I read chapter 20 last week or so, and since then I've had a lot to say. Pyeonghwa's role is to show Incheol he holds no authority over himself. Incheol looks down on Pyeonghwa, basically seeing him as an obstacle to overcome, and tries to build this sense of control. Incheol is a loyal dog. Dog's don't have humanity, and they follow orders. It's seen time and time again how far Incheol will go to follow commands set by his superior. He is always breaking down his boundaries, his bodily autonomy, to get to something that he doesn't want personally. The only satisfaction he will ever understand, is the praise from the person who holds his leash. His wants are never his own wants, but Incheol believes they are. His whole character is a facade. There's a sense that Incheol has some power over Pyeonghwa, because he acts like he does, but no. Incheol will literally go the lowest points, just for the needs of others, it's genuinely depressing.
Incheol's inner-self is fighting between his own sense of autonomy, and his purpose in relation to his superior. It's two identities which oscillate within him. The thing is, Incheol's sense of autonomy is so miniscule, that the thought of failing overrides the fact that he doesn't want to be sexually involved with Pyeonghwa. I think this is what makes this situation so nuanced, because Pyeonghwa has no power over Incheol. Yet he is allowed Incheol's tentative compliance due to his need to perform well for his superior.
I read chapter 20 last week or so, and since then I've had a lot to say. Pyeonghwa's role is to show Incheol he holds no authority over himself. Incheol looks down on Pyeonghwa, basically seeing him as an obstacle to overcome, and tries to build this sense of control. Incheol is a loyal dog. Dog's don't have humanity, and they follow orders. It's seen time and time again how far Incheol will go to follow commands set by his superior. He is always breaking down his boundaries, his bodily autonomy, to get to something that he doesn't want personally. The only satisfaction he will ever understand, is the praise from the person who holds his leash. His wants are never his own wants, but Incheol believes they are. His whole character is a facade. There's a sense that Incheol has some power over Pyeonghwa, because he acts like he does, but no. Incheol will literally go the lowest points, just for the needs of others, it's genuinely depressing.
Incheol's inner-self is fighting between his own sense of autonomy, and his purpose in relation to his superior. It's two identities which oscillate within him. The thing is, Incheol's sense of autonomy is so miniscule, that the thought of failing overrides the fact that he doesn't want to be sexually involved with Pyeonghwa. I think this is what makes this situation so nuanced, because Pyeonghwa has no power over Incheol. Yet he is allowed Incheol's tentative compliance due to his need to perform well for his superior.