Although i fully agree with your take on dark fiction, this is not the story to be an example. When you read this in korean, and esp in the novel, his “first love” is extremely pure. Literally as if hes looking at the most beautiful thing. Kind of like a love for a diety. So no, Yuri’s love is not weird and is definitely more nuanced than you guys make it out to be.
But honestly, I think the way you put it is really unfair and harsh toward the main character. You’re saying that his perspective doesn’t matter, but the main character’s POV is there for a reason. It helps us understand what’s actually happening and how Yuri sees things.
You can’t just ignore everything shown through his perspective and then use your own interpretation as if it’s the only correct one. If you’re going to disregard the way the story actually portrays Yuri, then honestly, you might as well not read it:))because it’s pretty clear from everything the author shows through Yuri’s POV that he isn’t a pedophile.
Again I say this no matter the interpretation, I (in real life) know as a fact that no matter what the situation is, seeing a minor in any lens that is can be seen as them being "beautiful" is problematic, can I see the authors intention and that they are showing that he had no ill intentions? Yes. Again, you can like something and enjoy it and still (in real life) understand the implications of certain actions and interactions.
I need yall to get it together. Is him being in love with a 13 year old problematic, yes, absolutely, it doesn't matter how he views things and his perspective. Now i kwant everyone who reads this to understand, YOU CAN LIKE SHOWS/MOVIES/BOOKS/COMICS, THAT ARE PROBLEMATIC! Do we replicate what we see? No. Do we understand that morally and ethically there is something wrong? Yes. The key is to be objective about the things you consume, understand what is wrong with a situation, and if someone who has difficulty understanding what is wrong with, then we teach them. Is pedophilia acceptable in any way? NO! Ok so I know that and I will continue to be know that while enjoying this manwha.