drop his belief that his body existed for others. His actions were still revolving around providing care, whether for his grandmother or, in this case, for Joo Jaekyung or Potato.
Episode 62: The Reversal of Roles
Episode 62 inverts the roles established in episode 26. Here, Kim Dan (2) and Joo Jaekyung (6) switch positions, with the champion now assuming a protective and caring role (chapter 62), although he has yet to fully recognize the reason behind his behavior. He is now imitating the doctor, as if his body is there to provide assistance and care for others. The people of the small town rely on Joo Jaekyung, placing him in an unfamiliar caretaker position. 
(chapter 62) This shift highlights a deeper irony: while Joo Jaekyung has always prided himself on his physical strength, he is now being tested in a way that cannot be resolved with fists.
Unlike episode 26, where Kim Dan was forced to confront his greatest fear, Joo Jaekyung must now face his own test: emotional resilience and identity. Just as Kim Dan had to fight an opponent he thought he could never defeat, Joo Jaekyung is confronted with a battle he cannot physically win—the fear of loss, rejection, and self-worth. His low self-esteem is linked to the ghost from the past, something he has not revealed to anyone yet. (chapter 54)
(chapter 62) Joo Jaekyung is caught by surprise with such a comment, because he always saw himself as a victim of “exploitation”. People approaching him were only interested in his money or status. More than just vulnerability, this moment exposes a deeper layer of his insecurities. Until now, his body has been admired for its strength 
(chapter 34), wealth 
(chapter 42) and title
(chapter 55), not for its attractiveness or desirability. His reputation in bed has been poor; (chapter 33), he was never seen as a man with sex appeal or sensuality, but merely as a fighter who could endure. Sex was another form of exertion, a display of control and dominance rather than a pursuit of pleasure.
Now, Kim Dan’s words and request introduce a shift in perspective. (chapter 62) By implying that Joo Jaekyung can ‘use’ him as a sex doll, Kim Dan indirectly introduces the idea of sensuality—foreplay, caresses, enjoyment rather than performance. Sex is no longer work, but fun and entertainment. It is not for the doctor’s sake 
(chapter 13), but for his own pleasure. The defy incites the fighter to make a conscious choice contrary to the day, when both main leads took the day off: 
(chapter 27) 
(chapter 29) On the other hand, this suggestion challenges Joo Jaekyung’s previous experiences, forcing him to realize that he has never had to woo or seduce anyone before. This was the only time, where Jinx-philes could see him using his sex-appeal- 
(chapter 34) He got confident, because he had played a trick on his room mate. His physicality has always been his defining trait, but for the first time, he is being confronted with the question: does he have more to offer beyond brute strength and money? If he wants to prove his worth, he must do more than rely on his body—he must reveal his true self.
On the other side, Kim Dan’s actions reinforce this dynamic shift. No longer seeking validation through self-sacrifice, he is finally fighting for himself. He does not kneel (chapter 26); he stands. (chapter 62) He does not plead; he challenges. This reversal is significant because it places Joo Jaekyung in the uncomfortable position of emotional uncertainty. In episode 26, the champion was confident in his control over the situation. In episode 62, he is on the verge of losing control—not over a fight, but over a person. Hence he can no longer control his erection. (chapter 62)
The problem is that his “doctor” and partner has a rather negative opinion about him. This means that the star needs to change his mind and heart. In addition, money is now used against him: (chapter 62). Even if they have sex, he can not expect feelings or attachment from Kim Dan – though it is clear that the doctor is deceiving himself. Through this suggestion, the physical therapist is not realizing that he is learning how to love properly: unconditional love. Having feelings without any expectation. He won’t give anything to Joo Jaekyung, he will be passive and actually receive affection. But naturally, here it just represents the first step to unconditional affection. To conclude, through the challenge, Joo Jaekyung is incited to question the nature of his feelings for Kim Dan. 
(chapter 61) Why does he want him to return to Seoul? Is he really looking for a physical therapist or something else? It is clear that he is longing for companionship.
This shift reinforces the idea that true strength is not just physical but emotional. In episode 26, Kim Dan learned how to face his fears. Now, in episode 62, it is Joo Jaekyung’s turn to confront his own weaknesses. The outcome of this “fight” remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: for the first time in his life, Joo Jaekyung is facing an opponent he cannot simply overpower—his own emotions and past believes.
But there exists a huge difference between 26 and 62: the location. Whereas the physical therapist entered the ring for the first time 
(chapter 26), which represents the MMA fighter’s world, the wolf is now the one penetrating Kim Dan’s world: the treatment table! (chapter 62) 
(chapter 62) The latter was brought to the hostel. I know, here I am more speculating about the next episode. However, keep in mind that the hamster brought up the past to his destined partner. (chapter 62) He mentioned their first night together forgetting their first true interaction at the gym. 
(chapter 1) The blue treatment table is the witness and proof that the champion never saw Kim Dan as a sex doll. So far, they never had sex on it, a sign that he respected not only Kim Dan as PT, but also the profession as such 
(chapter 27) Here, the champion suggested to have sex at home, and not on the table. On the other hand, Jinx-philes will certainly recall this scene where the doctor begged on his knees for money: 
(chapter 11) That’s how I discovered a strong connection between this item and sexuality. First, the one fantasying about the champion’s body on the treatment table had been Kim Dan 
(chapter 1). 
(chapter 1) The massage must have felt like caresses to Joo Jaekyung. So when the main lead made this mistake 
(chapter 1), it is very clear that Joo Jaekyung could have interpreted it as a sign for seduction later. Moreover, don’t forget the mysterious incident concerning the previous physical therapist: 
(chapter 1) It is no coincidence that Park Namwook’s words have a sexual connotation reviving my theory that a doctor might have made sexual advances there. Here, I feel the need to add another observation which came to my mind, the moment I focused on the blue treatment table. (chapter 37) In the States, the athlete received his treatment on the floor, a sign of a disrespect for that profession from the manager and even MFC. They somehow knew that the fighter had brought his “sex partner” for his jinx, but they had no idea about his identity. By paying attention to the blue treatment table, I realized that this item stands for power, secret, courage and vulnerability.
It is important for the two characters to clear up the misunderstandings from the past, especially if you recall the champion’s reaction, when he heard the doctor’s reproach: 
(chapter 62) According to my interpretation, Joo Jaekyung had interpreted the mistake for some advances and keep in mind that the fighter felt also attracted to the physical therapist. 
(chapter 56) In other words, he projected his own desires onto the “hamster”. But since he was still with the green-haired guy, he needed to mask his true intention: 
(chapter 1) -thus he asked for a treatment. He was about to drop the man.
So if they don’t move to a different location or remove the treatment table, the latter will serve as a place for a new experiment. Joo Jaekyung could become a “PT” and Kim Dan is the “patient” who receives a full body massage. 
(chapter 1) However, contrary to their first encounter, the champion would be talking to his neighbor. While the doctor is thinking, he will relive his first night in the penthouse, the other might reproduce his first treatment, though it should be certainly combined with the intercourse on the couch: . 
(chapter 29)
Finally, since the doctor brought up sex in front of the treatment table (chapter 62), it actually reveals the doctor’s lack of respect for his own profession and low self-esteem. I believe that he has the impression that he never improved the champion’s form and skills. He came to this perception because the athlete has expressed the following wish: once he wins back his title, they go separate ways. (chapter 62) But he made such an offer, because he thought, he was respecting the doctor’s wish. This shows that the athlete needs to converse properly with the doctor and not just make assumptions (MO from his manager). Moreover, the star has never expressed his gratitude and admiration towards Kim Dan concerning his talents and efforts openly. The problem is that he can not compliment him yet, because Joo Jaekyung is trying to “forget” the past and as such he is repressing the fight with Baek Junmin. I feel like the champion is on his way to discover the medical world and chapter 62 represents a prelude.
The Importance of Balance
Just before his suicide attempt, the doctor was plagued with regrets and remorse. He felt guilty because of his grandmother’s illness. 
(chapter 57) He should have sent her to the hospital and ensure that she received treatment. Notably, after the sea incident, Joo Jaekyung took Kim Dan to the hospital, but the latter rejected the champion’s advice and help. (chapter 60) Later, when Joo Jaekyung expressed concern over his bruise, Kim Dan once again pushed him away. (chapter 61) Should Kim Dan eventually fall ill, he cannot place blame on his fated partner—he is ultimately responsible for his own well-being. On the other hand, through his own circumstances, Kim Dan may come to understand that he was never responsible for Shin Okja’s health issues as well. As an adult, she should have taken responsibility for her own medical care, rather than relying entirely on him.
However, Kim Dan would not be truly responsible for his illness, because the physical therapist doesn’t know about Cheolmin’s intervention and recommendation. (chapter 13) So it dawned on me that if the doctor gets sick, Joo Jaekyung will be fueled with regrets and guilt, as he didn’t listen to Cheolmin’s advice. So this could lead him to apologize to Kim Dan. On the other hand, his illness could serve as a reminder to the fighter that he needs to treat his physical therapist and friend better. He only sent for the doctor because of “sex”. To conclude, both would be responsible for this terrible situation, a balance of responsibility.
I have to admit that thanks a student, I had a huge revelation. I discovered that human body has 6 senses in reality: hearing, sight, touch, taste, smell and finally sense of balance. That’s how I realized that a crucial theme in Jinx is the sense of balance, both physically and metaphorically. Kim Dan’s dizziness 
(chapter 57) is not just a symptom of overwork and lack of sleep—it symbolizes the deep imbalance in his life. His world consists only of work 
(chapter 62), without fun, rest, or emotional fulfillment. He has no hobby, no personal joy, and no real human connections. He is suffering from depression. Interestingly, the sense of balance is directly tied to the ear, which aligns with his emotional “deafness”—his lack of true contact with others. 
(chapter 61) His mind and heart are no longer listening; he is trapped in his own darkness. His dizziness and fainting spells mirror this imbalance, making his physical weakness a reflection of his emotional detachment.
Similarly, Joo Jaekyung experiences his own imbalance, reflected through his headaches 
(chapter 54) and drinking habits. 
(chapter 54) His entire life has been dedicated to work and physical prowess, leaving no space for genuine happiness or emotional well-being. His drinking is not just an escape—it is a manifestation of his need to silence his thoughts and emotions. In episode 44, when Kim Dan expressed admiration for his body, he patted his head
(chapter 44), he caressed his cheeks (chapter 44) and kissed his ear 
(chapter 44) —a moment that could be seen as an attempt to restore balance, to bring warmth to the parts of Joo Jaekyung that had been ignored emotionally. However, during that night, Joo Jaekyung was drunk, further disconnecting himself from reality.
After Kim Dan’s departure, Joo Jaekyung instinctively turned to drinking. 
(chapter 54) His headaches intensified, and he isolated himself, mirroring Kim Dan’s earlier state of detachment. His drinking hadn’t just become a habit—it was mourning, a sign of his internal loss. It was, as if deep down he wanted to forget this intoxicating feeling of happiness from that night in the penthouse. The departure of Kim Dan caused both of them to lose their already fragile balance, reinforcing the idea that their dynamic, as unhealthy as it had been, was stabilizing them in ways they never acknowledged.
Joo Jaekyung’s needs and desires
While the doctor said such words (chapter 62) to his fated partner, the celebrity was turning his back to the doctor. He was not looking at his physical therapist. However, if you recall his request to the manager, he expressed the desire to see Kim Dan’s face. 
(chapter 56) It was, as if the champion no longer needed to see his former room mate. Note that he even waited for the evening before approaching doc Dan again. (chapter 62) How do we explain this evolution?
Though in episode 56, he claimed to Park Namwook that just seeing Kim Dan’s face would be enough, the moment he saw the doctor’s visage in the photo 
(chapter 60), he immediately went to the town. This contradiction reveals that mere visual presence was never sufficient—what he truly longed for was something deeper. And as soon as he saw him, he felt much better, 
(chapter 61) hence he could remove his splint. That’s how powerful drug Kim Dan is. 😉
Secondly, his experience at the hospice solidified his need for companionship. 
(chapter 61) While undergoing treatment, he saw Kim Dan every day, yet he remained unsatisfied due to the silent treatment. It was not enough to simply observe him; what Joo Jaekyung truly craved was conversation, interaction, and recognition. This explains his decision to move into the town, settling near Kim Dan as his neighbor. 
(chapter 61) It also sheds light on why, during their latest encounter, he chose to turn his back on Kim Dan—he no longer needed to ‘see his face,’ he wanted acknowledgment and his return to the penthouse. He has not grasped it yet, but he already views the protagonist as his family and home.
The problem is that the champion has never had a companion before. Besides, Park Namwook in that aspect is no role model. 
(chapter 46) He is full of prejudices and not willing to listen to his boss. Therefore Joo Jaekyung doesn’t know that in order to become close, conversations must never be one-sided and have to be free from prejudices and assumptions. Joo Jaekyung needs to listen and show an interest in his partner. And now, observe the communication between the two main leads in the room. (chapter 62) He only talks about himself and his future. This stands in opposition to the doctor’s exchange in front of the hospice: 
(chapter 62) He asked a question, while the other did not! He just made assumptions from his part, hence he suggested “separate ways”. It was naturally his way of being considerate. That’s why I have the feeling that two words could move Kim Dan’s heart: “HOME” and “HYUNG”. If he calls him that way, the doctor is now recognized as a family member, even as a senior. Hence he needs to be treated with respect.
Inside the room, Joo Jaekyung is compelled to admit a truth 
(chapter 62) he had previously ignored—he is undeniably attracted to Kim Dan’s body, particularly his nipples, which have repeatedly 
(chapter 27) triggered strong reactions in him. (chapter 62) This moment directly ties back to Kim Dan’s earlier reproach: ‘You only want me for my body.’ However, the irony is that this confession forces Joo Jaekyung to recognize that his attachment is not just physical. His actions—moving closer, watching over Kim Dan, seeking his presence—reveal a much deeper longing. In acknowledging his attraction, he also faces the realization that his desires are no longer as simple as they once were. He is no longer in control of his body, he has now become dependent on Kim Dan physically and emotionally. And now, you comprehend why I connected this episode to chapter 29 too: 
(chapter 29) That’s the moment he expressed his interest in the doctor’s nipples for the first time. This even became a habit: 
(chapter 44). And what did the doctor whisper during that magical night? 
(chapter 44) He wanted him to treasure his body!! In my eyes, Kim Dan’s suggestion in episode 62 is hiding another intention, though it is definitely unconscious: 
(chapter 44) He wants to relive that night
(chapter 44), though in his mind, he desires to have a bad experience so that he can erase him from his mind. Finally, what do the nipples symbolize? Motherhood and nurturing. 
(chapter 57)
Emotional Growth and the Concept of Losing
The ultimate irony is that while Joo Jaekyung has spent his life proving his worth through his body, Kim Dan is the one who now forces him to confront what lies beyond it. Episode 26 showed that losing a bet was no great tragedy; it is about timing and seizing the opportunity. 
(chapter 26) Moreover, it was thanks to a trick that Kim Dan won: 
(chapter 26)
Thus I deduce that it is now the champion’s turn to bite the bullet. If he wants to understand his sex partner, he needs to talk to him and ask questions. And this brings me back to episode 26. Back then, the fighter’s comments were full of bias. 
(chapter 26) He felt superior and strong, whereas his rival was weak. Moreover, he imagined that Kim Dan would ask for money for the bet. 
(chapter 26) That’s why I believe that in the next episode, the roles should be switched. Kim Dan always saw himself morally superior and caring to the star, but in truth, his care was rather superficial, for he also showed no interest in the champion’s past and family. Thus I come to the following deduction that episode 62 suggests that arguing is not about losing or winning, but about listening. The champion has unknowingly become a caretaker, not only to the people of the town but, potentially, to Kim Dan himself. The question remains whether he will recognize that Kim Dan’s provocation is not just another fight lost (cutting off ties) —it is a seductive challenge to redefine his understanding of worth and their relationship. What are they to each other? A client and a prostitute? A fighter and a doctor? Or simply two men who are longing for the same: belonging and love. Nevertheless, due to their past, they are unable to detect the true source of their misery: their lack of reflection, own bias and anxieties.
The Path Toward Mutual Understanding
Kim Dan’s trembling fist (chapter 62), his voice speaking up for himself, his refusal to negotiate his body’s worth (chapter 62) —these are not just acts of defiance but of transformation. He is becoming proactive sexually (initiative, seduction). By stepping away from Joo Jaekyung, he forces the champion to consider whether strength and money alone are enough to hold onto what truly matters. And in this, Jinx presents its most profound challenge yet: can a man who has spent his entire life fighting with his body learn to fight for something greater?
PS: I am expecting in episode 63 reflections from episode 29, 36, 39 among others.
Feel free to comment. If you have any suggestion for topics or Manhwas, feel free to ask. If you enjoyed reading it, retweet it or push the button like. My Reddit-Instagram-Tumblr-Twitter account is: @bebebisous33. Thanks for reading and for the support, particularly, I would like to thank all the new followers and people recommending my blog.
Jinx: Bruised 🩸 by Choices, Bound By Sacrifice 😭
Please support the authors by reading Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the Manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed Manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the 2 previous essays about Jinx The Fault in His Powerful Hands and A Clueless One-Way Street to Kim Dan
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Exploring Kim Dan’s Psyche
In the complex narrative of Jinx, Kim Dan’s psyche is an intricate web woven from his upbringing, life experiences, and conditioned beliefs. Episode 61 serves as a focal point for understanding his internal struggles, particularly through the symbolic appearance of a bruise on his arm. 
(Chapter 61) However, this moment is not isolated—it reflects patterns in his personality that have appeared throughout the series. 
(Chapter 11) 
(chapter 18) This essay delves into the significance of Kim Dan’s physical and emotional bruises, examining how they symbolize his suffering, internal conflict and transformation. I will examine Kim Dan’s conflicted emotions surrounding gratitude and debt, contrasting his interactions with Joo Jaekyung and his grandmother, Shin Okja. Additionally, I will explore how Kim Dan’s conditioned identity as a caregiver drives his choices, even in his current living situation with the landlord, where he unconsciously replicates past dynamics. Ultimately, I will elaborate how Kim Dan’s newfound awareness could reshape his identity and relationships moving forward.
By comparing Episode 61 to earlier scenes, we can uncover recurring themes of sacrifice and rejection of help, shedding light on how Kim Dan’s mindset continues to perpetuate his suffering. This essay aims to unravel his internal contradictions, demonstrating how his struggles with gratitude, self-perception, and consent are deeply rooted in his past and manifest in his present relationships.
Bruised Flesh, Silent Cries
The bruise on Kim Dan’s arm in episode 61 (chapter 61) serves as a profound symbol of his neglect, overexertion, and silent suffering. More than just a physical injury, it reflects his exhaustion, malnutrition, and inability to recognize his own limits. Despite being a visible mark of his struggles, it goes unnoticed, until the champion, Joo Jaekyung, becomes the first to see it. 
(Chapter 61) His unexpected reaction catches Kim Dan off guard, further emphasizing how disconnected the doctor has become from his own well-being. However, contrary to the past 
(chapter 11), Kim Dan is truly responsible for the contusion. He caused the injury by removing the needle from the drip. 
(chapter 60) By taking this action, he absolved Joo Jaekyung of any responsibility for the injury, but this is merely a superficial conclusion. 
(Chapter 61) On the hand the circumstances surrounding the bruise, where Kim Dan removed the needle on his own, provide insight into his psyche. The deeper cause of the bruise lies in Kim Dan’s declining health, which is intrinsically connected to his malnutrition and the neglect he faces from those around him. It is important to recall that Joo Jaekyung was explicitly informed that Kim Dan needed rest (chapter 60). Yet, with his insistence, (chapter 61), he forced the physical therapist to keep working, adding even more strain than before. Though the physical therapist attempted to voice his disapproval, 
(chapter 61), he ultimately had no choice but to comply, as his order came from the hospice director. 
(Chapter 61) And why did the director override Kim Dan’s need for rest? Money and free PR. Joo Jaekyung’s influence secured the director’s approval, disregarding the doctor’s well-being in favor of business interests. This conversation at the director’s office makes one thing clear: words hold no power against profit. An d that realization led me to another connection—every one of Kim Dan’s bruises is linked to exploitation, whether by authority, obligation, or financial influence.
| Chapter 11 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 43 |
|---|---|---|
 |  |   |
To summarize, all his bruises were linked to money. In episode 11 and 18, it was related to the debts and the loan shark Heo Manwook. Then in episode 43 it was because of the expensive present Kim Dan wanted to offer to his boss and idol. However, notice that just before making the decision to offer a birthday gift, Kim Dan had been encouraged by his grandmother to show his generosity and gratitude towards the athlete. 
(Chapter 41) It is clear that she was inciting him to work harder than before. This displays that Kim Dan was not allowed to rest. During this encounter, she didn’t ask him about his well-being either. And what is the link between these 3 episodes? The grandmother and her poverty. The latter was responsible for the loan.
And because of money, Kim Dan never went on his own to the hospital in order to get treated. That’s how it dawned on me how the halmoni’s neglect could be exposed. No hospital or doctor has a file about Kim Dan as patient. When Shin Okja was transferred to the hospice, the hospice director and doctor received her patient file, hence he could make the following prognostics: she didn’t have much time to live. 
(chapter 56) Kim Dan has only visited the hospital once, and this was solely due to Joo Jaekyung’s intervention. The latter needed medical attention himself 
(chapter 18) and took Kim Dan along, ensuring he was seen as an emergency patient. However, this visit was brief and lacked any comprehensive medical examination—no blood samples were taken, and his underlying health concerns remained undiagnosed. This omission further underscores the neglect Kim Dan has suffered, as even in a medical setting, his long-term health issues were overlooked.
In other words, the moment the main lead’s health condition worsens and he is brought to the hospice, it is likely that the medical staff will seek details regarding his medical history. Given that he has never received proper care, they may turn to his grandmother, Shin Okja, for information about his past treatments and health status. And what did the old woman confess to the gentle and kind celebrity? 
(chapter 21) He had never been healthy and strong. Moreover, when he joined them, at no moment the senior asked if he had gone to the doctor, though he had been sick before. 
(chapter 21) But back then, the champion didn’t pay too much attention to it. In my opinion, her response will likely reflect her established pattern of emotional detachment and deflection of responsibility. Rather than admitting her lack of concern for his well-being, she may shift blame onto the staff or Kim Dan himself 
(chapter 57). In the last case, she will downplay the severity of his condition, insisting that he has always been stubborn and independent. She could even mention her conversation, when she tried to convince Kim Dan to return to Seoul, but the latter refused to listen to her.
Shin Okja might express surprise or even mild indignation at the idea that Kim Dan has been suffering in silence. She could feign ignorance, claiming that he never shared his struggles with her or that she assumed he was capable of handling his own affairs. Her response may also reveal an attempt to protect her own image, deflecting any potential criticism of her negligence. At the same time, she might subtly imply that Kim Dan’s health issues are the result of his own choices—his insistence on working tirelessly, his rejection of her past attempts to offer him food 
(chapter 5), or his general reluctance to ask for help. He rejected the athlete’s help and concern. (chapter 60) In addition, Jinx-philes should recall how the nurse 1 reacted to doc Dan’s dizziness and workaholism 
(chapter 57). She blamed the main lead, because she imagined that Shin Okja would worry about him. However, it becomes clear that the halmoni is not worried about her grandson at all. She is acting like a fan in front of the athlete. 
(chapter 61) One might argue that based on this scene, the grandmother didn’t see him with the bruise on his arm. 
(chapter 61) He only remained at the door. However, observe that there was a cut between this image 
(chapter 61) and the conversation between the main couple in front of the hospice. 
(chapter 61) So he could have made his presence known to his relative before asking Joo Jaekyung to follow him because of his treatment. To conclude, I believe that she had the time and occasion to see her grandchild and his bruise.
This confrontation with the hospice staff may serve as a pivotal moment, not only in exposing the extent of Kim Dan’s suffering but also in highlighting the grandmother’s true nature. If the medical professionals press further, requesting past medical records or details of where he had been treated, it will become evident that there is little to no documented history. She had never been worried about his health, since he was young. This realization could solidify the perception of Kim Dan as someone who has been neglected for years, forcing those around him—especially Joo Jaekyung—to reevaluate their understanding of his struggles.
And now, you know why Cheolmin is so important. 
(chapter 13) He is the only doctor who has ever examined the protagonist so closely and even paid attention to his fingernails! 
(chapter 13) At the same time, the chingu from the club was the first one pointing out that his wounds were never treated!! Furthermore, I realized that the doctor’s lies from episode 11 (chapter 11) could appear in a different light: he was not beaten by Heo Manwook, but he truly tripped on the stairs due to his weak constitution, a new version of this scene: 
(chapter 59) He would space out and even fall asleep at any moment.
Secondly, by contrasting these bruises, I noticed a pattern. First, it was the doctor’s left eye, then the right eye. The bruises on the eyes symbolized the doctor’s blindness. The latter had been avoiding reality. At the same time, the purple eyes exposed people’s sightlessness and indifference. Later the physical therapist injures his hands and knee, but no one intervened again. (chapter 43) They imagined that rest was the best solution, something the champion had heard from Cheolmin before. That’s why he listened to his manager’s suggestion. He let him sleep instead of urging him to eat something. He had heard that rest was crucial forgetting that Kim Dan was suffering from malnutrition. 
(chapter 13) The latter was the cause for the severe exhaustion. However, like mentioned above, the doctor is not blameless either, because he never questioned why his wounds on the hand were bleeding again. 
(chapter 43) He thought, it was related to the massage, yet the reality was that this incident showed that he had coagulation issues. To conclude, all the bruises could have always been noticed by people due to their locations (eyes, hands, arm)! (chapter 11) While the manager and Kwak Junbeom saw the injury and accepted the “excuse”, the nurses are now no longer paying attention to Kim Dan’s well-being contrary to the past. The bruise on the doctor’s arm reflects the staff’s neglect: they are not helping him. They are now more obsessed with handsome guys 
(chapter 61) and his relationship with Joo Jaekyung. 
(chapter 61) That’s how I recognized why these women’s warm welcome and curiosity about Kim Dan were rather superficial. 
(chapter 56) His arrival stands for novelty and a breath of fresh air at the institution. However, with this change, the female staff is forgetting their original duty: they need to pay attention to their colleagues. They are behaving like the grandmother
(chapter 61): fangirling over the handsome guys visiting their little town. That’s why Mingwa drew flowers in the last two images. No wonder why no one around Kim Dan is observing the bruise and his deteriorating condition. Moreover, since the physical therapist has a relative at the hospice, the staff is envisioning that Shin Okja is doing “her work”, she is paying attention to Kim Dan’s mental and physical conditions. On the other hand, there is no doubt that the grandmother has already delegated her own responsibility onto others, Kim Dan and the hospice. It is a medical institution, therefore they should pay attention to his working conditions. In other words, since no one feels responsible for the protagonist’s health, no one is worried about Kim Dan at all. At the end of episode 61, he is even so pale and breathless 
(chapter 61) that I am anticipating a terrible incident leading to a rude awakening for everyone.
Furthermore, the bruise (chapter 61) also reflects Kim Dan’s personality—marked by his selflessness, deep-seated low self-esteem and sacrificing tendencies. His inability to prioritize his own well-being is a recurring theme throughout the story, and it is intrinsically linked to his perception of self-worth. Conditioned by his upbringing, he has internalized the belief that his existence is burdensome, reinforcing his tendency to endure pain in silence. The fact that he was never taken to a doctor only strengthened his negative self-perception—medical care was seen as an expense he was unworthy of, a burden his grandmother should not have to bear.
The doctor’s bruise and Shin Okja’s education
In reality, Shin Okja’s supposed sacrifices were not genuine acts of selflessness but a carefully maintained illusion. While Kim Dan grew up believing she had given up so much for him, the truth was that she consistently prioritized herself, shaping his perception of responsibility and guilt. By neglecting his health, she subtly ingrained in him the notion that he was undeserving of care, further reinforcing his compulsion to sacrifice himself for others. This duality—the physical fragility of his health and the emotional scars of a neglected childhood—underscores the profound symbolic weight of the bruise, marking not just his external injuries but also the wounds inflicted upon his psyche.
Furthermore, in Chapter 61, (chapter 61) Shin Okja offers her yogurt to Joo Jaekyung, expressing concern over his weight loss. This small act of care stands in stark contrast to her treatment of Kim Dan, who has visibly suffered from weight loss and paleness too. In season 2, she no longer asked him if he would eat or if he desired to eat the yogurts.
Her neglect does not merely stem from past interactions, such as when Kim Dan dismissed her offerings, claiming he was no longer a child. It is rooted in a deeper belief that her responsibilities toward him have ended. 
(chapter 47) For Shin Okja, raising him to adulthood marked the completion of her duty, and his current struggles are no longer her concern. This perspective becomes evident in her words from Chapter 57, where she tells him, he can’t stay here forever, and it’s not like he’ll stick around after she dies.
(chapter 57) By declaring that Kim Dan is now responsible for his own life, she emotionally detaches herself, absolving herself of any accountability for his deteriorating condition. However, she is forgetting 
(chapter 56) that she is still relying on him, as he is the one paying her hospice bills. Besides, she still doesn’t know that the loan is no longer existent. It was, as if he had to clean up her mess before her death. At no moment, she asks about the loan or the doctor’s future. She is not thinking about his future at all.
Moreover, Shin Okja’s earlier acknowledgment of Kim Dan’s worsening health condition (chapter 57) —coupled with his refusal to heed her concerns 
(chapter 57) — reinforces her conviction that she has fulfilled her role. In her mind, his rejection of her advice places the burden of care entirely on him, allowing her to dismiss any further involvement. This emotional withdrawal directly connects to the symbolism of the bruise: (chapter 61) it signifies not only Kim Dan’s physical neglect but also the absence of meaningful support from those who should care for him. The bruise becomes a manifestation of his grandmother’s abdication of responsibility, leaving him to bear the weight of his sacrifices alone, even as his health visibly deteriorates.
The bruise also holds significance in the context of the debts. 
(chapter 18) In episode 18, when Joo Jaekyung confronts Kim Dan about the loan, the doctor has a bruise on his left eye, symbolizing his entrapment and helplessness. This earlier injury highlights how Kim Dan has been conditioned to view himself as responsible for burdens that are not his own, perpetuating a cycle of sacrifice and self-neglect. And a new bruise appeared just after the athlete reminded the physical therapist of his past promise: 
(chapter 61) His grandmother’s disregard for his well-being amplifies the injustice of this situation; she allowed him to shoulder the debt despite knowing it was never truly his to bear. The bruise becomes a recurring motif, a visual representation of how others have imposed their responsibilities on Kim Dan, leaving him physically and emotionally scarred.
Shin Okja’s role in Kim Dan’s life is pivotal in understanding his psyche. Her methods of control were often passive-aggressive, characterized by guilt-tripping and emotional manipulation. In flashbacks, we see her imposing adult responsibilities on Kim Dan at a young age, reinforcing the idea that he must grow up quickly to alleviate her burdens. This dynamic is exemplified in Chapter 47, where she remarks, “You still have a lot of growing up to do, don’t you?” (chapter 47) In Chapter 57, Shin Okja’s detachment becomes more evident as she advises Kim Dan to leave the hospice. (chapter 57) These words strip Kim Dan of any sense of belonging or familial connection, further isolating him. Her suggestion that he move on reflects her mental and emotional withdrawal from him, leaving him adrift. This detachment, however, creates an opportunity for Joo Jaekyung to step into her place. As Shin Okja relinquishes her hold over Kim Dan, Joo Jaekyung’s role in his life becomes increasingly significant. The question remains whether Joo Jaekyung will rise to the occasion, offering Kim Dan the emotional support and respect he has long been denied.
The Symbolism of the Setting
The hospice, Light of Hope, serves as a symbolic backdrop for Kim Dan’s journey. It represents both a place of healing and a stark reminder of his sacrifices 
(chapter 60). The juxtaposition of the vibrant environment with Kim Dan’s deteriorating health underscores the neglect he faces. The hospice is meant to be a sanctuary, yet it becomes a space where Kim Dan is further burdened by the champion and his grandmother’s expectations (chapter 61) and the weight of his past.
The setting also reflects the champion’s role in Kim Dan’s life. Joo Jaekyung’s presence at the hospice symbolizes a potential turning point (chapter 61), where Kim Dan might finally confront his suppressed emotions and begin to heal. However, the pivotal detail lies in where Joo Jaekyung first notices the bruise on Kim Dan’s arm—not within the hospice but outside, in front of the building. This distinction is significant, as it suggests that Kim Dan’s true healing will not occur within the confines of the hospice itself, but in the broader expanse of nature, away from the constructed sanctuary. It hints at a deeper connection to the natural world as a source of renewal and recovery, a theme subtly woven into Kim Dan’s earlier reflections.
The imagery ties back to Kim Dan’s own words about Joo Jaekyung: 
(chapter 55) This line “I finally feel like I can breathe again”, written by Kim Dan, reveals a subconscious acknowledgment that his relationship with the champion represents a breath of fresh air, a chance to escape the suffocating expectations and burdens he has carried for so long. The bruise, a physical manifestation of his struggle, signals the breaking point of his role as a selfless caregiver. It challenges the illusion of invulnerability that Kim Dan has maintained and forces those around him to confront his vulnerability.
Furthermore, this notion of healing outside the hospice aligns with the setting of Kim Dan’s unconscious cry for help—the beach. His suicidal disposition in that scene reflects a desperate need for release, a yearning for an escape that the structured environment of the hospice cannot provide. 
(chapter 60) The beach, with its open and untamed expanse, symbolizes freedom and a return to the self. It foreshadows that Kim Dan’s true journey toward healing will require him to step outside the roles and confines imposed upon him, finding solace not in what is expected but in what feels authentic and liberating.
The Burden of Debts and Sacrifice
Kim Dan’s relationship with the debts encapsulates his conditioned belief that he must bear burdens alone. 
(chapter 18) His grandmother, Shin Okja, played a significant role in this mindset by fostering the illusion that hard work and sacrifice would erase the debts. However, as revealed in episode 18, this was a lie. Shin Okja made the choice to take on the loan and not to seek help 
(chapter 5), yet she burdened Kim Dan with it, using his sense of duty and gratitude against him. Her statement in episode 57 (chapter 57) —“This place isn’t your hometown, and you don’t have any ties here”—further reinforces the emotional distance she has always maintained, treating him more as an obligation than family. However, she is forgetting that as a senior, she still has obligations towards her grandson.
Joo Jaekyung’s decision to pay off the loan (chapter 18) in Episode 18 introduces the theme of gratitude 
(chapter 18) —or, more accurately, the lack thereof. The champion’s actions were motivated by a desire to help 
(chapter 18), hence the star was waiting for a smile from Kim Dan. Yet the latter perceived it as meddling. His immediate response (chapter 18) —shock, disbelief, and rejection—revealed his inability to accept help. This reaction stems from his upbringing, where he was conditioned to equate self-worth with self-reliance. Even after moving into Joo Jaekyung’s penthouse, Kim Dan insisted on repaying the loan 
(chapter 53), leaving a note when he moved out that promises to settle the debt. However, by Episode 61, Kim Dan is no longer mentioning the debt, signaling a shift in his priorities and a possible breaking point in his adherence to his grandmother’s expectations. (chapter 61)
Kim Dan’s lack of gratitude toward Joo Jaekyung also stems from a deeper existential crisis. When the champion repaid the loan, he unknowingly deprived Kim Dan of what had become his sole purpose in life: assisting his grandmother. 
(chapter 47) The physical therapist’s entire existence had revolved around fulfilling her needs, from managing the debt to taking care of her health. With her now approaching death and actively pushing him away, Kim Dan is left grappling with a profound sense of meaninglessness. 
(chapter 60) He had never been given the opportunity to develop dreams or ambitions of his own, as his life was entirely defined by his grandmother’s circumstances. This lack of agency further explains his rejection of Joo Jaekyung’s generosity in Episode 18 and his later promise to reimburse the loan. Clinging to this promise was Kim Dan’s way of creating purpose and meaning in a life that had otherwise been dictated by others. It highlights how deeply entrenched his self-sacrificing tendencies are, as even his attempts to assert independence are rooted in his conditioned need to serve others. That’s why I come to the following prediction. Kim Dan needs to get confronted with illness and death (he could lose his life) so that his will for life comes to the surface. Right now, he imagines that since he is young, he will outlive his relative, but the death of the puppy was a warning to him that youth is no guarantee for a long life. 
(chapter 59) Death can take away anyone and at any moment. In my eyes, if Joo Jaekyung uses his own body to save the doctor again (like for example blood transfusion and CPR), this time Kim Dan would feel truly grateful towards the champion. So far, the doctor has not recognized the star as his savior yet. By removing the needle, he denied the protagonist’s intervention on the beach: 
(chapter 60) Hence his arm got bruised. The contusion was a reminder that something had happened during that night, but Kim Dan chose to ignore the incident. He never questioned why he was on the beach, he acted, as if Joo JAekyung had lied. 
(chapter 60)
The Hypocrisy of Gratitude
Kim Dan’s inability to express gratitude towards Joo Jaekyung is rooted in the hypocrisy of his situation. 
(chapter 18) Deep down, Kim Dan knows that the debt was never truly his responsibility, making it difficult for him to view the champion’s actions as a genuine act of kindness. This inner conflict is compounded by his suicidal disposition, which renders the concept of repaying the debt meaningless.
Additionally, Kim Dan’s relationship with gratitude is further complicated by his grandmother’s influence. Shin Okja used pity (chapter 53) and guilt to manipulate Kim Dan into fulfilling her wishes, framing his sacrifices as acts of love and duty. Her neglect and disregard for his well-being, even as he deteriorates physically and emotionally, highlight her selfishness. Through his past memories, readers can get a glimpse of his misery.
(chapter 59) He worked so hard, was even beaten, but he could never voice his torment. (chapter 59) Why? It is because the grandmother was no longer by his side and she never talked to him either. The absence of communication indicates her lack of interest in Kim Dan. And it becomes comprehensible why during that night, he felt the need to go to the ocean and drown himself. It is because he was gradually realizing his loneliness. With his relative’s death, he would only keep living a terrible life determined by work and nothing else.
And because Kim Dan made the promise to the champion to reimburse him, it is clear why the fighter reminded him of the “unpaid debt” after their reunion. 
(chapter 60) (chapter 60) Since Kim Dan had not accepted the fighter’s generosity and even reaffirmed the need to pay back the “loan”, Joo Jaekyung imagined that his fated partner was very principled about money. The latter was used to drive an edge between them. However, the MMA fighter made a terrible mistake at the hospice. With his remark (chapter 60), he created the impression that he was impatient, expecting to be paid back, and as such his past generosity was in truth fake. He never desired to assist the doctor with this problem. And note that from that night on, the physical therapist is no longer bringing up the topic of the unpaid debts. (chapter 61) In my opinion, the physical therapist has now internalized that he is not responsible for the unpaid debts. It is only a matter of time, until Kim Dan confronts the fighter with his biased prejudices 
(chapter 11) and even uses his own words against him: 
(chapter 22) The loan was the result of his grandmother’s decision. He never helped him, rather his grandmother.
The dynamic between Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung also reveals the former’s hypocrisy. Despite feeling trapped and powerless, Kim Dan had choices. He could reveal the truth to the athlete, when he begged for his help: 
(chapter 11) However, he never explained his circumstances to the generous athlete. By keeping him in the dark, he reinforced his negative disposition about the doctor. And chapter 61 exposes this reality. His suffering was the result of his own decision. 
(chapter 61) Do you recognize the room? That was the doctor’s 
(chapter 19) 
(chapter 53) His decision to allow Joo Jaekyung into his bedroom in episode 61 demonstrates that he consented to the relationship, even if begrudgingly. 
(chapter 61) However, his reaction afterward (regret) suggests that he struggles to take ownership of his choices. The fact that he recalled this sex scene in the restroom divulges a certain resent towards the athlete. The latter abandoned him right after their interaction. Hence I come to the following deduction. In reality, he is projecting his frustrations onto Joo Jaekyung, masking his true feelings about his grandmother, who is the root cause of his conditioned self-sacrifice. And this observation brings to my next remark. People wondered when this intercourse took place. One might think that this took place rather early in the story because of the way Joo Jaekyung acted. He didn’t remove his pants (chapter 61) and acted like in episode 6. 
(chapter 6) or 8 
(chapter 8) where he would abandon the protagonist right after the climax and not care about his partner’s conditions and feelings: (chapter 61) I might be wrong, but for me, it took place much later in the story, around the time the athlete was about to face Alfredo. Why? First notice that they had sex in the doctor’s bedroom. This means that Kim Dan was already living in the penthouse. The words from the champion implied that he would return to his own bedroom, where the doctor’s thoughts implied that he was standing close to his bed. However, so far, they only had sex in the champion’s bedroom, when it was the evening before the match: 
(chapter 13) Since the doctor mentioned that a match was right around the corner 
(chapter 61) It leaves us four possibilities. Randy Booker, Dominic Hill, Alfredo 
(chapter 47) and Baek Junmin. However, for the intercourse took place in the doctor’s bedroom (he wished to be carried to his own bed) (chapter 61), I am already excluding Randy Booker. Secondly, this sex session can not have taken place before his match with Dominic Hill 
(chapter 36), for they had sex every day. However, in episode 53, we discover their night before the match against the Shotgun
(chapter 53) So this scene can only have taken place in chapter 47, when the match with Angelo got canceled and Kim Dan had been confronted with the terrible news about his terminally ill grandmother. 
(chapter 47) In the previous part of this essay, my avid readers could see the strong parallels between 61 and 47. But there exists another reason why I am inclining to think that the sex scene took place later in the story. It is because during that “magical night” (44), Kim Dan learned the notion of “consent”. 
(chapter 44) During that blue hour, Kim Dan discovered that he could say no! And notice that in his memory, he clearly thought that he could have rejected the athlete’s advances. (chapter 61) The other reason for this theory is Park Namwook’s advice at the gym: 
(chapter 46) He should mistrust the members from the gym and keep his distance from people. So during that time, Joo Jaekyung did follow his hyung’s advice 
(chapter 47), yet I can’t imagine that this man could become abstinent like in episode 19. Hence at some point, he must have felt the urge to possess Kim Dan, a mixture of fear and dominance. He imagined that way that he could impose his will onto the doctor and control his “loyalty”. With this submission, he would force the doctor to remain by his side. But naturally, this sex as “power play” could increase the gap between the main leads.
Interesting is that in episode 53 
(chapter 53) doc Dan was copying the champion’s behavior from episode 61. Right after the sex, he would leave the bed and return to his bedroom. How did Joo Jaekyung recall this night? 
(chapter 53) He saw his attitude as a sign of disloyalty and “abandonment”. And that’s how Kim Dan is feeling in the restroom: 
(chapter 61) The darkness around the eyes is a metaphor for his resent and anger. And the moment you contrast the two memories (53 and 61), you can detect the hypocrisy of the two main leads. They only recall scenes where they were hurt and felt betrayed. However, in reality, they were both victims and perpetrators, because none of them chose to open up and talk to each other. Why? It is because both chose to listen to their “guardian” and their “favor”. Like mentioned before, in a quarrel, no one is right and wrong. The purpose of an argument is to listen to the counterpart and view incidents from their perspective. Finally, the physical therapist’s recollection serves as an important evidence that he had never been powerless and helpless. He could have refused all the time because their deal was never official.He could have used the contract as a shield. But the best evidence of Kim Dan’s power is this rejection: 
(chapter 61) I had already pointed out the increasing resistance and resilience from Kim Dan in episode 60: 
(chapter 61) My prediction came true. In the past, he could have denied the existence of the deal, Joo Jaekyung was free to seek another physical therapist. He never realized that he had some leverage. Yet he still followed the athlete’s requests. He saw himself bound by obligations. However, this was just an illusion. Hence in episode 61, we see him legitimating his consent that there was an imminent fight. (chapter 61) This shows that he always used others to justify his choices. That way, he could portray himself as a dutiful and loving person, while his sacrifices would all go unnoticed.
The doctor’s fate: a reflection of Joo Jaekyung’s life
Kim Dan’s bruises are more than just marks of exhaustion and overexertion; they symbolize the way his body is used for the benefit of others. (chapter 61) He is expected to work despite his declining health, his suffering dismissed by those around him. (chapter 61) His well-being is secondary to business interests, whether it be the hospice director valuing money and PR over his need for rest or Joo Jaekyung imposing additional strain despite knowing better. Every bruise on Kim Dan’s body is a reflection of a system that prioritizes productivity over humanity.
This, however, mirrors Joo Jaekyung’s own existence. 
(chapter 40) He is paid to receive bruises, to push his body past its limits 
(chapter 50), to endure pain while the public watches and profits are made. His suffering is entertainment, a spectacle that fuels the business of MMA. Though he is a champion, he is still a commodity, expected to perform regardless of his condition. 
(chapter 61) He understands, better than anyone, what it means to be physically used for the sake of others, yet he remains blind to the fact that he has placed Kim Dan in the same position. While one has no file about his health condition, the other has many files, but they are not studied, because this would push the manager to question his decision and even ruin the business: 
(chapter 17) I doubt that Park Namwook studied them, and notice that the recently hired PT didn’t ask for the champion’s files first: 
(chapter 54) Thus I deduce that the champion’s files are in reality a subterfuge. They give the impression that the doctors and Park Namwook truly care for his well-being, but it is not correct. They are only interested in his body because of wealth and reputation. But let’s return our attention to episode 61 and the champion’s attitude towards Kim Dan.
The hypocrisy is undeniable. (chapter 61) Joo Jaekyung pressures Kim Dan to work through his pain, (chapter 61) despite living a life where he is forced to do the same. He became what he despised—someone who forces another to sacrifice their well-being for business. (chapter 60) The reality is, both of them exist in a world where their worth is determined by what their bodies can endure. Kim Dan’s value is measured by his ability to work, just as Jaekyung’s is determined by his ability to fight. They are both trapped in a system that demands their suffering for profit, used by those in power who see them as tools rather than individuals.
If Joo Jaekyung fails to recognize this parallel, he will only perpetuate the very cycle that has shaped his own pain. But if he does, it could be the key to not only freeing Kim Dan from this exploitation but also breaking himself out of the same cycle. The question remains: will he see the truth before it’s too late? (chapter 54) It is clear that the manager wants Joo Jaekyung to return to the ring as soon as possible to erase the last “debacle”. In my opinion, the doctor’s illness could serve Joo Jaekyung as an excuse to delay his return to the ring and even not to accept the next challenge.
A Caregiver’s Identity
Kim Dan’s choice to rent from an elderly landlord 
(chapter 57) is another manifestation of his conditioned role as a caregiver. By living with an older man, he creates the illusion of a familial bond, mirroring the dynamic he shared with his grandmother. This decision highlights his struggle to break free from the identity imposed on him—one defined by servitude and selflessness. He assumes that he should take care of the landlord, offering to cook and expressing guilt for not fulfilling this perceived duty. Yet, the landlord subtly challenges this narrative. By inviting Kim Dan to eat breakfast 
(chapter 57) and dismissing his apologies, the landlord treats him as an equal rather than a caretaker. This dynamic forces Kim Dan to confront his false perception of himself.
The landlord’s care, though understated, contrasts sharply with Kim Dan’s expectations. In Episode 57, the landlord observes Kim Dan’s declining health and attempts to address his drinking habits. 
(chapter 57) Despite this, Kim Dan rejects the advice, demonstrating his resistance to being cared for. This moment underscores his internal conflict—he craves independence yet clings to the role of the selfless provider. The landlord’s actions expose the fallacy of Kim Dan’s identity, revealing that his caregiving is not always necessary or effective.
Kim Dan’s Transformation: From Self-Sacrifice to Self-Awareness
Chapter 61 marks a significant shift in Kim Dan’s psyche—he begins to view himself with self-pity. That’s why he recalled the sex in the restroom. (chapter 61) He was not feeling well, yet the champion still demanded to have sex with him. (chapter 61) However, like pointed out above, he could have objected and even explained the situation. But no… he chose silence and submission in the end. This exposes the long internalized belief that Joo Jaekyung is stubborn and won’t listen or even get angry. Moreover, it is related to the grandmother’s education which privileged money, obedience, silence and taboo. However, the recollection 
(chapter 61) is indicating the increasing resent and anger towards the star. Joo Jaekyung is no longer seen as a celebrity and idol, but as a inconsiderate man. This transformation is subtle but meaningful, as it reflects his burgeoning awareness of his own worth and the unjust treatment he has endured. For the first time, Kim Dan acknowledges himself as pitiful (chapter 61), a clear departure from his habitual role of unquestioned self-sacrifice. This moment signals the emergence of a new identity, where Kim Dan starts “treasuring” himself, even if only as someone who deserves more respect than he has been given. In his recollection, he has a wish: to have a companion who would take care of him.
Kim Dan’s realization that he was not respected by Joo Jaekyung (chapter 61) parallels the emotional and mental detachment of Shin Okja. While his grandmother had long imposed the role of a caregiver upon him, (chapter 61) her current disregard for his health and well-being forces him to confront the fragility of his own existence. His bruised arm and poor health serve as physical manifestations of this awakening—he is no longer the tireless, invincible caregiver but a vulnerable human being who could fall gravely ill (chapter 61) or even abandon others first. 
(chapter 53)
The Emotional Transition: Joo Jaekyung’s Role in Kim Dan’s Life
This transformation in Kim Dan reflects a deeper narrative shift in Jinx: the exploration of self-worth and emotional reciprocity. It signals that relationships should not be defined by obligation and sacrifice alone but also by mutual respect and care. As Kim Dan begins to recognize his own worth, the dynamics of his relationships with both Shin Okja and Joo Jaekyung are poised to change dramatically. (chapter 61) This chapter sets the stage for a redefinition of Kim Dan’s identity (chapter 61), no longer bound by the roles others have imposed on him but shaped by his own choices and growing self-respect.
Shin Okja’s emotional detachment opens a door for Joo Jaekyung to step into her place, but this transition is contingent on Joo Jaekyung admitting his feelings for Kim Dan. (chapter 61) The physical reminder of Kim Dan’s poor health is not only a wake-up call for Joo Jaekyung but also for Kim Dan himself. It emphasizes that caregiving cannot define his identity entirely, and he too needs care and consideration.
This dynamic creates a powerful opportunity for growth in their relationship. If Joo Jaekyung is to fill the void left by Shin Okja, he must evolve from a figure of dominance to one of emotional support and genuine affection. Similarly, Kim Dan must shed the remnants of his belief that his only worth lies in what he can do for others. His growing self-awareness, catalyzed by his deteriorating health, paves the way for this mutual transformation.
The Role of Health as a Narrative Reminder
Kim Dan’s health, deteriorating as it is, serves a dual purpose. For Joo Jaekyung, it is a stark reminder of the consequences of his past neglect 
(chapter 13) and the fragility of Kim Dan’s existence. For Kim Dan, it challenges his self-perception as an indestructible caregiver. This realization could lead him to an inevitable conclusion: his own needs and well-being are just as important as those of others.
Ironically, this reversal also suggests a possibility that Kim Dan could be the one to abandon his grandmother first—not out of malice but as a natural consequence of his newfound understanding of his humanity. He wants to live, he doesn’t want to die now. His physical limitations and emotional exhaustion could compel him to prioritize his own survival over the expectations imposed on him, marking a definitive break from his past.
To conclude, Kim Dan’s deteriorating health presents a pivotal moment in his journey, marking a potential shift from mere survival to truly embracing life. His identity, long defined by caregiving and sacrifice, could face a profound challenge if his condition worsens, forcing him into a role of dependency. Joo Jaekyung’s role in this transformation could be equally transformative. Witnessing Kim Dan’s vulnerability might inspire the champion to step into the role of a true caregiver, fostering a deeper emotional connection between them. This shift would starkly contrast Kim Dan’s relationship with his grandmother, where care was one-sided and manipulative. Instead, it could establish a foundation of mutual respect and shared responsibility, breaking the cycle of transactional relationships that have defined Kim Dan’s past.
Ultimately, Kim Dan’s illness could become a catalyst for healing—not just physically but emotionally—for both him and Joo Jaekyung. It sets the stage for a relationship rooted in genuine care and respect, underscoring the broader theme of personal growth and the rediscovery of self-worth.
Conclusion
“Bruised by Choices, Bound by Sacrifice” encapsulates the complexities of Kim Dan’s character and his relationships. The recurring motif of the bruise serves as a powerful symbol of his struggles, reflecting both his physical pain and the emotional scars left by his upbringing. The debts, gratitude, and the hospice setting further illustrate how Kim Dan’s sacrifices have shaped his identity, forcing him to navigate a path filled with contradictions and unspoken resentments.
This examination also underscores the profound link between silence and sacrifice in Kim Dan’s journey. His suffering largely went unnoticed not just due to external neglect but because of his own choice to remain silent. Kim Dan never expressed his thoughts or emotions, choosing instead to endure in silence to avoid burdening his grandmother. Ironically, this silence was unnecessary, as Shin Okja herself was blinded by his youth, assuming that his vitality ensured he would outlive her. This assumption prevented her from recognizing his vulnerabilities, highlighting yet another layer of neglect in their relationship.
Through this lens, Kim Dan’s journey becomes a poignant exploration of the cost of selflessness and the courage it takes to reclaim one’s agency. His silence, once a symbol of sacrifice, now stands as a barrier he must overcome to truly heal and redefine his life on his own terms. By breaking free from the constraints of unspoken expectations and misplaced gratitude, Kim Dan’s transformation holds the promise of a future where his choices are guided by self-respect and a newfound understanding of his worth.
In earlier chapters, such as Chapter 57, Kim Dan’s landlord invited him to share breakfast, showing a degree of care and concern. However, Kim Dan deflected this gesture, maintaining his self-imposed role as a caregiver. In Chapter 58, despite sitting at a table with Heesung, Potato, and the landlord, Kim Dan’s disengagement from the meal—leaving most of the chicken untouched and avoiding the rice wine—highlighted his hidden struggles with both malnutrition and alcoholism. His deliberate avoidance of the rice wine reflects an effort to conceal his drinking habits, adding another layer to his isolation.
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Jinx: A Luminous Kiss 😘💋 Amid Shadows 🫂
Please support the authors by reading Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the Manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed Manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the 2 previous essays about Jinx The Painful Mermaid’s Aspiration and The Mermaid’s Illusion of Love
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In Jinx, the evolution of Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan’s relationship can be traced through the symbolic use of kisses [for more listen to Kiss Me], specifically the one in the locker room 
(Chapter 15) and the life-saving kiss on the beach 
(Episode 60). Both moments carry significant emotional weight but reflect different facets of their dynamic, from selfishness to selflessness, secrecy to openness, and miscommunication to recognition. The setting and circumstances surrounding these kisses not only highlight the characters’ growth but also underscore the unresolved struggles they face.
Selfishness vs. Selflessness
The kiss in Chapter 14 and 15 was performed under the pretense of care but was marked by a sense of urgency and concern. Joo Jaekyung, lost in his thoughts and experiencing a form of derealization 
(chapter 14), acted particularly rough with Kim Dan 
(chapter 14), only snapping back to reality when he felt Kim Dan’s body trembling. 
(chapter 14) This moment of realization, coupled with the doctor’s tears and plea 
(chapter 14), served as the trigger for Joo Jaekyung to recall Cheolmin’s recommendation 
(chapter 14) of using foreplay and gentler methods, such as a kiss. While the kiss reflected care in the moment 
(chapter 14), selfish motives lingered in the shadows, as Joo Jaekyung sought to prevent causing visible harm that could lead to questions or even a scandal. It was, as if he wanted to silence his partner. Moreover, this decision was influenced by external suggestions, particularly from his friend, and not entirely by his own intentions. It was a calculated action to prevent immediate harm but lacked genuine emotional depth.
Interesting is that Kim Dan never dared to question Joo Jaekyung for this sudden kiss. 
(chapter 16) Moreover, he never wondered why Joo Jaekyung had asked for sex in the locker room, which represented a change in his behavior. If he had done it before, then he would have forced the physical therapist to travel with him to Busan. 
(chapter 13) As you can see, through the comparison with the kiss on the beach, I realized the doctor’s passivity and lack of critical thinking in season 1. He never asked why the athlete was so rough during sex. He took this for a normality. His attitude exposed the doctor’s biased perception of his boss: a spoiled and rough man obsessed with sex. I would even add that the kiss had a positive effect on the protagonist 
(chapter 15), because for the first time, Kim Dan made a request. With his remark, he implied that the kiss was strongly associated with emotions. However, exactly like Joo Jaekyung pointed out 
(chapter 15), the physical therapist omitted something important in the locker room. First, he didn’t share all his thoughts about the athlete, in particular his prejudices. Finally, he should have talked about his behavior before the kiss. What was he thinking, when he was having sex with him? In verity, he had been used as a substitute. In other words, the champion’s selfishness was rubbing on the doctor. Both were selfish, both had their heart and mind closed. And this remark brings me to the kiss on the beach.
In contrast, the kiss in Episode 60 (chapter 60) was executed purely for Kim Dan’s sake. It was a spontaneous, instinctive act of CPR to save his life, demonstrating selflessness and true concern. Unlike the locker room kiss, which carried both urgency and selfish motives, the beach kiss was entirely devoid of emotional connection, functioning solely as a technical gesture. Kim Dan was unconscious and unaware of the act, which stripped it of any emotional reciprocity. Here, Joo Jaekyung saw Kim Dan as a human being—detached from his social background and circumstances. This shift in perception is reflected in the location: the openness and natural beauty of the beach stand in stark contrast to the confined, artificial environment of the locker room. Joo Jaekyung’s willingness to perform this act in the open signifies a progression in his character—a gradual dismantling of his secrecy about his sexuality and his connection to Kim Dan. This shift from selfishness to selflessness illustrates not only Joo Jaekyung’s emotional growth but also the deepening of his bond with Kim Dan.
Secrecy vs. Openness
The locker room serves as a metaphorical closet 
(chapter 15), a confined space symbolizing Joo Jaekyung’s need to keep his relationships private. Picking up partners at a VIP club (chapter 33) was another extension of his desire to maintain secrecy. By contrast, the beach in Episode 60 is a public, open space, reflecting a significant shift. 
(chapter 60) Moreover, in the past, the locker room 
(chapter 14) was always filled with people surrounding the champion. However, once Kim Dan entered his life, this dynamic began to change. In Episode 14, Joo Jaekyung asked everyone to leave the locker room, 
(chapter 14) even excluding Park Namwook, who was even seen before stationed outside the bathroom door, 
(chapter 14) signaling a gradual exclusion of others from his private life and emotions. By Episode 15, Joo Jaekyung explicitly sent away his manager to have a private conversation with Kim Dan. 
(chapter 14) This shift highlights the increasing importance of Kim Dan in Joo Jaekyung’s personal sphere. Interestingly, this progression is contrasted by Episode 49, where Joo Jaekyung deliberately ensured 
(chapter 49) he was not left alone with Kim Dan. This means that this place was no longer the synonym for privacy and secret. This reflects why director Choi could intrude with his minions. Following the incident with the switched spray, Kim Dan was left behind 
(chapter 50) in the locker room twice 
(chapter 51), which could only increase the physical therapist’s feelings that he didn’t belong to Team Black. He was not part of that “family”. And this coincides with the moment where Kim Dan cries for the last time: 
(chapter 51) From that moment on, the main lead won’t show his vulnerability and pain to others. This gesture announces the return of his “blue friend”, the depression.
Moreover, keep in mind what the grandmother used to say constantly to her grandson: “Don’t cry” 
(chapter 57) Shin Okja must have felt uncomfortable with his tears and pain, therefore the doctor internalized not to show his struggling and burdens in front of his grandmother. This explicates why he denied his weeping in front of her first. 
(chapter 47) And now, you are wondering how this is relevant to the scene on the beach. Joo Jaekyung got shocked and scared, but he didn’t cry later and it is the same for Kim Dan. Hence the latter could deny his presence on the beach and even ignore the athlete’s words: (chapter 60) The absence of tears or a trembling body from the main leads indicate that both are hiding their emotions from each other. 
(chapter 60)
And because Kim Dan came to symbolize the fighter’s intimacy and privacy, it is no coincidence that their relationship ended in the locker room. There, the champion exposed his true thoughts about the doctor: his lack of professionalism, 
(chapter 51), his lack of loyalty, his greed and obsession for money. 
(chapter 51) Here, they were totally honest to each other: 
(chapter 51) Though the champion was restraining himself, he didn’t realize that his words were like punches to Kim Dan. The latter got to hear what he didn’t know. 
(chapter 51) Despite living together in the penthouse, he didn’t trust his room mate. After divulging his mistrust and anger to the physical therapist in the locker room, the former left Kim Dan behind and went to the health center with his hyungs. (chapter 51) What he didn’t realize is that the doctor stood for secrecy and closeness, so by leaving his side, he was destined to be exposed. 
(chapter 52) The conversation in the locker room symbolically announced the champion’s private struggles to the media, as his bad temper was made public shortly after.
Through these events, the kiss in the locker room becomes full of symbolism. It not only marked a moment of urgency but also served as an emotional awakening for Joo Jaekyung 
(chapter 15) , representing his need for mental and emotional support, which his team and entourage failed to provide. While the CPR kiss could be dismissed as a rescue, it symbolically represents a step toward Joo Jaekyung revealing his true self. The kiss marks a moment where he unconsciously begins to acknowledge his feelings and his homosexuality, even in a setting where others could witness it.
By contrast, the couple on the beach in episode 60 (chapter 60) was surrounded by nature. Hence they could show their true self: their exhaustion, desire and emotions. While the doctor was suicidal due to his depression and fatigue, the champion’s worries were genuine. Yet Kim Dan was not able to hear them. 
(chapter 60) This means that on the beach, Kim Dan could only detect one thing: Joo Jaekyung’s presence. But he didn’t sense his kisses and hear his words. That’s the reason why I come to the conclusion that this scene stands under the sign of “dream and illusion”. 
(chapter 60) Hence he came to reject his “intervention” as a lie and deception. The reality is that Joo Jaekyung does care for him, but he doesn’t know how to show it. He fears attachment. Because of his misjudgement, Kim Dan is not capable to notice the transformation in his former boss. 
. (chapter 60) The latter has now darker circles, and he lost a lot of weight. 
(chapter 49) His muscles are less pronounced. He is also wasting away.
This progression also ties to the concept of nature vs. artifice. The natural setting of the beach—the waves, the open sky—contrasts sharply with the sterile, artificial environment of the locker room. Nature brings out authenticity and raw emotion, whereas the locker room and the emergency room 
(chapter 60) reinforce control and suppression. In the locker room, the absence of time and space to relax or meditate highlighted the pressures placed on Joo Jaekyung by his manager and coach (chapter 14) 
(chapter 49), who believed that physical strength alone would solve his problems. This environment denied him the mental and emotional support he truly needed. (chapter 15) The kiss in Chapter 15 became a moment where Joo Jaekyung discovered not only physical pleasure but also positive emotions, which acted like a sweet candy, a reward for his hard work. (chapter 15) It gave him emotional support. It symbolized a rare moment of relief and connection amidst the overwhelming demands of his environment. Joo Jaekyung’s actions in these settings highlight his gradual move from a place of concealment to one of openness and authenticity. While the CPR kiss could be dismissed as a rescue, it symbolically represents a step toward Joo Jaekyung revealing his true self. (chapter 60) The kiss marks a moment where he unconsciously begins to acknowledge his feelings and his homosexuality, even in a setting where others could witness it.
Lies and Miscommunication
Another layer of complexity is revealed when examining the two kisses. From that wonderful night (chapter 44) on, Kim Dan never got kissed again. The absence of a kiss in the locker room was revealing Joo Jaekyung’s lack of faith in Kim Dan. His mistrust left such an emotional wound, which is only visible to the third eye. 
(chapter 54) Because Joo Jaekyung saw it in a vision, it becomes clear that the athlete is still in denial about his wrongdoing. Therefore he didn’t apologize for his false accusations and his bad perception of the physical therapist: (chapter 60) By admitting that he knows about his innocence, he imagines that he can get scott-free. But he is wrong. His skepticism and dismissiveness wounded Kim Dan’s heart and mind, leaving scars that reverberate through their future interactions. Kim Dan can no longer trust him now 
(chapter 60) , though there is no doubt that the doctor is still in love with him. At the hospice, this mistrust resurfaces. The parallel conversations—in the locker room and the emergency room—highlight the ongoing cycle of miscommunication and emotional disconnect. Both characters, in their own way, lie to themselves and each other. Joo Jaekyung sees Kim Dan through the lens of poverty and greed 
(chapter 60, reducing his identity to his need for money, while Kim Dan rejects his offer, his help and conceals his pain. It is not surprising that Kim Dan left the treatment room. (chapter 60) By doing so, he is denying his rescue and assistance. It was, as if this night and as such the kiss had never happened.
The beach, however, offers a stark contrast. There, in the midst of the emergency, Joo Jaekyung’s perception of Kim Dan shifts. For the first time, he sees him as a human being—vulnerable and in need of genuine care. 
(chapter 60) The lies and miscommunication fade in the face of the life-and-death situation. However, this recognition is short-lived, as the events at the hospice reveal Joo Jaekyung’s lingering selfishness (chapter 60) and inability to fully comprehend the seriousness of Kim Dan’s mental and physical state.
Kim Dan as Joo Jaekyung’s Reflection
Episode 60 also underscores the parallels between Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung. Both characters are struggling and mistreating their bodies, albeit in different ways. Kim Dan’s rejection of help and his deteriorating condition mirror Joo Jaekyung’s past behavior of ignoring medical advice and pushing himself to extremes. This dynamic serves as a reflection, forcing the champion to confront his own flaws. Kim Dan’s condition becomes a metaphorical mirror, showing Joo Jaekyung the consequences of neglecting physical 
(chapter 27) and mental well-being. (chapter 27) When Kim Dan removed the needle carelessly (chapter 60), he was actually copying his lover’s behavior.
The dissociation and derealization evident in Kim Dan’s behavior 
further highlight his mental fragility. This fragility contrasts sharply with Joo Jaekyung’s reaction during their interaction at the hospice. When the champion angrily asks, 
, his words reveal frustration and a superficial understanding of the situation. Rather than addressing the underlying psychological distress driving Kim Dan’s actions, Joo Jaekyung perceives them as reckless behavior. His focus remains on immediate danger rather than the deeper cause, showcasing his emotional detachment and inability to grasp the full seriousness of Kim Dan’s mental state. This misinterpretation underscores how Joo Jaekyung is still projecting his own coping mechanisms onto Kim Dan, assuming that sheer willpower and physical strength can resolve emotional struggles. This moment serves as a stark reminder of Joo Jaekyung’s ongoing growth and the gaps in his understanding of Kim Dan’s suffering. His denial of having gone to the beach, despite clear evidence, points to the depth of his trauma. (chapter 60) That’s why I can’t shake the feeling that the physical therapist is still in danger. The trail of blood on the floor could be interpreted as a bad omen. (chapter 60) Many Jinx-philes saw parallels between the champion’s departure from the locker room with the final image from chapter 60, (chapter 51) However, in the last image, the athlete had left the room to go to the health center, while Kim Dan is now leaving the treatment room, a sign that he is not just rejecting the champion’s help, but also the hospice’s intervention. (chapter 60) So he could get into trouble in his profession.
This moment becomes a turning point for Joo Jaekyung, as he is about to grasp the gravity of Kim Dan’s mental illness. However, his focus on money and material solutions (chapter 60) at the hospice contrasts sharply with the purity of his actions on the beach, underscoring his ongoing struggle with selfishness and superficiality.
As long as Joo Jaekyung hides his vulnerability and hides his true self to achieve his goal, Kim Dan will mirror his actions. He will deceive him too. However, we shouldn’t see their separation 
(chapter 60) at the end of episode 60 as something negative. How so? It is because Kim Dan never said this: 
(chapter 51) He never wished to never see Joo Jaekyung again. Moreover, he never regretted their meeting either. (chapter 60) And now, pay attention to his hand, he is slightly clenching his fist, a sign that he is pained while saying this: “Have a safe trip home!” The word “home” and his gesture display that deep down, he was happy to see him. He is longing for home, but he can not express his true desire. Thus I deduce that Joo JAekyung’s words in front of the restaurant must have moved his heart: (chapter 43) No wonder why he thought that it was time to get to know the fighter during that night: 
(chapter 44)
On the other hand, by utilizing the word “home”, he is implying that the fighter doesn’t belong here. The doctor is actually mimicking his own grandmother. 
(chapter 57) (chapter 57) However, Jinx-philes should detect the divergence: she is not using the word “home”, but Seoul. That’s the reason why in the end, Shin Okja’s confession to her grandchild will come back to bite her, as she described her own grandson as a stranger in this little town. It was, as if he had been an orphan all his life. He had no home all along.
And because of the doctor’s words, it is clear that Joo Jaekyung won’t return to Seoul. He just needs to stay by his side in order to gain his trust. The longer the fighter stays in that place, the longer he will be able to detect the deceptions surrounding the doctor: 
(chapter 58) Where are the parents? Who is the man where he is staying? Where did he plan to go after his stay there? The idiom “temporarily” could be perceived as an evidence that the doctor plans to end his life. According to my interpretation, Heesung believed that the landlord was Kim Dan’s grandfather. He was just denying his origins out of shame.
One thing is sure. Because of the doctor, Joo Jaekyung will be forced to admit that home is where the physical therapist is. With his goodbye, Kim Dan was challenging his former boss , (chapter 60) a new version of this scene. 
(chapter 9) The athlete has now every reason to stay there and that’s how he will discover all the doctor’s secrets and misery.
Conclusion
The kisses in Jinx are more than just physical acts; they are symbolic markers of Joo Jaekyung’s emotional journey and his evolving relationship with Kim Dan. The locker room 
(chapter 15) kiss represents selfishness, secrecy, and miscommunication, while the beach kiss (chapter 60) signifies selflessness, openness, and recognition. However, both kisses, initiated by Joo Jaekyung, were not truly expressions of deep love or genuine emotional pleasure. As technical gestures borne out of urgency and care, they left no lasting emotional trace in their relationship.
This lack of emotional permanence highlights the characters’ ongoing struggles. While Joo Jaekyung shows signs of growth, he has yet to fully understand or confront the complexities of Kim Dan’s mental and emotional state. Similarly, Kim Dan’s passivity and silence in earlier moments underline the barriers that remain between them. Trapped in his own misery, he fails to see the physical deterioration from his former idol. The juxtaposition of these kisses serves to illustrate the fragility of their bond and the slow, uneven process of their personal and relational evolution. Through these moments, the author masterfully portrays the intersection of urgency, care, and miscommunication, ultimately crafting a nuanced exploration of healing and connection amidst shadows. Once again, it exposes the importance of honesty and clear communication in a couple.
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Jinx: Sweet 🍬 Redemption or Sweet Poison ☠️? The Price of Desire
Please support the authors by reading Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the Manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed Manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the 2 previous essays about Jinx Echoes of a Blue Friend (locked) and Illumination in the Tiled Sanctuary (locked)
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining Manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
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”.
The placebo effect is when a person’s physical or mental health appears to improve after taking a placebo or ‘dummy’ treatment. Placebo is Latin for ‘I will please’ and refers to a treatment that appears real, but is designed to have no therapeutic benefit. A placebo can be a sugar pill, a water or salt water (saline) injection or even a fake surgical procedure. Quoted from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/placebo-effect
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.
Protected: Jinx: Illumination 💡in the Tiled Sanctuary
Jinx: Daily Jinx Advent Insight 18 📆😘💋
Please support the authors by reading Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the Manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed Manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the 2 previous essays about Daily Jinx Advent Insight 16 (podcast -locked) and Daily Jinx Advent Insight 17 The Shadows Cast By Numbers
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining Manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
In 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.
Jinx: Daily Jinx Advent Insight 11 📆😄😾
Please support the authors by reading Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the Manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed Manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the 2 previous essays about Daily Jinx Advent Insight 9 and Daily Jinx Advent Insight 10
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining Manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
In the last essays I studied a lot the manager and coach from Team Black. Therefore I decided to focus on a different person today. And that will be our beloved Kim Dan.🐹🦆 The starting point of this essay is the following panel:
Doc Dan’s laugh and its symbolism
In my composition “A Summer Night’s Dream “ I described the doctor’s smile and laugh as a magical moment. The little bubbles of light reminded me of fairies and in particular of Tinker Bell with her pixie dust. Interesting is that this character from Peter Pan and her magical powder symbolize the magic of youth, joy, and the power of belief. Her dust, which grants characters the ability to fly, represents imagination and the freedom that comes from thinking like a child, unbound by adult limitations or fears. Tinker Bell herself often embodies loyalty and playful spirit, sparking wonder and adventure. Her presence reminds characters—and viewers—of the youthful joy, innocence, and boundless possibility that magic can bring into their lives, even in challenging or serious moments.
And that’s exactly what happened during that night, the return of youth and simple joy. Kim Dan’s fears and prejudices vanished immediately. Because the champion had asked for Kim Dan’s consent, the latter discovered freedom. He felt so free that he could voice his desires sensually. (chapter 44) He stroke his soulmate’s face, kissed his cheeks and finally his ears. His actions triggered a singular reaction in the star: 
(chapter 44) This made the physical therapist’s laugh. (chapter 44) His genuine laugh combined with the following realization (chapter 44) shows that in that moment, the physical therapist rediscovered his youth again. I would even add that Jinx-philes were witnessing in this panel how Kim Dan reconnected with his inner child. 
(chapter 44) The blushing is an indication of life and innocence. But if this young man’s childish nature was brought to the surface, who was Tinker Bell during this night? Naturally Joo Jaekyung. Under the influence of soju, the man could no longer hide his true nature. He has a childish side too. In other words, he was lowering his guard. Anyone has already heard from the quote “In wine, there’s truth” (the original quote comes from Latine: “in vino veritas”). As you can see, this beautiful night corresponds to this one: 
(chapter 10)
Chapter 10  | Chapter 44  |
|---|---|
| Darkness | Light |
| Tears | Laugh and Smile |
| Poverty | Wealth |
Stench  | Wonderful Smell |
| Money | Free |
And what was the common denominator? Drunkenness. However, back then the champion did not choose to have sex with the young physical therapist: 
(chapter 10) Under this light, it becomes comprehensible why Kim Dan’s beautiful night became a dream, an illusion. The young doctor had done something wrong from a moral point of view. However, because the young man had treated the champion so well before, his reward was to experience what love is. (chapter 44) Thanks to Tinker Bell, he could fly: he was brought to Nirvana. 
(chapter 44) The problem is that the physical therapist was reducing love to sex (“making love”). True love has to be expressed in a lot of different ways (spiritual intimacy, experiential closeness, responsibility etc) and not just through sex.
Another common point between these two scenes is the doctor’s longing for companionship. And this brings me back to the protagonist’s laugh and observation. He compared the Emperor to a sulky cat. (chapter 44) Why was he thinking of an animal? Let’s not forget that in chapter 10, the very same person was confusing the celebrity with his grandmother. (chapter 19( The comparison suggests that Kim Dan still hadn’t fully recognized or understood Joo Jaekyung’s true character. Under this new perspective, it becomes comprehensible why Kim Dan still came to misjudge and misinterpret the athlete’s words and behavior later. Yes, even this night outlines the physical therapist’s flaws. Exactly like his soulmate, he still couldn’t love his partner properly. Nevertheless, this thought (“sulky cat”) divulges the doctor’s inner child.
Kim Dan’s sulky cat
Most children desire to have a pet at home, it is often either a dog or a cat. Cats and children often share a unique bond due to their mutual curiosity and playfulness. Cats can offer children a gentle introduction to empathy and responsibility, as children learn to care for a creature with needs and boundaries. The independent nature of cats also teaches children about respect for personal space. For kids, cats provide comfort and companionship, while cats, in turn, appreciate the warmth and attention. This dynamic can foster compassion and self-awareness in children, helping them grow emotionally and socially.
But what does a cat symbolize in literature and cultures? Cats have held various symbolic roles across history. In ancient Egypt, they were sacred and associated with the goddess Bastet, seen as protectors of the home and often honored in death. In medieval Europe, cats became linked to superstition and witchcraft, often seen as mysterious or foreboding. By the 19th century, authors like Carroll and Dickinson used cats as symbols of freedom and intelligence. In 20th-century literature, cats evolved to represent loyalty and companionship (for example French author Colette with The Cat). As you can see, this feline has always been associated with magic, supernatural and mystery (witchcraft, gods, death). So we could say that the cat Jaekyung was the one who helped Kim Dan to discover a lost world; his long forgotten and repressed inner child.
At the same time, cats also symbolize home and protection. This means that in that moment, Kim Dan felt truly at home. (chapter 44) For a brief moment, they were no longer in a boss-employee relationship. Hence I come to the conclusion that we should consider Kim Dan’s laugh and smile as a reflection from the champion’s hug and drunken confession: (chapter 43) Interesting is that in that scene, the protagonist couldn’t see his lover’s face. He couldn’t detect the glimpse of a smile and his warm gaze.
Another point is that he compared the fighter to a sulky cat. (chapter 44) On the one hand, this expression exposes that the main lead was not wearing any pink-tinted glasses and as such he was not delusional. On the other side, this idiom often represents independence, moodiness, and a desire for autonomy. In folklore and literature, cats that appear sullen or aloof can represent mystery, self-possession, or quiet resentment, emphasizing traits like defiance and emotional complexity. They might also convey an inner conflict or unspoken feelings, as their behavior reflects the subtle tension between closeness and detachment. This image often serves to remind us of the value of personal space, boundaries, and the instinct to guard one’s inner self. This means that with this discovery, Kim Dan was encouraged not to become clingy and depend on the athlete. Yes, I see this laugh (chapter 44) as a positive reflection from this night: 
(chapter 11)
The doctor’s laugh from the past and the present
By comparing both images, Manhwa-lovers can detect the differences. Kim Dan might have a wide open mouth in both pictures, yet there is no sound in the humble home. Secondly, his eyes are wide open contrary to the magical night. What does it mean? The absence of a laughing sound and a blushing are revealing that the little boy was faking his joy. He didn’t want to show his fear and sadness. Like mentioned in a previous essay, during that night, he was acting like a Teddy Bear comforting his grandmother. In other words, this memory from the main figure is exposing his delusion and suffering. A Teddy Bear doesn’t require any attention or care, as it is just an object. This explains why this toy was not treated properly 
(chapter 21). He was simply put on the floor. Yet small children usually treat such cuddly toys as treasures. While making this contrast, I realized why the halmeoni never took care of her grandchild properly. Observe what happened to the Wedding Cabinet and the expensive scarf she received from her grandson. They were all left behind or vanished, just like the little boy’s Teddy Bear. (chapter 53) They were literally abandoned, as they lost their sentimental value overtime. I am suspecting that they had become “useless”. Hence I am suspecting that by calling him a puppy dog, she didn’t truly mean it. 
(chapter 47) By saying that he was a puppy dog, she was implying that she would be responsible for him. Keep in mind that pet are linked to care and accountability. However, her wish is strongly connected to one single moment: 
(chapter 53) She is not thinking about the future at all. For her, it doesn’t matter, for her time is limited. Dog can be abandoned in the end, especially when the responsibility becomes a burden. That’s the reason why I believe that in verity, she was treating the protagonist more like an object than like an animal. Moreover, Jinx-philes should keep in their mind she used to describe him as a little boy, which also represents responsibility and care. Therefore I conclude that this scene didn’t stand for Kim Dan’s true home, it was just an illusion. (chapter 11) He was smiling and faking happiness in order to comfort the grandmother. That’s how he reinforced her mental issues and his own abandonment issues. Everything would be fine, as long as he acted like she expected it. At no moment she desired to be confronted with his own suffering or with reality. This was not a “magical night”, but a night where the boy got “cursed”, like Sleeping Beauty. This night is strongly connected to silence which stands in opposition to the magical night from chapter 44. On the bed, both tried to have a conversation 
(chapter 44), though the communication failed, for Joo Jaekyung was drunk. Moreover, Kim Dan kept most of his thoughts to himself, a sign that he was still guarded. Hence while Doc Dan felt at home during that night, it didn’t last long. The next morning, they became once again boss and employee. 
(chapter 45) Moreover, by comparing the Emperor to a sulky cat, he is indirectly thinking and behaving like his grandmother. A cat can be abandoned, the latter can find new owners. Nevertheless, I still think, this night left traces in Kim Dan’s heart and mind. He had grown fond of this place, almost at home. Therefore he struggled to leave the penthouse. 
(chapter 53) And compare his attitude to the one in chapter 19: 
(chapter 19) They were no deep lingering feelings towards the grandmother’s house. In fact, before leaving, he remembered an incident, a mysterious phone call which I consider as the moment, which broke the boy’s soul and heart. For me, he was almost glad to leave this place behind.
I pointed out above that one difference between these two laughs (chapter 11) (chapter 44) is the closed eyes from the main lead during the bright night. Since I interpreted the boy with wide open eyes as an allusion to deception, illusion and toxic positivity, the closed eyes should be perceived as the awakening of the third eye. Moreover, the young man’s mind and heart turned towards his inner world. Simultaneously, they also imply the absence of reality. Like mentioned above, Doc Dan is not truly perceiving the fighter for whom he is. This implies that there are aspects of Joo Jaekyung’s personality, motivations, or emotions that Kim Dan is overlooking or misinterpreting, which influenced their dynamic negatively so that they couldn’t relate to each other. However, I still think, Doc Dan was not really far from the truth. How so?
According to Mingwa, Kim Dan is a hamster and Joo Jaekyung is a wolf. So he sensed his animalistic nature. As you already know, I came to associate these two protagonists to other animals: dragon and his Yeouiju, Kim Dan as a DUCK! Hence it is possible that deep down, the celebrity has another hidden nature, like a cat.
The other nature from Joo Jaekyung
In my eyes, the champion is also a feline, more precisely a leopard. 😮 Remember the champion’s pajamas from episode 30: 
(chapter 30) The pajama pattern in the image appears to resemble a leopard print, which features distinct rosette-shaped spots that are commonly associated with this type of design. He also looked like a sulky “cat”. (chapter 30) And what was he trying to do here? To seek closeness to his new mate!
Leopards are wild animals and are generally not suitable for domestication. Though they are sometimes trained in captivity, they retain strong instincts and can be unpredictable and dangerous. Leopards often haul their kills up into a tree, out of reach of other carnivores, few of which can match a leopard’s climbing agility. They then leave the carcass and return at their leisure, safely enjoying a prolonged meal high up in a tree.
The symbolism and meaning of Leopard resonate through many cultures. Regarding the origin of the word “Leopard”, you’ll find the term comes from two Greek words translating as “Lion” and “Male Panther.” It’s a reference originating from a time when people felt Leopard was the child of both Panther and Lion.
In the wild, Leopards are stealthy, fast hunters, and strong enough to transport and hide their food. Their strength goes further into how Leopard protects its territory. Leopard does not appreciate the surprise guest and will go to great lengths to return to their lair, avoiding contact with anyone or anything when possible. Combine the latter-mentioned attributes, and Leopard becomes an emblem of swift movement, strength, isolation, and a home’s defender. Quoted from https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/mammals/leopard-symbolism-meaning/?srsltid=AfmBOor4wX5JaEaFzFfsB7Ofte3P6dU_rmudkvlLLfYdEAEUyrQMtZ8Q
This description corresponds a lot to the champion’s behavior: seeking isolation, bringing his prey to his penthouse 
(chapter 19), very territorial and disliking surprises. In literature, leopards often symbolize strength, courage, agility, and stealth. They are seen as solitary and powerful hunters, often representing independence or mystery. In totemic traditions, the leopard can symbolize resilience, adaptability, and personal power, often embodying a person’s inner strength and ability to face challenges.
In ancient Egyptian culture, leopards were revered, with priests wearing leopard-skin robes to signify their connection to the divine. Similarly, in African cultures, leopards are seen as symbols of royalty and protection. In the Chinese zodiac, the leopard (or panther) is associated with bravery and assertiveness, often symbolizing fierce guardianship and sharp intuition. Finally, leopards are historically associated with British royalty and heraldry, especially through their depiction as symbols of power and courage. In the British royal coat of arms, the “leopard” typically represents a stylized lion (often called a “lion passant guardant”)—a lion walking with its head turned to face the viewer. These symbols are often connected to English kings, with each “leopard” or lion reinforcing the monarchy’s strength, nobility, and bravery. This emblem has been used in military contexts as well, representing valor and leadership. To conclude, this predator is strongly intertwined with nobility and healing, as the latter was perceived to have a connection to the beyond.
Leopard as a Spirit Guide often comes to you after tremendous suffering. The Animal is a healer and counselor in such times. When all seems lost, Leopard comes to help you take back your Power; this is the time to look at the skills you have and appreciate them. Get rid of negative patterns and embrace fresh approaches on all levels of your being.
If the Animal Spirit finds you worthy, you are most fortunate. Leopard has many other virtues that you might call upon in rituals and spells. These include cunning, personal survival, psychic skills, problem-solving, bravery, and dignity. Quoted from https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/mammals/leopard-symbolism-meaning/?srsltid=AfmBOor4wX5JaEaFzFfsB7Ofte3P6dU_rmudkvlLLfYdEAEUyrQMtZ8Q
That’s exactly how Joo Jaekyung has been affecting Kim Dan’s life. He is bringing luck in his life, he is healing him and the symbol for this healing is Doc Dan’s smile and laugh (chapter 44). He is the only one who can bring him joy and happiness. Note that he smiled for the first time after their first sparring: (chapter 26) One might argue that he laughed with Potato and Oh Daehyun in the States. But are you sure? We never saw him laughing. Only Joo JAekyung heard their laughs, but did it also belong to the hamster? 
(chapter 37) Moreover, observe that during that terrible night, the athlete was wearing an t-shirt with a feline on it: 
(chapter 37) Puma was designed on it. As you can see, everything is pointing out that this man is a leopard which was mistaken to a sulky cat or a puma.
And now imagine that the young man is moving to the West Coast in order to watch the sunset: (chapter 44) That’s how the champion should reconnect with his true nature. Interesting is that leopards are adaptable animals that thrive in various environments, from savannas and rainforests to mountains and deserts. They prefer areas with dense vegetation for stalking prey, as well as access to water sources for hydration. Though leopards are not as dependent on water as some animals, they will drink when it’s available. They are often active at night or during dawn and dusk, making them well-suited to both sunny and shaded habitats. Their adaptability to different climates is one reason they have such a broad geographic range. It shows that the champion will adapt himself very well in a new environment. His hamster or duck has become his lifetime companion. He can no longer live without him.
One might reply that I am overinterpreting this story, because Mingwa only associated her characters with the hamster and the wolf. But I would like to remind my avid readers that there was a reference to chapter 30: 
(chapter 44) So since the champion was naked during this night, we could say that his true nature was slowly coming to the surface. As a predator, his annoyance to the strokes and kisses appears more normal and understandable: (chapter 44) Kim Dan is teaching him how to control his strength and discover playfulness. And now, imagine Kim Dan patting a leopard 😉 (chapter 44) and the leopard fighting a wounded and isolated hyena: 
(chapter 52) But what had triggered the champion? 
(chapter 52) Eye-contact! Making direct eye contact with a leopard can be dangerous. Leopards may interpret prolonged eye contact as a threat or challenge, triggering an aggressive response. In the wild, they rely on stealth and avoid open confrontation, so they may react defensively if they feel they are being stared at. This behavior is common among many predators, as eye contact often signals dominance or confrontation. It’s generally advised to avoid direct eye contact and back away slowly if you encounter a leopard in close proximity. Baek Junmin had totally underestimated the true nature of his opponent. This could explain as well why Park Namwook is wearing his glasses all the time and even avoiding eye-contact with the emperor.
To conclude, Kim Dan was slowly perceiving the champion’s true nature, his feline side. However, since leopard can not be domesticated and are extremely territorial, it signifies that the carnivore will be searching for his mate and master. In my eyes, thanks to the physical therapist, Joo Jaekyung will discover his second nature: raising cubs. Potato the chow chow 
(chapter 24), Oh Daehyun the eagle…
(chapter 9)
Leopard mothers raise their cubs with care and caution. After giving birth, they keep the cubs hidden in dense vegetation or secluded rocky areas to protect them from predators which reminded me of the gym. The latter is not famous. The mother frequently moves her young to new locations to avoid detection by other animals. Cubs rely on their mother’s milk for the first few months, after which she gradually introduces them to solid food by bringing back small prey. The mother teaches her cubs essential hunting and survival skills, often for up to two years, until they can fend for themselves. In other words, Joo Jaekyung will train the remaining members of Team Black to develop their killer instincts far away from public eyes.
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: Jinxed: Behind The Scenes 🎬
Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes.Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx “Kiss me”
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
My avid readers might have been wondering why I haven’t released any new essay since “Kiss me”, not even a podcast, though Mingwa has already published the special episode about Heesung and Potato. The reason is simple. I was taking a break too. Imagine that since 2020 I have been releasing essays non-stop while working as a teacher. I counted 649 analyses from 2020 to 2024. Exactly like Mingwa and Byeonduck, I was exhausted.
1. The protagonists’ jinx in the beginning
But now, it is time to focus on the topic of this essay, the protagonists and their bad luck. In the beginning of the story, Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung believed both that their life was cursed.
1. 1. Kim Dan’s curse
For the doctor, his misfortune was linked to his familial and financial situation. Since the physical therapist had to reimburse the debts, he was working non-stop giving all his money to Heo Manwook or to the hospital. Hence he could never rest. Because he was physically and mentally harassed and exploited by the loan shark, he became obsessed with money and his grandmother to the point that he came to forget himself. That’s how he became a ghost. It was his way to cope with the violence from the loan shark and the thugs. Naturally, it was impossible for him not to feel pain, hence he wished this: 
(chapter 1) The problem is that Kim Dan blamed himself for his suffering, as he must have often not paid the interests on time. That’s the reason why he got surprised, when he saw his enemy in front of his humble home. 
(chapter 1) Due to the lack of rest and time, he didn’t have the opportunity to ponder on his life and even have dreams on his own. Therefore he had no ambition. At the same time, he couldn’t become energetic and proactive due to his low self-esteem and his abandonment issues.
1. 2. Joo Jaekyung’s misfortune
As for Joo Jaekyung, though successful, the latter imagined that his victories were the result of his sexual performances in bed before the match. This shows that he didn’t attribute his success to his team, talent and hard work, but to chance and misfortune. This shows not only his lack of confidence, but also the division and disharmony at Team Black. Hence he developed a ritual, the pre-match sex session, but it was in his home. That’s how his professional life got mixed with his private life. Sex was work. In his mind, no one could help him, that’s why the identity of his sex partner didn’t even matter. Because he was working constantly, he didn’t have to reflect on his life either.
1. 3. The real significance of their jinx
Despite their different backgrounds, both main leads had something in common: their self-loathing and the absence of meditation. And what is the synonym for jinx and bad luck? Misery and unhappiness. In other words, both main leads were unhappy men. But they couldn’t voice their negative thoughts and emotions, as they had no one by their side to listen to their hidden pain and give them some advice. And now, you know why I selected the picture in the background for the illustration.
It was to display not only the absence of happiness, but also the absence of the sun! The latter embodies life and joy. In the selected image, the clouds are covering the sky and as such the sun. It indicates that both characters were not able to give a meaning to their life. Hence they hadn’t found the source for their happiness yet. In other words, the shades (grey, black and white) and the clouds illustrate danger, depression and suffering for our main leads. It shows how their life was before Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung interacted with each other. (chapter 1) (chapter 2) I selected these two images, because they refer to their respective past and jinx. Both represent bad and painful memories, hence they contain a grey veil. While one is hurt physically, the other is suffering emotionally.
2. The origins for Joo Jaekyung’s misfortune
One might argue about the second panel, for the fighter is represented in a brown color. It indicates that he is somehow alive. However, we should see it as a reference to a rotten body. The main character is acting like a zombie. Therefore he has no eyes and the corners of his mouth are showing displeasure. So we could say that Jinx is the love story between a zombie and ghost. The MMA fighter’s emptiness and corrupted body became truly visible during the couch confession: (chapter 29) The vision about his opponents is mirroring his own reflection. That’s how he views himself. He is surrounded by enemies who will attack him, as soon as he exposes any weakness. Thus it is normal that he is always on the alert. Episode 29 divulged that he was on survival modus. Consequently, it is not surprising that he could trust no one. Should one get too close to him, the former could become a traitor in the last moment. Moreover, this interpretation explicates why he has been so rough on his own body. First, he considered pain as a normality, the side effect of his profession and as such his corruption. In addition, he didn’t have the time to take care of his wounds, for he could get “killed” at any moment. Surrounded by this wave of “rotten bodies”, he imagined that once defeated, he would be swallowed by darkness and literally vanished. This vision displays another important aspect of the athlete’s philosophy. His job is not connected to fun and dream, but to work and nightmare. And now, you comprehend why I selected this panel in the middle of the illustration. 
(chapter 26) This represents the highlight for the first season. For the first time, both characters had fun together. That’s how they got one step closer to each other. The fighter was enjoying this moment, as he was teaching Kim Dan to become more proactive and fight for himself. The sparring represents the opposite version of the athlete’s vision (chapter 29). He felt safe next to Kim Dan. In fact, his presence boosted his confidence. (chapter 25) It is no coincidence that he employed that expression in front of his fated partner. To conclude, chapter 26 stands for life and happiness, proving that their life is not cursed per se. Consequently, red was the dominant color of this chapter. This pigment stands for love and life. Both felt alive during that day. Moreover, we could see glimpses of the sportsman’s true psyche as well, when he proposed to spar with the main lead. He desired to help the doctor himself. Hence he acted as his mentor and teacher in the ring. There, we could see his generosity, interest and open-mindedness. He wasn’t looking down on the doctor, he saw him as a true member from Team Black.
According to Mingwa, episode 29 displayed the champion’s true personality the best. He is not only vulnerable, but also lonely and isolated. (chapter 29) He has no one by his side. And this observation leads me to my next interpretation. The existence of Joo Jaekyung’s belief is exposing Park Namwook’s neglect and bad management and coaching. We could say that he is partially responsible for the champion’s misery and bad luck. Therefore it is no coincidence that the sparring took place during his absence. (chapter 26)
Remember how I stated above that their unhappiness was the result of their isolation and silence. They could not reveal their suffering, for they had no one by their side who was willing to listen to them. Park Namwook has no idea about his “boy'”s insomnia or his traumas from the past: (chapter 49) But why hasn’t the athlete confided to his manager yet? First, homosexuality is definitely a taboo among boxers and MMA fighters. Their masculinity and strength are questioned. Secondly, his coach views him as a spoiled brat. 
(chapter 7) Thus he keeps beating the celebrity. (chapter 26) 
(chapter 31) (chapter 52) The author epitomized the first season with this panel: This shows that Park Namwook has no real respect for the champion. According to my theory, the athlete comes from a wealthy family, hence he is labeled as “spoiled kid”. Due to his social status, the manager can only judge the main lead as “lucky”. Besides, he is successful, for he earns a lot of money and has many fans. He embodies the “American Dream” perfectly. He has everything to be happy in the manager’s eyes. Therefore he couldn’t comprehend the bad mood from the champion. Moreover, Park Namwook embodies social norms and prejudices, and he has many about his star. Not only the latter has a bad temper, but also he is a stubborn workaholic. 
(chapter 27) But by portraying him like that, the coach gave us a justification why he wouldn’t converse with the gym owner. Why should he talk or listen to Joo Jaekyung, if the latter is stubborn and obsessed with his work? It is pointless. And such an attitude could only get reinforced in this scene: 
(chapter 46) Yet, according to my interpretation, the main character’s departure was not the sign of stubbornness, but rather of fear and avoidance. Since the manager doesn’t know his star that well, he judges him based on appearances. Moreover, I believe that he has the tendency to generalize, just like certain readers. Since the athlete beat a doctor and was quite brutal with a fighter, he is stigmatized as “thug” or a “spoiled kid”. I am suspecting that the way the hyung met the celebrity affected his perception about the young fighter.
(Chapter 26) Oh Daehyun repeated this story, because he had heard it from someone and that can only be from the manager and coach. And it is the same for Kim Changmin either, for the two aren’t long members from the gym. They are not close enough to know the celebrity’s past. These stories must have been spread by the hyung. In my eyes, Park Namwook views himself as Joo Jaekyung’s savior, because Joo Jaekyung (chapter 26) could have become a criminal. Nonetheless, it is an illusion, for MFC is connected to the underworld.
Furthermore, Manhwaphiles should keep in their mind that in chapter 46, Joo Jaekyung had been encouraged to mistrust people. 
(chapter 46) Despite his attitude, Joo Jaekyung still listened to his hyung’s warning, for from that moment on, he kept his distance from everyone, including the physical therapist. But there’s more to it. Park Namwook keeps associating his star with “good luck”. 
(chapter 1) 
(chapter 27) This represents the exact opposite of the star’s jinx. It shows that he is not trying to understand his celebrity. With such a mind-set, it is normal that the champion wouldn’t trust his manager. And the absence of the manager in this panel (chapter 29) represents the evidence that the coach is involved in the champion’s suffering as well. Besides, observe that Park Namwook had the tendency to slap the fighter’s back, a sign that the former was not watching his back at all. In fact, his gesture (chapter 31) stands more for backstabbing.
The author made sure to expose the huge gap between the manager and the celebrity by contrasting their relationship with the interaction between Choi Heesung and his own manager. 
(chapter 33) The latter truly worries for his star, although he is well aware of his shortcomings. 
(chapter 30) In addition, he knows about his private life and love life. 
(chapter 31) Despite his struggles, he accepts his actor. This is the symbol for unconditional love and support. Therefore it is not surprising that Choi Heesung confessed his trick. He was sure that his right-hand wouldn’t betray him. What about the champion? When the latter discovered the verity
(chapter 33), he didn’t report it to his hyung. He also kept it a secret. That way, he was not only protecting Kim Dan’s misdiagnosis, but also Park Namwook’s misjudgment. On the other hand, he acted as a real boss, for the comedian is an important client.
In this video, the MMA fighter Myles Jury described what a good MMA manager is.
He declared that honesty and integrity are essential in order to be a good manager. There’s no doubt that the protagonist’s coach is not a corrupted person per se. He is not involved in the schemes targeting his star. 
(chapter 40) However, he is far from being a honest man. How so? First, he describes himself as the owner of the gym which is not true. (chapter 22) He is just the director of the company. In addition, he is talking big, but he never delivers. But keeping his word is an important condition for a good manager in Myles Jury’s opinion. Park Namwook threatens the members, but in the end, no one is fired by him. He is not following through what he says, he doesn’t keep his promises. I will give you a few more examples. 
(chapter 23) He promised the fighters that they would win, but the reality is that they failed terribly. 
(chapter 47) Therefore he bought chicken for them. Instead of showing compassion and understanding for his hungry and miserable champion, he allowed Potato and Oh Daehyun to buy junk food behind the celebrity’s back. 
(chapter 37) This shows their lack of mental and emotional support. For me, Park Namwook symbolizes ignorance and blindness. Therefore he is portrayed with no eyes.
Additionally, Myles Jury clearly said that a good manager needs to speak the painful truth, like for example, he has to expose the fighters’ flaws which Park Namwook never did. No one informed Potato that his basic posture needed improvement. 
(chapter 23) He never confronted the members with the truth. They lack skills (chapter 46) or endurance. I would even say that neither Park Namwook nor Jeong Yosep had high expectations for the other members from Team Black
(chapter 46). It was, as if they didn’t have the goal to create a new champion. How come? It is because the gym was initially created for Joo Jaekyung’s needs. And now, Jinx-lovers comprehend the dilemna. Team Black needs to redefine itself and its purpose. Moreover, Park Namwook’s true wish is to open the gym for “kids”. And that’s how he treated the staff from Team Black, like little kids. No wonder why many left the gym in the end. They didn’t feel truly supported by the manager and coach. Jeong Yosep and Park Namwook didn’t put any real effort to turn the members into professional fighters. That’s the reason why none of them had a MMA manager, only a coach and nothing more.
For me, Park Namwook’s dishonesty was the most palpable in this scene: 
(chapter 49) He claimed to trust the champion, but the reality is the opposite. 
(chapter 52) He blamed Joo Jaekyung for everything: the tie, the doctor’s departure, the suspension and as such the loss of his good reputation. However, even if the champion had vented his anger onto the physical therapist wrongly, he had reasons to doubt Kim Dan. He had not only received the pictures, but he had been warned by the coach himself to doubt the members’ loyalty. There was a spy and a traitor among Team Black. One detail in the last panel caught my attention is the idiom “facts”. It is in plural and not in singular. Fact could be seen as a reference to his own warning, he had not checked the fact either (rumor, suspected disloyalty), yet this is not what he meant. Potato had exposed only one fact to the group: the switch of the spray organized by Choi Gilseok.
(chapter 52) So what other fact was Park Namwook referring to? The fighter Baek Junmin and director of King Of MMA had paid Kim Dan. This shows that he had heard the conversation between the two protagonists. 
(chapter 52) And what did the manager do, after the champion had left the room? He abandoned Kim Dan, followed by the other men. At no moment, he asked Oh Daehyun or Yoon-Gu to take care of the physical therapist. But by following the celebrity or remaining passive, they had implicitly supported Joo Jaekyung’s decision. They had taken his side. And now, you comprehend why all these men chose to put the whole blame on the celebrity. 
(chapter 52) It is because they didn’t want to feel responsible for doc Dan’s departure. Their admiration and trust in the celebrity is superficial. In other words, they are following the hyung’s lead. Hence there is no regret, only reproaches.
Another important criterion for a good manager is his connections. Therefore the latter is often on the phone (50 or 100 calls a day in order to find sponsors). Nevertheless, we barely saw Park Namwook talking over the phone: 
(chapter 1) 
(chapter 49) He should be responsible for his contracts, yet the reality is that the Entertainment agency is the one managing the champion’s career. 
(chapter 30) This shows that Park Namwook doesn’t have a lot of connections. He should be the one organizing the fights, but no… others are making the propositions (MFC matchmaker and agency). Consequently, the ex-wrestler often voices doubts about the matches. 
(chapter 41) However, as his manager, it is his duty to protect his star, as the career of a MMA fighter is rather short. Imagine, he let Joo Jaekyung fight three times within 3 months (April- June- July). It is definitely too much. To conclude, he is not doing his job properly, as he is trying to put a lot of responsibility on others (Kim Dan- Joo Jaekyung – the Entertainment agency). According to Mingwa, Kim Dan had been taking care of administrative tasks. However, as the director of Team Black, he should be the one handling it. After the incident at the health center, Park Namwook didn’t contact the press to explain the whole situation. (chapter 52) 
(chapter 52) The article is indicating that the champion was quickly judged and this within a few days. The article implies the non-intervention of a lawyer or his manager. No one sided with the celebrity. They are not even contacting the media. 
(chapter 52) Park Namwook never tried to correct this negative reflection, for this is how the manager perceives the man himself. He is an ill-mannered child. This explicates why Park Namwook could slap the patient in his bed. So we should judge the argument between the fighter and his manager 
(chapter 52) as the negative reflection from that blue night. 
(chapter 29) He is not standing next to the main lead, but he is facing him. He is like an opponent. Another divergence is that Kim Dan was alone, whereas Park Namwook utilizes Potato and the others from Team Black to corner Joo Jaekyung. The doctor was willing to listen to him, whereas the other gets upset, when the other admits his suffering. Since the gym is facing a crisis, the patient should find a solution to the problem. 
(chapter 52) The hospital is a place for reconvalescence, rest and not work and pressure. Indirectly, it shows the coach’s lack of respect for the medical world. The champion was right to criticize his hyung, for blaming him was totally pointless. He couldn’t turn back time. The manager desired to hear from the champion 
(chapter 52) that he regretted his decision and outburst. By admitting his mistake, he would have become responsible for the whole mess. Funny is that he asked compassion from Joo Jaekyung, whereas he showed none to the patient. And what was Kim Dan thinking during that night? (chapter 29) He wondered if he could help him to overcome a defeat. He sensed that the latter could become really depressed. Therefore it becomes comprehensible why the doctor resigned. His decision was influenced by his low self-esteem. However, his departure had a different signification than the other members: it was his way to assist the champion, as he saw himself as not worthy. 
(Chapter 53) Moreover, he had not earned his patient’s trust. Kim Dan was the only one paying attention to his injured shoulder.
On the other hand, Park Namwook is denying the true physical condition from his athlete. He only talks about it after the slap. Then he is admitting his helplessness. He is unable to assist Joo Jaekyung mentally and emotionally, as he is himself struggling. He is unhappy due to the recent outcome. In order to feel better, he puts the blame on his athlete. 
(chapter 52) And the only solution he offers to the gym owner is to find a new PT during his a break. (chapter 53) I find it fascinating that the suspension becomes a synonym for “break and rest”. This shows that Park Namwook had no real intention to stop Joo Jaekyung from fighting constantly. This exposes the coach’s hypocrisy. (chapter 27) For me, he is the one obsessed with money and fame. Let’s not forget that a manager gets paid through the earnings from the MMA fighter (in percentage). The more he fights, the more Park Namwook earns money.
The scene at the hospital 
(chapter 52) resembles a lot to the image with the opponents. (chapter 29) The members from Team Black are surrounding the patient’s bed. But they are supposed to be his “colleagues” and as such “friends”. Let’s not forget that by making constant reproaches towards Joo Jaekyung, they showed no empathy and understanding for a patient. It was, as if they were turning the nightmarish vision into a certain reality. No one paid attention to the celebrity’s mental and emotional well-being. (chapter 52) His scream about his misery fell on deaf ears. This observation brings me back to the video. At the end, the MMA fighter described a good manager as a semi-psychiatrist. He needs to know about the private life of his fighter (drug issues, health, relationships) so that the latter can focus on his training. A MMA fighter needs mental and emotional support. But the father of three kids doesn’t know about his star’s sexual orientation, he was only informed much later that Kim Dan and the star were living together. 
(chapter 22) Besides, by announcing it in front of this circle, the champion divulged that there existed a certain distance between the manager and the sportsman. Finally, the fact that Park Namwook is still left in the dark about the fighter’s jinx is the evidence that he is a really bad manager. For me, it is because he is afraid of making decisions. He lets other take his burden and responsibilities. Yet, Myles jury declared that a manager needs to take a lot of responsibilities. The gathering in the break room stands in opposition to this one: 
(chapter 52) For the first time, the champion is no longer looking at his cellphone. He shared his thoughts to others and exposed his powerlessness (chapter 22) and misery (chapter 22), while in the breakroom, he demonstrated his power and silenced the fighters. He was the respected “patriarch”, whereas in the other scene, he is just a heartless child. (chapter 52) Moreover, in one scene, he confessed that they were living together, in the other, he had to hear that the doctor had quit. Shortly after, he discovered the hamster’s departure. This short contrast outlines the parallels and as such the negative role of the manager.
But here is the thing. The members from Team Black knew where the doctor was living. So why did they not visit him there to change his mind? They could have waited for him in front of the building, if they didn’t dare to enter the place, similar to Choi Gilseok’s action. Why did they wait, until the doctor had given his resignation and left the city? It exposes their passivity and hypocrisy. Mingwa didn’t show this, but it becomes perceptible through the mind’s eye. The wrongdoing from Park Namwook becomes even more obvious, as soon as Manhwaphiles notice the parallels between this confrontation (chapter 52) and Kim Dan’s interrogation in the States. 
(chapter 40) These two situations have many similarities. Both were confronted with an accusation, they were surrounded by people, who were acting as righteous and honest workers. Both were coerced to admit a wrongdoing. In addition, they are actually abandoned by Team Black members, especially the manager. No one is looking for them out of concern. The reality was that they were not their “true colleagues and even less friends. However, like mentioned in a previous essay, the men in black were actually covering up a crime in order to hide the corruption from the organization. This makes me truly wonder if Park Namwook is truly ignorant about MFC’s corruption. He could simply know about the crimes, but he chose to close an eye to the whole situation. 
(Chapter 46) He is already aware of the existence of illegal betting. Besides, since Joo Jaekyung is paying his taxes properly, Park Namwook could have the impression, he is doing nothing wrong. However, if he knows something and is remaining silent, he “becomes an accomplice” de facto. And what is the other common point with the interrogation from MFC security guards and the hospital visit? No lawyer and the incident was swayed under the rug. (chapter 52) In both chapters, none of the incidents were exposed to the media. And how had Joo Jaekyung reacted to this situation? He had declared the physical therapist as one of his own. 
(chapter 40) He had rescued him. So by slapping the champion (chapter 52), the manager displayed that the champion was different from the others. “He was not one of them, he was a sinner and wrongdoer”. On the other hand, with his suggestion (to replace the doctor), he denied the star’s previous statement in the States. Kim Dan was not one of them, as he could get easily replaced. To conclude, the slap was there to prepare the separation between Park Namwook and Joo Jaekyung. His departure from Seoul and from the gym was and is necessary. Moreover, the words from the manager could be interpreted like this: the champion doesn’t need to show up at the gym during the break. (chapter 53) He only needs to appear, once the suspension is over.
Moreover, (chapter 52) notice that when he slapped the celebrity, he utilized the personal pronoun “I” twice. It shows that the gesture was motivated by his selfishness. It was triggered by his own negative emotions. Another important element is the expression “thanks to you and your temper”!! This idiom is usually employed to express “gratitude”, yet here he is expressing the opposite. He is blaming the fighter, so the correct expression should have been “because of”. His words are exposing his true personality: he is a hypocrite and his care for the celebrity is not genuine. His gratitude is rather superficial too. Thus I deduce that episode 52 exposed Park Namwook’s true character. He is heartless and selfish, he is a bad manager and coach. Though he claims that he cares for the physical therapist, he is already planning to hire a new one. That way, he doesn’t appear as the bad guy. He is not the one who pushed Kim Dan to leave Team Black, but Joo Jaekyung. Yet, he did nothing to change the situation. For me, he is trying to save his own reputation. He is a honest and good leader, but he is not. In addition, he has another reason to replace the main lead very quickly. Kim Dan’s presence would be a constant reminder of Park Namwook’s own failures. He was not able to prevent three sabotages (I am including the incident at the health center), two members of Team Black became the target of crimes.
Another interesting aspect is that from now on, the manager can no longer threaten the remaining members to expel them from the gym. (chapter 22) They have only 4 members left. Besides, he has to ensure that they don’t mess with their weights too. He can no longer compensate their failures with “chicken and junk food” and new presents, as their income has changed. I would even say that now, the gym is forced to create new champions.
Since the bed scene at the hospital contrasts so much with the one in chapter 29
, (chapter 29), I deduce that the slap had the opposite effect than this wonderful night. The gap between the hyung and the athlete got bigger. This represents the moment where Joo Jaekyung is emancipating himself from the hyung’s influence. By refusing the letter of resignation, he clearly indicates that he is rejecting Park Namwook’s suggestion.
(chapter 53) He won’t hire someone else. Moreover, the morning after the couch confession, Joo Jaekyung tried to seek closeness with Kim Dan (chapter 30), but failed due to his roughness and cowardice. Hence I assume that the slap was the trigger for the champion to switch Park Namwook’s position with Kim Dan’s. The latter is finally recognized as a friend and even as a competent physical therapist. He is on the verge of becoming Joo Jaekyung’s “hyung”. So far, the athlete has been calling the physical therapist “Kim Dan”. And exactly like that wonderful night, Joo Jaekyung will attempt to seek the doctor’s closeness, resolve the misunderstandings and close the gap between them. He will follow his footsteps, but have a different attitude. Why? It is because the grandmother will be next to them.
Naturally, the champion’s jinx has other origins as well, like for example the schemers who definitely know about his jinx. From my perspective, the way Joo Jaekyung got his previous sex partners played a huge role. That’s why it didn’t matter who the athlete was sleeping with. The jinx is related to a prostitution ring. The plotters must be happy, for they seem to have achieved their goal. Kim Dan left his side. Hence he can no longer testify the involvement of this man: 
(chapter 37) They imagine that Joo Jaekyung’s recent demise will reinforce his former belief. The prematch-sex session with his regular partner didn’t prevent the misfortune, therefore he needs a replacement. That’s the reason why they made sure to isolate the celebrity. However, they couldn’t be more wrong, for the champion experienced the doctor’s departure as something worse than the whole scandal. 
(chapter 53) He doesn’t just feel like shit, but like fucking shit! And that’s how Doc Dan is helping the athlete. He is diverting his attention from MFC, his career and jinx. The latter are no longer on his mind. All his thoughts are revolving around his former roommate. (Chapter 53) This explicates why the idiom “jinx” is not even brought up, when he recalls their last sex session. He is not blaming the doctor for not procuring him a “good fuck”. The reason is simple. It is because he had already made this resolution: (chapter 49) He was no longer relying on the ritual.
As for the other cause for the athlete’s jinx, it is related to his bad choices. However, these are strongly connected to Park Namwook. Since the manager is more focused on money and titles, I deduce that the champion’s odd behavior is actually mirroring Park Namwook’s mind-set and attitude. He is rough, selfish and rude, because the other acted that way and even allowed it too. He expressed his thoughts and emotions through his fists and outbursts. (chapter 52), exactly like the athlete. (chapter 52). Did the manager express his regret or apologize towards the doctor? The answer is no. 
(chapter 53) That’s the reason why the champion has never apologized towards the doctor either. To conclude, the manager had a huge negative influence concerning the sportsman’s mind-set and behavior. Therefore it is necessary for the athlete to distance himself from Park Namwook. That’s how he can get purified. On the other hand, the last incident was essential for the star’s growth. Since the latter hasn’t questioned the integrity of MFC yet, he needed to be suspended in order to realize that his perception of the world was wrong. Though he lost his reputation, he is experiencing that his defeat is not the end of the world. The doctor’s departure was more painful for him. Therefore it was necessary for the champion to make a bad decision. Only through pain, the athlete can turn into a better man. Since Kim Dan left the city for the west coast, I assume that the champion will follow him there. He will reconnect with nature.
3. The champion’s belief at the end of season 1
Interesting is that though Joo Jaekyung had been informed about the protagonist’s resignation, he never anticipated that the latter would move out. This shows that he had already separated his professional life from his private life. We could say that he had already internalized Kim Dan as his friend and even “family”. But he had not realized it yet. And this brings me back to Park Namwook. The latter imagined that he could act like in the past, replace the PTs constantly. But he was forgetting that both men had lived together for 3 months. He had become part of his “home”. The problem is that Joo Jaekyung had not reflected on these changes. And when he had voiced it, he was under the influence of the soju. (chapter 43) So when he discovers the empty bedroom, he is forced to admit that he had become a part of his life. He had liked Kim Dan’s company. 
(chapter 53) He is now missing him, but he is not capable to express it properly. For the first time, he is confronted with reality. His penthouse feels cold, lifeless and empty. 
(chapter 19) Yes, we should see episode 53 as the negative reflection from chapter 19, the doctor’s arrival at the penthouse.
And this observation leads me to compare these two pictures: (chapter 19) (chapter 53) Back then, the champion didn’t pay attention to Kim Dan and turned his back to him. His job and training were more important than anything else. Hence he neglected the physical therapist. Mingwa let the doctor stand next to the sun. It is no coincidence. It indicates that Joo Jaekyung never paid attention to his surroundings and in particular to nature. He never looked at the sun. Yet, Kim Dan represents the sun in his life. In other words, he represents his source of happiness. Yet, the latter never got the opportunity to grasp it, for he never rested and took the time to enjoy the present moment. Why? It is because he was chasing after an illusion, the fake light “fame”. It is not random that the synonym for celebrity is “star”. But the brilliance of a star is artificial contrary to the moon and the sun. So when he is looking through the huge window, he is not looking at the moon or the star, but at the city. Why? It is because he has not discovered the existence of cosmos and landscape yet. He only knows one world: the city and the cage. His view of the world is limited. Moreover, the city embodies anonymity and distance. The god Joo Jaekyung needs to go down from his ivory tower and discovers the real world. I had already outlined the importance of travel in Jinx. The latter serves to broaden horizons and as such to remove prejudices. This view over Seoul can only make him feel more lonely. He is truly alone. In addition, because of the doctor’s vanishing, the fighter learned through the hard way that home is not a place, but a person. Home is a synonym for family. Hence he has to look for Kim Dan. At the same time, it pushes the champion to question all his precious believes: the importance of fighting and money, the existence of his “jinx and his traumatic past”.
For me, the doctor’s departure is pushing Joo Jaekyung to travel.And now, you understand why I added the sunlight at the end of the illustration. That represents the champion’s destination. While looking for the doctor, he will discover a new world: mortality but also the beauty of nature. So the grandmother’s wish will affect the champion in a good way. He will be able to reconnect with nature. And that’s how he will become a human. How so? It is because through this journey, he will learn to distinguish between real light and artificial glow. 
(chapter 53) Here, what Kim Dan saw was not the real sunset, but the lights from the cameras. Far away from the lights from the journalists, the champion will witness the beauty of a sunset, which can not be bought with money. 
(chapter 53) Humans can only appear as small and powerless. That’s how he could reconcile with the god of time. He will no longer fight against time. I connected nature to temporality of human life because of the grandmother. For me, his break represents a blessing in disguise. He will be able to breathe, to find joy in little things and more importantly he found a true friend and support: Kim Dan. The Webtoonist announced that season 2 would be focused more on feelings which is totally understandable. It coincides with introspection and meditation. Joo Jaekyung will have to prove that he trusts the main lead and he can only achieve this goal by entrusting him his recovery. Moreover, by doing so, he would boost the physical therapist’s confidence. While there was no real seduction in season 1 (money, jinx, treatment, bet during the confession night, drug), we have to envision that their intimacy won’t be so abrupt. It will be more subtle and gradual. The star will have to woo the doctor in order to express his love and affection. Through love, Joo Jaekyung will discover not only happiness, but also strength which will help him to defeat their “enemies” and unmask the criminals. In other words, he should realize thanks to this new journey that he is not cursed, but blessed, for he can help Kim Dan mentally, emotionally and professionally. So far, when the champion travelled, he never visited the cities 
(chapter 37) or sightseeing attractions. Here, I feel the need to add this French song from Daniel Balavoine (1985): “Aimer est plus fort que d’être aimé” (Loving is stronger than being loved”).
Translation:
You who know what a rampart is
You advance under the wrathful gaze
You write but on the blotter
All the words are reversed
If you speak you must know
That those who cast wrathful glances
Only want to see in the mirror
Only what suits them (These verses remind me of Park Namwook)
You who have broken the ice
Know that there’s no substitute for the truth
And that there are only two races
Or the false or the true
Love carries you through your efforts
The love of all unlocks the secret
Oh, and in the face of all those who devour you
To love is stronger than to be loved
You who know what blasphemy is
You don’t always reap what you sow
You know the supreme ambition
Of those who hate you
They would like to threaten you
To melt you into the mass and suffocate you (Reminds me of the last scheme)
But to sink the icebreaker
It would take a rock
Love carries you through your efforts
The love of all unlocks the secret
Oh, and in the face of all those who devour you
To love is stronger than to be loved
Oh, love carries you through your efforts
Love of all delivers from the secret (That’s how the athlete will reveal his past to Kim Dan, and the latter should do the same)
Oh, and in the face of all those who devour you
To love is stronger than to be loved
Oh, love carries you through your efforts…
Yes, the deceased singer advocated the same than Erich Fromm. (For more read “The Art Of Loving” ).
But let’s return our attention to this picture. (chapter 53) Back then, the champion had looked back at the physical therapist. This shows that he truly cared for the doctor. The latter was not simply his shadow, but also his protector and support. At the same time, this moment represents the doctor’s illumination. In that magic moment, he started associating the celebrity with the sun. The problem is that this light was artificial. Therefore, Kim Dan only perceived the protagonist as a star and not as a human. This explicates why he never wondered about his family. That’s why it is important for the doctor to see the fighter in a different surrounding. Far away from Park Namwook, the media and city, the sportsman can only appear as a human and even as a nobody. To conclude, I am expecting that the champion’s journey will be a journey of meditation and self-discovery. Far away from the toxicity of MFC and the spotlight, he will discover the existence of his own heart and as such his love for Kim Dan. But he can no longer approach him like in episode 1: a trick and money. He should discover the true value of the Wedding cabinet very quickly. It is no junk. Moreover, due to doc Dan’s departure and the last incident, the MMA boxer must have realized that he had totally misjudged the doctor. He is not selfish and greedy. So in season 2, the champion will show a true interest in Kim Dan and his family. He is forced to drop all his prejudices. We should see him talking prettily and gently to Kim Dan too.
(chapter 21). By interacting with Kim Dan, he will be able to reconnect with his true self which will change him forever. Notice that after the night in the States, at no moment, the champion mentioned his jinx, but spoke about his physical health. In reality, he was including his mental health. This shows that he was already moving on from his jinx. Moreover, after the tie and the suspension, he is not mentioning or thinking about his former belief. The reason is simple. Because of the doctor, the champion was allowed to perceive glimpses of the truth: corruption and the existence of tricks. This image 
(Chapter 48) represents the medicine against the champion’s false belief. Moreover, by making him meet his former rival Baek Junmin, the athlete was incited to overcome his past and biggest fears. (chapter 49) The ritual had become obsolete, though he still did it out of routine. Yet, it had already lost its meaning and impact. That’s the reason why the champion didn’t put the blame on the doctor as a bad lover, he had no procured him a good fuck. Because of the last two incidents, the athlete discovered the existence of schemes and corruption, but he has not truly identified the real culprits yet. On the other hand, this exposes that he had already perceived the half-truth. It is just a matter of time, until the verity gets exposed and that will be a real scandal. As a conclusion, at the end of season 1, the fighter’s jinx totally vanished. How so? It is because Kim Dan revealed his self-loathing and lack of confidence to the athlete. He became the personification of the “jinx”. So by entrusting his recovery to Kim Dan, the latter’s self-esteem will be boosted. The doctor’s happiness can only make him feel good and improve his mood. That’s how their misfortune will slowly vanish.
4. Kim Dan’s transformation and jinx
Now, it is time to focus on the doctor’s jinx. How does he feel at the end of season 1? Does he still view himself as jinxed? My answer is yes and no. First, his dream didn’t come true. He wanted to remain by the fighter’s side. (chapter 53) He imagined that he should quit and leave the penthouse. To conclude, he is not entirely free. On the other, thanks to the champion, he was able to get rid of the loan. But more importantly, he was able to experience happiness for short moments.
(Chapter 44) So he was able to create good memories. Besides, he came to fall in love with Joo Jaekyung. Thanks to the latter, doc Dan could overcome his fear (chapter 26) and make others happy too. (chapter 26) He didn’t realize that he brought joy and love to the gym. 
(chapter 26) The more he spent time with the celebrity, the more confident he became. He was able to voice his opinion and he started becoming more passionate about his job as PT. He studied sports rehabilitation, a sign that he was taking the champion’s career seriously. So when he wrote these words to his soulmate (chapter 53), readers could sense that the doctor had gained some confidence. How so? He employed the comparative “more competent”. So he acknowledges that he has some skills. Let’s not forget that he was able to treat the injured shoulder within a month. The champion was able to fight against Baek Junmin, whereas the schemers and other doctors thought that it would be impossible. 
(chapter 42) This shows that his self-loathing is gradually vanishing as well. The fact that he is employing the personal pronoun “I” indicates that he is able now to distinguish himself from his grandmother. (chapter 53) Besides, with this sentence, he didn’t realize that he was actually revealing his true wish: he wanted to take care of Joo Jaekyung (“more competent”).
In addition, the word ” I hope” indicates that he is not entirely depressed. There is still “hope” and as such light in his life. Thus the smile on the doctor’s face is a mixture of resignation and peace of mind. (chapter 53) And now, you comprehend what the sunray in the illustration means for Kim Dan. It represents the last light in his life, the champion. He might have become a ghost again. Yet contrary to the beginning of the story, he has now his own identity. Thus he is employing the personal pronoun “I”. We could say that he is actually practicing Potato’s principle: 
(chapter 35) He is still cheering the athlete on and even wishing him happiness. This exposes that the physical therapist discovered “happiness” through the celebrity. He is no longer believing in the athlete’s jinx.
However, like mentioned above, at the end of season, he became a ghost again because of the grandmother and the last incident. That’s the reason why he appears surrounded by “white”. (Chapter 53), a color symbolizing the spiritual world and purity. But this signifies that going to see the sunset next to the ocean has a different meaning for the physical therapist than the champion. On the one hand, it is strongly connected to death, on the other hand, it also embodies rebirth. I can’t help myself thinking of the legend of Venus’ birth. The goddess of love was born in the sea. It is the reunion of the sky and water. According to me, Yoon-Gu is a representative of this deity. Thus I come to the following deduction. Kim Dan came to discover Yoon-Gu’s principle. It is possible to love someone from far away, which contradicts his past “abandonment issues”. This shows that he moved on from his past suffering. Though his grandmother is about to die, he will still love her. He won’t perceive it as a desertion and abandonment. That’s why the magic of love should take place near the sea. Both characters will meet the goddess of love there.
But let’s return our attention to my initial statement. His transformation to a ghost was caused by the halmoni’s quest. She was no longer thinking about her grandson’s career and job. Joo Jaekyung was no longer important. Only her life and wish mattered. So the champion was not wrong either to state (chapter 53) that the physical therapist had already planned to leave him. He sensed that doc Dan had already started distancing himself from him, because he was bound by this new promise: (chapter 53) Slowly, he was drawing the line between his private and professional life.
Because of the incident with the spray, it is not surprising that the doctor is blaming himself. 
(Chapter 53) Here, I feel the need to remind my avid readers that though the doctor was victim of a trick, he was not entirely innocent either. He should have come clean with the champion concerning his meeting with the director from the rival gym. His lie still played a huge role in the champion’s mistrust. But why did he not tell him later? It is because he was under the influence of the manager. 
(chapter 48) The hyung had been his mentor and advisor. Thus he copied his actions and followed blindly his recommendations. 
(chapter 41) At no moment, he questioned his words and honesty. He should have noticed the hypocrisy of the manager, when he witnessed such a scene. This image contradicts his claim at the restaurant: 
(chapter 43) How could the athlete be kinder to his own body, when his hyung was slapping him constantly? He was definitely pressured by the former wrestler. This shows that the 29 years old man is lacking critical thinking. On the other hand, we can not blame Kim Dan for trusting the man so blindly, as Joo Jaekyung was behaving the same way. Yet, the fact that Kim Dan cries, when he witnesses this scene shows that he dislikes the scene. For him, it is wrong, yet he doesn’t intervene. This shows that Kim Dan still feared to intervene and even contradict the manager. Why? It is because he thinks, he is the owner of the gym. He is “his employer”, while in reality he is just an employee. His passivity mirrors his affection for Joo Jaekyung. He is not loving him like he is loving his grandmother. He is not taking any risk, he is not ready to sacrifice himself for the athlete’s sake. This shows that he wasn’t loving the champion properly. Exactly like the other members of Team Black, he was following the hyung’s lead.
It is no coincidence that Kim Dan offered the gift at the same time than the coach’s. 
(chapter 45) Both knew how the champion disliked the birthday and the gifts, but they still chose to ignore the man’s feelings. He believed every word Park Namwook said about the champion in the end. Hence for me, the doctor’s decision to quit was not simply the consequence from champion’s request and reproach, but also from the manager’s indifference and ignorance. At no moment, he contacted him showing that he was necessary for Team Black. His silence and passivity could only be interpreted as a disapproval and rejection.
The other mistake Kim Dan made is that he learned a bad lesson from the celebrity. Having sex with someone is not getting to know someone better. (chapter 44) The intimacy is rather superficial, for it is limited to pleasure and sensuality. This has nothing to do with the partner’s personality. Secondly, during that night, the champion was drunk. In season 1, both protagonists only discovered physical closeness without sharing their thoughts and emotions (chapter 44) . (chapter 44) He never told the athlete that he was so cute or handsome. He kept his thoughts and happiness to himself. The only moment they shared real intimacy was this night: (chapter 29) The problem is that even there, they had sex in form of a challenge. 
(chapter 29) Moreover, during that sex session, the athlete employed dirty talk. 
(chapter 29) It was not to express affection.
This interpretation brings me to my next observation. Kim Dan discovered the existence of sex in the most brutal way:
(chapter 2) prostitution and rough sex. He never experienced true romance and the birth of “first love”. The courting and seduction were totally absent. His first kiss is connected to fighting, pain, survival and protection. (chapter 14) It had nothing to do with innocent and pure love. For me, Kim Dan didn’t have the time to fall in love with the champion properly. He could even say that his affection is related to his job and he could reduce it to mutual physical chemistry. Thus I deduce that he became a ghost again for one reason. Both need to experience the innocent first love. In other words, we should expect a new version of this magical night: 
(chapter 20) Till that moment, he lived like a ghost. He had been trying to deny the existence of his own body. And how did the athlete describe his lover in the bathroom? First, he compared him to a whore 
(chapter 19) before describing him as a baby. 
(chapter 20) However, we should expect a more pure version, where both act as innocent and inexperienced teenagers, similar gestures: (chapter 44) There should be no drug or no time pressure!! However, there exists another reason why I have such an expectation. First, the grandmother should be close to them. Her presence should represent a hindrance, as the latter is falling back into childhood. Secondly, right from the start, Joo Jaekyung was under the spell from Kim Dan. 
(chapter 1) He was so attracted to him physically, hence he didn’t pay attention to his partner’s personality. In fact, he had a negative perception of his nature: 
(chapter 1) By becoming a ghost, the champion is forced to perceive the main lead as a person and as such to pay attention to his personality (dislikes, likes, qualities, career). That’s the reason why I believe that in season 2, he won’t make the same mistake again. He will study the doctor and get to know him better. That’s how he will be able to identify his feelings for the protagonist. He doesn’t love him because of his cute face and body, but because of his big heart and warmth. He is so responsible, generous and dedicated that there’s no one else like him. He embodies true kindness and loyalty. His care and worries are genuine. That’s why the champion will voice his affection differently from the past: “Secret and innocent love behind work”. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why both characters had to go to the seascape. Nature is the perfect place to nurture innocent and pure love. Consequently, I don’t think, the author will rush to create a new chapter full of sex… rather full of tenderness and caresses! Thus Mingwa created such panels: 
The hands are no longer fists used to express anger and resent, but they are wide open, they are expressing love and tenderness. They will convey a different message: respect, teamwork, and communication. Finally, through such gestures, both are able to reconnect. The hands are encouraging them to express their own thoughts and emotions. They are giving them reassurance and confidence. Season 2 stands for sharing, honesty and communication. Expect a revolution at the gym!
To conclude, the Sleeping Beauty is about to be released from his curse. It is just a matter of time. Kim Dan is on his way to find his true home. Through love, both will be released from their inner suffering and can find happiness, like in a fairy tale: HAPPY ENDING.
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Jinx: Magic 7️⃣: Navigating between Jinx and Luck 🍀
Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx « Ring Tyrant’s Demise »
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Because of the selected images in the illustration, people might think that the focus of this essay is Potato, yet the real topic is the number 7. If you pay attention to the three pictures, you will realize that they come from 25, 34 and 52. 2+5= 7; 3+4= 7. All of these episodes have one common denominator: 7. But I could also include 18 or 29, because 1-8: -7; 2-9: -7. Yet, pay attention that here we would have the negative version of 7. In the analysis “The Magic Of Numbers“, I demonstrated that Mingwa had utilized Numerology in order to develop her story. Furthermore, I explained that Potato’s name number was 4, while 7 was a favorable number for him. Thus you comprehend why I picked pictures with him. Funny is that when chapter 52 was released, my theory was proven correct. 52 is a reference to 7, therefore we should compare episode 7, 16, 25, 34, 43 and 52 together in order to get new insight about the past and the present. At the same time, this will help us to anticipate episode 53. In episode 52, the Webtoonist created a mystery surrounding the doctor’s whereabouts and problem, (chapter 52) because she desired to push the readers to anticipate the champion’s future actions. What will he do? Striking is that she sowed a similar enigma in episode 7. The latter ended with this image: 
(chapter 7) Kim Dan had just punched his boss. How would he react to this wrongdoing? In fact, I realized that all the episodes with the number 7 are strongly connected to an intrigue and riddle. Why? The answer lies in the number. 😉 So what does 7 symbolize in the end?
1. The power of 7
The number 7 holds immense symbolic significance across a myriad of cultural, religious, and philosophical contexts, encompassing a diverse range of interpretations and associations. Let’s delve into some of the key symbolic meanings attributed to the number 7:
Spiritual Completeness and Perfection: The number 7 is often regarded as a symbol of spiritual completeness and perfection. It is associated with divine creation and the harmonious balance between the spiritual and material worlds. In ancient philosophy and mysticism, the concept of the “heptad” or sevenfold division represents the harmonization of spiritual principles with material realities. For example, the seven chakras in Hindu and Buddhist traditions symbolize the alignment of energy centers within the body, fostering holistic well-being and spiritual enlightenment.
Religious and Mythological References: Found extensively in religious texts and mythologies, the number 7 is a recurring motif in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. In Christianity, the number 7 is prominent throughout the Bible, symbolizing divine completion and perfection. For instance, God rested on the seventh day after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3), and the Book of Revelation mentions seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven churches. In Judaism, seven holds sacred significance, representing divine completion and fulfillment. The seven-day week culminates in the Sabbath, a day of rest and spiritual rejuvenation. Additionally, the menorah in Jewish tradition has seven branches, symbolizing the light of God. Islamic tradition reveres the number 7, with references to seven heavens, seven gates of hell, and seven verses in the opening chapter of the Qur’an. During the Hajj pilgrimage, Muslims circumambulate the Kaaba seven times as an act of devotion.
The most common numbers in the Indian Vedas are 3 and 7. Agni, the god of fire, has seven wives, mothers, or sisters and can produce seven flames. The sun god has seven horses to pull his heavenly chariot. In the Rigveda there are seven parts of the world, seven seasons, and seven heavenly fortresses. The cow has 21 = 3 × 7 names. Quoted from https://www.britannica.com/topic/number-symbolism/7
Numerological Significance: Numerologists often interpret the number 7 as a symbol of spiritual insight, intuition, and inner wisdom. Individuals born under the influence of the number 7 are believed to possess heightened spiritual awareness and a deep connection to the unseen realms. The mystical qualities associated with the number 7 inspire seekers to embark on spiritual journeys of self-discovery and enlightenment.
The number 7 imparts a deep personality, keen observation skills, analytical abilities, and a natural inclination towards spirituality. It resonates with the energy of Neptune, a mysterious and stunningly beautiful planet with a dream-like quality. As the farthest planet from the Sun in our solar system, Neptune is closely linked to the vastness of the cosmos. It symbolizes intuition, spirituality, clairvoyance, and telepathy, representing the deep currents of the subconscious mind. Neptune, named after the Roman counterpart to the Greek god Poseidon, is associated with the subconscious and the element of water, hinting at possible hidden water beneath its thick gaseous atmosphere. This planetary energy fosters a belief in universal equality and love for all beings and cultures, transcending local biases. Quoted from https://www.numerologistpro.com/numerology-numbers/numerology-number-7-meaning/
However, it is important to know that people with number 7 possess negative personality features too. It depends on the balance.
The 7 unbalanced is
Lost in its fantasy world
Distant and disconnected
Overly principled
Overly individualistic
Fearful Quoted from https://www.numerologistpro.com/numerology-numbers/numerology-number-7-meaning/
This shows that such persons can bring also misery to others, especially due to their selfishness. And now, you comprehend why 7 can not necessarily bring luck.
Lucky and Mystical: Across many cultures, the number 7 is viewed as lucky and mystical. It is often associated with good fortune, positive outcomes, and hidden knowledge. In Western folklore, finding a four-leaf clover or encountering a rainbow with seven colors are seen as auspicious signs of good luck. Ancient cultures believed in the magical properties of the number 7. For example, in Babylonian mythology, the seven planets were associated with deities and celestial forces that influenced human destiny. The Seven Sisters, or Pleiades, star cluster in Greek mythology symbolizes the seven daughters of the Titan Atlas, who were transformed into stars by Zeus to escape the pursuit of Orion. The Pleiades were regarded as a guiding constellation for sailors and a harbinger of seasonal changes.
Mathematical and Geometrical Symbolism: In mathematics and geometry, the number 7 holds significance as a prime number and as a fundamental element in geometric patterns and structures. In sacred geometry, the number 7 is significant in geometric patterns such as the Seed of Life and Flower of Life, which represent the interconnectedness of all creation. These geometric symbols, composed of seven circles or spheres, embody the principle of spiritual completeness and perfection, reflecting the divine order inherent in the universe. I incorporated the Seed of Life in the illustration. 
Musical and Educational Symbolism: In music theory and education, the number 7 is integral to understanding musical scales and educational curricula. It represents harmony, balance, and the pursuit of knowledge across various disciplines.
The sum of the spiritual 3 and the material 4 is 7. In medieval education, students pursued the trivium (grammar, rhetoric, and logic) and the quadrivium (music, arithmetic, geometry, and astronomy), a total of seven subjects, collectively known as the liberal arts. Pythagorean interest in the mathematical patterns in music gives 7 a privileged role, for there are seven distinct notes in the musical scale—corresponding roughly to the white notes on a piano. Counting from 1, the eighth note up the scale is the exceedingly harmonious octave, which is how the name arose. https://www.britannica.com/topic/number-symbolism/7
Cultural and Folklore References: The number 7 appears in numerous cultural and folklore references, such as the seven days of the week, the seven wonders of the world, and the seven deadly sins (pride, greed/avarice, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony and laziness/sloth). It also features prominently in sayings, rituals, and traditional healing practices, like for example Seven-Day Cleansing Rituals. Many traditional healing traditions include rituals or ceremonies designed to cleanse the body, mind, or spirit of negative influences or imbalances. These cleansing rituals often span seven days, during which participants undertake purification practices such as fasting, prayer, meditation, or immersion in natural elements like water or fire. The seven-day duration is seen as a sacred period for releasing toxins, negative energies, or spiritual blockages, allowing for spiritual renewal and rejuvenation.
In the Hippocratic tradition of medicine, 7 rules the illnesses of the body, with painful illnesses lasting 7, 14, or 21 days. In Germany it was believed that pigs would not contract hog cholera if they were treated for seven days with water containing asphodel. In Jewish magic a fever can be cured by taking seven prickles from seven palm trees, seven chips from seven beams, seven nails from seven bridges, seven ashes from seven ovens…terminating in seven hairs from the beard of an old dog. Quoted from https://www.britannica.com/topic/number-symbolism/7
Overall, the number 7 embodies a rich tapestry of meanings and symbolisms, ranging from spiritual completeness and divine perfection to luck, mysticism, and mathematical elegance. Its universal resonance underscores its enduring significance as a symbol of harmony, wisdom, and transcendence across diverse cultures and traditions. Because 7 stands for spirituality and enlightenment, it becomes comprehensible why the chapters with number 7 are strongly connected to an enigma and mystery. Jinx-philes are encouraged to develop their critical thinking, to see beyond appearances. In addition, in the beginning of the story, Joo Jaekyung’s third eye was not existent, hence in episode 18, he couldn’t judge the situation related to the doctor’s assault correctly: 
(chapter 18) He believed to see someone selling his body to a loan shark, while in reality the main lead was about to get raped. Hence we have -7! This represents the absence of reflection and even the refusal of meditation. 
(chapter 18) On the other hand, the quotes above mentioned 14 or 21, because they are also related to 7 (multiplication). This signifies that we should also see chapters 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 as a reflection from number 7. Since the latter can be the result of an addition or substraction, I deduce that we should include the following numbers as a reflection of 7 as well: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. Finally, if you read the analysis “”The Magic Of Numbers“, you know that I also contrasted the following chapters (7, 17, 27, 37, 47), for all of them contains a 7. This is what I found out: All of them were oozing suffering, prejudices, wrongdoing and fear, but also they are linked to water. Furthermore, I noticed that the increasing isolation of the doctor. First, he was surrounded by the fighters, 
(chapter 7), but the more he focused on the champion, the less the members paid attention to him. (chapter 47) He didn’t get included in the conversation. This explicates why when Kwak Junbeom witnessed the encounter between Choi Gilseok and Kim Dan, the sportsman didn’t approach the PT in order to protect him or his champion’s interest. 
(chapter 48) The connection between 7 and anguish in Jinx seems to contradict the notion of “lucky 7”. Yet we shouldn’t forget that through pain, the characters are incited to learn life lessons and become wiser. Torment led them to face their fears and reflect. Consequently, what appears as a jinx will turn into luck and blessing in reality. Like mentioned in the previous analysis, the 90 day suspension represents a liberation for the athlete, for he is no longer under pressure to fight constantly. He is pushed to meditate and view life differently, thus he is looking out of the window. 
(Chapter 52) He will realize that he needs to select his opponent more properly.
As a conlusion, we should see parallels between 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 16, 17, 18, 21, 25, 27, 28, 29, 34, 35, 37, 42, 43, 47, 49 and 52. Let me give you another example: in only two episodes, we could see Park Namwook’s gaze, episode 5 and 52. Interesting is that in episode 5, the manager showed his indifference towards the doctor, as he was not urging him to take the job. 
(chapter 5) He remained passive, because he had already an answer to his silence. He was refusing the job. He implied that his lack of reaction had been caused by the champion’s action. In addition, he reproached his boss that he was getting worked up for nothing. His behavior displays that he saw no value in Kim Dan. Moreover, Mingwa left a clue why the man has always been passive all this time. It is not just a question of fear. The other reason is that he used prejudices and superficial thoughts to explain people’s attitude. Hence he never investigated the matter why the doctor didn’t contact them. His attitude in episode 52 hasn’t changed at all. (chapter 52) He reproaches to Joo Jaekyung his heartlessness, though Kim Dan took care of him for months. But he is forgetting that he spent himself time with the hamster too, and he is healthy contrary to the champion. So he could have reached to the doctor. His reproach is just an excuse to mask his passivity, ignorance and even indifference. His rudeness and neglect towards the doctor and athlete becomes more obvious.
As you can imagine, I can’t compare all these episodes together, as it represents a mammoth task. Hence the purpose of this analysis is to encourage my avid readers to detect the parallels and develop their own observations.
2. The 7 in the mirror
In order to facilitate my examination, I created a table where I added pictures which I perceived as relevant for the contrast.
| Chapter 7 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 25 | Chapter 34 | Chapter 43 | Chapter 52 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
      |     |      |      |    |     |
2. 1. Between invitation and defy
The presence of a challenge is pretty obvious in episode 25 and 34. The athlete invited Heesung and the doctor to learn something new. While for the doctor, the champion saw it as a game, the fighter was really serious with the actor. But the element (invitation and challenge) is also present in chapter 52, though this time, it is not the champion who is throwing a defy. Baek Junmin invited the champion to join his side with his remarks, (chapter 52). By mocking him, he was provoking Joo Jaekyung and he knew it. Yet, he never expected that he would be punched so violently that he would be KO. In episode 7, the champion “invited” the doctor to enter the shower room, (chapter 7), his words were actually an order that the poor doctor couldn’t refuse. He was even dragged under the shower 
(chapter 7) reminding us of the kidnapping in episode 16. Here, on the other hand, Heo Manwook must have judged his presence at doc Dan’s house as an “invitation” 
. (Chapter 16) and not trespassing. Each challenge or invitation is strongly connected to moving. Heesung had to drive through town in order to discover the secret between the two protagonists. Moreover, I distinguished another similarity: abduction and sequestration. Kim Dan was forced to stay in the shower room or his home or in the penthouse (34,43). Chapter 25 represents the exception, for it was the only case, where Kim Dan was given a real choice. 
(Chapter 25) He could refuse the sparring. Thus I deduce that in episode 52, the opposite is happening to the doctor. Something happened to him, and he could do nothing. On the other hand, this signifies that at the hospital, the members from Team Black were seeking the consent and support from their boss. (chapter 52) One detail caught my attention: the champion’s head is glowing exactly like in the last image from episode 25. Mingwa was indicating through this light the character’s illumination. The athlete is opening up his heart and mind to the doctor, a new version of this scene: (chapter 44) Kim Dan agreed to have sex with the fighter, because he wanted to know him better. Thus I deduce that the athlete discovered new aspects about Kim Dan’s life. (chapter 52) For me, this scene announces the moment when the celebrity drops all his prejudices about his destined partner.
2. 2. Missing loved one
Second parallel I detected is the absence or vanishing of important characters. In episode 7/8, no one except Oh Daehyun, noticed that Joo Jaekyung had gone to the shower room. 
(chapter 8) In 25 and 34, we never saw Park Namwook. He was either outside the gym or in his office. Then in episode 43, Potato was missing, but no one mentioned his absence. But I would even go further, all these chapters are strongly linked to the doctor’s vanishing. Notice that in episode 7, he got dragged to the shower room, but no one caught his disappearance, not even Park Namwook. (chapter 7) In episode 16, Kim Dan got abducted by Heo Manwook and his minions, yet no one intervened. It was, as if no one had noticed the crime. On the other hand, his absence got noticed, for he didn’t appear on time at the gym. This led the champion to ask his manager about his whereabouts. Hence the manager had to call him. Nonetheless, the coach used the excuse that Joo Jaekyung had brought him to his house, therefore he should fetch him. (chapter 16) Then in episode 25, no one saw Kim Dan training alone. It was, as if he was a ghost. 
(chapter 25) He received only attention, when he got strangled due to the maknae’s mistake and notice that the protagonist was too focused on training the others that he neglected his soulmate. Then in episode 34, Kim Dan was supposed to meet Choi Heesung, but he missed the appointment due to the athlete’s trick. 
(chapter 34) 
(chapter 34) Since the latter had not replied, Choi Heesung assumed that Kim Dan was not free. And now, you know why the actor never contacted the angel and asked about his whereabouts. The main lead never replied and confirmed the meeting. Then in episode 43, no one missed Kim Dan at the table, when they ate their dinner. (chapter 43) The remark “just let him be” is not the expression of concern, rather of indifference in the end. How so? It is because he is not included in the team. He is treated like an outsider. In other words, Kim Dan had never been the concern of the members from Team Black. Their interest was rather superficial, for they could receive treatment for free. And the best evidence is this scene: 
(chapter 52) Even Oh Daehyun didn’t realize that doc Dan had been missing. It is because he had never been a fighter. However, there’s no ambiguity that the young fighter must have felt horrible, when he realized his mistake. Hence he made such a shocked expression, when he heard the champion’s question: (chapter 52) Notice that coach Jeong Yosep is avoiding his gaze, while the manager has no eye. For me, all their expressions exposed their guilty conscience, only Potato was acting differently. Why? It is because he had met the doctor. But who was responsible for Kim Dan’s work and schedule? Park Namwook, as the latter was the one in charge of his contract. (chapter 5) So if the athlete had fired the physical therapist, he would have notified his manager. But he never did such a thing and the hyung knew it as well. In other words, Park Namwook was aware that Kim Dan had not been fired. Therefore he needed to find another excuse to put the blame on the star. (chapter 52) He had been too harsh and had not investigated the matter properly. However, his words “getting the facts straight” reminded me of this scene: (chapter 48) Kwak Junbeom had observed the encounter between these two men, and Kim Dan arrived to the gym certainly very late. 
(chapter 48) This should have caught the coach’s attention. In addition, it dawned on me that the fighter could have reported this meeting to the coach, saying that he would come late due to the other director, a new version of this scene: (chapter 11) So Park Namwook might have already been aware of this, which would explain why he felt uncomfortable, when he met Choi Gilseok.. 
(chapter 49) Remember that he had avoided him on purpose. And episode 49 is related to number 7. Hence we have this contrast: (chapter 49) “We believe in you” (chapter 52) This shows that the manager was hiding his true thoughts behind the masses of fans and fighters (“we”). And the moment his reputation is ruined, he is showing his true colors. He is only thinking of himself and his distress. (chapter 52) As you can see, we should question if Park Namwook had no idea about the meeting between Choi Gilseok and Kim Dan, but like the doctor, he never reported to the celebrity. Moreover, the manager was also responsible for the doctor’s schedule, for his work was strongly connected to the celebrity’s. 
(chapter 30) In this scene, we see that the doctor made a decision on his own, as he knew that he was not needed. Park Namwook should have asked why Kim Dan would join the gym later, if he had not been informed. As you can see, through the comparison, I realized Park Namwook’s huge wrongdoing. He didn’t miss doc Dan during that time, I would even say, he didn’t look for him. But he knows where he lives and he has his cellphone number. Like mentioned in a previous analysis, the vanishing of the coach and manager at the gym was exposing a professional mistake. 
(chapter 52) And funny is that as soon as I contrasted these episodes, I had another revelation. How did Joo Jaekyung know that Kim Dan was supposed to meet the actor? (chapter 34) Yes, this represented the huge enigma of 34! I believe to have found the answer. (chapter 34) It is because Choi Heesung must have contacted Park Namwook and made the request. He desires to receive a treatment from Kim Dan. Let’s not forget that Park Namwook had proposed this deal to the actor: 
(chapter 32) Kim Dan had no saying in it, the justification was that it was for the champion’s sake. Hence my assumption is the comedian must have complained to the manager that Joo Jaekyung had interrupted their time together. 
(chapter 32) The sly fox was aware that the celebrity would never dare to contradict his hyung. 
(chapter 31) That’s the reason why Park Namwook asked the doctor to fetch the celebrity in episode 34. (chapter 34) It was to inform him about Kim Dan’s schedule. For me, the idiom “discuss” was just a subterfuge, there was no discussion, only an order. The man with the spectacles announced to the main character in his office that Kim Dan would treat Choi Heesung this evening. Hence he should not interrupt the treatment session. That’s the reason why the protagonist had to play a trick. 
(chapter 34) Kim Dan could refuse to go to that meeting. He was not obligated, for there was no contract between the artist and the “hamster”. They had never asked for his consent. Choi Heesung used work to meet the doctor, but the manager had also heard from the actor’s manager about the comedian’s love life (chapter 30). So he must have known about the true intentions. The clue for this interpretation is that he had a drop of sweat on his face. To sum up, he feigned ignorance. And you know how I came to this theory? The coach is not visible in 34 and he didn’t assist to the champion’s birthday surprise party: 
(chapter 43) But he is his “boy”! Where was he? Only Yosep intervened. (chapter 43) Yet, Park Namwook joined them for the dinner at the restaurant. Only through the comparison, I detected the absence of the manager which I consider as a sign of his neglect. Yosep’s gesture (chapter 43) represents the positive gesture from Namwook’s slap.
And the moment I developed this new theory, it occurred to me why Potato was not present during the birthday party. It is because the sly fox had used the same tactic with Potato: work!! He must have approached Park Namwook and made his request. Why would he refuse? This would bring money to the gym. He could even refer to the invitation of the pure chow-chow: 
(chapter 35) He needed Potato to work off some stress. That’s why the reason why NO ONE wondered about the young fighter’s absence during the birthday party. (chapter 43) Moreover, we would have an explanation why Park Namwook was absent during that morning. For me, we should see Potato’s vanishing in 43 as a reflection from the doctor’s disappearance in 7. And the common denominator is: no one is looking for them.
2. 3. The doctor’s guardian
Thanks to the table, anyone can detect the increasing presence of Potato, while the grandmother was no longer present or mentioned after episode 16. Thus I deduce that Yoon-Gu is destined to take over her role in the couple’s life. He will become the doctor’s guardian and protector. As you can see, the champion is not the only one related to her. While in episode 7, Yoon-Gu is only visible as an errand boy, he plays a central role in episode 25. Thanks to him, Joo Jaekyung was able to suggest a sparring to the doctor. The cute puppy brought the main couple closer exactly like in episode 52. The halmoni had a similar attitude. (chapter 41) Thanks to the chow-chow’s intervention, the champion discovered the truth. (chapter 52) Interesting is that he isn’t presenting the switch of the spray as certainty, for they lack evidences. For me, it indicates his growth and maturity. He is not rushing to conclusions contrary to the champion and Park Namwook. They need proofs in order to report Choi Gilseok’s crime. Nevertheless, the young maknae defended not only Kim Dan’s name, but also his champion’s reputation. Therefore he fought with the other fighters. 
(chapter 52) The result was that his face got bruised. (chapter 52) But strangely, no one is asking him about his wounds… exactly like in episode 43!! (chapter 43) They saw doc Dan not only tired, but also with wounded hands. No one dared to question him, how his hands got bruised. And the moment I noticed this, I realized that Kim Dan was also wounded in episode 7
(chapter 7), 16 
(chapter 16) 
(chapter 16), 25 
(chapter 25) 
(episode 25) and (chapter 34!! And how did people react, when they saw this? They all showed indifference by feigning ignorance or remaining inactive. (chapter 11) Either it was just sex or it was not their problem. Hence the doctor was abandoned in the coach office asleep. (chapter 43) No wonder why the match in the States could start without the PT’s presence. No one was missing him. It was, as if his job during a fight was not important. Only the grandma and Potato asked if he was alright. Yes, both worried not only about him
(chapter 40), but also paid attention to his actions and work. 
(chapter 25)
Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Shin Okja’s admiration for Joo Jaekyung resembles a lot to Potato’s idolization. 
(chapter 41) However, notice that her desire to watch the match was related to her grandson, the source of her pride and joy. As soon as I made this connection, I had another revelation. Gradually, the chow-chow’s admiration is shifting towards the doctor. (chapter 52) Here, he was no longer looking at his idol, the opposite to this image. (Chapter 34) Here, he only had eyes for the champion due to his strength, but at the hospital, he only had eyes for Kim Dan! (Chapter 52) He is realizing the athlete’s flaws: his lack of discernment and trust. He is discovering the importance of meditation and mental health. However, his attitude changed, when the athlete asked this: (chapter 52) He was looking straight at the celebrity, while the others were all looking away, embarrassed. It shows that the name Kim Dan was working like a lucky charm. And this brings me to the following observation. We are witnessing not only Potato’s emancipation, but also the increase of his critical thinking. Potato overcame his repressed homosexuality very quickly. 
(Chapter 25) and showed no fear to fight with stronger men. 
(chapter 52) I sense some future tension between him and coach Park Namwook, for the maknae embodies enlightenment, great intuition and open-mindedness, whereas the other stands for prejudices, ignorance and herd mentality. Naturally, the manager is changing for the better, nonetheless his metamorphosis is progressing much more slowly. Only in episode 52, he questioned why Baek Junmin was placed next to his athlete. 
(Chapter 52) Yet, he didn’t complain to the staff or to director Choi Gilseok. He remained passive contrary to the young member from Team Black. Moreover, because Kim Dan has always felt a certain closeness to Yoon-Gu, I believe that the latter will be the reason why the champion and Kim Dan can rekindle. Thanks to him, he can approach the poor doctor and convince him that Team Black is his home. 
(chapter 29) I doubt that it will be just for the athlete’s sake and recovery, for this would make him a hypocrite. He is truly interested in the doctor’s well-being. Let’s not forget that his worries in episode 43 were genuine. Moreover, since Joo Jaekyung’s name number 3 and Potato 4, we come to 7! They will work together. Joo Jaekyung will share his knowledge how to rule in the ring.
By interacting with him, Potato discovered Kim Dan’s qualities: his generosity, his strength 
(chapter 26), his tolerance, patience, understanding 
(chapter 37), his humbleness 
(chapter 25), his dedication and meticulousness. (chapter 49) Yoon-Gu could only perceive Kim Dan as the symbol of loyalty. Hence I come to the deduction that after meeting doc Dan, he must have realized that only one could change the situation, it was Joo Jaekyung and no one else.
Since Yoon-Gu mirrors the grandmother, and the latter had become a wise woman, I consider Potato as the representative of meditation, enlightenment and spirituality. Through him, the champion is forced to change and question appearances and words. This explicates why Joo Jaekyung was more opening up to Kim Dan (25-29), but he reverted to his old self, when he met Heesung who used the manager’s blindness and prejudices to his own advantage. This coincides to the absence of Park Namwook. Between episode 18 and 29, he appeared briefly in episode 23, 26 and 27. In the last episode, he left everything in the hand of the doctor.
2. 4. The protagonists’ well-being
In episode 25, Yoon-Gu had wounded the doctor by mistake, no one paid further attention to his well-being. (chapter 25) It was all about the fighter’s mistake and teaching MMA. The parallel between 25 and 43 (chapter 43) exposes not only Joo Jaekyung 
(chapter 43), but also Park Namwook’s neglect. How so? First, look how Kim Dan came to offer his services to the members from Team Black. Kim Changmin had an old shoulder injury which had been neglected: 
(chapter 7) But the coach should have noticed it and advised him to go to a doctor. He was responsible for them. But no… and we have two other evidences in episode 52. First, the manager didn’t ask about Potato’s injury. Secondly, he slapped a patient, because he felt “provoked” by the outburst from Joo Jaekyung. (chapter 52) The first question he asked to the doctor is this: 
(chapter 52) Why? One might say that he was worried for his star. But for me, the drop of sweat is showing a certain discomfort. How so? A surgery means that the athlete can no longer fight for a while. Without him, the coach is put under pressure, for he needs to ensure that other fighters can enter MFC. (chapter 47) Hence I am now wondering if his passivity and silence after the terrible incident were not deliberate. He had ran away from any responsibility out of fear (avoidance). That way, he could put the blame on others: the champion, the fighters, King Of MMA etc. Naturally, the champion is also to blame (chapter 43), for when he saw his wounded hands, he never confronted Kim Dan. The reason is that he feared that the doctor might abandon him. He simply worried, but did nothing except calling Cheolmin later. 
(chapter 43) Moreover, the cute doctor had asked him to bring doc Dan for more tests, but he did not follow his advice. (chapter 13) Furthermore, he heard from the grandmother that he had a weak constitution. (chapter 21) Finally, let’s not forget that the doctor took a drug recently, but the champion never verified how it affected his physical therapist. (chapter 41) That’s how it dawned on me that the news about Kim Dan could be referring to his health too. But does it mean that doctor Dan is now ill, especially when you look at Potato’s facial expression here? (chapter 52) He is the person who is affected the most compared to the others. He is mopping exactly like in episode 25: 
(chapter 25) Back then, his dream was to train and spare with the athlete, thus I deduce that his new dream got “crushed”. But what was his new wish? To work with doc Dan! Thus he assisted him and asked for his opinion. He trusted him blindly. Therefore I have the impression that the physical therapist stopped on his own working for Team Black. However, I don’t think, Kim Dan made this choice himself. The news definitely caught the athlete by surprise. 
(chapter 52) Either he is sick, or it could be a reference to the doctor’s mental health as well. This would mirror the champion’s unwell-being. (chapter 52) The physical therapist could have suffered a mental breakdown, depression and the trigger would be his halmoni’s fate, her death.
In addition, if he is depressive, then he could have a relapse. You are probably wondering which kind of regression I am referring to: Alcohol, a secret Joo Jaekyung had discovered, when he brought him to his flat. 
(chapter 10) Let’s not forget that after his first night, the doctor numbed his physical pain with soju, while he was not eating properly. 
(chapter 5) He would spend money for soju, but not for healthy food. Not even his grandmother was aware of this habit. But by living with the champion, he could no longer live like in the past. He had stopped drinking any alcohol, but notice that it changed after the drug incident. He was encouraged to drink again: 
(chapter 43) The champion represented the doctor’s motivation and as such “sweet drug”. That’s the reason why he could always overcome the pain afflicted by his soulmate: 
(chapter 47) 
(chapter 51) And this brings me to my next observation. All the episodes are showing the champion’s weak mental condition which got even worse over time. From this 
(chapter 7) to this 
(chapter 34) and to this: (chapter 52) At the hospital, he was able to express his true thoughts and emotions for the first time, while in episode 34, Choi Heesung even tried to manipulate him by denying his affection for the physical therapist: 
(chapter 34) Though the celebrity was getting easily irritated, the manager never took the matter seriously. He saw it as the result of bad education, hence he never tried to change it either. 
(chapter 9) Therefore he portrayed him as a maniac. So why is he requesting the return of the physical therapist? One reason is that he can’t deal with the celebrity’s negative emotions. Secondly, he needs Kim Dan so that the latter can be fit within 90 days!! Yes… Joo Jaekyung got suspended, hence he can no longer fight. But as soon as the suspension is over, there’s no doubt that the coach plans to send him back to the scene. Hence his gratitude (chapter 43) 
(chapter 43) and care are not selfless, for the PT could improve the celebrity’s performance and even treat his shoulder injury in such a short time. However, what Park Namwook is not realizing is that he is becoming responsible for Kim Dan and his return. (chapter 52) In other words, he made a decision. Besides, he is entrusted to take care of the main lead. He can no longer neglect him like in the past. Moreover, should he face problems because of the PT, he can no longer put the responsibility on the athlete. The slap is the deal.
2. 5. Fighting and fun
Another common denominator is that the usage of violence in these episodes (7, 25 
34 and 52) is not the expression of fun, rather it indicates fear, frustration and anger. In episode 25, the maknae wounded the doctor out of jealousy and frustration unconsciously. He wished to be close to the celebrity. Interesting is that chapter 43 represents the true exception. Here, the readers could discover the champion’s true face: he was behaving like a brute and thug 
(chapter 43) 
(chapter 43) Yet, his words were just empty threats. And what have episode 25 and 43 in common? Fun and learning. (chapter 43) To say that the athlete always has a bad temper 
(chapter 52) is simply wrong, for it is not representing the truth. The birthday party is the evidence of their lie. And the fact that the fighters went to the same place than for the birthday party exposes the deception from the ex-members. (chapter 43) (chapter 52) But since Potato was not present that day, he can not criticize them for their hypocrisy. However, notice that they are describing the celebrity exactly like the manager: “his temper”. It is a cheap excuse, especially when they had a good time on the celebrity’s birthday.
2. 6. Number 7 and apprehension
I detected another similarity between all these episodes. It is about getting caught or not! While the main couple was not discovered in the shower room (episode 7), the champion caught Heo Manwook on the verge of raping his fated partner (chapter 16) But like mentioned above, he misjudged the situation, hence the crime was not reported properly. This stands in opposition to the puppy’s behavior at the gym. Though he arrived later, he was still able to detect what had happened between the main leads. (chapter 25) It is no coincidence, it shows the strength of our cute puppy. He is mentally stronger than his role model. His intuition and his critical thinking are better developed. As soon as he discovered the true nature of their relationship, he kept it a secret. Moreover, he didn’t condemn them for doing it at the workplace. Interesting is that he made a mistake himself as a fighter, but he didn’t get reprimanded. 
(chapter 25) Why? It is because the doctor protected him by explaining the circumstances: he was learning jujitsu. He diverted the champion’s attention from Yoon-Gu. He had not been “caught”. However, when Kim Dan was offered to become the celebrity’s sparring partner, Potato got angry and voiced his anger and wish: (chapter 25) Yes, this is the reflection from that scene at the hospital: (chapter 52) And what had happened to Potato, when he yelled at Joo Jaekyung? Nothing… the champion only paid attention to his soulmate, while Kim Dan saw his disappointment which pushed him to accept the challenge. (chapter 25) And who was absent during that day? Park Namwook. It is no coincidence, for the latter stands for scolding, silencing and social norms. No doctor had ever entered the ring to fight. These are two different worlds. And now, you comprehend why the manager vented his anger on the fighter. (chapter 26) (chapter 52) Park Namwook is using his seniority and social norms to justify his “violence”. The young man should have never raised his voice at his hyung. But like mentioned in the previous essay, the man is just an employee of Team Black, he doesn’t own the gym. This shows that he abused his position to a certain extent. So far, the harsh treatment had been only directed at the champion which the others saw as a normality. And what is the common denominator between all these scenes? Kim Dan never witnessed the beating Joo Jaekyung was receiving from his hyung. (chapter 43) The latter has not been caught by the hamster yet. But it is only a matter of time, until he gets apprehended. As soon as the physical therapist makes this discovery, he can only question the manager’s attitude. Notice that in the last image, the manager scared the doctor with his rough gesture. Now that many members left the gym, the pressure on the remaining fighters can only increase. Hence Park Namwook could expose his true personality. He has high expectations for the remaining members. But we will see. One thing is sure. the 90 day suspension represents an important turning point in the athlete’s life. The purpose of Team Black is now changing. It is no longer for the champion’s sake and career. The celebrity needs to give a new goal for his gym.
As for chapter 34, the couple got caught by Heesung, but this was on purpose!! (chapter 34) The exact opposite to chapter 25! Observe what the actor said about the athlete: 
(chapter 34) He employed the exact expression than the manager, an indication that the latter had influenced the actor. I consider his thoughts as another evidence for the coach’s intervention. However, he couldn’t report it to Park Namwook, for he had used work as a reason to meet the protagonist. On the other hand, I am quite certain that he divulged the incident to Potato in episode 43, therefore the latter agreed to the statement of the other fighters: he was a thug. 
(chapter 47) Chapter 52 contrasts to all the previous scenes, for this time, the champion got caught and sentenced. (chapter 52) His suspension is the result of his misbehavior, he used violence and as such he broke MFC rules. It was not related to his sexual behavior (contrary to episode 7, 16, 25, 34 and 43), hence I am assuming that this topic will become a hot topic in season 2. When will he be caught in a compromising situation with Kim Dan? Moreover, his sentence is only valid in MFC world, hence his reputation is not truly ruined. While the main lead got caught and punished, the opposite happened to the villains: (chapter 52) They got scot-free. While it looks like a blessing, it is not because contrary to the past, police got involved. Coach Jeong Yosep reported the incident to the authorities, so Choi Gilseok and the other could get arrested for money laundering. (chapter 52) But what did the hyungs do during that incident? They stood there immobile, yet they could have anticipated his reaction after hearing the constant provocations. They knew about his “temper”. So their passivity, negligence and incompetence was truly exposed in episode 52. They got caught by attentive readers. And this brings me to my final thought: how does Park Namwook judge the incident? (chapter 52) It is not a question of “good luck”, the exact opposite of episode 1. (chapter 1) His bad temper is the reason for that incident. Funny is that by admitting this, he is not realizing his own wrongdoing! He neglected the champion’s mental health and his well-being all this time. He never tried to grasp the origins of his irritability and to improve the situation. So it was only a matter of time, until this would come to the surface! To conclude, though number 7 is strongly connected to suffering, it also stands for education and teaching. Thus as time passes on, the characters are getting enlightened and more complete. Little by little, they are getting closer to the divine: the discovery of hope and as such happiness. For me, the protagonists’ main spiritual growth will take place around the episodes 70-79.
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Jinx: 3️⃣ 7️⃣The Magic Of Numbers 🧚♂️🧝♂️8️⃣ – (second version)
Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa: Jinx But be aware that the manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx “Guilty Truth Or Dare – part 2” (locked)
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1. Numbers, Mathematics and Magic
How can numbers be associated with magic? The latter stands for mystery and supernatural forces, while the other representing Mathematics symbolize rationality and logic. It looks like a contradiction, yet let’s not forget that without Mathematics, we wouldn’t be able to understand our world. How? The function of mathematics is multi-faceted and integral to various aspects of human life. Some key functions of mathematics include:
- Problem-solving: Mathematics provides a systematic approach to solving problems across different fields, from science and engineering to economics and social sciences.
- Modeling and prediction: Mathematics allows us to create models that represent real-world phenomena, enabling us to make predictions and understand complex systems.
- Quantification: Mathematics provides a language for quantifying and measuring quantities, allowing us to describe and compare different phenomena.
- Analysis: Mathematics provides tools for analyzing data, patterns, and relationships, helping us gain insights and make informed decisions.
- Communication: Mathematics serves as a universal language that facilitates communication and collaboration among people with diverse backgrounds and cultures.
As you can see, they help us to solve problems in our daily life, but more importantly, thanks to them we can make predictions. Indirectly, it shows that numbers are strongly connected with magic, for they are used as a key to understand the unknown, to anticipate bad things. It was, as if they were the key to communicate with the unknown. It was, as if numbers were a language on their own. That’s why they appear so magical. Under this new light, it becomes understandable why certain people came to see numbers as something supernatural. It was, as if the gods and stars were trying to communicate with humans. Let’s not forget that numbers in religions play a huge role. In Christianity, we have one representing unity and the monotheistic nature of God, then 3 with Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and divine perfection. In addition, seven is associated with completeness, perfection, and divine order (e.g., seven days of creation), whereas 12 represents completeness or wholeness (e.g., twelve apostles, twelve tribes of Israel). Finally, we have forty, which often signifies a period of testing, preparation, or transformation (e.g., forty days of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, which is quite similar in Islam (forty days of fasting in Ramadan: trial and purification). In Hinduism, three represents the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) and the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction, then 4 symbolizes the four stages of life (ashramas) and the four aims of life (purusharthas) and finally 8 stands for prosperity, abundance, and cosmic balance (e.g., eight directions, eight forms of Lakshmi). I could include other religions like Buddhism or Judaism which all have special numbers (1, 3, 7, 10, 18). To conclude, numbers are connected to belief, to celestial and divine world, and they embody certain notions. This observation brings me to my main topic, Numerology, particularly Chaldean numerology.
2. Chaldean Numerology
The latte is a belief system that ascribes meaning to numbers and their influence on human life. Originating from ancient Chaldea, a region in the Middle East, Chaldean numerology assigns specific vibrations and characteristics to each number from 1 to 8, as the number 9 is considered a sacred, spiritual number.
In Chaldean numerology, each letter of the alphabet is assigned a numerical value, and by analyzing names or words, practitioners can derive insights into personality traits, life path, and future events. These numerical values are based on the vibrations associated with the sound of each letter rather than its alphabetical order.
Chaldean numerology is often used to gain insight into various aspects of life, including career choices, relationships, and personal development. By calculating and interpreting numerical patterns, individuals may uncover hidden strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth.
Overall, Chaldean numerology offers a unique perspective on the significance of numbers in shaping human experiences and guiding life’s journey. It remains a popular tool for self-discovery and personal empowerment among those who believe in its principles. As you can see, it helps people recurring to Numerology to solve problems, to make decisions which will affect their life, to anticipate bad events. However, like pointed above, this “science” is based on faith and not “facts”. How so? It is because Numerology believes in supernaturality, and the latter is a synonym for occultism, prophecy, magic and even hocus-pocus. That’s why here I feel the need to remind my readers that the content of this essay is not representing my own belief. Just perceive me as a neutral commentator. The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate that Mingwa used this system to develop her story. How can I prove it? I could answer to this question very quickly, yet it would ruin the fun. Hence I would like first to demonstrate how I came to discover this influence.
3. Return to the past
If I look back at my previous examinations, it started with Potato and chapter 22. 
(chapter 22) Back then, I came to realize that both ukes were associated with the number 2. Shortly after, while making a first portrait of Cheolmin, I noticed that this cute doctor was linked to numbers 1, 3, 4. 
At the same time, I connected him to the sky, an angel. As you can observe it, my observations led me little by little to planets and numerology. But the major turning point was, when I perceived Kim Dan as a representative of Saturn 
. From that moment on, I came to associate Jinx-characters with gods and as such planets. Hence in the essay 
, I made the following connections. Potato was Venus, and his soulmate Choi Heesung is Mercury. Then Joo Jaekyung is Jupiter and the Sun, whereas Kim Dan was Saturn and the Moon. 
That’s how I discovered that Kim Dan was associated with the number 8. Thus in the composition A Summer Night’s Dream, I outlined that this was Kim Dan’s night, for 44 stands for 8. And do you know what 44 mean in Numerology? 
HEALING! That’s the night Kim Dan got healed. (chapter 44) During that night, he realized that time was flowing. It helped him to reconnect with the present and forget his abandonment issues. How so? This revelation was necessary to make him realize that his promise with his halmoni was impossible. She was a mortal, exactly like him. This lovely night gave him the strength to face reality 
(chapter 47) and digest the terrible news. 
(chapter 47) Thanks to the champion, Kim Dan discovered that he could receive warmth and love from someone else. And now, you can grasp why he was strong enough to give the present to Joo Jaekyung despite his fear, why he could confront his boss in the locker room in episode 51. Thanks to this magical night, he learned that he could stand on his own. He is an adult now. But wait… people might question this interpretation, for there was no teamwork in episode 11. (chapter 11) When Park Namwook and Kwak Junbeom saw that he was wounded, the manager could detect the doctor’s lie. But what did they do? Nothing, they acted, as if they had not detected his lie. However, don’t forget the champion’s reaction. 
(chapter 11) He treated him as an important member of his team, he needed his assistance. Secondly, who helped Kim Dan with his struggles? Joo Jaekyung. (chapter 11) He might have taken advantage of the situation, yet contrary to the others, he did something despite his ignorance. (chapter 11) They were a team… working together, relying on each other. 22 announced a new start, for the champion divulged that he was living with the cute hamster. (chapter 22) Secondly, notice that he showed his true power in the break room. He is the true owner of the gym 
(chapter 22) It is important, because it indicates that little by little, Joo Jaekyung is taking over the gym. From that chapter on, he was building his world from the ground”.
In episode 33
(chapter 33), we could see Joo Jaekyung’s success reached its peak, as he had just signed a contract with the Entertainment agency. “Reaching the pinnacles of success” was also reflected in another situation. The champion was allowed to touch his lover’s phallus 
(chapter 33), something he had been denied before (chapter 24). Moreover, he was able to get a confession from Kim Dan. 
(chapter 33) The latter would react to him, only him could make him cum. Moreover, observe that in the heat of the moment, Kim Dan embraced his lover which surprised both. 
(chapter 33) The cute doctor was unconsciously accepting to be intimate with his boss. Thus he whispered to the sportsman. (chapter 33) In other words, the athlete had been successful in the car, though there is no doubt that he reacted more to the situation, he feared to lose his lover to the frenemy Choi Heesung.
4. The magical 6
But what was the trigger for this essay? First, while examining chapter 51, especially the argumentation between Kim Dan and his soulmate, I noticed parallels with episode 15. Through this table, it become visible that Mingwa created episode 51 as a positive reflection.
| Chapter 15 | Chapter 51 |
|---|---|
 |   |
A request, but notice that he is avoiding the athlete’s gaze. He only starts talking, when the other is turning his back to him.  But even so, he is not able to look at his VIP client. Kim Dan is the one avoiding the athlete. |  Both faced each other. They voiced their own thoughts and emotions.  They are no longer avoiding discomfort, a sign that they are getting closer to each other. |
| Here Manhwa-lovers can detect Joo Jaekyung’s arrogance and detachment. Both were not true to themselves. They were both beating around the bush. No one voiced exactly what they truly desire from each other, for they were not listening to their own heart. | However, their discussion ended with a question pushing both characters to meditate. Why doesn’t he trust me yet? How can I earn it? Why don’t I trust him, though we live together? Why don’t I trust him, when he prepared breakfasts for me? Why don’t I trust him, when he was able to heal my shoulder? |
It is no coincidence that the numbers are reflecting each other. But more importantly, if you add the numbers together, you have six. 6 embodies Venus, the goddess of love. And now, you know why in my illustration 
I selected pictures from episode 6, 33 and 51! They are all connected to the same number. This signifies that we should examine the following chapters 6, 15, 24, 33, 42, and 51 as a continuation or better said as reflections. Hence they stand for love, but don’t forget that Venus also embodies fertility, prosperity and victory. How so? She was the ancestor of the Roman people through her son, Aeneas, who survived the fall of Troy and fled to Italy. That’s why she came to symbolize Rome’s imperial power. Yes, these chapters are mirroring a battle, who has the upper hand in the couple.
| Chapter 6 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 24 | Chapter 33 | Chapter 42 | Chapter 51 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  |   |     |  |     | |
So the moment I connected these episodes to each other, I noticed the progression in their relationship. First, when the deal was made, the physical therapist could never refuse. He had to please his partner at any time and place and he could make any request. But it changed in the locker room, Kim Dan made a first request. Then in the office, he questioned his boss’ decision before making a request. But contrary to the previous 6, the alpha listened to his plea. Thus Potato was sent away. Then in the car, for the first time, Kim Dan voiced a desire. He even allowed his partner to touch his penis, something he had rejected before. Then in the penthouse, he cooked a breakfast, though he was tired. Interesting is that by earning money as a courier, he never realized that he was actually violating their deal. Joo Jaekyung could no longer ask for sex at any moment and at any place. This shows that though Kim Dan had become the owner of his life. He was liberating himself from his situation as “whore”. He could find a new job, if he wanted to. Joo Jaekyung had no saying in his life. It was teaching Joo Jaekyung a lesson, he shouldn’t have intervened, when Choi Heesung offered him a job. Indirectly, he was forbidding him to work elsewhere as PT. Under this new light, Manhwaphiles can grasp the lie from the green-haired uke. On the other hand, it is not surprising why the champion got mad at Kim Dan in the penthouse. He couldn’t admit that he had come to enjoy his presence in his flat. He could no longer bring up their previous deal. (chapter 45) By taking a side gig, the main lead pushed the athlete to recognize him as a true physical therapist and not as a whore. This new interpretation reinforces my conviction that the sex before the match with Baek Junmin was different, it had lost its true value and meaning: it was no longer a belief, rather a habit. Kim Dan could even determine the end of the sex session. (chapter 53) So when Kim Dan asked him this question (chapter 51), he was forced to recall their initial deal. (chapter 6) This condition represented a violation to his belief, the jinx. Having sex with Kim Dan had nothing to do with his career and fights. Moreover, in order to make an oral deal, you need to trust the counterpart. However, money played a huge role in the creation of their deal, therefore he mistrusted him. Finally, notice that gradually they were moving on from their initial deal. The result is that sex is no longer present in episode 51. I would say, the turning point is episode 42, where there was no sex between them, yet this topic was still present through the former partner. But what does the number 6 mean in Jinx?
In my eyes, they display all a change and as such marks a first time for Kim Dan. While in episode 6, they made a new deal, in episode 15, Joo Jaekyung faced his lover for the first time after kissing him. 
(chapter 15) But there’s more to it. It was also a first for the champion. He invited Kim Dan to watch the show. Imagine that he had never invited any sex partner before. Then in episode 24, he listened to the doctor’s request without any complain. Then in episode 33, for the first time, Joo Jaekyung focused on giving Kim Dan’s anal pleasure. It was, as if the star wanted to trigger desires in Kim Dan. Then in episode 42, Joo Jaekyung witnessed that Kim Dan was doing the breakfasts out of “routine” and not out of pleasure. Thus he always fell asleep. On the other hand, the physical therapist got confronted with a rival for the first time. Finally, in episode 51, Joo Jaekyung is now acknowledging Kim Dan as his final doctor. He is voicing his expectation: meticulousity. (chapter 51) All their discussion was about work and loyalty. 
(chapter 51) By bringing the topic money (chapter 51), the champion could finally voice his biggest fear. Deep down, he knew that their relationship was based on money. But with one sentence, the doctor could remove his doubts and insecurities. (chapter 51) His voice and facial expression exposed the doctor’s shock and disappointment. He thought, the champion would trust him. It is important, because this means that from now on, their bond is based on the heart. This painful conversation opened their heart and mind, the exact opposite of this scene, where the prejudices from each other got reinforced. 
(chapter 6) (chapter 6) Moreover, I would like to point out that contrary to his altercation with his manager (chapter 46) , he listened to Kim Dan till the end. (chapter 51) Here, he didn’t fear the discussion, he voiced his true thoughts and emotions. And observe that this scene is also connected to number 6. Another common denominator is that in both scenes, the champion left the room, yet his motivations were totally different. The comment from the doctor had affected him which we could observe here. 
(chapter 51) He was more than caught by surprise, in my opinion, it must have dawned on him that he might have been wrong about the doctor. Hence he got upset. Seeing the physical therapist’s face was like a reminder that he had made a mistake, he had not trusted Kim Dan, while the latter had not.
5. The answer is in the numbers
And now, it is time to expose the biggest evidence that Mingwa has been using Chaldean Numerology. The moment I discovered 6, I started wondering which number the characters from Jinx were associated with. So far, I had come to the deduction was Kim Dan’s number was 8 through my examination. But is it true or not? As for Joo Jaekyung, I saw him linked to Jupiter and the sun (3 or 1). Thus I looked for a validation.
On this website, I tipped the name Kim Dan, his birthday 26. 12. 1994 (as he is 29). I am assuming 1994, for the story started more or less in 2023 and it is the same year in Jinx: July. And this is what I found. His radical and name number is 8, whereas his destiny number is 7. His color is Black, his fast day is Saturday and his favorable days are Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Actually, it confirmed that the young man was represented by Saturn and the number 8. As for his destiny number, I believe that his fate is to meet Cheolmin (chapter 13) and Alfredo (chapter 47). Remember that for me, Cheolmin is connected to Neptune, hence we have the number 1, 3 and 4. Thus it would validate my hypothesis that at the restaurant, Joo Jaekyung was talking to the cute doctor. (chapter 43) On the other hand, you are probably wondering how I came to this new theory. It’s simple. It’s because of his name. Alfredo is connected to the number 7. In addition, his name signifies wise counselor.
Alfredo is the Italian, Spanish and Portuguese form of the English masculine name Ælfræd (Alfred). The name is comprised of the Olde English elements “ælf” meaning ‘elf’ (one with supernatural powers), and “ræd” which means ‘to counsel’. Alfred is one of those few English forenames that both predated and survived the Norman Conquest of 1066. Quoted from https://ohbabynames.com/all-baby-names/alfredo/
And now, you understand why I added the elf in the illustration. This signifies that we have another mythical creature in the Manhwa. So far, I detected the presence of the dragon, the angel, the goblin and the gumiho. However, it is important to know that the portrait of elves in the Lord Of The Rings is only reflecting one aspect of their true personality. In fact, in the past, these creatures were not necessarily embodying goodness and light.
In Germanic mythology, elves were seen as the spirits of the dead who were either helpful or harmful to humans. […]
1. Norse mythology: In Norse mythology, elves are known as light elves or dark elves. They were believed to be the first beings created by the god Freyr, who gave them the gift of beauty and long life. The light elves lived in the realm of Alfheim, which was ruled by the god Freyr. They were associated with nature, fertility, and creativity. On the other hand, the dark elves lived in Svartalfheim, which was ruled by the dwarf king, Ivaldi. They were known for their skills in crafting and forging.
2. Germanic folklore: In Germanic folklore, elves were believed to be supernatural beings that lived in forests, mountains, and meadows. They were often depicted as mischievous and playful creatures that enjoyed playing pranks on humans. However, they could also be helpful and benevolent, especially towards those who showed them respect and kindness. In some stories, elves were said to be the protectors of nature and wildlife. https://fastercapital.com/content/Mythology–The-Mythical-Beings–Elves-in-Ancient-Mythology.html#Origins-and-History-of-Elves
Moreover, in German, the word “Albtraum” (nightmare) comes from “aelf”, because in the past, people used to think that they would cause nightmares.
Der Alb/Der Alp: A mythical creature from Germanic folklore, similar to demon or goblin, believed to sit on and compress people’s chests as they sleep. The English equivalent of this word would be elf (in fact, the English word elf is cognate with the German word Alp), while the equivalent demon is an incubus or succubus. A related word is der Alpdruck, meaning elf pressure, which is used to refer to the feeling of pressure on one’s chest during a nightmare. Quoted from https://blogs.transparent.com/german/the-german-nightmare/
Thus I come to the following deduction. Alfredo represents a dark elf, and Kim Dan is fated to meet him in order to face his biggest fears from the past. For me, it is the vanishing of his parents. Remember that Alfredo is Italian, during the magical night in the States, we could see the city Venice, which is surrounded by water. 
, (chapter 39) In chapter 53, we discover that it was the halmoni’s dream to see the ocean, like we could observe it in his old house. 
(chapter 17) However, in the last panel, Joo Jaekyung was leading his loved one, symbolizing that he would bring him to different places. Thus the doctor had to follow him to Busan (city next to the sea) and to the USA. At the end of season 1, it becomes clear that the champion will follow the doctor’s footsteps. He will got to the West Coast. Yet, in reality, the fighter is actually following the grandmother’s trail. Moreover, note that the doctor’s dream was to travel too. However, this desire is strongly connected to his relative. 
(chapter 47) As you can see, we have dream and ocean combined together. But if the ocean is connected to dream, how did I come to associate Alfredo with the dark elf? My theory is that the sea also represents the source of his suffering and as such his nightmare. I believe that his parents died drowning which would explain this reaction in the swimming pool. 
(chapter 27) Yet according to my previous interpretation, the PT’s totem is the duck: 
(chapter 19) A bird that is associated with water. And what is the common denominator between these last three panels? (Chapter 17) (Chapter 27) (Chapter 47) The number 7… All of them are oozing pain and fear, but also they are linked to water: (chapter 7) (chapter 37) 
(chapter 47) The bridge from San Francisco is a place where people often commit suicide. My idea is that after they vanished, the halmoni never discussed their death with him. Since the grandmother was harassed by the loan shark, I can only assume that they killed themselves due to the debts, and suicide is a huge taboo in South Korea. Notice that his first trip led him to Busan which is a town next to the sea. However, back then, he had not the time to go to the beach. But when he went to the States, it was far from the coast, as UFC/MFC is located in Las Vegas. Hence he came to enjoy his trip. In fact, it inspired him to travel. (chapter 47)
So if my theory is correct, then Mingwa made sure that Kim Dan wouldn’t meet Alfredo too soon. He needed to be ready for that trip. Thus fortunately he got injured. My point is that we should make connections between episodes containing the name number, like for example 2, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52… At the same time, I also think, Alfredo could announce the emancipation for both characters, for pain has a positive effect on people: growth and change. Moreover, it is important to underline that the city “Venice” represents a combination of nature and civilization. Since it is surrounded by water, the latter has the upper hand. In other words, Venice stands for balance.
And now, it is time to give the champion’s number. I tipped Joo Jaekyung, 21. 06. 1997. His radical and name number is 3 confirming my observation. He is Jupiter. As for his destiny number, it is 8 and as such Kim Dan. This implies that Joo Jaekyung was following his destiny, when he chose the cute hamster as his partner. But it is not the same for Kim Dan. This signifies that loving the champion will be the doctor’s own choice. At the same time, it implies that the doctor will have the upper hand in their relationship. But his favorable numbers are 6 and 9… and now, you understand the signification of 6! These chapters helped him to metamorphose. No wonder why his wish got fulfilled in episode 39: 
(chapter 39) Then his favorable days are Thursday, Tuesday and Friday. And if we combine the days from the two protagonists, there is only Wednesday off.
As for Potato, I tipped 19.08. 2003. His radical number is 1, while his name number is 4. But more importantly his destiny number is 5! Keep in mind that for me, Heesung is Mercury, number 5. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Heesung could woo Potato. 
(chapter 35) We have a 5, but 3+5= 8, the double of 4. Besides, his favorable numbers are 1, 7, 4. Then we would have the explanation why he became more important in episode 22
(chapter 22), why he protected the doctor from Heesung in episode 31
(chapter 31), why he asked for Kim Dan in episode 40 and why he reappeared in episode 47. 
(chapter 47) and helped him in the locker room. (chapter 49)
As you can imagine, I could write much more about this topic. Here, I just analyzed the number 6 and a little 7. But before closing this composition, I would like my readers to look again at the list of the master numbers. As you can imagine, when I saw the signification for 55 (“lesson for communication”), my hopes got up, for it indicates that the protagonists will open up to each other. 5+5= 10, which means 1. This number stands for unity, moreover it symbolizes equity. Nevertheless, don’t forget that anguish is necessary in order to make them growth. Hence I am still expecting a painful conversation. They would reveal their wounds to each other. Consequently, it should diverge from episode 5 (violence, silence, avoidance), 45 (restrained strength, yelling but avoidance), 51 (no violence, yelling, confrontation and a question). The force is slowly vanishing replaced by words.
If you liked this type of essay, then it would be great to let me know. I could focus on other numbers, like for example 3 or 8 or 1, and their connections to the protagonists and the villains. That’s why I wrote part 1, but if I receive no feedback, then I will like it to my readers to analyze the numbers and their signification.
Feel free to comment. If you have any suggestion for topics or manhwas, feel free to ask. If you enjoyed reading it, retweet it or push the button like. My Reddit-Instagram-Twitter-Tumblr account is: @bebebisous33. Thanks for reading and for the support, particularly, I would like to thank all the new followers and people recommending my blog.
Protected: Jinx/Banana Scandal/Doctor Frost/ BJ Alex: Guilty Truth ⚖ or Dare 🤥🤡 – part 2
Jinx / Doctor Frost / BJ Alex : Guilty Truth or Dare ⚖️ (part 1) – second version
Please support the authors by reading the Manhwas on the official websites. I am also using doctor Frost and Bj Alex as references. This is where you can read the Manhwas: Bj Alex, Jinx and Doctor Frost. But be aware that the first three Manhwas are mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first analysis about BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx “Precious Puppy Pals“
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
1. Return to the past
The trigger for this title was initially chapter 34. 😮 When the latter was released, this title came to my mind, but I never got the time and chance to write about it, for people were too upset about the champion’s behavior. He had broken the doctor’s trust by exposing their relationship to Choi Heesung. Back then, many Jinx-philes were upset to the point that I chose to focus on the author’s decisions for such an outcome. Thus I wrote the essay “Why?“. Since the whole story hasn’t been completed yet, I could only present assumptions. Hence that analysis contains some errors, though the main interpretation was correct. The relationship between the two main leads helps them to heal each other so that they can find happiness. This reminded of Doctor Frost, where the psychiatrist in charge of Doctor Baek tried to treat his PTSD by encouraging him to treat another patient suffering from the same disorder. 
(chapter 140) 
(chapter 149) Both were suffering from survivor guilt. To conclude, Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan represent the bitter medicine for their scars. I mentioned “bitter”, because through their loved one, they are forced to face painful moments. That’s how they can overcome their past and discover happiness. However, while looking for a new title, I rediscovered the first illustration 
, and it suddenly made click in my head. To conclude, I had another revelation concerning episode 50.
2. “What have you done?”
I could connect my illustration to episode 50 and in particular to this image: 
. (chapter 50) At first glance, the champion is blaming Kim Dan for the wound. He betrayed him. However, his words could have a different signification. Don’t forget that a message always has 4 sides according to Schulz von Thun. 
Consequently, while many saw this question as a “factual information” and as such as an accusation, the reality is that it gave us an insight about the sender too. The sportsman was not using the personal pronoun “I” or “me” in his inquiry. As you can see, the absence of the personal pronoun is indicating that Joo Jaekyung was in reality not referring to him and his wounds. He is not prioritizing himself, rather the doctor and his action. So this question could be prompted by curiosity or a desire to understand the person’s recent activities. Thus I deduce that the champion was asking his lover to tell him the truth. He should come clean. He desired a honest explanation. His attitude reminded me of an adult confronting his child.
Finally, the expression “What have you done?” (chapter 50) is strongly intertwined with the notion “crossing the line” or “daring”. It was, as if the physical therapist had dared to do something… Thus I believe that Joo Jaekyung must have perceived the gesture as the game “Truth or Dare” and not as betrayal. How is it possible? Don’t forget the absence of the personal pronoun “I” or “me”. He was focusing on the action itself. However, after the match which ended with a tie, he needed to find an explanation for his “failure”. (chapter 51) But note that he never accused Kim Dan of assault, but of leaking information. That’s the reason why I don’t think that this inquiry “What have you done” was about seeking accountability. In that case, he wouldn’t have rejected the doctor’s offer. By letting him treat his wound, Kim Dan would have become responsible for the injury. 
(Chapter 50) It becomes comprehensible why the Emperor refused the offer. The rejection was the symbol of his “trust” in Kim Dan unconsciously. Astonishing, right, though people and Kim Dan had the opposite impression. Yet, because of the “tie”, Kim Dan felt responsible for the incident, therefore he apologized. 
(chapter 51) This means, the main lead recognized his responsibility. He should have checked the spray more carefully. The champion could perceive this excuse as a confession of his complicity. Hence he asked his lover if he was the spy. (chapter 51) This signifies that in episode 51, he dared to question his physical therapist’s loyalty. Yes, we have another “Truth or Dare” in episode 51.
3. Truth or Dare in the locker room
But why would the athlete think of the game “Truth or Dare” in the locker room? It is because the star has long internalized this “mind-set”. From my perspective, this game played a huge role in his traumas. My theory is that he is suffering from different traumas, and one of them is BETRAYAL Trauma, which I will elaborate further below. But let’s return our attention to the two protagonists. My avid readers will certainly recall that I had long detected the existence of “challenges” between Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung. [For more read the essay Delicate challenge]. However, this game became truly obvious in episode 34 with Choi Heesung. It is important, because truth plays an important part in overcoming mental illness (abandonment issues, trust issues). The patients need to face verity and as such they need to cross the line: return to the painful past. Thus I come to the conclusion that in episode 50, the champion was not able to face his biggest fear: betrayal. 
(chapter 50) This is the face of a scarred man. Yet, contrary to the past, he is not expressing his fear through rage. That’s the reason why his emotions were controlled. Under this new light, Manhwaworms grasp why the athlete asked such a question from his soulmate: (chapter 50) He was afraid of confronting his physical therapist. His inquiry was ambiguous contrary to the one in episode 51. The problem is that he had to hear that he had not won. 
(chapter 51) Interesting is that he was more pained by the idea of a betrayal from Kim Dan than the tie, if you compare these two panels: 
(chapter 51) He imagined that Kim Dan had dared to cross the line because of money. (chapter 51) But note that at no moment, he is accusing him of an assault. Because of this confrontation, Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan had a honest conversation. The doctor asked him a painful question (chapter 51) which the emperor needed to hear. He has trust issues. And the moment he saw the doctor’s facial expression, he could only get shocked and hurt. (chapter 51) He could sense the wound in doc Dan’s voice and gaze. It is important, because the sentence “You don’t trust me?” is actually constructed like a statement and not like a question. It only becomes a question through the tone. Through the latter, the champion could detect his partner’s genuine pain. The wounded tone could only move the champion’s heart. Kim Dan dared with a single question to shake the fighter’s confidence. No wonder why he reacted badly. (chapter 51) On the other hand, don’t let yourself get fooled by this rude request. The reality is that the alpha didn’t chase away the doctor, in truth he was the one running away. (chapter 51) Thus Kim Dan could overcome this shocking but terrible discovery: he hadn’t earned the full trust from Joo Jaekyung yet. (chapter 51) As my avid readers can see, my perception about chapter 50 was confirmed with episode 51. The arguments in the locker room were reflecting the quarrel in the penthouse with Choi Heesung. What is the common denominator between these two scenes? The lack of trust from Joo Jaekyung, but his private PT failed to realize it in the penthouse. Why? It’s because he chose to trust his destined partner.
| Chapter 34/35 | Chapter 51 |
|---|---|
 I believe you = I trust you | Here, the doctor is forced to meditate on the reasons for the champion’s mistrust. This can only incite him to reflect on his past behavior (the silence about his meeting with Choi Gilseok) |
 | |
| | |
 |  |
And this brings me to the following remark. In the locker room, through the question “You don’t trust me?” Kim Dan was actually fulfilling the athlete’s wish: (chapter 15) He told him something that he didn’t know. Note that after the terrible meeting with the actor, Joo Jaekyung couldn’t even find the answer himself: 
(chapter 35) He was still clueless about the trigger for his behavior. With this inquiry “You don’t trust me”, the hamster pushed his destined partner to face his biggest fear: trust someone and in particular him. This conversation can only incite him to meditate about their relationship. So while in episode 15, he behaved like a pouting child 
(chapter 15), in the latest episode, Jinx-philes can perceive his growth and maturity. (chapter 51) His gaze is softer, he is no longer hiding his emotional wound and he is able to ask a painful question. (chapter 15) This painful incident was a wake-up call Thus I come to the following deduction. Kim Dan will try to earn the champion’s trust, whereas the champion will be forced to take a leap of faith towards Kim Dan. Contrary to episode 34, the champion could see the truth directly through the doctor’s gaze and voice: (chapter 51) This scene stands for honesty and forthrightness, whereas the encounter in the penthouse symbolizes acting, artificiality and self-deception. 
(chapter 34) As a conclusion, while the champion thought that his loved one had dared to cross the line, he was confronted with truth. He was biased and mistrusting his room mate and PT. This shows that though dare was the opposite choice of truth, the fighter ended up to be confronted with verity.
4. The daring but coward imugi and gumiho
And now, it is time to present my observations about episode 34 which I couldn’t present before. Choi Heesung dared to challenge the Emperor by forcing him to deny the truth. He had no feelings for doc Dan. (chapter 34) These questions were all rhetorical: 
(chapter 34) This signifies that in the sauna, truth was not standing in opposition to daring. The sauna reminded me of the cavern where an imugi hides, until the latter leaves its hidden place and find his star, his yeouiju. Only then, he can turn into a dragon. To conclude, because of Heesung’s pressure, the imugi had to select between daring or lie. In other words, telling the truth became the challenge itself. Heesung knew that Joo Jaekyung would never confess. 
(Chapter 34) What Heesung wanted was actually a lie by omission or commission which would have been presented as the truth. Through this game, the actor thought that he could impose his will onto the celebrity. He anticipated the athlete’s silence. This signifies that he knew about the star’s denial and turned it against him. Besides, that way Heesung could maintain his good image: he had not stolen his partner and as such there was no cheating. No one was betraying him.
On the other hand, though the protagonist was silent, he couldn’t repress his emotions: Anger! Readers could observe that his rage was coming to the surface. Not only his gaze exposed his emotions 
(chapter 34), but also his hand. (chapter 34) He caught the actor by surprise, the latter never thought that the celebrity would become violent. The redness on his face was displaying that he was barely controlling his annoyance and impatience. (chapter 34) However, they were in a public place, the hotel’s sauna, and the actor is a celebrity. Hence he is protected by his fame and social status. That’s the reason why the champion didn’t hit his frenemy, he had learned his lesson at the gym. 
(chapter 34) Despite his words, the gumiho still got scared. The racing of his heart is an indication of his fright. Therefore he ran away more or less after ordering his trainer not to meddle in his love life. 
(chapter 34) Note that when he did this, he avoided his counterpart’s gaze. Deep down, he knew that he shouldn’t provoke his frenemy too much. Only when he was at the door, he turned around and LIED! 
(chapter 34) Yes, after that incident, he chose to give him a fake excuse for his departure. As you can see, this conversation was strongly intertwined with the notion “truth or dare”, but both ended up lying. Whereas the champion didn’t admit any feelings, the other acted, as if there was nothing wrong and he was not scared. The gumiho thought that if he were to remove the champion from the doctor’s side, the latter would be able to open up to the actor. 
(chapter 34) What does it reveal? The actor had been projecting his own thoughts onto the future dragon too. He was the one who didn’t dare to become more honest with the physical therapist. He used work to spend time with Kim Dan. One might say that Heesung failed terribly. Yet, this is just an illusion, because his “failure” pushed him to become more honest with Kim Dan. Thereby he asked to meet the doctor again. (chapter 34) Yet, the message is exposing that Heesung was still lying, as he kept using work as an excuse. Hence Joo Jaekyung had to intervene again: 
(chapter 34) The champion dared to challenge his rival. (chapter 34) Should he cross the line and steal his “possession”, the other would retaliate and as such cross the line. The dragon pushed the comedian to come clean!! 
(chapter 35) Yes, by challenging the athlete because of Kim Dan, the comedian ended up telling the truth.
However, we can not say that Joo Jaekyung won the defy either. After the first challenge, he might have controlled his temper (chapter 34), but his anxiety reached a new peak, the fear that he might be abandoned. Hence he used the sandbag to vent his temper. And what did the cute puppy do during that incident? He dared to offer his help to his idol: (chapter 34), yet he was in total denial about the reality: it was dangerous. Deep down, the champion knew that it was impossible for him to control his lover’s time, but also his body. Besides, the other problem is that the athlete is rejecting the notion of love. By denying the existence of his own feelings, he can not claim the doctor’s heart. That’s the reason why the champion got so mad and frustrated. (chapter 34) Thus he had to play a trick. Because this nightly meeting represents another round of “Truth or Dare”, (chapter 34) I deduce that he chose lie in the end, for he dared to expose his relationship to Heesung. 
(chapter 34) He was not telling the truth, when he stated that Kim Dan was his “possession”. This explicates why he couldn’t stay by the doctor’s side (chapter 35) after the actor’s departure. He had been acting in front of Heesung. This confession could only kill any desire. Would you feel attracted to a tool or possession? No… Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why Joo Jaekyung had to cover his lover’s eyes and ears. The celebrity knew deep down that if the doctor were to hear his confession, he would be shocked and feel betrayed and hurt. Besides, don’t forget that the protagonist serves as the mirror of truth for Kim Dan. Thereby Jinx-philes can grasp why the visit from Heesung could only remain a secret. He should only hear the truth. Joo Jaekyung chose avoidance and deceptions (chapter 34) in the end. He manipulated the main lead by letting him think that he had no other choice. Yet the last panel displays his trick. It was up to the doctor to decide how he should spend his free time. Nevertheless, while people were mad at the champion for his deception, many failed to realize that the champion was actually deceiving himself. So all the tricks (episode 33 and 34) were manifestations of avoidance, the fear to face the truth: his affection for Kim Dan and this due to a past betrayal. Hence these chapters stand under the sign of silence hidden by “pranks”. 
Interesting is that Kim Dan chose to trust his partner blindly. (Chapter 34) To conclude, he chose TRUTH! The words “I believe you” were important, because the athlete was in the position where he could violate and break that trust. He became the “traitor” which Heesung and readers witnessed. And through that experience, Joo Jaekyung came to trust Kim Dan more, as the latter had put his fate in his hands. Yes, he was encouraged to mirror his attitude. Finally, despite his lies and tricks, the gumiho was able to perceive the truth: 
(chapter 35) On the other hand, the artist could only tell one part of the truth: the presence of feelings. However, the deceptions in the penthouse exposed something else: (chapter 34) his mistrust towards the cute “hamster” and his abandonment issues. He had to deceive him. Under this new light, Manhwaphiles can see why the champion made such a threat to Kim Dan 
(chapter 45) or left the doctor in the locker room in episode 51. (chapter 51) He wished not only to keep the upper hand in their relationship, but also to keep Kim Dan by his side. That’s how it dawned on me why Joo Jaekyung didn’t mention the jinx in the dining room and why he started treating him as his real PT. (chapter 45) It is because by denying his affection, he needs to justify his presence next to him. He is his PT… forcing his enemies to portray the doctor as a traitor or a bad PT. However, they failed, as the champion is not doubting the doctor’s innocence concerning his wound on the foot. Nevertheless, the incident is not closed, as the culprit has not been brought to justice.
5. The schemers and Truth or Dare
There exists another cause why episode 34 is related to the wound in the locker room.
(chapter 50) First, the schemers’ MO corresponds to the game Truth or Dare. Choi Gilseok asked his minion to cross the line. This explicates why they are trying to use tricks and manipulations. Daring means no truth, thus someone will be framed: Kim Dan. Yet, the plotters are not aware that thanks to the cute hamster, the alpha is turned into a mirror of truth. Hence he couldn’t get deceived by the MFC security guys: 
(chapter 40)
And it was the same with the first attempt. What did the manager from the Entertainment agency ask to his client? “You think you can do it?” 
(chapter 36) The lawyer, the journalist and the manager pushed him to choose “dare” and not truth! That’s why there was no interview and the leak was not investigated. He had to prove his strength. 
(chapter 36) And exactly like at the sauna, daring became a synonym for verity. No wonder why the fighter is never rejecting the challenge. It corresponds to his past attitude: he has been burying the truth and as such the past. But let’s return our attention to the plotters.
Because of dare, in the States, the antagonists had planned to trick the champion with the drug. (chapter 37) This mysterious man dared to act as a MFC manager, though my intuition is telling me that he works for MFC. The irony is that by challenging constantly the champion, the plotters are not realizing that through their game, the truth is slowly coming to the surface. How so? In the last panel, the doctor noticed his origins: He is Korean indicating that the conspiracy started in South Korea. As you can see, Kim Dan was able to perceive a glimpse of the truth. Then at the café, Choi Gilseok confessed many things to the doctor: he owns the café, he has connections to the company F Pharmaceutical. Moreover, through this game, the champion is confronted with his fears and past. That’s how he can overcome his traumas. The doctor is the mirror revealing the monsters. Hence I come to the following deduction: the succession of new characters mirrors the champion’s past and traumas. The following characters are involved in the champion’s suffering, though the order of the appearance is exposing the gravity of the involvement: Heesung, 
(chapter 29), the journalist without a face 
(chapter 35), the “fake” MFC agent (chapter 37), the invisible man in the flat 
(chapter 42), Baek Junmin whom the champion couldn’t truly identify 
(chapter 47), then he recognized the director without naming him, 
(chapter 48) and finally the ghost from the past (chapter 54). These characters are all connected to “Truth or Dare”. 
(chapter 50) This scene exposed that the champion repressed a certain incident which is rather common among victims of a trauma, especially people suffering from PTSD. This shows that some traumatic event took place for quite some time, but the champion acted, as if nothing had happened. 
(Doctor Frost, chapter 140 ) That’s how the champion became a zombie, he couldn’t live properly due to his untreated scars. 
(doctor Frost, chapter 139) But thanks to his fated partner, the traumatic past is slowly coming to the surface.
The moment you link the game Truth or Dare to the locker room, it is necessary to include chapter 48. Since the doctor rejected the option “Dare”, he should betray his boss and lover, Choi Gilseok chose to play a trick on Kim Dan and expose him as a traitor. (chapter 48) The director created a stage for the betrayal. That should represent the truth, while in reality it was a lie! Nevertheless, Joo Jaekyung could perceive the truth: Kim Dan had met the director from the rival gym. (chapter 48) Interesting is that Kim Dan didn’t take the risk to bring up the topic to him. (chapter 48) Yes, he didn’t dare to tell him what had happened. No truth… no daring which reflects the games in the sauna and the living room of the penthouse. Kim Dan could have come clean the next morning, but no. This panel explains his silence. He also mistrusted his VIP patient. He had a negative perception of his lover’s mental state. On the other hand, the champion’s attitude reminded me of a parent who has not the time to listen to his child’s problem due to work.
(chapter 48) Should the athlete remember this night, he will realize that he was the one dismissing his physical therapist, although the doctor could have come clean later. At the same time, Joo Jaekyung’s attitude could be mirroring the parent or guardian’s in the past. They didn’t have the time or the inclination to listen to their son, hence the traumatic incident got buried.
But let’s return our attention to our alpha and his hamster. Both share the responsibility for the miscommunication: silence, no risk, but as such no communication and no truth. Yes, when they are together, they dare things (chapter 27), hence truth comes to the surface! Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung feel attracted to each other and have come to love each other. When they speak their mind, they feel comfortable around each other. Truth is strongly connected to communication. Hence the painful conversation in the locker room was necessary. “You don’t trust me?” also reflected the doctor’s attitude. He never tried to approach his room mate 
(chapter 47) and voice his true thoughts and emotions: 
(chapter 45) He lied, when he portrayed himself as grateful. He was avoiding his gaze either. No wonder why the fighter got even more mad and threatened to fire him. Such an attitude could only increase the celebrity’s mistrust, as the latter could discern a certain dishonesty.
So when Choi Gilseok encountered the “puppy” in the hall, the celebrity could notice the doctor’s discomfort. 
(chapter 49) The latter didn’t even greet the director or acted, as if they didn’t know each other. He exposed the existence of a secret, an uncomfortable secret. Consequently, I believe that the champion could only jump to the conclusion that Kim Dan had been indeed acting behind his back, even coerced to do something. (chapter 50) We shouldn’t overlook the usage of present perfect in the question, a sign that the champion was referring to the past as well. Consequently, it is no coincidence that there was a trick. That way, the verity would come to the surface. He was a “traitor”, but the irony is that Park Namwook’s words and blindness stopped the dragon from blaming his soulmate for his injury. 
(chapter 51) Note that the star never came clean with the truth either. 
(Chapter 35) Through the doctor, the champion is encouraged to become honest to himself.
What are the common denominators between these three chapters (34/50/51): SECRET, BETRAYAL and CHEATING! The latter is not just a reference to infidelity, but also to dishonesty. Choi Gilseok used the spray to weaken the emperor and bought the referees and moderator. Keep in mind that in the sauna, the actor desired to come clean with the fighter by divulging his intention. This signifies that the gumiho was actually dropping this principle for the doctor’s sake. 
(chapter 33) Simultaneously, it exposes that the champion has a secret, which is strongly intertwined with betrayal, love, money and deceptions. I couldn’t help myself thinking of “blackmail”. Kim Dan had been coerced to do something, as the director was holding something against him. Hence we have the question: “what have you done?”. Remember how the actor chose to approach the angel. (chapter 31) He tricked his boss by faking an injury. He put the gym under pressure, as this incident could be leaked to the outside. The whole situation reminded me of blackmail. If he did not follow his request, there could be a scandal. That’s the reason why I believe that the champion’s past is linked to blackmail as well. How is it possible? It is because of the game “truth or dare”! The latter is strongly intertwined with divulging information and crossing the line!! To sum up, this game embodies trauma, secret, leaking information, trust and overstepping a boundary or rule. This observation brings me to my next point.
6. The true face of “Truth or Dare”
First, this game is often played with friends. Therefore many are thinking that this game is harmless, yet it is far from the truth.
Even though the game is meant to be fun to challenge a dare to our friends and watch them face awkward situations, most of us know when to STOP and are aware about the Do’s and Don’ts and acknowledge the need to maintain rationality in our action. But sometimes we do cross the line into making it a psychological trauma for some. Quoted from http://www.stopbullyingsystem.com/blog/truth-or-dare
The author is pointing out that such a game can cause traumas. First, one problem lies with the limit. Secondly, truth signifies that people are disclosing personal information. Hence TRUST is essential. Without “trust”, the honest confession can be used against them later. Another important aspect is that this fun is strongly intertwined with peers and alcohol! We have the perfect example with this defy: (chapter 9) And what did happen after they left the restaurant? The champion discovered the truth: 
(chapter 10) (chapter 10) Kim Dan was terribly poor, but he was also on his own, missing his grandmother.
Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the athlete avoided the gatherings, before the doctor entered his life. For me, he must have been exposed to the game “Truth or Dare” which led him to suffer greatly. Moreover, look at the reaction of the champion, when he heard about the comedian’s intentions: 
(chapter 34) “Are you drunk?” With this question, the protagonist revealed something about himself. He associates dating and love confession with drunkenness. He implies the existence of a lie. But a confession is strongly associated with verity and sincerity. On the other hand, for the sportsman, no one in his right mind would admit to be in love and in our case to love another man. For me, one part of the problem is that the champion is afraid of admitting his homosexuality. The latter is still a stigma in South Korean society. But there’s more to the game Truth or Dare. If you paid attention to the origin of the last quote, you will realize that this fun is linked to bullying and even hazing.
The school counselor entered and much to my surprise the counselor was there to talk about the game “Truth or Dare”. A fad of this game started at the beginning of the school year and apparently some students were bullied and out casted for not doing a dare. The frustration, and hurt associated with this game is not realized seriously as it should be. The students assume that it is fun to embarrass each other but it is hurtful to some who do not end up enjoying it. One word that instantly crosses my mind is “Bullying”. Some may not agree with that or may even put it in the category of peer-pressure but wherever purposeful action that causes pain and trauma comes, it automatically puts it in the same basket. The main motive of games is to create a healthy environment of fun and laughter and not stress or tension. Quoted from Quoted from http://www.stopbullyingsystem.com/blog/truth-or-dare
If you think carefully, bullying is working similarly to this game. As long as no one reports the students’ aggressive behavior to parents, teachers or authorities (“truth”), the juniors feel safe and can go to the extreme. Many beholders had the impression that Joo Jaekyung had been a victim of bullying due to Baek Junmin’s confession. 
(chapter 49) Furthermore, bullying is never done alone, but in groups. 
(chapter 57) There is one leader and the others are following the flow, the latter even become more proactive by making new bets and suggestions in order to ensure their own safety. As long as no one divulges the truth, the bullies are safe. But there’s more to it. Striking is that the way they coerced the champion to fight resembles to bullying too. He was manipulated with the articles, then with the advises from the lawyer and manager. Once in the States, they tried to drug him, which corresponds to a physical assault. 
(chapter 37) Finally, note that the schemers are working in teams exactly like the bullying students. Therefore I judge Park Namwook’s attitude as the teacher’s who is closing the eye to the truth. He is rather passive and puts the whole responsibility on his “boy”. (chapter 41) It is the champion’s choice to refuse or not the matches. The moment I associated the game with parties, peer groups and bullying, I had many revelations.
First, I couldn’t help myself connecting this “fun” to college and students. That’s how I found this article:
It’s no secret that excessive drinking and sometimes violent hazing happen at welcoming parties for university freshmen. The most recent case which came under the media spotlight involved Dong-A University students in Busan being soaked with makgeolli, a traditional fermented rice drink, mixed with food waste. In a photo posted on the school’s Facebook page, a group of freshmen are standing in a room, with a vinyl curtain hanging behind them. A woman in front of them is pouring makgeolli from a blue plastic bowl onto their heads. Quoted from https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/02/113_201344.html
Yes, the sophomore’s gesture reminded me of the champion’s action at the hotel: (chapter 37) Interesting is the athlete described this night as a party which made me think of a students’ party. Therefore I couldn’t help myself wondering if the champion didn’t go to college, but due to an incident, he was forced to drop out. And the latter could be related to a party organized by students. The latter chose to cover up the incident by remaining silent. I would like to outline that the doctor got fired, though he was actually sexually harassed by his superior. The nurse never testified in his favor, she chose to close an eye to the crime. 
(chapter 1) The main lead never considered her behavior as betrayal and abandonment. In fact, he never considered the crime as a betrayal from an institution. 
(chapter 1) He put the whole blame on the hospital director himself. He is a liar. Furthermore, through these pictures 
(chapter 47) 
(chapter 47), Manhwalovers can see that Kim Dan was a loner. Therefore I doubt that he had friends during his college years. The only person he knew from his school was his mentor: 
(chapter 1) It is important, because it implies that Kim Dan avoided to socialize and participate in gatherings. Interesting is that in season 2, Jinx-philes discover that Kim Dan had been bullied in the past. ( chapter 57) This new discovery reinforces my hypothesis that his fated partner went through a similar experience. Thus I had the following idea.
What if the champion was present at a party and had been left behind by his friend, though he was drunk? Observe the parallels:
| Chapter 9 | Chapter 35 | cHapter 43 | Chapter 44 |
|---|---|---|---|
 |   |  |  |
In episode 9, both puppies were drunk, 
(chapter 9), yet Park Namwook made sure that the physical therapist wouldn’t be abandoned drunk. Thus he tasked his boss to bring him home. And as for Potato, it is clear that Oh Daehyun would take care of him, as he was sleeping in the dormitory next to him. In other words, no one was left behind drunk. But this scene contrasts so much to episode 43. First, no one was missing Potato. No one asked about his absence. Secondly, pay attention that the fighters invited Kim Dan to join them for another round, while they were neglecting their boss, though it was his birthday party. 
(chapter 43) Moreover, they never wondered about his physical condition. Was he drunk or not? Funny is that the intoxicated character was the one who forced Kim Dan to go home. (chapter 43) Actually, it should have been the opposite. The drunk champion should have been protected, but no. For me, it exposes a certain neglect from the members of Team Black, even Park Namwook and Jeong Yosep. Besides, imagine the irony. If Joo Jaekyung had not voiced his desire, triggered by his jealousy,… no one would have paid attention to the protagonist. (chapter 43) It was, as if he would have been indeed left behind. His behavior is the reason why Kim Dan chose to bring him home. 
(chapter 43) That’s what a friend is supposed to do.
And this observation leads me to chapter 35 which I didn’t bring up first on purpose. What caught my attention is that Mingwa placed 2 characters from BJ Alex in episode 35. (chapter 35) Nam Dong-Gyun is taking care of his drunken chingu Kim Myun-Dae. The former is showing an exemplary behavior. But what about Heesung and Potato? (chapter 35) They left Kwak Junbeom behind. Note that Oh Daehyun had gone to the bathroom, so the fighter was alone for a moment. On the other hand, Junbeom was quite safe there, for the owner of the tent knew them. 
(chapter 35) So the auntie could keep an eye on the judo fighter, and it was only a matter of time, until his friend would return. Nevertheless, this scene is implying a certain problem: a drunken person shouldn’t be left unguarded. Thus imagine that during a party, an unconscious person is brought to a room and left there unguarded, as the friend desires to keep partying, similar to this scene: 
(chapter 37) The person could get sexually assaulted, and no one would notice it. Secondly, I would like to outline that the hazing party from the article reminded me a lot to bullying. These freshmen were humiliated, and the perpetrator excused her behavior behind traditions and social norms. So the champion could have been betrayed by a friend, as the latter would have justified his action similarly. So instead of admitting his mistake, he could have justified the incident like this: the victim was responsible for his misery, because he was at the wrong place at the wrong time. It was just his misfortune or better said his jinx. Yes, for me, the jinx is indicating that people responsible for the champion’s traumas were denying their wrongdoings.
7. Truth or Dare in the bathroom
By connecting the game to bullying and coercion, a sudden question popped up. Why would Joo Jaekyung hate to share the shower room with members from Team Black? (chapter 8) From my point of view, this place is not just symbolizing purification and reflection, but also indicating the presence of a wound. As soon as I connected the bathroom and as such water to pain, all the champion’s past behavior appeared in a different light. In episode 3, when he went there, he was wearing his pajamas. 
(chapter 3) Neither Kim Dan nor the protagonist were seen both naked in the shower room. 
(chapter 8) 
(chapter 20) (chapter 30) Therefore I perceive the champion’s last comment as relevant. In my opinion, Kim Dan’s gesture reflected the champion’s mind-set. So by saying this, Joo Jaekyung was forced to admit the absurdity of such an attitude. Therefore Manhwalovers can understand Joo Jaekyung’s annoyance at the sauna. He imagined that he would be alone there. 
(chapter 34) He feels uncomfortable naked around people… As soon as you connect this place to a wound, my avid readers can finally better interpret the champion’s irritation in episode 36: 
(chapter 36) Kim Dan’s entrance could be perceived as a violation, for the champion was naked. This intrusion caught him off-guard. But since his gaze was covered, his anxiety masked behind his anger was diminished. On the other hand, this led him to leave the bathtub undressed and have sex in the kitchen. (chapter 36) For me, everything is pointing out that one of the champion’s fears is intimacy with water. He has long internalized this association. Don’t forget that the sexual encounter in the swimming pool started with clothes, before they got completely removed. 
(chapter 27) Under this new perspective, I don’t think that it is a coincidence that the champion felt the need to take a shower after meeting Baek Junmin and recalling the past. 
(chapter 49) This helped him to overcome his trauma and past wound. (chapter 49) Yet, keep in mind that the athlete’s wounded soul is not the result of one traumatic incident, but of many anguishes.
Another common denominator between all these scenes is that this place is also connected to a challenge: (chapter 3) Kim Dan dared to make him wait (I don’t think the athlete was truly honest here). 
(chapter 8) they dared to have sex next to Oh Daehyun and the other fighter. However, note that in all these scenes, neither the doctor nor the champion were honest. They were both lying… not only to their counter-part, but also to themselves. (chapter 19) That’s the reason why the argument in the locker room (chapter 51) doesn’t represent the final moment where both main leads opened up their heart and mind to each other. They were not truly honest to themselves and to each other. There was no water… and according to me, the spray was a pepper spray, so the champion’s ankle should have been cleaned and not simply covered. For me, both characters need to prove their trust and loyalty to each other. But they are moving in the right direction, for Joo Jaekyung divulged a huge information to Kim Dan. There’s a spy in the gym, hence the doctor will become more observant. He is pushing him to question people’s words and actions, even to say no to others. To conclude, I connect the champion’s trauma to water… and don’t forget that in episode 7, the athlete acted like a bullying member. (chapter 7)
8. The true significance of “Betrayal Trauma”
Because I made a connection between Betrayal trauma, truth or dare, bullying and BJ Alex, I could help myself bringing up Nam Dong-Gyun’s tragic past. The latter represents the perfect example of a person suffering from betrayal trauma. 
(chapter 70) His sexual orientation was exposed in high school, his friends were behind the rumor 
(chapter 70), although we have to envision that his crush played a huge part in it. Why? It is because he didn’t want to be associated with homosexuality. 
(chapter 70) Not only he cut off ties with him, but also he made sure to isolate the main lead from other students. The worst is that this person acted, as if this ostracizing had never occurred. 
(chapter 69), as if he had done nothing wrong. For me, it shows that the traitor never grasped the significance of his actions. Hence Park Sung-Woong could forget Dong-Gyun, while the latter could never forget him at all. The result from this huge betrayal was that the cute uke decided to keep his distance from people. 
(chapter 70) He could no longer trust people, he avoided meetings. In order to outline how severe betrayal trauma can be, the Webtoonist showed us the immediate effects of betrayal trauma: physical and emotional reactions 
(chapter 70) 
(chapter 70) and the long term effects: 
(chapter 69) he is trembling so much, he can not look at his former friend. Readers shouldn’t underestimate the issue. Betrayal trauma is so severe that it is comparable to being hit by a white truck. The pain is so great that it affects the brain functioning and as such personality.
The 7 signs of betrayal trauma are: anxiety, avoidance, trust issues, negative intrusive thoughts (shame, guilt), withdrawal and rumination.
We can see these signs in Joo Jaekyung: anxiety (chapter 34), avoidance (alcohol, gathering) 
(chapter 9), trust issues 
(chapter 30), negative intrusive thoughts (chapter 29), withdrawal (we know nothing about his family and he dislikes going to gatherings, he is not meeting his hyung Cheolmin) and rumination: he got upset, when the hamster ignored his calls. 
(chapter 05) Then when he stayed at home,
(chapter 32), it was clear that the doctor’s actions were constantly on his mind. He was so bothered that he had to bring him to Heesung. He made sure that Kim Dan would forget Choi Heesung in the car. (chapter 33) Interesting is that this trauma resembles a lot to PTSD.
Betrayal trauma encompasses a distressing range of experiences that stem from breaches of trust and safety, often occurring within intimate relationships. This form of trauma can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and various emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms. The deep-seated connection between betrayal trauma and PTSD is notable, as this type of trauma can cause symptoms akin to those found in traditional PTSD. […]
Despite these differing origins, research has shown that individuals who experience betrayal trauma often exhibit symptoms and triggers that closely resemble those seen in individuals with PTSD. These shared characteristics might include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, heightened anxiety, emotional numbness, and difficulties in establishing trust with others. Both betrayal trauma and PTSD can lead to a persistent state of hypervigilance, where the individual is constantly on alert for potential threats, even in situations that might seem safe to others.
Understanding the connection between betrayal trauma and PTSD is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it emphasizes the profound emotional impact of betrayal on an individual’s mental well-being, potentially leading to symptoms comparable to those experienced after traditional traumatic events. Recognizing the commonality of these symptoms helps validate the experiences of those who have undergone betrayal trauma and underscores the significance of addressing their psychological needs. Quoted from https://www.evolvetherapymn.com/post/betrayal-trauma-and-ptsd
As you can see, through the game “Truth or Dare”, I could connect one cause for the champion’s suffering, betrayal trauma, and the latter was never treated. But there exists different kind of betrayal.
Parental: Children who live with abuse from their parents or guardians can experience betrayal trauma.
Institutional: This includes professional relationships and social support systems in categories such as employers and lawmakers.
Partner: Betrayal trauma can occur because of spousal abuse.
Interpersonal: Dysfunctional interactions between friends, co-workers, and family members can cause betrayal trauma. Quoted from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/betrayal-trauma#types
In BJ Alex, Mingwa presented four types of betrayal trauma: the parents with Ahn Jiwon 
(chapter 49), the latter was not loved, as he didn’t reach the first place like his older brother. Then we have Interpersonal with Nam Dong-Gyun and his high school friend. However, since the rumor circulated at school, and no adults intervened, we could see it as a reference to Institutional betrayal. Finally, Mingwa presented the last type (partner) with Hweemin. 
(chapter 51) But why is betrayal trauma so severe? It is because everything appears as a lie, as an illusion. All the memories become tainted. The victim can only question his own senses and judgment. How could he not detect the lies? Since PTSD and betrayal trauma share some common points, it is not surprising that such persons come to blame themselves and develop huge self-loathing. 
(doctor Frost, chapter 139). And now, it is time to expose my latest observation: 
(BJ Alex, chapter 51) Ahn Jiwon caught his first lover cheating on him at a club. Interesting is that the new lover resembles a lot to Joo Jaekyung! Mingwa said that characters from BJ Alex will only appear, but Jinx is not connected to her previous work. Note that they were kissing in a public place. Moreover, the club is a location where students not only meet, but also drink alcohol together. However, once Jiwon saw Hweemin, he dragged him outside so that they could talk. In other words, the “new lover” was left behind. Thus I come to the following conclusion. Joo Jaekyung has been suffering from betrayal trauma exactly like Ahn Jiwon. He was betrayed by his guardian (chapter 54) who refused to help him. If he got bullied as a kid, this signifies that he was bullied at school and the institution failed him. (chapter 49) Then if he was exposed to violence and his friend chose to close an eye to his situation imagining that he would report the incident to his own parent, the friend betrayed him too. And that could be Heesung who stands for passivity and distance. Finally, Joo Jaekyung could have been backstabbed by a lover as well and this because of money reminding us of Hweemin. 
(BJ Alex, chapter 51). If this theory is true, then Mingwa would finally outline the devastating effects of Betrayal trauma on people, something she barely touched in her previous work.
Finally, if the athlete was betrayed by a previous lover, Kim Dan would be forced not only to confront him, but also to claim his place. He is not interested in Joo Jaekyung for his money and for fun, but for his amazing talent and personality. Joo Jaekyung is actually very tolerant in front of the hamster: (chapter 51) No rough grabbing, no death threat, no punch … Imagine that he left the doctor in the locker room giving him privacy, while he went elsewhere. Don’t forget that he was wounded. 
(chapter 51)
To conclude, the game truth or dare is associated with wrongdoing, pain and deceptions. The main leads are choosing more often “daring” which stands for truth, whereas the enemies prefer daring, unaware that they are bringing truth to the surface. However, imagine that I didn’t say everything about the dangerous game “Truth or Dare”, hence I will write another part.
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: Effective 👼 Anguish 😭😈
Please support the authors by reading the Manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa: Jinx. But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx “Dire Youth Mystery Unraveling“
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
1. Why Anguish?
Feel like dropping Jinx? Perhaps you’ve reached chapter 50, and the weight of the narrative feels too heavy to bear. Yet, despite the urge to abandon ship, you shouldn’t. Why? One might say, that’s how life is: harsh, painful and unfair. On the other side, others might argue about this perception, as people can experience happiness too. Besides, anyone knows the idiom “to look on the bright side”. Nonetheless, people can only enjoy life to its fullest, when they experience sadness and agony either.
The popularization and misinterpretation of Positive Psychology has led us to praise positive emotions and try to escape negative feelings at all costs. However, in our emotional universe everything is important and has a reason for being. As Carl Jung wrote: “The word happiness would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness.” A study conducted at Colorado State University, for example, revealed that experiencing feelings that we wouldn’t exactly classify as positive actually promotes psychological well-being. […]
These results indicate that we are often not affected as much by the situation and the primary emotion it triggers as by our response to it (the secondary emotion). It’s like feeling stressed for being stressed or feeling depressed about being sad. If we believe that we should not experience negative emotions, we will reject, ignore or repress them, which will end up reinforcing them since we will not understand the message they are trying to convey to us, so the discomfort they generate will continue latent within us. […]
Sadness, like the rest of the emotions, brings with it a message, so we must try to understand it. Recognizing our emotions and accepting pain as part of the human condition is essential to achieve the balance essential to growth. Sadness is a natural self-regulation mechanism, something we are born with and that we do not consciously choose. We don’t wake up thinking: “Today is a great day to be sad!” It is a perfectly adaptive response to something that has happened to us, usually a loss, something we wanted to have, or a situation that hurt us emotionally. Quoted from https://psychology-spot.com/it-is-good-to-be-sad-benefits-occasional-sadness/
This article explains why sadness and heartache are necessary in life. And this rule also applies in the world of Jinx, especially since the Webtoonist is promoting Positive Psychology. Chapter 50 was so painful for both Joo Jaekyung 
(chapter 50) and Kim Dan. While the former was tormented by his challenger directly 
(chapter 50) and indirectly, the other had to witness how the members from Team Black turned their back on him in the locker room. (chapter 50) Interesting is that on X, hamster Dan received more affection and attention than the champion. Though I have always pointed out the doctor’s flaws, in episode 50, I couldn’t help myself being upset and heartbroken for Doc Dan too, until I had a revelation. Many readers were disappointed or mad, when they saw him in this panel. 
(chapter 50) They could put themselves in his shoes: he was left behind. On the other hand, the reaction from Joo Jaekyung was totally understandable. (chapter 50) He acted on instinct. Moreover, he had a match, therefore they had no time to discuss or investigate the matter. (chapter 50) And everyone knows this saying: Time is money. Yes, the hyungs didn’t decide to postpone the fight, because they would have to pay huge fees, and this could have affected the Emperor’s reputation. It exposes that the fight as such the show was more important than the well-being of their star. As a conclusion, money played a huge role in their decision. On the other side, the annulation would have brought more trouble to Kim Dan, as it would have caught the attention from journalists and fans, though it can still happen later. Under this new perspective, it becomes comprehensible why they left the locker room and didn’t argue with Kim Dan. They were under pressure. Nevertheless, the readers had a different reaction, for they knew the truth: Doc Dan was the victim of a new scheme. Therefore they judged the whole situation as unfair. Some were mad at the manager for yelling at the physical therapist. (chapter 50) Yet, we shouldn’t allow our emotions cloud our judgement, for this image displays the doctor’s metamorphosis. Notice that he talked back. Though his sentence is still not complete, the thickness of the writing and the point of exclamation are indicating that he was not whispering. He was speaking loudly and clearly. He was talking back firmly. Moreover, he was not avoiding his counterpart’s gaze contrary to the argument in the penthouse. 
(chapter 45) In other words, the scene in chapter 50 exposes the doctor’s growing strength and resilience. That’s the second reason why anguish is necessary in Jinx. Through their suffering, the characters can change, and Jinx-philes have the opportunity to witness their growing maturity. At the same time, the author is able to underline the other figures’ flaws thanks to torment. Between the essay “My hero (full version)” and chapter 22, my perception of Park Namwook changed totally. While in the beginning, I judged him as a hero, I came to consider him as a naïve and blind man. Chapter 50 proved my interpretation correct. In episode 50, his superficiality and hypocrisy became so obvious that he was resented by Dan’s stans. On the other hand, his behavior didn’t surprise me at all. The irony is that his behavior is actually improving too 😮, though the manager is still far from being a hero. Episode 50 represents an evidence. To sum up, Mingwa is using anguish for three reasons:
- The characters should accept sadness, agony and anger in order to be able to enjoy life and discover happiness. (chapter 44) Now, the doctor is no longer associating sex with prostitution and corruption, but with love.
- Through painful events, the characters are encouraged to face their fears and overcome their trauma. Anguish helps them to metamorphose.
- Finally, terrible incidents serve as a tool to expose the characters’ true personality and as such their flaws.
Interesting is that I had selected the title “Effective Anguish” even before the release from episode 50! My follower and friend @Milliformemes can vouch for it. How come? It is because I discovered two patterns.
2. Pain and wounds
2. 1. The painful awakening of the dragon
First, I noticed that the champion’s wounds are coming to the surface. In the beginning, the injury on his shoulder could only be detected thanks to Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 
(chapter 27) But only Dr. Lee and Kim Dan got to see the results(chapter 27), not Park Namwook. He just overviewed the medical file quickly. But for that, the manager needs to be capable of understanding medical terms. Thus I doubt, he could visualize the seriousness of the situation. 
(chapter 27) Then, after the match in the States, the manager asked his “boy” how his shoulder was. 
(chapter 40) Here, he chose to rely on the celebrity’s words, 
(chapter 40) while the manager had witnessed how Dominic Hill had targeted his shoulder. He should have realized that his star’s shoulder had been damaged. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t overlook that the athlete’s statement was corroborated by the medical checkup from MFC. That’s how he got fooled. Hence there was no treatment. However, doc Dan could detect the champion’s lie not only through observations
(chapter 41) but also through touching.
(chapter 41) As you can see, the wound was slowly coming to the surface. Thus I consider the incident in episode 43 as a metaphor for the shoulder injury. 
(chapter 43) It was exposing the damage in his body. Consequently, when the champion’s foot got wounded by the pepper spray, 
(chapter 49), I realized what was happening. Mingwa is forcing the Emperor to admit his suffering. Hence his wounds are becoming more and more visible.
| Chapter 40 | Chapter 41 | Chapter 42 | Chapter 49 | Chapter 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  | |
First, he let transpire his pain more through his grimaces. Secondly, his moans are getting louder and louder. The point of exclamation and the facial expressions are indicating the increasing pain. But why? Don’t forget that in the past, the champion used to reject any assistance from a physical therapist,. (chapter 5) for he was simply relying on the prostitutes due to his jinx. Thus I consider this argument in the penthouse as a huge step for the athlete: (chapter 45) He can not win, if he is not receiving the help from a PT. That’s the reason why he didn’t mention the jinx at all. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why the athlete is suffering more and more. The goddess of Jinx is cornering the athlete: the latter has to admit that he doesn’t just need the assistance of any PT (chapter 45), but the help from the angel Dan.
Finally, during the fight with Baek Junmin, the athlete’s foot is bleeding. 
(chapter 50) So far, he just had a cut above his eye, nothing serious. (Chapter 40) However, the wound on the foot is different, for his skin is damaged. The recovery will take longer. It is relevant, because Park Namwook can no longer feign ignorance about his star’s wounds. He is less susceptible to manipulations.
On the other side, through the injuries, the champion’s mental health gets boosted. He can sense his own strength and appreciate all the punches he could give to his opponent despite his injuries. 
(chapter 50) That’s the reason why he turned into a dragon at the end of the chapter. [For more read the essay “Color Clash: Decoding MMA Posters] The blue is exposing that he is not controlled by his emotions (rage, anger or fears), he is totally rational. As the suffering pushed him to become the better version of himself, his victory can only appear even sweeter than before. In other words, the easier his victories were, the more he came to doubt his talent. (chapter 5) And now, you comprehend why he got so nervous and angry, when he imagined that Kim Dan had blocked him. 
(chapter 5) This shows that his belief in his jinx had been reinforced after his first night with Kim Dan.
On the other hand, Kim Dan could be held responsible for his injuries, similar to this scene. (chapter 31) He could take the fall for everything. The main lead is put in such a position so that he has no other choice: he needs to clear his name! (chapter 1) He shouldn’t accept his fate like in the past, but fight for his rights and reputation. In other words, the painful incident serves another purpose: Kim Dan is incited to develop a fighter’s spirit. That’s the reason why the situation is quite similar to the past.
On the other hand, we should question why the champion felt a pain in his ankle during that morning. 
(chapter 50) From my perspective, this is the result of the overexerting. 
(Chapter 50) Even the coach is noticing that the athlete is overtraining himself. Remember that the athlete refused to listen to his PT. 
(chapter 42) In addition, he would return home late, a sign that he would train even more than before. 
(chapter 48) Finally, we shouldn’t overlook the fact that after his match in the States, he never visited the hospital due to the law suit. 
(chapter 41) According to me, the MFC medical checkup was not reflecting the verity. Hence he never got a real check-up and MFC could definitely say that the athlete was definitely fine. 
(chapter 41) This shows that the more the champion refuses to his PT’s advice, the more injuries he will substain. That’s how it dawned on me why Joo Jaekyung is now getting more and more wounded during the fights. It forces him to take a rest! However, in the past, he had a reason not to listen: he got barely injured. He needed to treat his body roughly in order to prove his effort and strength. This observation reinforces my conviction that there is a second group manipulating the champion’s matches: MFC itself. For me, Heo Manwook and Choi Gilseok are rather puppets. How so? It is because someone knew about the champion’s sexual habits, hence he was supposed to take an aphrodisiac in the States. But neither the loan shark nor the director from King Of MMA are aware of this. To conclude, the champion’s anguish is necessary to expose the deceptions and the schemers as well.
2. 2. The pleasant Park Namwook, Tolstoy and pain
What caught my attention is that in the locker room, the manager didn’t make the decision for the fight. (chapter 50) How? Through a question, he let the coach Jeong Yosep give the answer. Through their words and actions, Jeong Yosep and Joo Jaekyung called shots, and Park Namwook just followed. The darkness around his forehead and the drop of sweat indicate his torment. But he can not voice his suffering, for it is nothing compared to the star’s. Hence if something were to happen to the celebrity, I can already predict that the manager will put the blame on others. Mingwa already left many clues about his lack of responsibility. First, the manager (chapter 27) refused to force the champion to take a day-off by saying that the protagonist would never listen anyway. With such a statement, he pushed Kim Dan to make the decision and announce it to his VIP client. Moreover, the manager didn’t stop his “boy” from exposing his injured shoulder to the public. 
(chapter 41) However, by doing so, he was exposing his vulnerability to his opponents, though I am still suspecting that MFC leaked information too. So far, the headlines are not indicating which shoulder is wounded. Yet, the moderator knew which one: 
(chapter 50) So why was the manager so shocked with such an attack? (chapter 50) It was clear that during such a match, the challenger would use the opponent’s weakness. What did he expect in the end? The panel exposes his stupidity and his immaturity. He should have anticipated such a move. These observations lead me to the following conclusion: the champion needs to realize that his hyung will never recognize his suffering, as long as Joo Jaekyung is in denial. Until now, he hasn’t been protecting Joo Jaekyung’s interests, rather his own comfort. His MO was to put the whole responsibility on the athlete. But it was his duty as his manager not to accept the new challenge. (chapter 41) Observe that he is just asking questions once again, when he voices his doubts. He is not making a statement. However, the manager is changing. While in the past, the manager was not treating the celebrity like real family, though he was called hyung, I detected a switch, when Park Namwook sent messages from his family for his birthday. 
(Chapter 45) In other words, his loyalty towards the star is improving. (chapter 46)
On the other hand, the nature of their relationship is still rather like a boss or employee. Thus he is his advisor or superior. It depends on the situation. I noticed the ambiguity of Park Namwook’s position. First, he introduces himself as the star’s manager 
(Chapter 9) and coach for Team Black, but he acts like the director of Team Black.
(Chapter 49) This explains why he claimed that Team Black was his gym, (chapter 22) yet the reality is that this power comes from the champion, as the latter is the real owner of Team Black. Therefore the captain warned the two hyungs. 
(Chapter 46) Thus I deduce that the role between the star and his hyung must be redefined because of Kim Dan’s presence. But wait… the heading is referring to the Russian author Leo Tolstoy. So what is his connection to the manager from Team Black?
The reason is that I found an interesting article about Tolstoy entitled: “How to live with purpose: Leo Tolstoy’s 5 secrets after his existential crisis”. The Russian writer noticed the existence of 4 different types of people: Ignorance, Epicureanism, Strength and Energy and Weakness. The moment I read his descriptions, I couldn’t help myself connecting these types to characters from Jinx: Park Namwook, Halmoni, Joo Jaekyung and Kim Dan. Interesting is that Tolstoy suffered immensely before he was able to give a meaning to his life.
1. Understand that reason has limits (…)
2. Search within yourself (…)
3. Find spirituality (…)
4. Learn to accept (…)
5. Embrace simplicity (…) Quoted from https://psychology-spot.com/how-to-live-with-purpose-according-to-leo-tolstoj/
The latter advice reminded me of the champion’s philosophy. He definitely preferred the breakfasts 
(chapter 41) to the golden keychain. 
(Chapter 45) As you can see, the famous writer is connected to Positive Psychology, for he was also promoting meditation and experiences. This fits our story, as both main characters are on their way to give a meaning to their life and as such to find happiness. But let’s return our attention to the manager Park Namwook as a representative of “ignorance”.
1. Ignorance. In this group, the writer placed people who chose not to know and not to understand, those who embraced what could be called “motivated ignorance.” They were those who preferred to close their eyes to the basic questions of existence and settled comfortably in ignorance. Quoted from https://psychology-spot.com/how-to-live-with-purpose-according-to-leo-tolstoj/
This description corresponds to Park Namwook’s mentality, as the latter is always seeking the easiest way out. He is always avoiding discomfort. Hence not only he closed an eye to the doctor’s wounds in episode 11
(chapter 11), but also he never tried to correct the star’s false conclusion. 
(Chapter 11) He just got angry giving the impression that he was siding with Kim Dan. But the reality is that he did nothing for the poor doctor at all. He remained passive and silent. His “ignorance” explains as well why he is not questioning events and his athlete’s success. 
(chapter 43) Through the two examples, Manhwaphiles can sense that his “ignorance” is a mixture of willingness to close an eye and real naivety. Under this new approach, it dawned on me why the manager used to beat his star so brutally. (Chapter 7) (Chapter 31) It is his way how to deal with uncomfortable situations. He stands for social norms and conformity. It is not surprising that the manager proposed to use Kim Dan as compensation for Heesung’s fake injury. (chapter 32) Furthermore, he forced Joo Jaekyung to take the blame without investigating the matter. (chapter 31) That way, he avoided to get into trouble. Under this new light, it becomes comprehensible why he is gentle and polite, when he is not under stress. (chapter 43) The latter triggers his anxiety and nervousness. Thus when there is a problem, his MO is either to threaten, (chapter 22), to scold
(chapter 36) or to let others make decisions. I would even add, he often delegates things to others: the manager from the Entertainment company (chapter 27), the MFC manager, the lawyer, the advisors, coach Jeong Yosep (chapter 46), Kim Dan [f. ex. He should accept the bad mood from his VIP client] 
(chapter 36) However, he is not trying to solve the problem himself. Yet, he can not keep such an attitude in the long run, for his passivity and blindness are the reasons why the main couple can be targeted so easily. Park Namwook is failing to protect his champion and his team. However, I detected a positive change despite the heartache in episode 50. He stopped using violence after episode 31. He learned that he needed to treat the champion’s body more kindly, hence we have this confession: (chapter 43) Furthermore, compare his behavior towards the celebrity and the doctor: (chapter 46) and (chapter 50) Mingwa didn’t use any red in the last picture, a sign that the manager’s anger was controlled. So he is trusting the physical therapist. Consequently, his words at the bar were not empty. (chapter 43) Nevertheless, I am expecting Park Namwook’s effective anguish at some point. He needs to be confronted with his biggest fears and pain. And who will act as his mirror of truth?
While Park Namwook stands for ignorance, the champion embodies fire!
3. Strength and energy. They are people who “burn” life. These are exceptionally strong and resilient people who, although they perfectly understand the problems of human existence, prefer to live quickly, burning through stages and opting for drastic solutions without reflecting too much on the consequences since they are convinced that it is better to put life into the years that add years to life. Quoted from https://psychology-spot.com/how-to-live-with-purpose-according-to-leo-tolstoj/
This description reflects the fighter’s mentality. Therefore, it is normal that he is suffering. Under this new light, readers can grasp the severity of the star’s situation. Kim Dan is there to save him from self-destruction. I would even say, the hamster’s love represents his safety belt and salvation. As for Kim Dan, the latter is destined to suffer, as he has always considered himself as powerless. And until he realized his grandmother’s mortality, he acted, as if she was his goddess. Hence he was willing to sacrifice himself for her sake. (chapter 16)
4. Weakness. “It consists in seeing the truth of the situation and yet clinging to life,” Tolstoy wrote. These types of people wait for a kind of divine rescue to occur or for an escape route to open up before them as if by magic. Although they do not find meaning in life and do not feel satisfied, they continue forward on autopilot. In fact, that was the position with which the writer himself identified. Tolstoy felt lost and powerless. Quoted from https://psychology-spot.com/how-to-live-with-purpose-according-to-leo-tolstoj/
And now, you know why the doctor had not projected himself into the future. He was simply surviving. Though the champion had paid off his debts, Kim Dan had not dropped his life principles: money was important, and it should be spent as quickly as possible, as if there was no tomorrow. Why? It is because he had internalized that his earnings would immediately get wired to a different bank account. That’s why he needed to be confronted his biggest fears: the loss of his job as PT. The incident would not only ruin his career, but also turn the efforts of his grandmother into meaninglessness! Don’t forget that she supported him to become a PT! He was her pride and reward! (chapter 47) And what was the halmoni’s wish? He should give his all to Joo Jaekyung, (chapter 41) and he should assist him during his matches! (chapter 41) Therefore I believe that in the locker room, Kim Dan must have recalled her words. She became his source of strength once again. That’s why we have parallels between these three scenes: 
(chapter 21: he was criticized by Kim Miseon, he feared to lose his halmoni) (chapter 47) and finally 
(chapter 50) That’s the reason why Kim Dan could become a star. Contrary to Joo Jaekyung, we didn’t assist to the birth of the yeouiju. It is no coincidence that birth is connected to pain and happiness. Mothers forget the suffering of the delivery, as their child can procure them a lot of joy and happiness.
3. The Overman Kim Dan
Striking is that Psychology and Literature are not the only fields advocating negative emotions and suffering. I have to confess that while reading Painter Of The Night, I noticed parallels between Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy and the Manhwa. And since Mingwa’s writing is very similar to Byeonduck’s, I am not surprised that the readers are exposed to heartache and misery. Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher from the 19th Century, developed complex ideas about pain and suffering, as well as the concept of the “Übermensch”, or “Overman.”
- Pain and Suffering: Nietzsche believed that pain and suffering were inherent aspects of human existence. Nonetheless, he did not view them solely as negative experiences to be avoided. Instead, he argued that ache and hardship could serve as sources of growth, strength, and self-discovery. Nietzsche famously stated, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger,” suggesting that overcoming adversity can lead to personal development and resilience.
- Transcend Conventional Morality: Nietzsche critiqued conventional morality and values, arguing that they often inhibit individual freedom and self-expression. He described it as herd mentality. “Madness is rare in individuals – but in groups, parties, nations, and ages it is the rule.” This quote highlights Nietzsche’s critique of herd mentality, suggesting that individuals are less prone to madness or irrational behavior when acting alone, but when they become part of a collective group, they are more likely to adopt the behaviors and beliefs of the group, even if they are irrational or detrimental. To find one’s real self, he suggested transcending societal norms and conditioning, questioning traditional beliefs, and forging one’s own path based on personal values and principles. As he provocatively declared, “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him.”
- Strive for Self-Overcoming and Übermensch (Overman): The concept of the Übermensch is central to Nietzsche’s philosophy. The Übermensch represents an idealized individual who transcends conventional morality and societal norms. Nietzsche saw the Übermensch as someone who creates their own values, embraces life’s challenges with courage and creativity, and strives for self-mastery and self-realization. The Übermensch is free from the constraints of traditional morality and embraces the full spectrum of human experience, including joy, suffering, and struggle. In relation to pain, Nietzsche believed that the Übermensch would not shy away from pain and suffering but would instead confront them head-on as part of the process of self-overcoming. By embracing pain and integrating it into their existence, the Übermensch achieves a higher state of being and transcends the limitations of ordinary human existence. Nietzsche wrote, “I teach you the overman. Man is something that shall be overcome.”
- Embrace Individuality: Nietzsche celebrated the uniqueness and individuality of each person, urging individuals to embrace their authentic selves without conformity or compromise. By embracing one’s individuality and embracing one’s unique strengths, weaknesses, and experiences, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and authenticity. Nietzsche emphasized, “Become who you are.“
- Create Meaning and Values: According to Nietzsche, individuals have the power to create their own meaning and values in a world devoid of inherent meaning. By engaging in creative expression, pursuing passions and interests, and embracing life’s challenges with courage and resilience, individuals can discover and affirm their real selves. Nietzsche famously proclaimed, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
In essence, Nietzsche’s philosophy offers a provocative perspective on finding one’s real self in the face of suffering, pain, and adversity. This reminds us of the famous sparring in episode 26. (Chapter 26) By embracing misfortune, transcending conventional morality, striving for self-overcoming, embracing individuality, and creating meaning and values, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-actualization, ultimately becoming the architects of their own lives. At the heart of Nietzsche’s vision lies the concept of the Übermensch, or Overman, who embodies the pinnacle of human potential and serves as a beacon of courage, creativity, and self-mastery. Through the pursuit of the Übermensch ideal, individuals can transcend their limitations, confront their fears, and forge their own destinies, thereby finding their true selves in the process.
If you watched the video, then you know why doc Dan (chapter 5) or Heesung drank alcohol 
(chapter 35). Both were trying to numb their pain, though they shouldn’t have according to the German philosopher. The soju stopped them from becoming the better version of themselves. I am suspecting that doc Dan copied this poor habit from his grandmother, who drank in secret. Don’t forget that in all the memories, the halmoni is smiling (chapter 47), though she must have struggled a lot. Her smile is a sign that she tried not to burden her grandson. However, her toxic positivity had the opposite effect.
And now, you are wondering how chapter 50 is linked to Overman and Kim Dan. From my perspective, when we look at this scene, ‘ (chapter 50) we shouldn’t see it as a betrayal, rather as an opportunity for Kim Dan. He is not following the herd, because he needs to reflect on the incident. (chapter 50) The latter forced the doctor to question his identity and his desires. What does he want to be in life? Let’s not forget that he selected PT because of his grandmother. (chapter 47) In other words, he had selected this job, as he was following traditions and expectations. Only in episode 47, he realized that she was his real motivation. Yet, he discovered shortly after that she is about to die. Thus he needs to find a new motivation for his job, or better said, he needs to question himself about his profession. Does he truly want to be a physical therapist? Since the beginning of the story, doc Dan has never identified himself as a physical therapist. Thus he accepted to be judged as a whore 
(chapter 16) or as a tool for the jinx, therefore he mopped the floor
(chapter 36), acting like an errand boy. Then he doubted Heesung’s words and admiration 
(chapter 31) 
(chapter 31). Furthermore, he took a side gig in order to buy the champion’s present and finally, he rejected Choi Gilseok’s praise and offer. 
(chapter 48) He was always diminishing himself as a doctor. Therefore in the locker room, he was confronted with his biggest fear: is he really a physical therapist? 
(chapter 50) He injured his patient. The spray is there to let him see that he has power in his hands. He should trust himself and his magical hands. Don’t forget that this request was made by Joo Jaekyung. (Chapter 49) He never asked him for his expertise and advice. He practiced self-medication in the end. Thus his karma was to be betrayed by the drug, since he keeps mistrusting people. In other words, because of the switch, Kim Dan is encouraged to become brave, to see his job as a great chance: his power is in his hands and nothing else. Heesung described it as magical touch. Doc Dan is talented and he is the champion’s private physical therapist 
(chapter 50) And from my point of view, the locker room became the doctor’s new temple. There, he must have recalled his grandmother’s wishes. She would like to see him on TV. For me, the light over his head symbolizes Enlightenment. He has become the champion’s yeouiju. Thus I deduce that Kim Dan is on the verge of proving his worth to Team Black. I am anticipating, he will approach the ring, and even treat him during a break, something he denied to his halmoni. (chapter 41) This signifies that he has to become strong and determined, for he has to impose himself in front of the other hyungs. By intervening, he would not only prove his innocence, but also earn his right to be viewed as a hyung! So far, the doctor was always excluded from the meetings, though the manager and advisors should have asked for his opinion. Don’t forget that till episode 42, he relied on the recommendations from other physicians and therapists. If this theory comes true, Joo Jaekyung would show to the public that he is trusting him. This would stand in contrast to this image. (chapter 50). Let’s not forget that MFC doctors can not intervene during a match, but only before or after. Like in the video above, I am expecting that Kim Dan will distinguish himself from the others! PArk Namwook only appeared in the spotlight after his boy’s victories. (chapter 5) (chapter 40) I am expecting a surprise in the next episode. Kim Dan will no longer stand in the shadow, he will no longer follow the “herd”. But there is another reason why I am hoping for such an intervention. It is because neither Baek Junmin nor Choi Gilseok are not expecting the intervention of the physical therapist during the fight, for it never happened before. Besides, the demon could see that their trick had worked. 
(chapter 50) It is relevant, because through such an intervention, hamster Dan would teach the champion an important lesson. He is not alone in the ring, the doctor is watching his physical condition and helping him. For me, chapter 50 announces a new start! Interesting is that the number 50 is associated with the planet Mercury which stands for poison but also medicine! And now, you comprehend why I consider the painful chapter as treatment sessions. The two protagonists are forced to redefine themselves. Joo Jaekyung might be injured, but he no longer sees himself jinxed! (chapter 50) And keep in mind that the poster was portraying the two fighters looking at hamster Dan (as Dan means red and sweet in Korean). 
(chapter 48) So the moment you perceive this moment )chapter 50) as something positive, Kim Dan is on the verge of turning over a new leaf, similar to the one in episode 19, (chapter 19), this signifies that Potato was acting like a true friend in the locker room. (chapter 50) He had truly grasped what Kim Dan was going through, and he was giving him a good advice. He was not abandoning his hyung, he was taking care of Kim Dan in his own way. His words were actually showing genuine care and true interest. To conclude, anguish is there to turn Kim Dan into a hero! But so far, he was standing in the shadow! 
(chapter 37) 
(chapter 40) (chapter 42) In the first part of Jinx, the doctor was the star’s companion of the night, but since the incident with the birthday present, he stopped being the night partner. Now, he is about to become the famous private physical therapist acknowledged by the public and media. In other words, his destiny contrasts to Baek Junmin’s, a shooting star, it will last longer. Why? It is because the main lead is Saturn! He brings fortune and karma to the evildoers. This interpretation corresponds to Übermensch from Nietzsche, which is sometimes translated as “Superman”. Under this new light, you comprehend why I added the protagonist’s pink angel wings. It was an allusion to his transformation, he is destined to become an “Overman” or Superman. 
And this brings me to my next observation. The doctor’s pain is exposing his recovery! Weird, right?
4. Healing
But discomfort and pain are strongly intertwined with healing. What? Another video! Yes, watch this while thinking of Kim Dan and Joo Jaekyung.
I have to admit that I will use mostly Kim Dan as an illustration in order to prove his recovery, as the essay is already getting very long.
1. You allow yourself to feel your emotions. In chapter 47, the doctor accepted his halmoni’s imminent death 
(chapter 47) and his agony. He was no longer under the influence of toxic positivity. While he cried, he admitted his flaws making him realize that he had never been abandoned by his grandmother. 
(chapter 47) That’s how he overcame his abandonment issues.
2. You’re getting better at expressing and maintaining boundaries. I could use the following panels as illustrations that Kim Dan is getting better at setting boundaries. (chapter 27) For the first time, he rejected a suggestion from his lover and even slapped his hand. 
(chapter 37) He wanted the party to continue. It shows that he was having a good time with Oh Daehyun and Potato. He has no problem to stop kissing his soulmate, when the latter shows his discomfort. (chapter 44)
3. You accept that you’ve been through difficult experiences 
. (chapter 36)
4. You’re less reactive and more responsive. Before the incident took place, he made sure that everything was fine. He was meticulous and proactive. (chapter 49) He didn’t wait for an order from PArk Namwook or the champion.
5. You realize that healing is not linear. Therefore it is normal that the relationship between the two protagonists is progressing or regressing. (chapter 50) They are trying to find themselves, therefore they must constantly adapt to each other. While the image gives the impression that the trust between them is vanishing, it is in reality an illusion. People should pay attention to the color of the speech bubble. It is white, there is no point of explanation. It reveals that the champion is not raising his voice. He is rather calm. In reality, the champion was not truly mad at Kim Dan. He was restraining himself. Jinx-philes should compare this image to the following two panels: (chapter 34) (chapter 45) As you can see, Joo Jaekyung is not glaring at the poor doctor. He didn’t yell at his lover too, and he never took the spray away from his lover and threw it like the golden medal! 
(chapter 45) And now, you comprehend why I stated earlier that he acted rather instinctively. For me, he still trusts the physical therapist.
6. You begin to step out of your comfort zone. Despite the rejection, he didn’t run away. He still went to the arena. (chapter 50)
7. You easily accept disappointments and take them in stride. Though he was scared and hurt, he answered to Namwook. He never apologized for the incident. 
(chapter 50) He is no longer blaming himself. He refused to admit his wrongdoing. He didn’t commit any mistake.
8. You have more inner peace. (chapter 44)
9. You welcome help and support. In this scene, he accepted the assistance of Potato. (chapter 49) After watching the video, I realized what Kim Dan’s next step should be: asking for help! In the beginning of Jinx, he was always relying on himself. He rejected any help. (chapter 18) When the champion paid off his debts, he saw it as meddling. Interesting is that he came to accept the champion’s support, but he never asked for Joo Jaekyung’s help directly. In addition, Jinx-philes should notice that in the interrogation room, he thought just about the champion and not himself. 
(chapter 40) It never came to his mind that he should ask for assistance. Finally, observe that after he got drugged in the States, he let the champion deal with the problem. (chapter 41) He accepted the statement from his boss. Nevertheless, doc Dan was the real victim. He should have become more involved in the matter. Besides, he was a witness. And this brings me to my next thought: if Kim Dan gets into trouble, he should remember Heesung’s words: he should give him a call! 
(chapter 35) For me, the incident is there to teach Kim Dan that he can ask for help! This would show him that he is no longer alone. He wouldn’t appear weak at all. That’s how he would end up to gain his first friends. Let’s not forget that Heesung’s relationship with the doctor is no longer tainted by money or by lust or greed. In fact, thanks to him, he found his soulmate. What unites Kim Dan and Heesung is the heart and the desire to help. Heesung stands for brotherhood, so he could be the one outlining the problems to Team Black. Finally since Potato likes Doc Dan very much, there is no doubt that Heesung and Potato will work together to assist the main lead. This image still exposed doc Dan’s loneliness. He needs to have a true friend. And Heesung would be the perfect person, for he is cunning and quite perceptive about people’s true nature. In fact, he already possesses certain features that Nietzsche admires. He is disregarding social norms (chapter 33). He is not hiding his sexual orientation, he is greedy, but in a good way. Hence he tried to win the doctor’s heart. He never gave up, till he was properly rejected by the doctor. 
(Chapter 35) Interesting is that after his confession, he still chose to come clean with the doctor. He revealed the truth to Kim Dan, though he could have lost the protagonist’s respect. He admitted his lie and manipulation, 
(Chapter 35), but Kim Dan’s reaction was not to scold his future friend. In fact, he appreciated his honesty. In front of Kim Dan, he could show his true self. He was not entirely a good guy, but he didn’t get rejected. But so far, the actor is not present in the arena. Therefore Potato could be the first person Kim Dan asks for help. He shares some similarities with his soulmate. He doesn’t fear people’s gaze, hence he raised his voice under the tent. 
(chapter 35) he doesn’t represent the herd mentality, for he never thinks and acts like others. 
(chapter 31) While the fighters all liked the actor, he judged him in a different light. Then he was not present during the champion’s birthday. Therefore he possesses all the qualities to become a hero. He could cause a scandal, 
(chapter 49) similarly to his idol and hero in the States. He noticed the issue right away: the security didn’t do his job properly. To sum up, Potato would follow his foot steps and that’s how he would get noticed by MFC!
But there exists another evidence that the cute hamster is healing. For the first time, he asked WHY! 
(chapter 50) The word is displaying that the doctor is not accepting the incident simply like that. It is showing that the doctor is slowly losing his naivety. Before the incident with the spray took place, he still trusted the words from people. 
(chapter 49) Naturally, he can not get rid of his naivety totally, for keeping a certain purity is necessary in life too. On the other hand, it becomes clear that his naivety is the result from his education. The halmoni is herself quite too trusting. Hence she ended up being harassed by loan sharks. On the other hand, the incident was like an eye-opener for the physical therapist. He should stop judging people based on their words (chapter 43) but on their actions.
- 1. Recognize When People Are Manipulating you.
- 2. Learn to Say No. Politely but firmly
- 3. Don’t Be an Open book.
- 4. Trust Your instincts.
- 5. Don’t Assume Everyone Has Good intentions.
- 6. Pay Attention to People’s Actions, Not Just Their Words.
- 7. Guard Your Time and Don’t Be a People-pleaser.
(Chapter 32) - 8. Don’t Loan Money or Co-Sign Loans for People You Barely know.
- 9. Don’t Believe Everything You’re told.
- 10. Look for Actions, Not Just words.
- 11. Question Everything
- Conclusion Quoted from https://www.believeinmind.com/mindset/how-to-stop-being-naive/
The vanishing of his naivety is caused by his constant suffering. Because he got deceived twice 
(chapter 1) 
(chapter 1) by bosses, it becomes comprehensible why he didn’t fall into the trap a third time. 
(Chapter 48) He is pushed to question impressions and people’s motivations. As a conclusion, anguish is a tool to push people to become wiser and happier. And this leads me to my final part.
5. Painful pattern und fortunetelling
I discovered another pattern, which is strongly intertwined with suffering and purpose. For the first match, Joo JAekyung, his coach and his manager left to Busan without him. However, due to a pain, Kim Dan had to join them. Thus he came running. 
(chapter 14) But back then, Kim Dan didn’t mind staying in Seoul. (chapter 13) Furthermore, after having sex in the locker room, Kim Dan was left behind. 
(chapter 15) And notice that this pattern was the same in the States. For the second match, Team Black left without him, hence Kim Dan arrived late. 
(chapter 40) Therefore he was running once again. However, back then, no readers felt angry at the team, though it could also be perceived as a betrayal and abandonment! Kim Dan was not perceived as necessary, neither for Joo Jaekyung nor for Park Namwook. Hence the bedroom could be judged as the place of the betrayal: “
(chapter 40) That’s how I realized why the Webtoonist never showed the athlete’s caring gesture. He moved him in the middle of the bed! It is because the celebrity was still not treating his soulmate as a physical therapist. The second reason for the absence of anger is that Kim Dan had been drugged and as such was not fit. In addition, he needed to rest after having sex for the whole night. And now, you comprehend why the doctor could get dragged away by the MFC security guards, and no one from Team Black intervened. 
(chapter 40) It was to outline their previous disregard and betrayal! Thanks to Potato, Joo Jaekyung got informed, hence he could rescue the physical therapist. 
(chapter 40) But he never revealed the hamster’s role in the team! This explains why Kim Dan was used by Choi Gilseok. He needs to expose his role in Team Black to the world. He is the champion’s private PT!
| Chapter 13-14-15 | Chapter 40/41 | Chapter 49-50 |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Match: Randy Booker | 2. Match with Dominic Hill | 3. Match with Baek Junmin |
| They left without him | They left without him | They left without him |
| He arrived late to the arena. He had to run. | He arrived late to the arena. Hence he had to run , but no one was expecting him except Potato. | He arrived late in the arena. Contrary to the two previous fights, the match has already started, when the doctor reaches the stadium. Thus he didn’t see the shoulder injury. But this time, he is not running. Once again, only Potato is expecting him: “Take your time, doc Dan”. |
| He was left behind in the locker room. | He was left in the bedroom behind.  | He was left behind in the locker room |
He has no uniform of Team Black, hence Joo JAekyung gave him his own jacket. But the latter was taken away later  He has just his blue uniform. | He has now his own jacket which he is carrying with the blue uniform. | He has the jacket and uniform |
He was interrogated by a MFC security guard  | He is interrogated by MFC security guys and they are framing.  | |
There was a checkup from MFC doctors , for both characters. (chapter 41) | Joo Jaekyung went to the MFC medical center  Hence he could get into trouble! The MFC could report the incident to the authorities! |
Since I detected similarities between the three matches, I can’t help myself thinking that Kim Dan will be interrogated again. He could end up dragged away after the match. But this time, the champion can not save him, as he is himself badly injured. Therefore expect another anguish in the next episode! Since my theory is that MFC doctors are corrupted, there’s a high chance that the doctors will frame Kim Dan. And now, you comprehend why Kim Dan needs more than ever a friend who can help him! Potato is the witness of the doctor’s innocence 
(chapter 49) in both cases! He was present, when Kim Dan drank the drugged beverage. 
(chapter 38) To conclude, it was not in Kim Dan’s interest to run away or hide! This would have been judged as a sign of his culpability and complicity. He needs to face the problems so that he can shape his destiny with his own hands and not remain the playball of dark forces! Yes, this chapter announces a huge change at Team Black, the start of a real friendship between two puppies. 😉
I hope, this long essay gave you the strength to keep reading this terrific Manhwa! Let’s us become a better version of ourselves and embrace the pain, as it means that we are not indifferent and even changing.
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
Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. This is where you can read the manhwa: Jinx. But be aware that the Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx “Facing The Shotgun: Embracing Change“
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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.
“The past is already gone, the future is not yet here. There’s only one moment for you to live, and that is the present moment” Buddha Quoted from https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/80868-the-past-is-already-gone-the-future-is-not-yet
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.
The number 12 is strongly associated with the heavens—the 12 months, the 12 signs of the zodiac, and the 12 stations of the Moon and of the Sun. The ancients recognized 12 main northern stars and 12 main southern stars. Quoted from https://www.britannica.com/science/the-number-twelve
This explicates why in the fairy tale Sleeping Beauty from Grimms 12 fairies who are called as “wise women” in the story.
He did not just invite his relations, friends and acquaintances but also the Wise Women so that they would favor the child and help her. There were thirteen in the kingdom. But because he only had twelve golden plates, one of them had to stay at home. Quoted from https://www.ellajsmyth.com/fairy-tales/sleeping-beauty-brothers-grimm/
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 4 | Chapter 9/10 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 19/20 | Chapter 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 33 | Chapter 34 | Chapter 39 | Chapter 44 | Chapter 45 | Chapter 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.
The Mbugwe believe that witches use their hyenas to perform various malicious acts, such as causing sickness and death in people and animals. When one of these night cattle is seen prowling around a village at night, it is assumed that a witch is present, and the villagers will take steps to protect themselves from any potential harm. As with many superstitions, the Mbugwe believe that certain methods can be used to ward off the power of a witch’s hyena. […] African mythology and folklore have long seen the hyena as a symbol of cunning, trickery, and conflict. In East African legend, hyenas symbolize chaos and discord, while in West African lore, they represent the trickster figure. In some communities, hyenas are associated with evil and witchcraft. Quoted from https://centerspirited.com/animal-symbolism/hyena/
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!
Communication is among the Hyena’s attributes because its warning calls, just with a change of inflection, have many purposes. Hyena’s mindful chortle shows its age, social rank among other Hyenas, and even acts as a letter of introduction. They use their voice to organize strategic food-gathering groups, gather allies in the face of a formidable predator, and establish dominance. A Hyenas have complex relationships based on, in part, their verbalization and a rich repertoire of visual cues. Quoted from https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/mammals/hyena-symbolism-meaning/
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.
Throughout history, the Hyena has gotten bad reviews, perhaps this is because of their scavenging behavior. Yet, scavengers are the world’s cleaning crew. Hyenas are an essential part of the African ecosystem. It is the most abundant carnivore playing a pivotal role in the food chain. They waste nothing and teach humankind the value of things that they often overlook or think unimportant. As a Spirit Animal Guide, Hyena has ties to resourcefulness, balance, and gratitude. Quoted from https://whatismyspiritanimal.com/spirit-totem-power-animal-meanings/mammals/hyena-symbolism-meaning/#African-Asia-Hyena
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!
The inner child is a young part of our psyche that influences how we think and react as adults. Often used in psychotherapy and spiritual settings, the inner child can symbolize hardship, trauma, and even triumph we experienced during our youth.1 Yet, when we ignore our inner child and subsequently ignore how our past is painting our present, we do ourselves a major disservice. We can end up overlooking important formative experiences that may be critical in healing some of our maladaptive coping mechanisms. […] When you lose conscious awareness of your inner child, you lose conscious awareness of a part of yourself. In turn, you may experience difficulty regulating your emotions and act from a regressed state when upset. Quoted from https://www.verywellmind.com/inner-child-work-how-your-past-shapes-your-present-7152929
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.
Protected: Jinx: Powerful Hidden 🦪 Gemstones 💎 – part 1
Jinx / Doctor Frost: Harmony’s clash⚡: Prince S 👸 and Emperor 🤴 – part 1
Please support the authors by reading the manhwas on the official websites. I am also using doctor Frost as reference again. This is where you can read the manhwas: Jinx and Doctor Frost. But be aware that the first Manhwa is a mature Yaoi, which means, it is about homosexuality with explicit scenes. Here is the link of the table of contents about Jinx. Here is the link where you can find the table of contents of analyzed manhwas. Here are the links, if you are interested in the first work from Mingwa, BJ Alex, and the previous essay about Jinx “(Un)Wanted Love“.
It would be great if you could make some donations/sponsoring: Ko-fi.com/bebebisous33 That way, you can support me with “coffee” so that I have the energy to keep examining manhwas. Besides, I need to cover up the expenses for this blog.
Anyone can imagine that with the name “emperor”, I am referring to the fighter Joo Jaekyung. That’s his nickname in the MMA world. 
(chapter 14) On the other hand, some readers might wonder why I am connecting Kim Dan to princess (Prince S). I have many reasons for this association.
1. Princess Pyeonggang and Kim Dan
Have you ever heard about the Korean folktale of Princess Pyeonggang and her “idiot” husband Ondal? It is the story of a “stubborn” princess who helped her timid and poor husband Ondal to become a famous general during the 3 kingdoms era.
The Odd Couple
When she entered Ondal’s humble home, Princess Pyeonggang immediately explained to his weak mother that she wanted to marry her son, who was out fetching tree bark for food. His mother identified the princess as a person of noble upbringing by her perfume and soft skin. The mother explained that she and her son were very poor and that a woman of high birth had no place there.The princess, however, showed no change in her determination. When Ondal arrived, the princess once again explained her reason for visiting. Ondal was instantly suspicious, however, and angrily sent her away. After the princess spent the night outside his house and offered to buy him a new house, food, land and a horse with the money she earned by selling her gold ring, Ondal was soon won over by her sincerity. The princess not only brought Ondal and his mother out of poverty, but also paid for his education and gave him professional training in the martial arts. https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Culture/view?articleId=122048
Moreover, their marriage transcends social classes, which reminds us a lot of Jinx. On the other hand, if we compare the Manhwa with the legend, the champion resembles more to the princess due to his status, actions and personality. He is the one helping the doctor, and Kim Dan appears more like the fool “husband” with his weak and poor relative. However, I came to make the association between the famous Korean princess and the physical therapist, when I was rereading Doctor Frost. How so? 
(chapter 30) This woman, named Sihyun, is suffering from Dependent Personality Disorder. And the author of the Webtoon Doctor Frost called her story: “The tears of Princess Pyeonggang”. Due to her personality, she was linked to the famous “princess”. She would do everything for her companions, yet she kept getting dumped. What caught my attention is that both women defined themselves through their partner. Their ultimate goal in life is to assist them, to make the other happy or recognized. But how is it a problem?
Let me give you an example with Sihyun and her first boyfriend.
Yes, she asks her first boyfriend to make choices and as such decisions. She is unable to voice her own opinion, to make a statement. She needs the support and advices from her boyfriends. By asking for her partner’s judgment, she imagines that she is respecting him. Nonetheless, the call at such a hour looks more like intrusion and disregard. By acting this way, she burdened all her boyfriends so that at the end, they all felt the need to break up with her. 
(chapter 33) What appeared as caring turned out to be a load, for the partners were all forced to be responsible for her and in every aspect of her life. They definitely felt asphyxiated, hence they could only get sick of her. Interesting is that this person would find shortly after the separation a new boyfriend, a sign that she could not live on her own. 
(chapter 33) And now, you are wondering how Sihyun is similar to Kim Dan, who only had one person in his life before he met the champion. It is related to traumas in their childhood. 
(Doctor Frost, chapter 39) After reading this, Jinx-philes can realize that Kim Dan is also suffering from Dependent Personality Disorder, though it is less obvious. He got abandoned by his parents making him feel insecure. 
(chapter 21) We could detect his low self-esteem (chapter 25) 
(chapter 46) and his overprotectiveness (chapter 16) (chapter 26) (chapter 42) on many occasions. He was risking his livelihood and health for the sake of others (his halmoni, Potato and Joo Jaekyung). His selflessness is actually the sign of his DPD. He had no purpose or ambition in his life… That’s why he is not able to project himself in the future. Until chapter 45, his life and future was determined by the celebrity, 
(chapter 42) and before it was by his halmoni’s fate. 
(chapter 19) However, here please don’t get me wrong. For me, the athlete is the physical therapist’s emancipator. This huge argument in the dining room pushed him to differentiate himself from the champion. In my eyes, Kim Dan would have returned to his old bad habits… relying on someone else, sacrificing himself for someone’s else sake. He would have neglected his career in the end.
As you can see, the problem is that his personality is affecting his career. At no moment, he voiced his own opinion concerning the champion’s health. He always used other doctors as references 
(chapter 27) (chapter 42) or he delegated the examination to a hospital. 
(chapter 31) Here, we get an explanation why he couldn’t detect the trick from Choi Heesung. He feared to make a diagnosis on his own, as he didn’t desire to question the words from the comedian. The hospital seems to be the sacred place in the doctor’s eyes. (chapter 41) There, nothing can go wrong. But by entrusting his patients to hospitals, he didn’t realize that he was appearing as untrustworthy or even “incompetent”. His lack of confidence and hesitation explicate why the athlete replied to his suggestion like this: (chapter 41) How could he question the doctor from MFC, when he kept hiding behind a hospital or the words from other physicians? That’s how the physical therapist got silenced. He couldn’t confront the athlete with his diagnosis. Interesting is that he never gave him the file later! 
(chapter 42) Consequently, it is not surprising why the champion complained about the doctor’s negligence. The latter was avoiding any responsibility in the end. On the other hand, the report is the symbol of his hard work, but also of his knowledge. That’s the reason why I am still considering the dispute in chapter 45 as a good omen for the physical therapist. He needs to develop his own identity. They are two different people. He needs to live for himself, to give a meaning to his life and not: (Doctor Frost, chapter 30)
Nevertheless, one detail caught my attention in this panel: (chapter 27) The presence of the personal pronoun “I”. Contrary to the conversation in the car (chapter 42), where there is no personal pronoun “I”, the doctor made a mini-statement. Jinx-philes can now grasp why the champion asked him to become responsible for his day-off. 
(chapter 27) That’s how it dawned on me why the doctor reverted to his old habits (not participating to the meeting, taking odd jobs, not voicing his own judgment, relying on others) after the night, when he was treated as sex toy. However, in my eyes, the trigger for this switch was the release of the tabloid article. (chapter 35). Why did the doctor appear so confident in front of his client to the point that he could reject his hand after going to the hospital? (chapter 27) It is because his self-esteem had been boosted by Dr. Lee. The latter had complimented him which didn’t fall on deaf ears. However, the relationship between the respectable hospital and the athlete went sour due to his article. 
(chapter 35) Imagine what it meant for Kim Dan. He could only remain passive, as he is called “doctor”. He views himself as a member from the medical field. Furthermore, observe what the sports therapist told him during the treatment session: (chapter 42) He mentioned the lawsuit against the most reputable hospital. The dispute could only diminish his self-esteem. As time passed on, there is no ambiguity that this lawsuit must have burdened more and more the physical therapist. Besides, there is no doubt that he felt some loyalty towards doctor Lee who had been complimenting him. Secondly, let’s not forget that despite his “efforts”, he had not been able to convince his patient to stop training for one day. (chapter 29) Hence he jumped to the conclusion that his patient would not listen to him anyway. (chapter 42)
After being confronted with harsh reality, he is forced to reflect on his own situation, to worry about himself. That’s the reason why I judge this scene as a positive moment in the doctor’s life. He is no longer seeking love and reliance on others in order to value himself. 
(chapter 46) This is not surprising that Mingwa zoomed on his feet. 
(chapter 46) It is full of symbolism. For the first time, he is standing on his own feet. His walk in direction to the trash bin illustrates his choice. 
(chapter 46) Besides, he is using the personal pronoun “I”. (chapter 46) It is his Coming-Of-Age. He is on the verge to become independent. On the other hand, he didn’t fight back verbally against his boss. He accepted his reproach. 
(chapter 46) He was just a physical therapist and nothing more. This shows his lack of criticism. He is still not mentally strong enough to question the champion’s words and argue back. In the past, he could do it, for he was identifying himself with his grandmother and her values. (chapter 18) This signifies that he needs to develop his own philosophy and values. What does he treasure in his life?
And here I feel the need to bring up the green-haired guy. (chapter 42) The latter was also dependent on the champion, but his “addiction” was money and not love or recognition. Therefore he picked up the money before leaving the flat
(chapter 2), while the other threw away the expensive keychain 
(chapter 46). This scene exposes the return of Kim Dan’s dignity. This comparison reinforces my interpretation that the champion misjudged the doctor’s present and actions. He imagined that Kim Dan had been acting like his “previous sex-partners” or stans. They would offer him some gifts in exchange of favors. Another contrast with the goblin is the absence of a fight and discussion. 
(chapter 2) I would even add that contrary to the green-haired guy, the doctor is not judging his patient’s personality, he is blaming himself. (chapter 46) Hence we should see it in a positive light: Kim Dan is not rejecting the athlete per se, but he is putting a distance between himself and his boss. Moreover, the presence of guilt is important, because in order to overcome DPD, the patient needs to recognize his own issues in order to change. By admitting his own flaws, he is able to move on. Our “Princess “Sihyun always put the whole responsibility on her boyfriends who dumped her. They were the bad guys, only interested in her money or body. 
(Doctor Frost, chapter 32) Interesting is that doctor Frost revealed to her later that her condition made her an easy target, as she kept relying on others. 
(Doctor Frost, chapter 39) And this observation brings me to my next conclusion: he will be approached by really bad guys, the mysterious Mr. Choi! (chapter 46) Thus I assume that his next lesson is to judge people correctly, to question their true motivation. So far, he fell into the same trap twice: (chapter 1) 
(chapter 1) He even needs to learn the difference between good guy and nice guy, but this remark applies to the grandmother.
When the dating coach Ruby Le came on the show, she explained the fundamental difference between good guys, who are genuinely nice people, and so-called “nice guys,” who are men who carry a lot of toxic traits. Good guys do kind and generous things because they are kind and generous. Nice guys, on the other hand, only say nice things because they think they are entitled to a women’s body, time, and attention, quickly changing their attitudes when they don’t get it. For example, nice guys think that, if they pay for dinner and drive a woman home, they are entitled to sex. But good guys give without any expectation of anything in return. They are able to love without attachment. Quoted from https://www.zachbeach.com/how-to-love-without-attachment/
Here, I was thinking of Heesung and Joo Jaekyung. Both acted as generous and gentle guys
(chapter 21), yet their actions were not truly selfless.
2. Dependence versus attachment
Finally, I don’t think that the doctor’s choice for the present 
(chapter 45) is random, for it stands for “attachment”.
Attachment, or the attachment bond, is the emotional connection you formed as an infant with your primary caregiver—probably your mother. According to attachment theory, pioneered by British psychiatrist John Bowlby and American psychologist Mary Ainsworth, the quality of the bonding you experienced during this first relationship often determines how well you relate to other people and respond to intimacy throughout life.
If your primary caretaker made you feel safe and understood as an infant, if they were able to respond to your cries and accurately interpret your changing physical and emotional needs, then you likely developed a successful, secure attachment. As an adult, that usually translates to being self-confident, trusting, and hopeful, with an ability to healthily manage conflict, respond to intimacy, and navigate the ups and downs of romantic relationships.
Beyond categorizing attachment as secure or insecure, there are three subsets of insecure attachment which give us the four main attachment styles:
Secure attachment
Ambivalent (or anxious-preoccupied) attachment
Avoidant-dismissive attachment
Disorganized attachment
Quoted from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/attachment-and-adult-relationships.htm
Because of his abandonment issues, there is no ambiguity that the doctor belongs more to the second type, whereas the champion is more connected to the third type. Since Joo Jaekyung is suffering from philophobia, the keychain could only be rejected, as it symbolized “restrain” and “attachment”.
In my opinion, the princess must learn how to love without “attachment” and as such without expectations. Yes, Kim Dan has to discover the existence of “love without conditions”.
Conditional love conveys to children the idea that they are only worthy and deserving of affection and attention when they behave as others want. It teaches them that something is wrong with their true self. Therefore, they learn that they cannot be themselves, which ends up affecting their self-esteem and their ability to create and maintain healthy social relationships. It is no coincidence that a study carried out at the University of Bielefeld with more than 500 adolescents revealed that those whose parents conditioned their love had a very vulnerable self-esteem, were not capable of treating each other with kindness, were too self-critical, were very insecure and had a lower satisfaction with life. Quoted from https://psychology-spot.com/conditional-love-parents-consecuences-children/
On my search about attachment and conditional love, I found this blog where the author’s statement opened my eyes to the princess’ destiny.
“For most people, the idea of non-attachment calls to mind images of separation, of not caring, not being involved at all. It brings to mind spiritual bypassing: people who simply preach spiritual clichés like “everything happens for a reason” or “this, too, shall pass,” and are totally uninvolved with the emotional reality of the situation.
However, non-attachment is not the opposite of attachment. Detachment is the opposite of attachment, and non-attachment resides between these opposite polarities, between getting too caught up in our experience and being completely cut off from them. This is an incredibly important distinction. Attachment is too much involvement, detachment is not enough, and non-attachment is that very special middle path that allows you to be fully present in what is happening without complicating it. […]
In Yogic philosophy, the word is vairāgya, and is sometimes translated as “dispassion.” Both ideas focus on the importance of noticing our mental, emotional, and physical experiences without getting so caught up in them.
They also point to the fundamental truth behind non-attachment: it is a state free from desire, not trying to get anything from anybody. It arises naturally when internal peace is cultivated and when we aren’t so dependent on the external world for pleasure or validation. It comes from an incredibly wise understanding that happiness is not to be found through the fulfillment of our sensory pleasures, but rather from being free from craving anything at all and enjoying this moment from a place of peace. Quoted from https://www.zachbeach.com/how-to-love-without-attachment/
Kim Dan is better than other characters in Jinx, as he is not greedy by nature. He is not motivated by money and fame. Nevertheless, what did the physical therapist think during the Summer Night’s Dream? 
(chapter 44) He found fulfilment in sex, which stands in opposition to the recommendation of zackbeach. Moreover, I would like to underline that the doctor reduced knowledge to sex: (chapter 44) How could he get to know the champion better, when the latter was supposed to be drunk and they would have sex? Getting closer to someone means communication and not really sensuality. Hence his happiness could only be short-lived and illusory. He didn’t take the reality into consideration. Thus I see the physical therapist’s tears as a therapy session: (chapter 46) He allows himself to cry, to grieve and to admit his pain and loneliness.
(chapter 46) It helps him to face reality. He is on his own, he needs to stop relying on others. I would even say, he is encouraged to make decisions and as such to become responsible for his own life. It is important, because this means that he will have to fight back, if he wants to survive. He can not make any desperate and hasty decisions, like this one: 
(chapter 1) However, since he listened to the champion’s reproach and became submissive again, their relationship seems to have returned to normality. They even appear as close. (chapter 46) But this is not real communication. It shows that Kim Dan is now waiting for the right time and opportunity to leave Joo Jaekyung. He doesn’t need to rush anything.
3. The Prince S Sleeping Beauty
But Kim Dan is not just connected to Princess Pyeonggang, but also to Sleeping Beauty. My avid readers will certainly remember my comparison between Kim Dan and Sleeping Beauty. [For more read Painful awakening of Sleeping Beauty] I have to admit that his mind-set 
(chapter 41) reminded me of the ending of a fairy tale: they lived happily ever after. But the doctor was forgetting that life doesn’t end after the match in the States. Life ends with death. In verity, the champion is destined to be challenged, until he retires. What the doctor saw was not the end. This exposes his naivety. How could he have such a view? It is influenced by his grandmother. (chapter 19) His goal in life was determined by his familial and financial situation: 
(chapter 10) At no moment he pondered about himself. Happiness was never his goal, exactly like in fairy tales. Sleeping Beauty is rather passive. She sleeps, until the prince charming appears and kisses her. After that, they have kids. Interesting is that they don’t get married right away, so that the princess initially has the status of a mistress or concubine. Once the prince can secure his position, he marries her. Then the moment her husband leaves her side for war, she is tormented by her mother-in-law, the ogress. She can only escape death thanks to the intervention of her husband. We could say that happiness fell on her lap. Sleeping Beauty stands for passivity, dependence on her parents and husband and lack of critical thinking. Why? It is because the princess in fairy tales, in particular Sleeping Beauty, embodies toxic positivity.
But what is toxic passivity?
Toxic positivity is the belief that no matter how dire or difficult a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset. While there are benefits to being optimistic and engaging in positive thinking, toxic positivity rejects all difficult emotions in favor of a cheerful and often falsely-positive façade. Quoted from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-positivity-5093958#toc-coping-with-toxic-positivity
This means that such a person is denying reality, for they refuse to face negative emotions. Thus they are unable to express their true human emotions and don’t receive unwavering support. And now, you are wondering where in Jinx, the author left traces of Toxic Positivity. The first example which could come to your mind would be this: 
(chapter 21) She rejected her grandson’s fear and tears. She didn’t allow him to express his abandonment issues. She diminished his anxiety by questioning his behavior: “It’s okay, grandma was just in the kitchen getting a glass of water.” Then in the present, we could use his visit at the hospital: 
(chapter 41) While the halmoni didn’t mention her suffering, the doctor gave expensive gifts to the nurse and his grandmother. He acted, as if money was no longer a problem… as if everything was fine, as if she would recover soon. Yet, he never mentioned his problems with the champion during his stay in the States (no drug incident, the humiliation, the harsh words). He is never voicing his problems to his grandmother. Both are putting smiles on their face. And the moment, I connected Kim Dan to Toxic positivity, I had another revelation. The best example for this negative attitude is actually his own birthday. 😱 
(chapter 11) Imagine that the grandmother had left the house without her grandchild. He was left behind in the house. Though she meant it well, for the child, this must have been a real torment, as he constantly feared to be abandoned. However, he knew that he was not allowed to cry or to complain. Hence when he saw her returning, he put a huge smile on his face. Moreover, this is what they had for dinner: a sweet bread and two yoghurts. The grandmother must have been hungry. Both acted, as if nothing was wrong. 
(chapter 45) With this contrast, the fear from the champion becomes more palpable. Joo Jaekyung got angry, for he had been put in the same situation. But the latter was never influenced by Toxic Positivity. Besides, he was fighting against his own inner demons. Nevertheless, this new interpretation of the birthday made me recognize why the author chose this chronology concerning Kim Dan’s past:
| Chapter 5 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 21 |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |  | |
The longer Kim Dan lived on his own, the more he got confronted with reality. (chapter 1) However, he could never confide to his grandmother about the physical abuse from the loan shark. However, the moment his hope got up 
(chapter 11), as he imagined that he could pay off the debts, he recalled his birthday. He had a nice “souvenir”… convincing himself that everything was fine. He would be able to do it, like his grandmother had told him. (chapter 18) Nevertheless, the moment he was forced to move out, he couldn’t help himself to recall how he got abandoned by his parents. And the moment he saw his halmoni fighting for her life, his abandonment issues resurfaced. Hence this terrible memory came through a nightmare. The betrayal from the parents is what had been deeply buried by the grandmother’s philosophy. The fact that the halmoni never allowed Kim Dan to talk about his parents and the circumstances of his arrival to the humble mansion, is the evidence of Toxic Positivity. In my eyes, the relative was already struggling herself, for she had also been left behind. But here it is important not to mix Toxic Positivity with Gaslighting.
But what are the consequences of Toxic Positivity? A low self-esteem, stagnation, constant anxiety and guilt. But there’s more to it.
It’s shaming: Receiving toxic positivity can lead to feelings of shame.3 It tells people that the emotions they are feeling are unacceptable. When someone is suffering, they need to know that their emotions are valid and that they can find relief and love in their friends and family.
It causes guilt: Being toxically positive can also cause feelings of guilt.3 It sends a message that if you aren’t finding a way to feel positive—even in the face of tragedy—you are doing something wrong.
It avoids authentic human emotion: Toxic positivity functions as an avoidance mechanism. When people engage in this type of behavior, it allows them to sidestep emotional situations that make them feel uncomfortable. Sometimes we turn these same ideas on ourselves, internalizing them. When we feel difficult emotions, we then discount, dismiss, and deny them.
It prevents growth: Toxic positivity allows us to avoid feeling things that might be painful. But this denies us the ability to face challenging feelings that can ultimately lead to growth and deeper insight.” Quoted from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-positivity-5093958#toc-coping-with-toxic-positivity
This explicates why Kim Dan kept his “innocence”, why he came to deny the existence of his own body and became a ghost. By denying all emotions, he got disconnected to his own body. 
(chapter 12) Therefore I understand why the doctor didn’t fight back against Heo Manwook and his minions. (chapter 1) It was his way to deny reality, hence he was covering his face. Because he trusted his grandmother, he imagined that as long as he was paying the interest on time, nothing would happen to him. (chapter 1) 
(chapter 11) But the moneylender and his minions are no honest bankers, but criminals. They enjoy using their strength, that makes them feel powerful. It boosts their ego.
Yet, until now, I didn’t explain how a princess from fairy tales embodies toxic positivity.
- Perfection Expectation:
- The concept of a princess is often associated with an idealized, perfect image. At no moment, Sleeping Beauty voiced her pain or despair. When she got hurt, she felt asleep right away. Similarly, toxic positivity can perpetuate the idea that one should always maintain a perfect, positive façade.
- Dismissal of Struggles:
- Princesses in fairy tales often face challenges but are expected to handle them with grace and a positive attitude. Toxic positivity may similarly dismiss or downplay real struggles and difficulties, urging individuals to maintain a positive front regardless of their experiences.
- External Validation:
- The image of a princess often involves seeking external validation, and toxic positivity can encourage individuals to seek validation through projecting a constantly positive image, even if it’s not authentic. Sleeping Beauty’s fate hinges on an external event—the prince’s kiss. This external validation is necessary for her to be acknowledged, valued, and freed from the curse.
- Dependence on Others: The princess’s well-being and the resolution of her situation are not within her control. She is dependent on the actions of the prince for her happiness and liberation.
- Symbol of Approval: The prince’s kiss becomes a symbol of approval and acceptance. It signifies that the princess is worthy of love and that her life gains meaning and purpose through external validation.
To conclude, Kim Dan embodies two negative traits, Dependent Personality Disorder and Toxic Positivity, due to his raising and traumas in his childhood. The elephant in the room was never brought up, the “rejection from the parents”. Therefore this secret could only poison the air in the little house.
Keeping secrets is bad. Not only does it represent an added mental and emotional weight, but it even becomes a burden on the physical level since it has been shown that secrets exhaust us physically. However, he who has never kept a secret should cast the first stone. Sometimes we may even feel that we are “forced” to keep quiet about certain things. Quoted from https://psychology-spot.com/the-reason-we-keep-a-secret/
The heavy silence had terrible consequences, he turned Kim Dan into a puppet, even a ghost. This explicates his passivity. For the grandmother, it looked like everything was fine, because her grandson did everything for her. There was never an argument between them. That’s the reason why I see this crying as a liberation. He allows himself to accept his wounds and tears. (chapter 46) (chapter 46) He allows himself to voice his thoughts. He admits to have denied reality. Mind and body are now united and synchronous. Consequently, I deduce that he is determined not to get fooled in the future.
And this brings me back to the story of Pyeonggang and Ondal!! Thanks to the selfish and stubborn “Prince S”, the fool Kim Dan received money and got trained. He became a true man, because he is now making decisions on his own. This means that from that moment on, the champion will have to become proactive in order to keep his “partner” by his side. Thanks to Joo Jaekyung’s attention, the doctor is now getting noticed by people. (chapter 46) This is the rising of the prince S. But this harbors a problem: he is also about to become the target of real bad guys. Yes, like in any historical k-dramas, we are about to assist to a battle of power, and this outside the ring.
The essay is already so long that I chose to introduce the Emperor in the second part. Naturally, I will include the scenes from chapter 46.
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.
Bebebisous33s' analyses in K-Dramaland and Manhwas 