I actually do quite like the backstory because it kinda flushes out JJK's character more. I think we readers are mistaking the backstory as an attempt by the writer to redeem JJK, as if his tragic history is to justify him. But I don't think that was the intention. The back story is here more to illustrate JJK's personality and sometimes even foil Kim Dan. They've both grown up in poverty, had to work hard to make ends meet, and have lost their family. It's interesting to see how even as a kid, he is very much the type to stubbornly bulldoze ahead rather than find shortcuts, and is surprisingly loyal and determined to the things he sets his mind on.
This also kinda shows why he and Kim Dan are still quite incompatible. JJK is very much the type to stubbornly face his problems head on and because of that, he is unable to sympathize with those that are more the avoidant-type. He seems to look down on those that can't handle their own issues, like Kim Dan. While this isn't kind, it does make sense from a narrative standpoint because it took a lot of tenacity and hardwork for JJK to get to where he is now.
Kim Dan on the other hand, retained his humanity and kindness, but quite frankly he does not handle his own problems very well nor is he very independent. So in that way, they would benefit from tempering one another.
While I do think JJK is still a red flag, I wouldn't say he's unforgivable. Their relationship was largely transactional, and Kim Dan could have opted out just as easily as JJK could have refused to help any further. JJK's biggest flaw is that he has a tendency to take out his aggression on KD, both in the bed and outside, in a way that exceeds what's acceptable between transactional partners. Its a sucky trait to have in a person, but not something that he can't fix.
I actually do quite like the backstory because it kinda flushes out JJK's character more. I think we readers are mistaking the backstory as an attempt by the writer to redeem JJK, as if his tragic history is to justify him. But I don't think that was the intention. The back story is here more to illustrate JJK's personality and sometimes even foil Kim Dan. They've both grown up in poverty, had to work hard to make ends meet, and have lost their family. It's interesting to see how even as a kid, he is very much the type to stubbornly bulldoze ahead rather than find shortcuts, and is surprisingly loyal and determined to the things he sets his mind on.
This also kinda shows why he and Kim Dan are still quite incompatible. JJK is very much the type to stubbornly face his problems head on and because of that, he is unable to sympathize with those that are more the avoidant-type. He seems to look down on those that can't handle their own issues, like Kim Dan. While this isn't kind, it does make sense from a narrative standpoint because it took a lot of tenacity and hardwork for JJK to get to where he is now.
Kim Dan on the other hand, retained his humanity and kindness, but quite frankly he does not handle his own problems very well nor is he very independent. So in that way, they would benefit from tempering one another.
While I do think JJK is still a red flag, I wouldn't say he's unforgivable. Their relationship was largely transactional, and Kim Dan could have opted out just as easily as JJK could have refused to help any further. JJK's biggest flaw is that he has a tendency to take out his aggression on KD, both in the bed and outside, in a way that exceeds what's acceptable between transactional partners. Its a sucky trait to have in a person, but not something that he can't fix.