For starters, this should NOT be considered bl or Yaoi. It’s primarily psychological horror, and in my opinion one of the best depictions of it I have ever seen in a manhwa. The author fleshes out each perspective so accurately and beautifully, especially in how Sangwoo is portrayed as a psychopath. I read/listen to true crime often, and KS is spot on with the concept of most serial killers being victims before becoming abusers. I also like how the story makes sure to disturb the reader in not only just the plot but also how they feel about themselves as a reader. I could acknowledge the disgust/hate I felt from the horrors committed by Sangwoo and simultaneously feel sympathy for him as a victim of extreme psychological and sexual abuse. This is the same for Yoonbum as the primary victim. There is a mixture of pity, sadness, frustration, and even disgust as I watched his life slowly deteriorate due to his inability to escape his own mind. I couldn’t help but wish for a better outcome for the both of them despite everything, and it really puts into consideration how people view victims and abusers when they do not fit the “ideal” criteria. KS digs into many controversial themes and topics about human nature and how we as humans respond to painful perspectives, making sure to not shy away from the brutality of the reality of mental illnesses. This was truly an eye-opening, horrifying read, and I will definitely not be forgetting this plot for a while.
For starters, this should NOT be considered bl or Yaoi. It’s primarily psychological horror, and in my opinion one of the best depictions of it I have ever seen in a manhwa. The author fleshes out each perspective so accurately and beautifully, especially in how Sangwoo is portrayed as a psychopath. I read/listen to true crime often, and KS is spot on with the concept of most serial killers being victims before becoming abusers. I also like how the story makes sure to disturb the reader in not only just the plot but also how they feel about themselves as a reader. I could acknowledge the disgust/hate I felt from the horrors committed by Sangwoo and simultaneously feel sympathy for him as a victim of extreme psychological and sexual abuse. This is the same for Yoonbum as the primary victim. There is a mixture of pity, sadness, frustration, and even disgust as I watched his life slowly deteriorate due to his inability to escape his own mind. I couldn’t help but wish for a better outcome for the both of them despite everything, and it really puts into consideration how people view victims and abusers when they do not fit the “ideal” criteria. KS digs into many controversial themes and topics about human nature and how we as humans respond to painful perspectives, making sure to not shy away from the brutality of the reality of mental illnesses. This was truly an eye-opening, horrifying read, and I will definitely not be forgetting this plot for a while.