uhm i dont get it. is it still considered grooming if the victim isnt manipulated just lik...

he tried to groom yeongwoon anyway

Yep, because the older and responsible person is keeping them close despite knowing they have inappropriate feelings. Taegu also admitted that he knew he’d snap one day. If you truly care about someone and don’t want to be a predator, you’d put some distance and cut ties. It’s not like yeongwoon needs him now, financially or otherwise.