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Hansu's motives and help

 One of the most significant recurring themes is Hansu quietly protecting Sunja and her family—particularly when Noa is concerned. I have been trying to figure out how genuine Hansu's motives are. When Sunja first got pregnant and Hansu offered to financially support them but not commit to marriage, it was easy to see him as the bad guy. That he never really cared but felt guilty or responsible so he would give them money. However, Hansu has been a constant force in their lives—just usually from a distance. He is dedicated to helping them without their knowledge of it. 

Nonetheless, his help is usually monetary. While this is something the family consistently struggles with, it feels like that is the only real way Hansu is able to connect with them. He isn't fully capable of a real relationship, but he still cares about Sunja and Noa. So, he helps in the way he knows—through money. This speaks to his character and what he thinks is important. Nonetheless, Hansu is a successful businessman, and this focus on money may have aided in that. I wonder if Lee is trying to emphasize the effects that emphasizing money has on someone's ability to form deep connections with people. 

Comments

  1. Andrew BautistaMarch 13, 2023 at 1:35 AM

    Hi Noah! Hansu definitely seems like a business oriented character, most of his interactions have something to do with his status and wealth. It's still hard for me to place Hansu's motives, but I do think he cares about them in a selfish way, as he had no need to help Sunja and her family out to the extent that she does.

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  2. Paulos HabtewoldMarch 14, 2023 at 12:58 AM

    Hi Noah, throughout the novel Hansu is mentioned to just for some reason be fascinated by Sunja for no apparent reason. He clearly does love her in his own twisted way, as after his wife dies, he even offers to marry her. Something that may be the reason why he continues to protect her is because after sleeping with her he feels like she is his woman, and she must be protected because it is his masculine duty.

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