Guwon kind of gives off Violet Evergarden vibes — but if Violet had been raised in a cage, taught nothing, and left to figure out morality on her own. He doesn’t know what’s right or wrong — he just imitates what seems ‘good.’ When Teach tells him that killing the father wasn’t okay, Guwon literally breaks down. He repeats the question over and over like a kid who didn’t realize he hurt someone until it was too late. He doesn’t argue, doesn’t get angry — he glitches. He just wants to understand.
And that’s what makes his bond with Teach so intense. Teach is scared — but he doesn’t back down. He tells him the truth, violently even. And Guwon respects that. He says it himself: ‘he’s not like the others.’ Not because Teach is kind — but because he dares to confront him.
But then, there’s the doctor. And the town. The whole peaceful village thing? It’s a lie. A controlled environment designed to keep Guwon in check. They dressed it up as safety, but it’s just a prettier kind of cage. Guwon was never free — he was being handled. Observed. Softly manipulated into staying put, thinking he had a purpose.
And now that he’s changing, they’re scared. The doctor knows Guwon is slipping — and he’s planning to use Teach next. Not because he cares about Guwon’s well-being, but because he needs a leash strong enough to keep him tame.
So no — Guwon isn’t just a tragic character. He’s a ticking time bomb with a heart that’s just barely starting to beat. And the people around him? They’re not ready for what happens when he finally feels everything they’ve tried to suppress.
The way I ate this coment up...
I really like this vision
Thx ! Glad you have the vision !
Man, Guwon just showed us what being a ‘leader’ really means — cold, brutal, but somehow heartbreaking. Watching Teach’s face while that happened? Pure heartbreak. This town’s got no mercy, and Guwon’s ready to remind everyone who’s boss. Can’t wait to see how Teach handles all this.
I was so embarrassed I had to put my phone down and take a nap.
I’ve been thinking of the outcomes of this story and honestly, I don’t see a classic happy ending for Ian. I think the most believable and powerful ending would be an open one — where Ian chooses to walk away. Not out of hate or rejection, but because he finally needs space to exist for himself.
Jo cares deeply, but we can see him slipping into something more obsessive — trying to understand Ian, to ‘fix’ him, to be the person who saves him. And while his feelings might be genuine, that kind of love can become another kind of pressure. Another gaze Ian has to live under.
Ian has never really belonged to himself. He’s always been someone else’s — the gang’s, TJ’s, even now Jo’s. If he chooses solitude, it might be the first time he makes a choice that’s truly his. Not survival. Not submission. Just… freedom.
Yes, it would be sad. But it wouldn’t be hopeless. It would mean Ian finally taking control of his story. And sometimes, love isn’t enough — especially for someone who doesn’t yet know how to love themselves.
It wouldn’t be a tragic ending. It would be a quiet one. Like footsteps in wet sand that slowly fade, but prove someone was there.
no cus the way this was EVERYTHING i was thinking while reading the chapter! so well said omg clock it
but i do think jo and Tj will have a development too so that whole obsession might fade into pure love and care or space for ian … since the author mentioned them all having character developments i’m looking forward to their changes ( i’m hoping for green flag jo and big boss tj )
Omg thank you! I totally agree — I’d actually love to see Jo and TJ grow into healthier versions of themselves. If their obsession turns into real care or even gives Ian the space he needs, that would be such a strong arc.
That’s why I still lean toward an open ending — not as a rejection, but as a way for Ian to finally exist on his own terms. And maybe, if Jo and TJ change, there could be space for reconnection — but only then. Green flag Jo and big boss TJ? I’d be here for it.
This was so poetic, I swear ur literacy skills and writing expression is the only reason I still read comments. It’s so rare to find someone expressing the story objectively and artistically, no ships just people
Thanks so much! I really appreciate it. It’s nice to know that someone sees it the way I do. Makes the whole thing feel worthwhile.
YES!! I think it would be for the best if Ian moved away and left everything—starting a new life where he could finally be content and happy. The environment he's in right now isn't the best and considering the thing he has going on with Tj and Jo. I feel like this might be the possible ending for him.
This is an incredibly disturbing and intense story that dives into complex themes of revenge, trauma, and the psychological impact of abuse. While the violence depicted is hard to digest and can be triggering, it’s important to remember that the author seems to be exploring these dark elements to provoke thought about the consequences of unchecked pain and manipulation.
It’s not a story meant to be enjoyed in the traditional sense, but rather one that challenges readers to reflect on the cycles of abuse and how they shape people. It’s essential to approach this manhwa with awareness, acknowledging the emotional depth it attempts to present, even though it’s wrapped in a very violent narrative.
The depiction of Juyeon, as someone who is both a victim and a perpetrator, raises uncomfortable questions about how power dynamics, beauty privilege, and past traumas influence human behavior. The focus on Juyeon’s attractiveness and his actions might be a tool used to emphasize the dissonance between how we perceive individuals based on external factors and the darkness they might harbor inside.
If you’re reading this, please keep in mind that it’s an exploration of human suffering and the lengths people can go to when consumed by revenge, but also a reflection of the importance of empathy, boundaries, and mental health. Everyone deserves healing, even the most broken of characters.
You just said everything, your point is really good but (for me) any kind of rapists (in real life) deserves to die, I don’t think people who does those things is ever gonna chance or thinking of redemption. The action of violating someone against their will and enjoy nahhh ;-; is so miserable just to think about it…
I completely understand where you’re coming from. What you said is totally valid — the pain caused by such acts is irreparable, and it’s hard to believe someone capable of that could ever truly change. I think the story isn’t trying to redeem anyone, especially not the rapist, but to show just how deep trauma and revenge can twist people beyond repair.
It’s definitely not meant to make us sympathize with them — more like to disturb us and make us reflect on how unchecked pain can become something monstrous. The discomfort we feel reading it might actually be the point. But I totally get that for some, it’s just too much, and honestly, that’s okay too.
Yes, I totally agree with your words.
At the heart of this story is Ian’s journey—his struggle for freedom (the need to escape his past and gain control over his own life), healing (the emotional recovery from past trauma), and self-identity (figuring out who he truly is, beyond his circumstances). As he fights to break free from the shadows of his past, the story becomes a testament to the power of self-discovery and change.
Jo enters as a source of hope, but the deeper he gets involved, the more he risks losing himself in Ian’s world. TJ, a significant part of Ian’s history, represents a connection he must ultimately sever in order to truly find peace. In the end, it’s Ian’s growth (his development as a person, emotionally and mentally) that anchors this entire narrative, making it a gripping and transformative journey.
See you next year or not …