I don't think it's ever that simple of a matter. It stopped being about his survival after he rose in the ranks from a mere officer to the commander. The role he was given became more meaningful. Why? Because now his life had a purpose.
The King's younger brother enabled Hee-ryang to fullfill his potential to the fullest. Hee-ryang respected him and even said that there's no one else who can spearhead the campaign against outlanders. Hee-ryang believed that their mission to protect the borders, by any means necessary (even morally questionable methods), was the highest priority.
And to give the final push, he felt in debt to the King's younger brother. There wasn't much of a choice he had at that point, because of all the decisions he had made so far as a person. Hee-ryang let himself be cornered into that situation owing to what he allowed himself to become.
That's why I said that despite everything, he's fully responsible for his actions and bears the burden of the consequences. And keeping all this in mind, what would it take to redeem such a person? I'm very interested in that. (▰˘◡˘▰)
I agree with you there, although I am in full support of him and hope he gets a redemption arc, with how intricately and well thought out the story is I believe the author has something in store for us regarding his redemption, we are already seeing it as is
My theory is that in Part 2 or last chapters of part 1, yeonjo will betray him, maybe unwillingly or having second thoughts on the matter but he will pull through
Maybe that is the punishment for hee ryang, after opening his heart towards someone he will be betrayed and will lead to his downfall
Another theory would be he would fake his own death if ever yeonjo were to "kill" him, maybe hide in the shadows for a bit before coming back when everything goes to shit
I theorise that their could be 3 parts, 1 for the beginning and establishing or what happens, part 2 will be the implementation of the "revenge" for yeonjo plus fighting with his own thoughts about it because he grew attached, maybe he'd even unwillingly betray hee yang or smth, part 3 would be the concluding and most likely where everything ties together, I'd definitely bet that if ever Yeonjo does go and exact revenge in part 2, hee ryang will still survive and find a way to put an end to everything
Hee ryang is a full package in intellectual and in his physical capabilities, he won't go down easily but he kay be affected by the betrayal if it all goes down to that
Anyway just praying they get the happy ending
I agree with you there, although I am in full support of him and hope he gets a redemption arc, with how intricately and well thought out the story is I believe the author has something in store for us regarding his redemption, we are already seeing it as is
My theory is that in Part 2 or last chapters of part 1, yeonjo will betray him, maybe unwillingly or having second thoughts on the matter but he will pull through
Maybe that is the punishment for hee ryang, after opening his heart towards someone he will be betrayed and will lead to his downfall
Another theory would be he would fake his own death if ever yeonjo were to "kill" him, maybe hide in the shadows for a bit before coming back when everything goes to shit
I theorise that their could be 3 parts, 1 for the beginning and establishing or what happens, part 2 will be the implementation of the "revenge" for yeonjo plus fighting with his own thoughts about it because he grew attached, maybe he'd even unwillingly betray hee yang or smth, part 3 would be the concluding and most likely where everything ties together, I'd definitely bet that if ever Yeonjo does go and exact revenge in part 2, hee ryang will still survive and find a way to put an end to everything
Hee ryang is a full package in intellectual and in his physical capabilities, he won't go down easily but he kay be affected by the betrayal if it all goes down to that
Anyway just praying they get the happy lending
While I do understand Hee-ryang's childhood and background, the desperation he felt to survive and the debt he needed to pay back, I still think he is responsible for his actions. Maybe there was no "better" alternative in that situation, but he still made a choice and no matter whatever justifications he had, he still has to bear the responsibility and consequences. All leaders have such a role in life.
I'm quite interested in how he is going to redeem himself, if he's able to even. Would Yeonjo give him a chance? Outside of pity, what would justify giving such a man a second chance? Maybe...love?