Yes. As I commented before, this fits the definition for yaoi, but not for BL. It features (noncon) sexual relations between males, but it is not a romance, nor does it seem to intend to be one.
I agree, with how its written so far and it's very well done. the rape was hard to stomach but it definitely wasnt romanticized and the victim acted like a victim for once!
Yes its refreshing to see rape being portrayed as rape and not a romantic device
it might be hard for some people to follow if they don't have a grasp on korean politics
what is your definition of yaoi if you’d consider this story one?
i agree. tbh while reading this, ive never even subconsciously classified this as a BL simply bc i couldnt convince myself that incheol was not the straightest dude ive ever seen. i think if anything, ive always felt as if the author wanted to use incheol’s sexuality (and if im correct, his straightness) to further thematic messages or character analyses through him.
So true, I can't imagine them being a lovely dovey relationship at all
Did the author say this was a non-romance story? Because i don’t think she did. It’s more likely that she intended this to be a dark romance
Not my definition, the definition Google will give you if you search it, is that yaoi portrays sexual or romantic relationships between fictional male characters. As it is OR and not AND, it means there can be yaoi with sex but no romance. Which seems to be the case in this one.
I don't know. But I would say there is no romance thus far.
Did you read the author’s note yet? The author said that this story is meant to be a “hardcore noir genre bl story.” The theme was meant to be dark and violent with the characters. They did not want to write the characters as lovey dovey, who had to say “I love you” constantly and always making out. So it has romance but not a fluffy, sweet kind that makes you feel warm inside. It’s going to be a bumpy ride with them because of the inclinations to rougher things, manipulation, and politics. Also, the obvious guilt the ml feels for pyeonghwa.
I haven't yet (only read up to chapter 22), but I believe you. The author intends to make it a romance eventually. Got it
Up until chapter 22, though, a seemingly heterosexual man is being raped by another man and being so disgusted by it that he throws up and even passes out. I personally don't think that is romance. I guess I'll see how the story progresses. I don't think my opinion, a complete stranger's, should upset you this much. Please feel free to ignore me.
No, your opinion didn’t upset me. I just wanted to let you know what the author had intended for this story. The first season will be more about introducing the characters so that’s why you don’t feel the romance element. But then again with this being a dark theme romance, it may still be far from what is a typical romance story.
That's good, I didn't mean to upset anyone. I see, that sounds interesting. Although it was already interesting, even if no romance were ever to happen.
You took the word right out if my mouth, the readers feeling disgusted and uncomfortable about the scene is doing exactly what the author intended it for and not for sexualization
this story is not a romance. the rape scene was not written in a way that was supposed to be romanticised, glorified, or anything of the sort. reading it made me sick when incheol puked and passed out. and that was the author's intention.
this story is meant to be heavily plot-driven with subtextual sociopolitical themes. therefore, this isn't like your typical bl. i'm not expecting any forgiveness or romance from the main characters, and i really don't think the author intends to write a story like that either.
this manwha is acclaimed due to its storytelling. the world building is absolutely wonderful. the two main characters are written very well and through all of this their (unhealthy) dynamic absorbs you into the storyline. even the panel placing is meticulous and intentional.
i believe some readers went into this story expecting an average bl webtoon, probably thinking the rape scene was meant as a plot device to create romance between the two mcs (like what happens with so many stories out there). this is not the case.
some people need to use their critical thinking skills. the author would be disappointed that their story is getting viewed as a rape-to-romance bl like jinx.