I hate the world, to think that there are some people living the same way Manhwa characters do.
Honestly MC has been brainwashed tbh, but he might hit rock bottom without ML. That sounds like hell bro, imagine not being able to live without this particular person . I'd be hungry for freedom.
Basically sponsorship > non-consensual sex/rape > trauma bond > toxic relationship about co-dependency
It's sad knowing this really happens irl.