It's just filler, might have served a purpose to explain parts of the plot, but just menial parts that are often overlooked.
Fair enough. Just found it unfortunate since unnamed (iirc) characters were actually killed by the statues in the novel. It can be said that their sacrifice, although noble, was useless since jinwoo didn't need to be rescued. Oh well, the story was not supposed to be death-free after all
Their sacrifices now will only serve to reach the end and they'd live a peaceful life after. When I had heard the ending of the novel I didn't feel so bad when everyone died, I mean some were still devastating and tear jerking depending on the character, but to know how in the end they'll live a more normal life after it all.
Been thinking this ever since I've reached this part in the novel: their presence weren't really needed here, no? Not like the architect was gonna kill jinwoo