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MC was already broken, but ML kept pushing him even further down the hole until MC just completely breaks just to then swoop in and “save” him.
Like, boy. YOU made MC this miserable. And because MC is so broken, ML’s redemption was really quick. Just basic support (which MC was in DIRE need for) from him made MC fall for him again so quickly. And it was even more convenient that MC literally had no one to rely on, except for ML. Really convenient for the author and plot, isn’t it?
I’m not blaming MC. I actually love and adore him. I understand all of his actions. On the other hand, I hate ML and ML’s dick riders that excuse his actions and say “but he changed!”. That doesn’t erase the traumatic shit he has done to MC?! Why is that even an argument?! Since when rape, forced prostitution and threat of pimping is something that could be forgotten just because ML apologised? There are so many manhwas with trash MLs like him (exactly the same btw), but they all have a low rating. So why is this one so highly rated?
His redemption was not satisfying at all, because half of it was him literally cleaning up after his own mistakes (his brother almost being taken away, MC suffering from miscarriage, etc). The other half is him doing the bare minimum for MC. And because both of them are not in an equal relationship (MC is broke and has nothing, while ML has status, money, connections and etc), any small deed is a huge deal for MC. How tf is that satisfying? ML is basically having the redemption set to easy mode. It would have been much more satisfying if MC was able to stand on his own two feet, have his own money and not rely on anyone, then have ML chase after MC for 50+ chapters.
But then, again, how tf do you forgive someone who destroyed your life, profited from it, raped you and also forcefully impregnated you? When that shit happened in other manhwas (popular examples: “Abandoned Empress”, “Kiss me, Liar”, etc), people were ENRAGED that MC forgave the ML and got back together. So why is this manhwa so different?
Furthermore, calling ML’s character development ‘one of the best’ makes me smash my head against the wall. It is insulting to other manhwa authors that actually write a good story and character development.
If you forgive a rapist and genuine piece of shit of a human just because they regret what they did and doing bare minimum - you need a therapist ASAP. That is not normal.
I’m not saying that people can’t change or we should hold the past over people. But when the crime is THAT big the redemption should outweigh what he has done. There weren’t enough chapters to show his redemption. That bitch didn’t forgive MC’s debt until it backfired and only quit his thug job at the end. Bitch, you should have STARTED with that!
I’m so angry that this manhwa is so popular and highly rated. The plot is not a masterpiece. Characters (except for MC, his brother and that college student) are not good. Theme and overall message is non-existent.
Nothing wrong with liking this manhwa, btw! Not every manhwa needs to be a perfect literary masterpiece to be able to enjoy it. I can see why people would like it: the art style, sex scenes, redemption arc (that was poorly done and is short, in my opinion) and etc. Even I read manhwas/manhuas with trash MLs to enjoy the regret, angst and chasing (but NEVER excusing MLs’ actions). But calling it masterpiece, excusing ML’s actions and not taking any criticism about it? This manhwa’s fans are just smth…
I wouldn’t be hating on this manhwa this much if it wasn’t for the high rating and the fans being insufferable on social media.