We see other characters in Part 2 show evident concern and protectiveness towards Kim Soleum (and for a good reason! Oh my gosh let that man rest). This might be a reach—but what I love the most is Braun’s way of showing it. Because at some point near the end of the first arc and beyond, he went from prioritizing his amusement, to him being genuinely upset for his friend. There’s this escalating initiative for violence—for Kim Soleum’s sake.
(Braun) [Oh, you're desperately hoping for the devoted help of your Good Friend, are you, Friend! But I'm afraid that will be difficult.]
(Braun) [This is a decision made for more interesting developments, so I trust you'll graciously understand, Mr. Roe Deer. Ah, but my heart aches, too! Of course it does… The troubles of a friend!]
While Braun later gives Soleum a reason for his non-intervention, I think—at this point in the story—Braun focuses more on his entertainment.
(Braun) [Heavens, enough! Even from a narrative perspective, there's a limit. How can anyone be so rude! Ah, Friend. Why are there so many people these days who repay your kindness with betrayal? This Braun's heart aches as well.]
…The plushie started talking again.
(Braun) [Allow me to help you. First, let's get out of here. Then let's show them what karma really means. Wouldn't that be thrilling and satisfying?]
Kim Soleum during this arc had a time limit on his life (one month limit shortened to days due to being marked as a sacrifice). And before this aforementioned dialogue, Soleum and Saheon had a conversation about their will to live—with Soleum revealing suicidal thoughts. I think this revelation mixed with a shortened deadline actually URGED Braun to offer help. Even offering support for revenge.
(Braun’s suggested plan for Kim Soleum’s escape)
The rabbit doll, sized exactly like the animated protagonist, cheerfully moved through the scenes explaining how to escape. How to move within glass marbles, torture guards, maps, and escape routes—all described with terrifying detail and chilling cruelty.
The excessively cute children's animation vividly depicted blood, screams, dismembered guards, and fleeing Disaster Management Bureau personnel. It ended with the animated "protagonist" and rabbit doll Braun high-fiving each other.
(Braun) [There's something more urgent than arguments between involved parties. Watching my friend being confined in this small, stuffy room is no longer pleasant.]
To be honest, this could be another brutal suggestion/advice from Braun like his previous ones, unrelated to any emotional response. Though, that detail on torture borders on added malice. Compare that to his other sadistic suggestions (e.g sacrificing someone else to become the yellow mascot), torture implies a desire to inflict more pain—like a form of punishment. And we know how agitated he was the last time he dealt punishment to others (e.g. pig conductor & Lee Jaheon). I might be extrapolating on this word since this is an unofficial translation lol.
Notable mention: Soleum turns Braun’s own logic over his head during this chapter. This conversation forces Braun to see a little of this situation from Soleum’s perspective.
Just then, the Dokkaebi Flame, previously stuck to the wall, approached. Huh?
(Kim Soleum) "What's wrong?"
I cautiously lifted it with one hand. It courageously stretched itself out, forming a gesture towards the rabbit doll. A thumbs down.
Then, hiding its head (probably) against my side.
(Kim Soleum) 'Don't get mad. It's entertaining, right? Then you have to accept it.'
(Kim Soleum) 'Sorry. But isn't it similar to what you said?'
Kwak Jaekang wiped the cold sweat pooling on his chin haphazardly and grinned fervently.
(Kwak Jaekang) “But Director Cheong isn’t the chatty type, so regrettably, in summary, it was about two phrases…”
– Figure out effective usage
(Kwak Jaekang) “…And, ‘stand by until further orders.’ That’s it!”
(Kwak Jaekang) “You’ve caught on. In a word, it’s no different from house-training a dog! Figuring out what treats it likes, what punishments make it obey… Yes, exactly that. Hahaha!”
(Braun) [Mr. Deer, how about turning the guy in front of you into a dog? It could be an intriguing practice step for honing your disguise skills!]
Braun’s made threats before—towards the pig conductor, J3, Lee Jaheon, and even Kim Soleum—but that’s due to any perceived rudeness towards himself. He’s rarely made threats towards people like Baek Saheon or Jin Nasol (Butterfly), despite antagonistic actions directed at Kim Soleum. Slights against his friend are remarked on as rudeness or amusing (Note: though correct me if I'm wrong; I tried skimming through chapters again). Yet, this time he’s suggesting to turn Kwak Jaekang into a dog, as if truly offended on Soleum’s behalf.
This talk show host developed into Kim Soleum’s personal attack bunny and I love to see it. There’s probably more in other chapters but I’m not caught up yet. And now I’m interested to see how he reacts to Director Cheong & Ho.
