It is interesting how, in earlier chapters, Jaeyi’s brother encouraged Ideum to accept his scar as a symbol of worth and proof of who he is now, yet now subtly suggests he cover it up. That shows he doesn't really feel what he's saying; he's just using convenient words to move people and draw them into his camp.
The story is about self-discovery and accepting our vulnerabilities—even those that have caused us pain—because they also make us strong; Ideum had been hiding behind that scar his whole life, and meeting Yaeji gave him the courage to experience the world beyond his isolation. That is why Jaeyi reacted the way he did: he is protecting Ideum. To him, the scar isn't a blemish—why should it be hidden when he constantly covers it with kisses and sees it as a window into Ideum's soul?
It is interesting how, in earlier chapters, Jaeyi’s brother encouraged Ideum to accept his scar as a symbol of worth and proof of who he is now, yet now subtly suggests he cover it up. That shows he doesn't really feel what he's saying; he's just using convenient words to move people and draw them into his camp.
The story is about self-discovery and accepting our vulnerabilities—even those that have caused us pain—because they also make us strong; Ideum had been hiding behind that scar his whole life, and meeting Yaeji gave him the courage to experience the world beyond his isolation. That is why Jaeyi reacted the way he did: he is protecting Ideum. To him, the scar isn't a blemish—why should it be hidden when he constantly covers it with kisses and sees it as a window into Ideum's soul?