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Okay I’ve read a lot of replies critiquing nakwon and claiming we are forgetting what he’s done, or saying him acting this way is not believable. And instead of replying to everyone individually, I’ll just kind of counter that here.
I doubt other readers have forgotten what Nakwon has done. We all hate him for that. But he’s fictional. If Nakwon was a real person I would despise him; he’s a rapist asshole rich arrogant cop, probably the worst possible person imaginable. But he’s fictional, and I can respect his development.
[TLDR; Nakwon is the same arrogant person, but despite that he is vulnerable around Mokhwa and has been a pathetic simp for over six months.]
For one, in many ways Nakwon hasn’t changed. He’s the same arrogant, asshole, corrupt cop. Even in this chapter, he went on a rant about himself being above “inferior posers”. In the previous chapter he was rude to mokhwa underlings, and he has never stopped being a horrible, abusive boss. Pick any chapter, and I can guarantee there’s nakwon going on some narcissistic rant. It’s just inherent to his character.
Another central component to nakwons character is his impulsivity. Throughout the story he doesn’t consider possible ramifications of his actions, he just acts what will bring him momentary pleasure or enjoyment. This explains why he raped mokhwa; he wanted to dominate him, and he was angry that Mokhwa would potentially return to his gang.
From their first meeting, it’s clear Nakwon was becoming more attached to Mokhwa. But instead of accepting this, Nakwon denied his feelings. This included up to the second rape. Unlike the first time, Instead of feeling empowered, Nakwon was left with a “bitter after taste”( ch. 23). This is because this assault was motivated by his desire for mokhwa to stay by his side, not solely to dominate and humiliate him.
As we know, the major shift occurred when Mokhwa nearly died. But remember; Nakwon was at the site before Mokhwa was attacked. instead of following his impulse to enter the warehouse, Nakwon waited ~10 minutes outside to wait for backup. This was one of the first times in the manhwa Nakwon didn’t follow his impulse. I’d argue it’s because he was still in denial he cared for Mokhwa. And as we saw, him denying his affection for Mokhwa made him enter the warehouse 10 minutes later. In that time, Mokhwa was brutally attacked and nearly killed. If Nakwon didn’t wait, if Nakwon had accepted his feelings, Mokhwa being hurt could have been prevented.
And of course Nakwon had his mental breakdown after that. I recommend reading that scene. It’s clear Nakwon realizes how disgusting his actions have been. And following chapters, it’s made clear Nakwon realizes what he’s done is unforgivable. (Ch 33~35. But tbh reread the whole manhwa its so good. And save sonic and buy some officials (lmao))
After that, It’s undeniable that nakwon is more docile and hesitant when interacting with Mokhwa. He acts like a pathetic loser. And part of this is because he knows that if he shows Mokhwa affection and is kind to him, Mokhwa will be unable to push him away. Nakwon wants to be important to Mokhwa. And even though Mokhwa is more tolerant of nakwon, he is still distant from him (as he should be).
Despite nakwons efforts essentially failing, despite Mokhwa continuing to distance him, Nakwon is STILL treating him the same. Nakwon is aware Mokhwa doesn’t trust him. But Nakwon is still cautious every time he interacts with mokhwa, Nakwon still puts effort and emotional labor with essentially zero expectation for instantaneous results. This is the complete opposite to Nakwon at the beginning of the manhwa. That Nakwon would NEVER follow Mokhwa around, seeing him every day for lunch etc, when there were zero “results”.
Nakwon literally CONFESSED HIS LOVE for Mokhwa, was completely emotionally vulnerable, yet Mokhwa still kept distance. And despite this objective “loss”, Nakwon didn’t fault Mokhwa for it; he internalized this and recognized it was because of his own actions
this season he’s been more active; buying the café and the condo. But he still had to use the flower noona to get Mokhwa to even agree with him. After that moment, Nakwon once again accepted he was still not a central, trusted figure in Mokhwa life. In this chapter, Nakwon is ready to back off when Mokhwa questions them living together. He immediately reels back, instead of arguing or pressuring Mokhwa.
So no, Nakwon hasn’t substantively changed.
He is still manipulative and uses the fact that Mokhwa is lonely to ingrain himself in his life. But that makes his current behavior and actions to Mokhwa even more significant. He’s still arrogant he’s still snobbish, but he continues to plead and follow around this buff cutie for six plus months with little in return.
If you cant handle Nakwon, I don’t blame you. He’s done horrible things. But if that’s the case, no reason to keep reading. No reason to complain every update about him acting like a pathetic simp, no reason to complain when Mokhwa continues to spend time with him. Each of their actions and behaviors make sense with their character. Nakwon has essentially accepted “defeat” in regards to Mokhwa, and is acting in ways the Nakwon from the beginning would never behave.