Age gaps are common in both Korea and the U.S. but that doesn’t mean they’re free from critique especially when the younger person is 18 and the older is 22. In this case, there’s a clear power imbalance. Dohyun used to be the MC’s tutor when the MC was still a minor, and we can still see the effects of that dynamic in how much the MC idolizes him. Their interactions also highlight a noticeable difference in maturity levels, so I think it’s completely fair that the friend warned Dohyun not to pursue anything with someone who’s 18. And it’s even more serious given that the MC was drunk at the time. Drunk people can’t give proper consent, and even though Dohyun was also drinking, he was clearly the more level-headed one in that moment. He should have known better than to act on anything, even if the MC initiated it. The fact that the MC doesn’t remember what happened the next day makes it even worse. So while I’m definitely interested to see how the author explores this kind of dynamic, I think the concern by the friend was valid.
Dohyun man.. I respect him. He only did what was asked of him and consented to. And didn't try to sleep with a drunk person because drunk people can't CONSENT fully. He's got patience and resolve. I'm glad we FINALLY have progress in our future couple. The scene where he bit his lip and you see him lose control for a second so he starts releasing pheromones lol. You just know his bed smelled like him even after he left. Anyway I get it that his friend warned him don't mess with someone younger than you but their age gap isn't that big and it's normal to see age gaps in relationships in Korea. It's VERY common so to be honest it just felt out of line and weird for me. It's honestly not their business if he does. But with age gaps relationships normally power imbalance come up along with the fact he's his senior in school and the club leader. So I get where the concern comes from but at the same time I don't think it's that big of a deal. Especially with how common it is in their culture. Now as for our MC he lived a while in the US was it?? Or was it Canada? I don't remember but culturally he probably also sees it differently.