True but it doesn’t change anything he has done. He is worried that hyung is a gangster (which he is) but he shouldn’t just assume he is a bad person. That’s really my only problem with him
I agree. Ryu Han jumped to conclusions about Lee Gum without even knowing whether or not he’s really a gangster. He judged by appearances, and that was wrong. It would’ve made more sense to be over-protective after finding out, not before
I agree that ideally people shouldn't judge another solely based on their appearance, but I think that the author depicts Hyung to be a gangster, even Sang Hwa meeting him first time is uncomfortable, if it wasn't the case that Sang Hwa knew him before through the game I think he might have avoided him as well.
Given the cultural context, I think it is fair to assume that Sang Hwa has been mixed up with Mafia business, which is a bad thing.
As for me, Ryu Han has been depicted to be an antagonist because of the MC's unrequited love but I think that as a friend his actions are actually commendable, -him choosing to spend time with Sang Hwa over his lover, him eating the pancake Sang Hwa baked even though he is already full, and him being able to confront Hyung despite his intimidating appearance for Sang Hwa.
Its just that Sang Hwa have feelings for him and expects him more to act as a lover than a friend. I guess the only fault from Ryu Hans end is being jealous that his friend is being taken away (which is normal and acceptable).
I start to recognize that Ryu Han is not actually at fault when Sang Hwa takes it against Ryu Han when he ate the pancakes he baked even if Ryu Han is already full, and to begin with he doesn't even know that Sang Hwa have those type of feelings for him.
I know that a lot of people don’t like Ryu Han, but I feel like that’s because we’re reading about him from Sang Hwa’s POV.
In Sang Hwa’s mind, he’s this poor soul who’s been in love with his best friend who doesn’t notice his feelings, and chooses to spend his time socializing instead. However, I feel like that makes Sang Hwa seem entitled. You fell in love with your straight bestie who you won’t confess to, yet expect to notice your feelings? And get upset when he pours time into his romantic relationships and not you? I think Sang Hwa is upset because he does “girlfriend things” and isn’t getting treated as a girlfriend.
And no, Ryu Han isn’t the best of friends at times. He doesn’t include Sang Hwa into his social groups, and he tries to control Sang Hwa’s relationships, all while keeping his own a secret. But hey, I’d be worried too if my friend were hanging w/ a gangster. Because movies/tv shows/books romanticize them, but in real life their nothing to play with. Even children get killed by gang members these days