Beloved Resin

A creative sanctuary where I can gather my hobbies and express my thoughts.

[theseraphalexiel]

Su-Ae’s Thoughts on the Love Point System:

A high scorer!

[Dohwa] He’s a high scorer.

He must receive this kind of attention so often…That Suji’s blanket doesn’t seem to mean anything to him.

Shall we call it a high scorer tolerance?

Or just his indifference?

Anyway, now that I know where I fall in the hierarchy, I feel like a beggar receiving alms from a prince.

-        Chapter 21

Dohwa is a character that is highly associated with a princely image in Operation: True Love. 

He has the looks, the charisma, the popularity, and all the attention anyone could ever desire. Right?

Generally, we tend to think of princely characters as cool, powerful, and charming. Royalty conveys a sense of both chivalry and privilege. We assume a prince has the ability to overcome adversity in order to win. 

Many a time, we think of a prince in a fairytale as the main love interest of the protagonist, usually a princess, who is searching for true love.

However, I love the way the authors of Operation: True Love approach the archetype of the “prince” in their story – how they subvert the trope of “prince charming.”

Kkokkalee and Dledumb make their prince-like character into the second male lead in a “romance” story. He is friend zoned immediately throughout seasons 1 and 2 of the manwha.

For a prince that we assume would have a prominent part in the story, Dohwa doesn’t have many pages in which he appears. His appearances in the story are rather notable but sporadic.

One thing that stands out in Operation: True Love, is that he is very unlucky in love and in life as well.

He even describes himself as unlucky in chapter 87. Remember that scene a few chapters before Su-Ae and Eunhyeok finally confess to each other and become an official couple? Yup, that one.

Dohwa Baek to Eunhyeok Go:

I’ve never really been a lucky kind of guy, so I’m thinking to create some for myself this time. Opportunity. I mean.”

-        Chapter 87

 

But the storyline also puts Dohwa at a disadvantage, like it does in chapter 30 when he does not attend the class outing. That was a pivotal moment in which Su-Ae and Eunhyeok started to become much closer, and allowed for the sparks of love to flare between them. It is interesting how the authors of the manwha chose to provide a glimpse of what Dohwa was doing that day in chapter 31.

While Su-Ae and Eunhyeok were starting to draw closer to each other, Dohwa was simply sleeping before getting ready for his next job.

This brings us to Dohwa’s socioeconomic status as yet another clever subversion of the prince trope. One would expect a prince to be wealthy, but the secondary lead is more like a pauper rather than a prince. As a high schooler, Dohwa needs three part-time jobs to make ends meet. He lives alone and has to pay for his own necessities. As a result of his poverty,  Dohwa misses many key opportunities that his peers have.

 

Su-Ae’s Conversation With Dohwa:

Then, Dohwa told me that his three jobs were at a BBQ restaurant, dry cleaners, and convenience store. And that if he wanted to hang out with friends, he has to miss work three days a week.

-        Chapter 48

Teen Dohwa is always tired. What many people take for granted in the universe of Operation: TrueLove, is that Dohwa is not lazy as he seems. Any person would be dead tired if they had to juggle school, work, run a single person household, and maintain a social life on top of that.

Dohwa is prince-like in appearance, but his personal life is anything but glamorous. This unlucky side of Dohwa’s life is revealed to all of us in chapter 54, where we find out Dohwa’s dad not only broke into his apartment, but also gave him the beating of a lifetime. It is really lucky that Su-Ae is able to help him when his strained body develops a fever.

 

While Dohwa has many unlucky moments in the manwha, Su-Ae helps make his life a little better. With her kindness and empathy, she is the only person who is aware of Dohwa’s problems and tries to help. This lifts a big burden from Dohwa who is a lonely, isolated character despite having the appearance of a prince and the highest amount of “Love Points.”

There is one more way that the authors of Operation: True Love subvert the “Prince”trope with Dohwa, but that will be developed in a different entry (hopefully). Otherwise it would be too long a post.

[theseraphalexiel]

Eunhyeok Repeating His Personal Motto in His Mind:

Compassion, Sympathy, and Reliability...

Compassion, Sympathy, and Reliability...

- Chapter 31

Eunhyeok Go represents the essence of chivalry within Operation: True Love. He is Lancelot-like in his chivalry - stunning, heroic, and steadfast. He's mostly always there to save the day when Su-Ae needs him the most. In seasons 1 and 2 of the manwha, Eunhyeok's main function is to protect Su-Ae, and his mom, from unscrupulous men like his dad or Minu (Su-Ae's first boyfriend).

Eunhyeok's chivalry is at the core of his very existence. Of course his desire to protect extends to other vulnerable characters like Ra-Im. In chapter 77, the reader is told that Ra-Im wants to hold Eunhyeok accountable to his promise of protecting her. A few chapters later, in chapter 83, the narrative goes into greater detail on why Eunhyeok promised to protect Ra-Im. While not direct siblings, Eunhyeok feels guilty that his dad was involved with Ra-Im's mother at one point. He may have even pieced together that his cold, calculating father may have sabotaged Ra-Im's mother's chance of taking classes abroad. What Eunhyeok does is to try and atone for his father's sins, and that is also admirable.

With Eunhyeok's penchant for correcting injustices, he is almost everything Su-Ae needs in those two seasons and then some. Eunhyeok goes about protecting people in a very gallant manner. He's not above keeping his promise and even putting himself in physical danger to do it. Eunhyeok is a character bound by duty. He's got the manners of a wealthy man, the charming looks of a dashing knight, and the athletic body worthy of keeping up with both the physical and metaphorical battles he engages in when attempting to protect someone.

Tell me, who can forget Su-Ae's first kiss with Eunhyeok in chapter 44? He kept his vow to help Su-Ae (albeit a bit late) and gave her the confidence boost she needed when she believed no one would ever kiss her.

Whose heart did not fluster when Eunhyeok picked those cute, round bunny ears and declared that it suit Su-Ae right after Minu insulted her with those bulgy frog eyes. In chapters 29 - 30, Eunhyeok also wears those ears and asks the cheating couple if he and Su-Ae look cute together. Whose heart didn’t melt later that chapter when Eunhyeok gives Su-Ae his jacket to protect her from the cold?

Who questions Eunhyeok as a knight in shinning armor when he literally shields Su-Ae from the bus explosion in chapters 65 and 66? That heroic moment cemented Eunhyeok as a capable protector in the manwha.

From tying Su-Ae's shoes in chapter 10, to shielding Su-Ae from the bus explosion in chapter 65, it's no surprise that his sense of chivalry makes many a reader's heart flutter and skip a beat. The entire manwha is littered with great moments for every protective gesture Eunhyeok carries out. Eunhyeok is essentially Lancelot protecting his lady Guinevere. The authors make it appear as if Eunhyeok provides safety while Dohwa provides comfort to Su-Ae.

And that romanticism of chivalric love blinds many readers like us when it concerns Eunhyeok's shortcomings. While he is as gallant a knight as Lancelot,  he is far from embodying Gallahad, the perfection of knighthood.

Eunhyeok has two major flaws that stain his otherwise perfect record:

1. His inability to fully confide in Su-Ae.

2. His broken promise left in the wake of leaving to America without saying a single word. 

Eunhyeok's Thoughts About Revealing His Secrets to Su-Ae:

How far am I willing to open up? Do you even know? That you're pushing your way in? Such a sweet invasion. I think there's something wrong with me. Not only do I not mind her pushing in, I want to show her everything myself.

- Chapter 99

It is important to note that Eunhyeok does everything with genuine kindness, but in a self destructive manner. He adopts this lone wolf personality and suffers in silence, never letting anyone close to his inner turmoil, and that is what makes him impenetrable and to an extent, cold.  Take Chapter 40 as a great example of what the readers know that Su-Ae does not. In chapters 40, we are privy to the unfortunate accident that led to Eunhyeok's loss of hearing in one ear. Later, in chapter 93, we see the extent of his hearing loss. We can see the pain and anxiety it causes Eunhyeok. We can see his yearning to tell Su-Ae, but ultimately remains silent and clings to her in a tight hug. Eunhyeok's last opportunity to open up comes in chapter 99, but once again he fails miserably. Sadly for Su-Ae, this is the last time she is able to reach Eunhyeok before their house of cards comes tumbling down.

Eunhyeok doesn't mean to hurt Su-Ae with his unwillingness to open up, but his desire to shield her from his own painful memories, is what ultimately creates the rift that will bring Su-Ae pain. It's what will prevent her from responding correctly when she discovers Eunhyeok's father is also physically abusive. And it will lead to that complete separation from each other for an entire decade.

The second flaw that Eunhyeok has is probably the most grievous of the two, because breaking a promise also breaks people's trust. It hurts them deeply and makes them question many things that eventually creates a rift in any kind of relationship.

Eunhyeok’s Love Promise:

...You're my first love... I'll be there... Tomorrow, and when you're nineteen, twenty.. And until you become an old grandma. Forever.

- Chapter 89

This promise, to remain by Su-Ae for the rest of their lives, is sweet and misleading, especially because Eunhyeok will break his promise by chapter 103.

He will leave South Korea, and he will go to America for 10 long years. Whatever his personal reasons for leaving Korea, Eunhyeok abandons Su-Ae without telling her a single thing. He completely cuts off contact without providing an explanation, an apology, or even providing any form of closure for Su-Ae.

Su-Ae after High School Graduation:

Why did Eunhyeok leave without a word?

He probably had a reason. I'm sure he will call me at some point. My efforts to understand him, soon turned to resentment at a certain point.

Resentment poisons memories.

And the short time we had together was ruined.

- Chapter 103

To any person who has experienced abandonment firsthand, this is a transformative experience. You rise from the ashes like a phoenix,  or you burn in the fire that rips through the loneliness that abandonment creates.

Being left alone also fractures any type of relationship, and even in the best case scenario, where the person forgives the person who's left, the trust and faith that was once present can no longer be repaired. Abandonment also kills any form of love there is to be had -it poisons it with insecurity and doubt.

At most, people that find closure will find it in their heart to forgive, but the trust or love is no longer fully intact because there is awareness that a person can be abandoned again. At worst, an abandoned individual spirals out of control and lives with resentment all of their lives.

Those of us who've gone through abandonment know this principle, so we are very skeptical on how the authors will treat the subject of Su-Ae's abandonment in the storyline. We are also the most critical.

The question for Operation: True Love in the latest seasons, is how will Eunhyeok find redemption for abandoning our protagonist -for breaking his promise to remain forever by her side?

Love has limits, and true love is not a plot device/feeling that magically erases pain, broken promises, and abandonment.

Eunhyeok, like a blade still being forged in the fire, is the untempered Knight. His actions have been as epic as Lancelot's, but his inability to be vulnerable around his loved ones, and his record of breaking promises, makes him far less ideal than Gallahad, the perfect Arthurian Knight.

He needs to evolve as a character/person. He needs to find the mettle to overcome his weaknesses, but it is unfair to think that 10 years later, it's Su-Ae's responsibility to pull him from the brink of sadness and dispair once more. It is even less realistic to believe that love will overcome abandonment and make everything right in the world again.

That's why I'm curious to witness how the authors will bridge the topic of Su-Ae's and Eunhyeok's relationship post-time skip and post-abandonment.

[theseraphalexiel]

Su-Ae to Eunhyeok About Her Personal Philosophy on Relationships.

Su-Ae: My Dad says Mom is someone he needs to seduce for the rest of his life. So that's what I thought all relationships were supposed to be like. When I was young, I promised to meet someone sweet like my dad. But after I met Minu, I realized that not all guys were sweet like he is.

And then I decided that I should be like my dad. I thought Minu might change and adapt with me. Like my mom.

- Chapter 15

As a character, Su-Ae is my favorite in Operation: True Love. People would imagine it's Dohwa with how much I focus on him, but no, Su-Ae is the character I love the most. I am attracted to her resilience and her empathy. She is Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon) without any magical power.

With her kindness, she is able to shape and transform Dohwa’s and Eunhyeok’s lives for the better. She defends those she loves and treats everyone with respect. She follows her heart and is staunchly loyal to those who've earned her trust. Su-Ae Shim is the type of friend you want in your corner when the world turns against you. She's not afraid to do the hard work and make mistakes.

That is the reason why I feel so heartbroken with the release of chapter 124. 💔 😭

Because of her romanticized idea of what love should be, Su-Ae has a tendency to cling to people and relationships that hurt her deeply.

I won't go into spoiler territory, for those who avoid them, but IYKYK.

I'll be documenting my feelings for personal posterity. That way I can either go back and laugh or cry about my personal thoughts on the series. I'm documenting it so that I won't lie primaryly to myself. It is a way to keep myself accountable when all the chips go down.

While what happened with Eunhyeok is not at all surprising, as it was bound to happen, I think it happened too suddenly and in a way that undermined 10 years worth of pain and insecurity.

For one, not much has changed in a story that seems more formulaic at this point than the cyclical story the authors teased it to be.

Su-Ae clings to Eunhyeok like she clung to Minu. Minu held important secrets (like his change of heart) the way Eunhyeok keeps his guarded secrets. Worst of all, Dohwa was introduced again in season 3 just to remain the friend she feels most comfortable with (like the needle never changes with those two).

Dohwa and Su-Ae’s potential romance lost a lot of ground in a single chapter. And sadly it's not even Dohwa’s fault. He's been doing everything right up until now, but the powers that be (the author's) keep leading the readers on. That potential they tease (and the reason why I read the manwha) is never fully within reach of the reader. It's a great story with amazing potential, but I wonder when they'll move the story along.

I have been personally debating on whether I want to continue reading the story. If I want to continue investing time, effort, and emotions.

I won't take back my character analysis and thoughts on season 3. Season 3 is still about Dohwa creating that opportunity he teased in season 2.

He is an adult now with disposable income and the ability to be there for Su-Ae in a way he could not do as a tired teenager working three part-time jobs to survive.

Aside from wanting to see Dohwa forge his own luck. I still believe that Eunhyeok's buried secrets he refuses to release, and the severe case of emotional constipation, will make Su-Ae suffer needlessly. Even better, I want to see what intentions bring Ra-Im back to Korea. Do I think she will hand Eunhyeok over to Su-Ae so easily? I think not. Will Eunhyeok open up enough to admit he kept in contact with Ra-im while ghosting Su-Ae for a decade? You bet I want to know how the authors will try to soften the blow for the more logical readers! 😂

One last thing I want to find out is a recent theory that popped into my head.

I think the Saturday dinner with Ji-hoon Lee (the blind date) will be very eventful.

You see, I kind of have my suspicions that He knows Ra-Im. He looks so much like the guy standing next to Ra-Im in one of those flashbacks. He has the same body build and hair color as the guy from Ra-Im's memory. There is also a strong implication that Ra-Im and the guy next to her were engaged 💍 before she left to America. Could she have broken the engagement before leaving Korea? Maybe yes and maybe no (stay toxic Ra-Im!).

Either way, I will continue reading for now. I still have a few character analysis i need to get off my chest. I don't know how many seasons the authors plan before concluding the story, but if they plan to make another formulaic, predictable season to draw everything out, I'll take a page from Dohwa’s book and leave for my own sanity and mental health.

[theseraphalexiel]

Su-Ae’s initial thoughts on Dohwa:

He's always at the center of school rumors...

But who is Dohwa Baek exactly?

He doesn't do much but he's always in the spotlight.

He's just plain rude.

He doesn't try in school.

He's a good looking guy that likes to hang out with delinquents...

And he's famous for his pretty face.

- Chapter 13

Dohwa Baek is one of the most interesting and dynamic characters in Operation: True  Love. Like the heroine of the story, he evolves alongside the plot, and does it in only a handful of chapters in contrast to the male lead Eunhyeok Go.

Dohwa goes from cold to approachable, and he becomes softer and debonair as a result of his interactions with the kind and cheerful Su-Ae. While his face is canonically attractive, his loyalty and longing for Su-Ae makes him an appealing character to study in the context of the collective work of the fictional Webtoon comic.

Dohwa steals our attention because we know he's going to lose in seasons 1 and 2 of the manwha, and yet he is able to give all that he has for the person he loves.

As seasons 1 and 2 progress, he opens up his soul to show his insecurities. He shares his humble home, or the moments when life has beat him to a pulp, and all these moments happen with Su-Ae. He's not afraid to be flustered, to cry in front of Su-Ae, or show that deep rooted longing every time he sees his crush. In that aspect alone, Dohwa is different from his counterpart, Eunhyeok Go, and that is why I find this character the most appealing in Operation: True Love.

Eunhyeok gets flustered by Su-Ae, sure, but as much as he tries, he does not show much vulnerability when he's with Su-Ae. He doesn't tell her what bothers him and makes him feel small. I love that Su-Ae is able to respect those personal boundaries that both Dohwa and Eunhyeok have set, but the male lead happens to have more firm boundaries that have pushed Su-Ae away post-time skip.

But Dohwa is so much different. He is not perfect by any means,  but his emotional intelligence is far greater, and a person like Dohwa would make a stable partner in real life. Up to now, Dohwa has been the best, greenest flag in the series. He is far from the cool, calm, and collected trope that most fictional men fall into.

At first, Dohwa is presented as a little mysterious and a little aloof with strangers. He seems impatient and rude with people he does not know. The first impression he gives is that he's a real jerk because his guarded personality is out of necessity rather than choice.

Dohwa is initially portrayed as this glamorous, attractive young man. He's a popular character with stardom quality and countless of talent agencies vying for his attention. However, and as the story progresses, we come to understand that Dohwa feels uncomfortable with the attention he receives. As a result, most of the time he covers his face with hoodies, and face masks, and hats. He has a collection of contact cards from different talent scouts, but he ignores them or throws them away.

Imagine being so attractive that people are constantly whispering, taking pictures, and building an image that is far removed from the harsh reality of daily life. Dohwa lives a lie around his friends, so he is catious about revealing his secrets. This need for secrecy makes Dohwa able do discern when people are objectifying him or trying to use him.

Ra-Im's confession to Dohwa:

Ra-Im: Wanna go out?

Dohwa: Cut the crap. What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?

Ra-im: I thought maybe if I have something good, I won't want what's not mine.

Dohwa: Something good? Am I some kind of object to you?

Ra-Im's haphazard confession in chapter 28 is an overall representation of how people view him in general. Better yet, that's the best representation of how Dohwa feels around others. He's the eye candy girls want to show off -a boost to people's egos. He's the guy that other guys feel jealous about, and he vehemently rejects that fate. He hides from people while working unassuming jobs to make ends meet. He wants to be treated as a person, rather than an object, and so he displays this unapproachable, impassive look with strangers. He looks cold and uncaring at first glance, but get to know Dohwa Baek,  and he is the sweetest,  most attentive guy.

The difference lies in how our heroine treats  Dohwa. Su-Ae is able to see the person rather than the idol. That's why Su-Ae worms her way into his heart - because she feels empathy for his situation. What stems from passing curiosity on Dohwa’s part later blossoms into genuine affection.

As an example, in chapter 39, Su-Ae is able to understand Dohwa sentiment of inadequacy.

Su-Ae: Everyone's looking at you. And talking about you.

Dohwa: I'm use to it.

Su-Ae: You don't look that used to it. You look uncomfortable. Wanna wear your hat?

Dohwa: Yeah. Put it on me.

Su-Ae's Thoughts: Huh. I guess being popular kinda sucks too!

The thing is, Su-Ae is ok with the version of Dohwa that doesn't feel confident and comfortable in his own skin. She lets him hide when he needs to, does not pester him about his private life, and she even helps him when he's trying to hide from others.

Take the arcade scene in chapter 34 when Su-Ae runs interference with a man (later revealed to be Dohwa’s father) who is searching for her friend. She does not hesitate to help him in that karaoke booth, and it later sets the stage for his real confession. It seems Dohwa wants to find someone who can see him without his social mask. He yearns to build a connection that will not judge him unfairly, that is why he takes a risk with Su-Ae and reveals his most guarded secrets, possibly risking his reputation in the process.

Dohwa’s Private Confession:

Dohwa: That was my dad at the arcade that day. And I have three part-time jobs.

Su-Ae's Internal Narration:

I had so many questions. But I didn’t dare ask any of them. And what I eventually said was...

Su-Ae: You don't really look like your dad.

Dohwa After Laughing:

I really wasn't looking for a response. I was just curious what you might say if I told you this. But it's not as bad as I thought it would be.

- Chapter 48

Dohwa, while hesitant, swallows his own pride without reservations, but most importantly, he is able to form a genuine connection with Su-Ae. That heartfelt connection is one of the main reasons why I love Operation: True Love, and why I want to see where the story will end. There are so many human moments that Dohwa brings into the story, and because they tend to be subtle, most readers miss it.

[theseraphalexiel]

Happy Birthday Dohwa!

Name: Dohwa Baek

Birth Date: October 24 🎊🎉🍰🎂

Astrological Sign: Scorpio ♏️

Positive Personality Traits: Protective, loyal, charismatic, focused, and intuitive.

Element: Water 💦

Negative Traits: Secretive, stubborn, and jealous.

A Scorpio man in love will have a deep, lingering gaze towards their love interest.

An what do you know, Dohwa’s loving, longing gaze towards Su-Ae are a cut above the rest.

Finds subtle ways of physical contact.

Iykyk 🤭

Can act possessive in small ways.

Can be protective and caring.

Su-Ae: Why are you coming with me anyways?

Dohwa: I don't think you can get in......with just a business card.

Su-Ae: Also, didn't you say you have work on the weekends?

Dohwa: I filled in for someone yesterday and I canceled today's shift.

Su-Ae: Why?!

Dohwa: You said you're going so you won't get hurt.

- Chapter 58

Will be flirtatious through teasing. Loves engaging in deep conversations with a potential partner.

Su-Ae while having writer's block.

Su-Ae: Maybe Baek Dohwa has a knack for romance...

Right. He recited that cheesy line without batting an eye.

OK. I can ask Baek Dohwa for help...

- Chapter 96

Finally, a Scorpio becomes more confident around their loved one.

In the recent chapter,  Dohwa is bold and cutely annoying while texting Su-Ae non-stop. 🥰

✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

Personal rant here: I'm going to laugh my ass off, and cry at the same time if Dohwa’s dating rumors with actress Yu-Ri Han (in the latest chapter) is a result of his date  with Su-Ae in chapter 107. 🤣 😂 😭

Su-Ae and Yu-Ri Han could be twins.

[theseraphalexiel]

Dohwa Baek to Eunhyeok Go:

 

“The opportunity [with Su-Ae] came to you first, but only cause you’re lucky. I’ve never really been a lucky kind of guy, so I’m thinking to create some for myself this time. Opportunity. I mean.”

 

-        Chapter 87 🍀

 

Season 3 of “Operation: True Love” follows Dohwa’s promise about creating that opportunity he never had with Su-Ae. This new season is essentially the true love triangle we’ve been waiting for.

 

Many readers have been disappointed that Su-Ae didn’t choose Dohwa, and other readers are bitter about Eunhyeok’s sudden departure and the post-time skip that brings readers to the present. But what if I told you that it was all necessary to give the three main leads a chance to fight on a semi-leveled playing field?

 

What if I told you that for the first two seasons of “Operation: True Love,” we deceived ourselves willingly, and gave ourselves false hope when there was none.

 

We lied to ourselves and pretended that it was a love triangle when in reality, it wasn’t.

 

By the time Dohwa had met our female lead, Eunhyeok was becoming a pillar of support in the horrible fallout after Minu’s cheating instance with Ra-im.

 

As readers, we saw the relationship between Eunhyeok, Su-Ae, and Dohwa as a typical love triangle, but nothing could be farther from the truth.

 

The reality is that Su-Ae never saw Dohwa as a love interest at all. Friends? Definitely yes. Partners in crime? Sometimes. A confidant to their most buried, shameful secrets? Absolutely. 

 

However, the first two seasons of the manwha were dedicated to Su-Ae’s developing feelings for Eunhyeok. During seasons 1 and 2, both shared many opportunities that linked and cemented their love story, while Dohwa’s meaningful interactions were woven carefully into the tapestry of the narrative to give the illusion of a love triangle. But, Su-Ae never gave any indication she could see herself falling in love with Dohwa. She admitted a few times that Dohwa was really handsome, but she ignored it because her life was crumbling to pieces and Eunhyeok was there to repair the cracks.

 

Su-Ae Shim after Dohwa’s love confession:

 

Ignorance is not a crime.

Dohwa likes me? Since when?

Not knowing isn’t a crime.

It’s not my fault I didn’t know…

There was resentment, pleading, and longing in his eyes.

All these emotions I’m realizing too late are so confusing.

But…

Even if I wasn’t aware, if my actions hurt somebody…

Would Ignorance still not be a crime?

 

-        Chapter 101 💔❤️‍🩹

 

 

The thought of dating Dohwa never even crossed Su-Ae’s mind because her heart was full with love for Eunhyeok. By the time her relationship with Minu ended for good, the strong attachment she felt for Eunhyeok became like a blinder that prevented her from noticing Dohwa’s affection towards her.

 

Dohwa was fated to lose from the very start of the first two seasons because Su-Ae and Eunhyeok spent more time together. They shared almost  everything with each other, including a grade level and a class together. Not only did our leads get to sit next to each other, while Dohwa belonged to class 10, but Minu also served as a connection that tied their social circles together. Incidentally, it made Eunhyeok privy to Su-Ae’s mistreatment at Minu’s thoughtless actions -and later, as a primary witness to the kiss between Minu and Ra-im. The hijinks that resulted from Su-Ae’s plan to make Minu jealous, only served to tie their fates together -so much so that Eunhyeok came to fully understand our protagonist well enough to develop feelings for her in the end.

 

But the difference between Eunhyeok’s and Dohwa’s interaction with Su-Ae could not be more blatant.

 

We, as omniscient readers, could see how Dohwa was developing one-sided feelings for Su-Ae as she remained oblivious.

 

We saw him blossom from the aloof and cool heartthrob adored by many, to the vulnerable young man crushed by three jobs, a broken family, and the unreasonable expectations people placed on him.

 

What’s even more important,  is that we got to see that special trust given to Su-Ae only, so we assumed they could become a couple. That was the greatest misdirection that the author’s placed infront of us readers, and some of us fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

 

We saw kind Su-Ae help Dohwa when he was at his most vulnerable, and we saw Dohwa return the favor in kind. The deep chemistry and compatibility was off the charts between Su-Ae and Dohwa. We even saw Dohwa mature emotionally thanks to Su-Ae’s careful attention, while we saw that Eunhyeok could not really open up to Su-Ae the same way.

 

Su-Ae’s love for Eunhyeok was so deep, that she didn’t even consider Dohwa as a potential suitor for her love.

 

But now, post-time skip, with Eunhyeok out of the picture for the past decade, Dohwa has a real chance to create that opportunity he didn’t have in seasons 1 & 2. The story has come full circle since Dohwa confidently affirmed that he would create those opportunities himself. It took a decade, and Su-Ae’s and Eunhyeok’s heartbreaking separation for Dohwa to have a real chance at becoming a potential suitor for Su-Ae’s love.

 

I can’t claim to know how the authors will make this love triangle a battle for true love, but I know that Dohwa’s love and attraction for Su-Ae never really faded. Fate brought Dohwa and Su-Ae together a second time, and Dohwa finally has the opportunity to seize the day and build something more romantic with Su-Ae.

 

As a reader, I’m here for the ride. Triumph or heartbreak, I want to see how Dohwa Baek creates his own luck in an attempt to win Su-Ae over. 💖

[animekingfans]

NEW ILLUSTRATION | TOKYO REVENGERS

[theseraphalexiel]

Type of White Day Lovers: Tokyo Revengers Edition

Takemichi: One for me and one for you. ❤️

Mikey: All for me and none for you! 😉

[OK. Maybe One]

Draken: Here. I got you this, so don't say I never get you anything, ok. 😳

[Tsundere Energy]

Mitsuya: Heeey! 💋 [Wiggles Eyebrows]

Chifuyu: Here! These are for you! 🐈‍⬛

[Extra Tsundere Energy]

Kazutora: Here, I've got plenty! 🐯

Hakkai: Th- th-this is f-for y-y-you. I h-hope you li-like them. (Taka-chan) 🐻

[Extra Shy]

Because who are we kidding! Hakkai only has eyes for Mitsuya.

Inupi: He, he. Who says I've got any for you. 🐕

[Being A Little Gremlin]

Taiju: Hmmm. Why should I give you anything at all? 🦈

[Somewhere Between Mad and Suspicious]

Koko: [Crunch, Crunch, Crunch]

Oooops... I got you a lollipop, but then I got hungry. 🐈

[Crunch, Crunch, Crunch. Continues Biting Into Lollipop Because He Is Also A Little Gremlin]

[theseraphalexiel]

Nendoroid: Wu Xie & Zhang Qiling

🐕🐶🐾🐈‍⬛🐱🐾

I received these wonderful Daomu Biji Nendoroids earlier this summer, and I wanted to share them since I'm always complaining about how difficult it is to get merchandise for this franchise.

I wanted to post a few pictures of the beautifully crafted Wu Xie and Zhang Qiling's Nendoroid figurines because I'm always obsessed with dolls.

I ordered these wonderful dolls from their original pre-order release in mid 2021 and received them way past their release date due pandemic shipping delays, but the wait was absolutely worth it.

Of course I:

1. Had to get my Pingxie fix by ordering them together. Because I can't bear to split them apart.

2. Immediately went for the DX (Delux Version) because I wanted more accessories than the normal release. I also wanted their pre-order bonuses.

The care NP Entertainment adds to their official merchandise for the series is always top-notch; between image logos and holographic stickers for authenticity, you know you're getting good quality products.

The Nendoroid designs for Wu Xie and Zhang Qiling are definitely based on their current iteration of art.

I'm ecstatic to add Wu Xie and Zhang Qiling to my Nendoroid collection. I have yet to transfer them to their new Nendoroid or Obitsu 11 bodies, but that's a whole different matter.

If you are interested in purchasing Wu Xie & Zhang Qiling, they are still available from the GoodSmile online store. ♥️♥️♥️

Good Smile US.

Good Smile Company.

[theseraphalexiel]

Additional product pictures 💗💗💗

Wu Xie

Zhang Qiling

[theseraphalexiel]

Nendoroid: Wu Xie & Zhang Qiling

🐕🐶🐾🐈‍⬛🐱🐾

I received these wonderful Daomu Biji Nendoroids earlier this summer, and I wanted to share them since I'm always complaining about how difficult it is to get merchandise for this franchise.

I wanted to post a few pictures of the beautifully crafted Wu Xie and Zhang Qiling's Nendoroid figurines because I'm always obsessed with dolls.

I ordered these wonderful dolls from their original pre-order release in mid 2021 and received them way past their release date due pandemic shipping delays, but the wait was absolutely worth it.

Of course I:

1. Had to get my Pingxie fix by ordering them together. Because I can't bear to split them apart.

2. Immediately went for the DX (Delux Version) because I wanted more accessories than the normal release. I also wanted their pre-order bonuses.

The care NP Entertainment adds to their official merchandise for the series is always top-notch; between image logos and holographic stickers for authenticity, you know you're getting good quality products.

The Nendoroid designs for Wu Xie and Zhang Qiling are definitely based on their current iteration of art.

I'm ecstatic to add Wu Xie and Zhang Qiling to my Nendoroid collection. I have yet to transfer them to their new Nendoroid or Obitsu 11 bodies, but that's a whole different matter.

If you are interested in purchasing Wu Xie & Zhang Qiling, they are still available from the GoodSmile online store. ♥️♥️♥️

Good Smile US.

Good Smile Company.

[theseraphalexiel]

Daomu Biji: Wang Yueban

Birthday: 4/18

Astrological Sign: Aries ♈

A.K.A. Pangzi / Pang-Ye / Pang-Ge

Affiliation: Wu Xie and the Iron Triangle 🔺️

Descriptors:

Courageous/Passionate/Confident/Determined/Loyal/Cheerful

A very overdue birthday post for our beloved Pangzi from Daomu Bi Ji. Not only is he a pillar of the Iron Triangle, or one of the important angles, as Pangzi would say, but he is the most fun, loyal, and caring friend any person could have. Earn his trust, and there is nothing he wouldn't do to help you.

Pangzi's character is quintessential to the DMBJ franchise. Yes, he serves as comedic relief in both drama adaptations and books, and yes, he's a bit too greedy for his own good - often spewing nonsense along the way - however he is one of the coolest characters in a series that is already chock-full of incredibly cool characters.

We often look at Pangzi as nothing more than a jester, only providing comedic relief when the series grows too dark for its own good. It's really easy to forget that behind Pangzi's brute force and witty banter, he is a force to be reckoned with all on his own.

This particular scene from "Tomb of the Sea" perfectly encapsulates just how fun and reckless Pangzi can be. Highly energetic, intuitive, and intelligent, Pangzi is able to help Wu Xie from any spot on the field.

No only is he able to fool Huo Xiu Xiu into believing he is no more than a drunk and bumbling fool, but he also uses fake explosives to keep the rest of the greedy Nine Gates in check. In addition to this, he is able to both literally and metaphorically smoke out an incognito member of the Wang Family by using fake explosives.

Although Wu Xie did orchestrate the entire plan, it would not have been such an iconic scene without Pangzi's flair.

What makes this scene one of my absolute favorite is the endearing way in which Pangzi stresses what a law-abiding citizen he really is. He is super cool and endearing all at once.

Happy Belated Birthday,

Pang-Ye!

💗

💣

🎆

[theseraphalexiel]

Daomu Bi Ji: Merch

I just wanted to gush over these cute little journals produced by Kinbor in collaboration with DMBJ. I bought these amazing journals from AliExpress and there's absolutely no regrets with my purchase.

The quality of these journals is superb and the adorable chibi form of the characters is hilarious.

The light beige journal features all the main classic characters, the "Disaster Boy Band," as I lovingly call them, with Wu Xie at the lead. Kinbor is able to capture all their expressions really well. ❤

The light blue journal makes me smile so much because while Wu Xie looks super cute/cool at the center of the triangle, on one side Xiaoge is grabbing an unsuspecting snake, while on the other side of the triangle Pangzi is happily drooling.

Another cool detail of this journal is also the amazing sketch of Wushanju on the inside cover.

All in all, I'm super in love with my BMBJ merchandise. I can't wait to get the rest of the items I ordered ❤

[theseraphalexiel]

Daomu Biji Friday: Pingxie & Secret Messages

Wu Xie, Pangzi, and Xiaoge have many ways to communicate with each other.

Whether they are close or very far apart, we have seen them call each other over cellphones, tap secret messages, give each other conspiratorial looks and expressions, and even special markings.

One secret message that I completely missed the first time watching "The Lost Tomb Reboot," was having Zhang Qiling openly tell Wu Xie (without actually telling him) to take care of himself.

Xiaoge actually tells Wu Xie not to smoke.

What are the odds of Zhang Qiling hiding a very important mark, just behind a woven basket, placed conveniently below the "No Smoking" 🚭 sign?

The answer here is absolutely none. Xiaoge knows exactly what he is doing because he knows Wu Xie so well.

He knows Wu Xie will stubbornly continue his search for Wu Sanxing, even against his health, so he tries to warn him about any possible dangers.

Xiaoge probably knows that Wu Xie has snuck a few cigarettes already, so he tries to remind him not to smoke. Zhang Qiling is a man of few words, but his actions show us that he clearly cares about the reckless heir to the Wu family.

Also, What are the odds that Wu Xie knows to immediately look beneath the no smoking sign and turn the basket over? Here, once again, the answer is none. Wu Xie could have turned over every possible knick-knack in the courtyard, but he also knows his Xiaoge too well to read into his silent messages. Zhang Qiling and Wu Xie are a match made in heaven. ♥️

This scene is so nuanced that I completely missed it the firsttime, but now that I have re-watched it, the Pingxie feels are back full-force.

And, I'll be honest and admit that I'm solely invested in Daomu Biji for the Pingxie crumbs scattered throughout the series.

Bonus: Hou Dao Fu interrogating Wu Xie

I love the interactions between Disaster Wu Xie and the Good Doctor. It's like part of Hou Dao Fu knows that Wu Xie's brain is always in "finding Xiaoge mode," but he can't feel the expressions of jealousy that seep from time to time. Hou Dao Fu also clearly cares for Wu Xie, despite their frequent banter.

[theseraphalexiel]

Daomu Biji: Wu Xie Birthday Week

03/05 - 03/11

Today We Have More Playful Wu Xie!

No thoughts at all other than a happy, playful Wu Xie.

Bonus: More impish behavior from the devilish Xiao San Ye. 😈

Please follow your heart! ❤

[theseraphalexiel]

Daomu Biji: Wu Xie Birthday Week

03/05 - 03/11

Today We Have Soft & Carefree Wu Xie!

With so many mysteries to be solved, and so many people out for Wu Xie's blood, it is very difficult for our protagonist to have some time to go back to his Tian Zhen self, but "The Lost Tomb Reboot" gives us a tiny glimpse of the old Mr. Naive.

We get to see Xiao San Ye blithe, unguarded, and pretty much getting into silly trouble when shenanigans ensue.

But despite his boyish charm, Wu Xie is still quite the little devilish brat.

To our cute little imp: Keep on smiling and getting into loads of trouble.

😈

[theseraphalexiel]

Daomu Biji: Wu Xie Birthday Week

03/05 - 03/11

Today We Have Heroic Wu Xie!

As the protagonists of the Daomu Biji series, Wu Xie is a smart, caring, and partially selfless. Little by little, Wu Xie has lost his naivete through the course of the series, but his sense of idealism makes him worthy of being on the right side of heroic.

Xiao San Ye cares deeply for the people he meets, and he looks out for them the best way he knows how.

This scene is especially poignant because Wu Xie uses all the resources he can to save a colleague's life and earns the respect of the other Warehouse 19 courriers in the process.

To Xiao San Ye on his birthday week: Never lose that sense of duty to help those in need.

[theseraphalexiel]

Daomu Biji: Wu Xie Birthday Week

03/05 - 03/11

Today We Have Prankster Wu Xie!

What's funnier than playing a prank on an unsuspecting weasel of a person? The answer is playing a prank along with your friends, of course!

And Xio San Ye has the best actors/pranksters on his team.

As always, Pangzi is the leading actor in Wu Xie's mischief, but I was surprised to see the uptight doctor, Hou Dao Fu, join Xiao San Ye's little prank. How easy was it for Hou Dao Fu to just play along with Wu Xie's plan.

Also, can I confess that I loved seeing the good doctor confiscate Xu Xie's cigarettes? Hou Dao Fu is the best frenemy. 💗

Please give a first prize to 🏆 Pangzi for selling the lie so convincingly well.

And give Hou Dao Fu props 👏 for the dash of "spice" he added to Wu Xie's concoction 🧪 [ I mean plan].

And, I just love Hou Dao Fu's complicitous grin. ♥️

[theseraphalexiel]

Daomu Biji: Wu Xie Birthday Week

03/05 - 03/11

Today We Have Concerned And Pouty Wu Xie!

What makes Wu Xie one of my favorite characters is that he genuinely cares for his team and is willing to risk his own life for others.

Luckily, members of his team feel the same and generally try to prevent Wu Xie's recklessness.

Some of the MVPs on The Lost Tomb Reboot are:

° Xiao Bai is usually there to look out for her idol.

° Hou Daofu is there to remind him to take care of himself so that he can save Xiaoge and his uncle Wu Erbai...and to collect his body in case he should kick the bucket too early in the game.

° Pangzi, he's there pull the crazy stunts Wu Xie can't. And, can we give kudos to our demolition expert for throwing the molotov bomb and rushing like a bat-out-of-hell?