I like the story but I def think there's a lack of acknowledgement about the very obvious ...

I like the story but I def think there's a lack of acknowledgement about the very obvious orientalism of middle eastern and romani culture portrayed in this manhwa. Yes it's racist, even if the kurkans are portrayed as good and "superior," even. That portrayal doesn't cancel out the racism. It's like saying african americans are naturally more athletic (I'm not african american, but this is what I've read about, so please correct me if I'm wrong). It's a compliment, right? Shouldn't be racist, right? Well, it's still racist. And the stereotype has been used to harm african americans from the conception of the usa all the way up until today.

I understand that the author portrays the kurkans' character as much more than their appearance, but you can't say that the depth of character and portrayal of kurkans as the good guys somehow "makes up for" the blatant stereotyping (which is racist!) of middle eastern and romani culture.

Also, doing the classic switcharoo of "but what if it was the estians were portrayed as the good guys and the kurkans were portrayed as the bad guys? That's more racist" is so tone deaf because the cultures they represent carry different weight.

I appreciate the author's inclusion of more dark-skinned characters. I appreciate the diversity of body types. I appreciate the blatant anti-racism message that the author is trying to portray. But there are so many better ways to get this message across without stereotyping.

I recommend reading critical comments from people who are actually from this misrepresented culture. And try to really listen to what they have to say.

Unpopular opinion but you are allowed to like something while also acknowledging that it has issues!