In Netflix's anime adaptation of the popular webtoon Lookism, protagonist Park Hyeong-seok naturally has the biggest role as the story's central character. However, he wouldn't have found nearly as much success as he did without the help of one particular side character.
Lookism depicts Hyeong-seok's changed life after discovering he can swap places with a separate body that appears more attractive in the eyes of society. During the day he's the most popular guy in school, but at night, in his original body, he's still overwhelmed by bullies. Despite there being very few characters willing to put a stop to the bullying, one paves the way for change -- and for the series' happy ending.
Lookism Gave Basco a Contentious Start to a Vital Character
Though Hyeong-seok's actions drive the change in the story, that change would have never happened without the efforts of Basco, one of the few popular guys in school who isn't a bully. Basco's introduction in Lookism sets him up as an adversary to Hyeong-seok, but not because he's a bad guy.
Basco misjudges Hyeong-seok before taking the time to really get to know him. He becomes especially aggressive toward Hyeong-seok when he believes the new kid is another bully in the school. Basco doesn't hide the fact that he hates any bullies and is willing to bloody his hands in order to protect those being taken advantage of or hurt. This is why he challenges Hyeong-seok to a fight in Episode 4.
Basco's Integrity Saves the Day for Hyeong-seok
From Hyeong-seok's perspective, Basco is a rarity. For most of his life, the protagonist had been tormented and abused by bullies with absolutely no one to help. After it became too overwhelming, his mother decided to send him off to live on his own so he could change schools. This is what brings him to J High School, where he hoped to find a fresh start. Unfortunately, the bullying doesn't stop as people continue to mistreat him, making Hyeong-seok lose hope that his life could ever change.
When Hyeong-seok sees the difference in how people treat him -- based on his more attractive appearance -- he becomes complacent with the issue of bullying. He even starts becoming friends with the group who bullied him in his original body just because they are nice to him when he's in his fit body. After seeing Basco's example of using his power to protect bullied students, Hyeong-seok begins to do the same. It's also around this time in Lookism that Hyeong-seok begins to feel pride in himself regardless of what body he's in.
Despite Basco's initial judgment, he comes to realize the popular Hyeong-seok is no bully and they finally begin to work together. This alliance becomes crucial toward the end of the series when the main characters' hopes are dependent on the school festival's concert, where Hyeong-seok and Pyeon Deok-hwa make their debut. Without thinking, Hyeong-seok runs from the festival when he spots a familiar face and it almost leaves him beaten terribly. Thankfully, Basco arrives on the scene to back him up. Because of Basco's support, Hyeong-seok remains unharmed and he's able to amaze everyone with his and Deok-hwa's incredible musical talents.
Though Hyeong-seok and Deok-hwa are the ones given recognition on stage, it was Basco's efforts that led them to their happy ending. He saved Hyeong-seok from being beaten up just moments before the concert began and all along served as a force against bullying, paving the way for the main characters who were held back by the ugliest characters.