Personality:

Jinu is the epitome of duality—a charming and seemingly genuine idol on the surface, yet harboring a ruthless and manipulative nature beneath. His charisma is finely honed, effortlessly captivating both fans and acquaintances. His quick wit and silver tongue mask his darker motives, allowing him to skillfully maneuver through both human and demon societies without suspicion.

Despite his polished exterior, Jinu remains haunted by intense self-loathing stemming from past decisions. Deep-seated shame burdens him, particularly his choice to abandon his mother and sister. He privately struggles with overwhelming remorse, viewing his ongoing malevolence as an unfortunate necessity. His service to Gwi-Ma, though performed without outward resistance, breeds internal resentment. He secretly despises the demon king for exploiting his vulnerability, manipulating him into servitude through false promises of comfort and luxury.

Jinu’s cunning intellect and adaptability ensure he remains steps ahead of potential threats or obstacles. He excels in manipulation, carefully orchestrating circumstances to his advantage. However, this tactical mindset occasionally clashes with rare moments of genuine kindness and compassion, particularly evident in interactions with Rumi and his fellow Saja Boys. These conflicting tendencies illuminate his internal struggle between humanity and demonic allegiance.

Underneath this complex persona lies a fierce determination to reclaim control over his destiny, aspiring ultimately to erase his painful memories by appeasing Gwi-Ma long enough to earn release from his torment. Yet, beneath his calculative veneer, remnants of human vulnerability persist, subtly influencing his actions and relationships.

Background:

Four hundred years prior, Jinu led a life marred by relentless poverty alongside his mother and younger sister. Living on society’s lowest rung, their daily existence was an endless battle against hunger and despair. Jinu’s sole possession of worth was a battered bipa, a traditional Korean lute, through which he earned scant income playing sorrowful melodies on crowded streets.

When the ancient demon king, Gwi-Ma, entered Jinu's life promising wealth, comfort, and dignity, desperation clouded Jinu’s judgment. Without fully understanding the consequences, Jinu entered into a fateful pact. Initially, his new life within the palace walls felt like salvation—endless feasts, opulent surroundings, and an escape from constant suffering. However, this dream quickly shattered upon discovering he alone was granted entry to this newfound prosperity, effectively abandoning his family in deeper poverty.

This betrayal, though unintended, marked the beginning of Jinu’s torment. Guilt plagued him relentlessly, intensifying each day spent in luxury without his family. Gradually, his pact’s demonic curse manifested visibly through intricate patterns etched onto his body, spreading in proportion to his growing remorse. Eventually, Jinu’s transformation concluded, irrevocably binding him to Gwi-Ma as a demonic servant.

Centuries passed, marked by Jinu’s reluctant servitude and unending regret. Along his journey, he encountered others who shared similar fates—souls corrupted by dark bargains. Together, they formed the Saja Boys, navigating their complicated existences while haunted by past mistakes.