Im gonna fucking lose my hair just when I thought we would get more of the second couple I get shot in the face like a bitch
Spoilers ahead like, full on spoilers. If you don’t want to be spoiled, scroll past now!
Why did the ML kidnapped the Mc? To explain that im gonna provide some context.
So, the MC (Seonwoo) and his childhood friend Yoochan were both orphans. They had no family, no support system. Yoochan was the rough type, always getting into gang activity and bullying others. Seonwoo wasn’t like that, but he still tagged along, never really stopping Yoochan or stepping away.
Eventually, Yoochan got involved with a dangerous gang. The gang used both of them and would abuse them. An Hyungtae, there leader who is ruthless, cold, and terrifying took a particular interest in Seonwoo, more than Yoochan, which made Yoochan jealous.
Later, Seonwoo was given a mission. It was to “Get close to Ihyun” (aka the ML). He even gave Seonwoo candy and nice clothes to help him blend in and look the part. Seonwoo and Ihyun became friends and played games, eating food, and just going out. Seonwoo noticed Ihyun’s parents weren’t very present or attentive, and he reported that to An Hyungtae. The next day, An Hyungtae told him to bring Ihyun out again and when Seonwoo invited ihyun to the arcade a van suddenly pulled up and kidnapped both of them. Ihyun was tied up wrists and ankles while Seonwoo just stood there, frozen in shock. Ihyun looked at him with tears in his eyes, completely betrayed.
Ihyun was locked in a basement. Small, dark, dirty, and disgusting. He was barely fed. Eventually, Seonwoo found him. Horrified, he made a plan to help Ihyun escape. Long story short: he put Ihyun in a cage to make it seem like he was gone and sneak him out. But before this Yoochan found out and told Seonwoo he was gonna tell An Hyungtae but Seonwoo, terrified of being found out beat the shit of yoochan and after yoonchan passed out he ran.
Seonwoo brought Ihyun to the police and told them everything. Detective Noh took the case seriously and arrested the gang. Turns out, An Hyungtae had been hired by a rival with a grudge against Ihyun’s parents to kidnap him.
So why did the ML kidnap the MC years later?
Because he was angry. ML (Ihyun) hated that Seonwoo got to live a normal life. Working. Making college friends. Moving on. Meanwhile, he was left behind with trauma and scars. He was kidnapped and betrayed, and Seonwoo just… moved forward. Ihyun wanted Seonwoo to understand the pain he went through to experience what it felt like to be trapped, helpless, and forgotten.
ML’s Trauma
Ihyun struggles with PTSD, especially around dark, enclosed spaces. His bedroom literally reflects this. it’s basically a giant cage. A scaled-up version of the one he was held in as a child. It’s tall and wide enough that he doesn’t have to crouch, but it still feels overwhelming. The cage fills nearly the entire room, which is just a bit smaller than Seonwoo’s bedroom. Sunlight filters in through the window, casting shadows of the bars over the bed. It smells like oil and metal.
Ihyun has multiple locks on the cage, and he fastens each one from top to bottom every night. Without them, he can’t sleep. It’s part of his trauma.
How did they get closer? How did they fall in love?
When Seonwoo got kidnapped, he actually… didn’t hate it. At first, he was scared but then he kind of liked being lazy. And it’s important to note: Ihyun never abused or raped him. The MC was terrified he’d be thrown into a dark, nasty basement and fed only dumplings or sold off for ransom at any moment. But none of that happened.
In fact, Seonwoo didn’t even feel like he was kidnapped. He thought he deserved a harsher punishment because of the guilt. Ihyun was treating him nice too.
Regular, delicious meals three times a day, fresh fruit and snacks, plenty of sleep, warm sunlight, fluffy blankets that smelled like fabric softener, and soft floors and walls everywhere. His body, used to little sleep and constant overwork, adjusted fast to the cozy life.
Since starting university, Seonwoo had been under so much stress on top of working two or three part-time jobs. He even felt sorry for Ihyun, who had traumatic memories of basement, while Seonwoo found comfort in it.
At first, he lived in the first floor, but when Ihyun saw Seonwoo trying to leave after he stepped near the door, he panicked and moved him to the basement. But it wasn’t bad at all. The basement had everything Seonwoo liked: a TV, video games, a bed, food, everything.
He liked that Ihyun could only sleep deeply when he was around. He liked the desperate way Ihyun looked at him. He liked that Ihyun couldn’t get enough of him. He liked the affection and even started to like Ihyun himself. He liked when Ihyun showed his obsession. He liked being desired. He was even satisfied with the metaphorical (and literal) shackle that kept him from running away.
Even when they had sex, it never escalated beyond a hand job until Seonwoo told Ihyun he wanted to go further. He told Ihyun to put it in and that he wanted it. Lol. He liked that Ihyun couldn’t sleep without him, that he was wanted, needed. He even liked that their relationship started as childhood friends and led to this. Once Seonwoo realized his true self and feelings, he let everything go.
One arc that stood out:
When the MC got pneumonia ihyun thought it was bc of the basement but it was actually bc of mc had apartment. It got really bad and he wasn’t eating or moving, and Ihyun freaked out. He seriously thought Seonwoo was going to die. When Seonwoo got better, he told Ihyun that he wanted to stay with him. That he wouldn’t run away. That he liked being with him.
Ihyun got scared and thought maybe Seonwoo had Stockholm syndrome, so he called a psychiatrist. LMAO. But in the end, Ihyun realized Seonwoo genuinely liked being by his side. Seonwoo even listed all the reasons why. They ended up together and lived happily.
Some thoughts:
BTW, the ML is actually very gentle in his own way. And Seonwoo realized that. Ihyun’s trauma is so deep and heavy that Seonwoo couldn’t even compare what he went through to it. And that’s why he allowed Ihyun to do what he wanted because he understood it. He believed he deserved it. You could tell that even when Ihyun was relaxed with Seonwoo, he was still haunted by what happened.
One scene that hit hard:
Seonwoo, held tightly in Ihyun’s arms, thought:
“But the padlocks seem more for himself than for me…”
Judging by how worn out the locks were, they had clearly been used for a long time. They weren’t there to imprison someone, they were for Ihyun’s mental stability. Maybe he couldn’t even sleep without them.
(Which was true.)
I didn’t fully finish the novel, but the last arc explains more in detail about Ihyun’s trauma and his personality. It’s honestly really sad how much pain he’s in. And while he might look like one of those obsessed, possessive MLs… he’s not. Not really. He’s just a broken person trying to hold on and Seonwoo is the piece that helped him.
Feel free to ask questions! I did my best lol. Please know that it 3am rn and my writing might be confusing or off
Also I don't mind sharing the novel but just dm me or comment if u want to read it
imagine having such a hard life that being kidnapped by a second generation chaebol is much more preferable. I would stay too lol imagine not having to cook or worry about the next day’s meal, not even work a part time job
can i have the link? this sounds too interesting to wait for more chapters
Hello, hoping for the Nobel, please and thank you
I have never seen such a beautiful literary analysis in this app before. Thanks for the spoiler and the novel link
Great summary! Thank you!
I try my best with the spoilers or summary lol
Omg btw the ml is so funny. He’s always nagging Seonwoo about his lifestyle telling him to eat properly, work out, go run, stop eating junk food, etc. There’s this one scene where Ihyun falls asleep, and Seonwoo tries to quietly sneak off to make ramen. Then Ihyun wakes up and catches him in the act, “I told you to eat meals on time, and here you are making ramen and eating ham in the middle of the night?”
Another time, after Seonwoo recovered from pneumonia, Ihyun told him to go outside and run around the house three times a day. Seonwoo agreed… but by day three he gave up. Ihyun asked, “Did you run around the house three times?” and Seonwoo didn't so of course, Ihyun started nagging him again about taking care of himself. Mind you this was when he was still confined
Like I said before, I really do think the ML is a gentle person deep down. A lot of his behavior comes from trauma, which makes it even sadder. It feels like this whole “kidnapping” situation with Seonwoo is actually what Ihyun wished he had as a kid just watching TV, playing games, eating good food in a safe place.
I’m not justifying the kidnapping(obviously it’s not okay but tbf seonwoo really doesn't think this is kidnapping or confinement. I don't think so too bro is treated so nice) but it really shows how much Ihyun is still stuck in the dark emotionally. Seonwoo kind of realizes that and that why he so gentle with Ihyun, always comforting him or saying things to express his love. Ihyun would always get scared seonwoo would leave and Seonwoo would always tell him, "I'm not leaving. I wanna stay with you"
Thank you for all the spoilers and the message! I didn’t respond because I didn’t know how to work it sorry but very much appreciated!!!
It all good gurl! Lol have fun reading it! I enjoyed it!
SCREAMING ITS SO GOOOD!!!! I was legit crying at some parts and am almost finished already cuz I couldn’t wait
Comfortable confinement literally. Lol I love their dynamic. I will read the English translated novel. I bought the korean version one to support author coz of your summary. (≧∀≦) around 5,300 won including the special chapters on ridibooks app.
This was the best summary & analysis I’ve read! This makes me want to read this story novel & webtoon so much Thank you!!!
Ikr?? (≧∀≦)
Omg the novel is so unintentionally funny. Like the ML literally kidnaps the MC, locks him up, and the MC just feels bad for him. Bro is trapped and still thinking, “ he too nice.”
The MC is constantly like, “How is this even revenge?” or “He should’ve punished me more painfully…” because, “He gave me a big house and food I never had before… I used to live in a basement.” not to mention the ml doesn't even hurt him either
What did MC do he thinks he needs to be punished??
I swear this manhwa is meant to be a comedy bc the art is so bad it's so funny
I legit only read this for fun
Its legit so goofy it funny
Ikr especially the expressions and the "action scene"
This shit was absolutely ass. I should’ve known the moment I saw it was an omegaverse, but I wanted to give it a damn chance. Same recycled, lazy-ass plot of a "weak, poor omega uke pretending to be a beta, traumatized as hell," and here comes the rich, emotionally constipated, sigma alpha who immediately starts sexually harassing the MC because the pheromones.
I genuinely cannot believe how fucking bad this was. And anyone who tell me otherwise. Idgaf. Spare me the respectful alpha bullshit. Respectful where? Because he didn’t rape the MC yet? That’s literally the bare minimum, you delul.
“They’re such a green flag because they hold back on the uke!!” Like are you serious? That’s your standard?? Holding back from violating someone is now seen as praise-worthy? Omfg i can't.
Unfortunately the bare minimum doesn’t happen a lot in BL, hence the label of green flag/surprised because they didn’t rape MC.
Yeah it’s crazy, some even expect rape to happen because it’s a BL. I try to stick to shounen ai for this reason, buut I’m a total sucker for certain art style that’s in a lot of rapey BLs.
And agreed. It’s the same recycled trope of weaker bottom and “bad boy” tops. I think what annoyed me is the MC having to help their brother relationship.
Yeah I didn’t like that as soon has they save him they also try to rape him. Plus they kept going on and on about how they were gonna make him not be able to walk and make him have all their babies. THAT SOUNDS LIKE A NIGHTMARE OMG especially since the omega was definitely not into that idea
Everything was seriously rushed. I was hoping for the Omega to resist and throw them the middle finger because fuck that, but their romance was all rushed.
Exactly i hated this shit too everyone keeps saying its soo good but the mls only did the bare minimum everyone's standards are so low and this was so rushed too im glad to find someone who agrees
Im so fucking tired of these tik tok recommending toxic bl and painting it as a wholesome bl when it just a shit. Never again
FR LMAOOO
Totally understand bro!!!
tiktoks the worst for doing that shit, I always read the tags on Manga Updates first before starting a story now cuz I don't trust peoples recommendations anymore
Dont trust em lolol
I DONT BUT THIS TIME I WAS LIKE "oh maybe this ain't bad and the art is cute" THEN I GET SHOT IN THE FACE
Just want to say that pfp is W
OMG WHY TF DID NOBODY TELL ME THERE WAS A KDRAMA ABOUT THIS
omg there is ?!
Just found out yesterday and bing watched
I found out today lol
Yes! It's exactly the same title as the name
I need more chapter of her and her mom the ml is getting to much screen time lol
Bro, people who keep trying to justify the MC’s actions just don’t get it . Like yeah, you can totally understand his situation and what he went through but that still doesn’t give him the right to say all that.
His hyung was genuinely worried and treated him well. You can empathize with what he’s been through and still admit that the way he acted wasn’t right, especially considering how kind they were to him
Doesnt matter when all of it looks fake like its meant for another. He knows he is going to have to kill himself in a year or two depending on the story. You are the one who doesnt get it
Gurl everyone know he’s dealing with heavy stuff including depression and addiction and the whole thing in the real word and fake world. But that doesn’t erase how his hyung treated him. Just because he’s in pain doesn’t mean he gets a free pass to lash out at the people who care. You can be hurting and still be held accountable for how you treat others i fear that basic common sense
You either havent haven’t been that low in the dumps where you purposefully do hurtful things to others to hurt and isolate yourself or you simply are incapable of sympathy and i fear that is more scary than lashing out at your brother/ stand in brother. What accountability he knows what he did. Literally just 31 chapters are out you make it seem like MC is just some careless ignorant fool. Istg yall have been reading way too many transmigration fics where the MCs have it all easy and flowery for too long now that we get something angsty and a real shot at something that has the potential to be different this is how you people behave
I’ve been in dark places too, and I do understand that people lash out when they’re hurting. Obviously we're human. I’m not saying the MC is heartless or beyond saving. I’m saying it’s possible to recognize his pain and still admit that what he said or did to someone who cared for him wasn’t okay. Accountability doesn’t mean villainizing him it just means acknowledging the impact of his actions, even if he regrets them.
Also, I’m not expecting a happy, flowery story. I like the angst and complexity. I actually want a raw and messy story. But that includes acknowledging his pain without ignoring how his actions affect others, not just brushing things off because 'he’s sad or he hurt'
Like i say before you start saying stuff like "You obv haven't been in a low dump" when u don't know me i know that people lash out when they’re hurting. But understanding where someone’s coming from doesn’t mean ignoring the impact of what they did.
For ex if your mom had a really traumatic life and ended up projecting all that pain onto you. You’d understand why she became that way, but that doesn’t mean you just forget how it affected you or how much it hurt. Same thing with the MC, his pain is real, but so is the pain he caused his hyung.
And I never said he was careless or evil. You make it sound like i wrote it that way. I’m saying he knows what he did, like you said but that doesn’t make the hurt go away, and it doesn’t mean people can’t feel conflicted about his actions. Wanting him to be held accountable isn’t the same as hating him.
I think there will be acknowledgement in the future. Im pretty sure of it bcs its just too early in the story right now. So lets be patient bcs i actually think MC might be the ogbottom he just has askew memory and is gonna regret a lot of the things he is doing rn
It's not all because he's sad or hurt. He literally doesn't know these people. He won't get close to him because he feels like that would be wrong since it's not really him they want but the person he's replaced. He's also worried about his sister because, as far as he knows, she's all alone having to deal with the abusive situation at home. He also wants the actual child of the parents in this world be good and not worry them. Taking the bus for hours to come see him and not telling them makes them worry, and even though he can't act as their child to put them at ease, he wants their actual child to do it.
I think I get that... like I say he’s dealing with heavy stuff including depression and addiction and the whole thing in the real word and fake world including other stuff. My whole point has been that his trauma and reasoning are valid, but they don’t erase the hurt he caused.
You can absolutely appreciate his reasoning and still admit that the things he said or how he acted had consequences. I’m not expecting him to play happy family, it’s about recognizing that the people around him, like his hyung, cared in their own way, and he hurt them whether he meant to or not.
Understanding someone doesn’t mean you have to excuse the pain they cause, both can exist at the same time.
I used to think the way he handle his brother was bad too but now after reading a lot of horrible books.
We only look from one side of the story.
Not evry human are kind or bad. Some may be two faced or some are extremely kind while having a scary face.
We re judging too fast on things what we see.
My opinion.. I just dont like the little brother cause he was rude to ML while not knowing him personally. Also rude for entering someone's private home. My sister in law also enters my bedroom without care while Im sleeping naked.