Many manhwa are known for focusing on romance, especially those of the webtoon variety. However, that definitely isn't the case with Killing Stalking, a series from creator Koogi which showcases incredibly toxic and vile levels of abuse, murder and human depravity. At the center of this debauchery is the amoral Oh Sangwoo, a cruel killer who may be the worst villain in all of manhwa.
Killing Stalking stands out for just how horrendous it allows its killer to be, but despite this errant deviance, Sangwoo has several readers oddly swooning over him. This speaks to a growing culture in modern society of glamorizing and even glorifying killers, especially if they are conventionally pretty. Here's a look at Sangwoo and just what makes him so bad.
Who Is Sangwoo, the Villain of Killing Stalking?
Sangwoo is the secondary protagonist of the Korean series Killing Stalking, and his relationship with fellow main character Yoon Bum is the epitome of toxic. Despite how outwardly nice and sociable Sangwoo is, he's secretly a deeply depraved and sadistic individual who despises almost everyone around him, looking down on them as they inversely enjoy his company. He's a cruel and horrifying criminal, kidnapping and abusing others simply for the thrill of it. He's also incredibly misogynistic and homophobic, hating most women and taunting Bum for his supposed homosexuality.
As the series progresses, his heartless actions turn toward Bum in particular, hurting and manipulating him in a game-like fashion. Jumping between doting upon the emotionally confused young man and torturing him, Sangwoo is the ultimate predator and enjoys playing upon Bum's feelings for him. This is made worse by the fact that Bum has been bullied and abused throughout his life, giving him a sense of worthlessness that he feels only Sangwoo can fix. What results from this "relationship" is something indescribably horrifying, yet for some reason, many fail to see it as such.
Why Are Some Readers Simping for Sangwoo?
As awful as his actions are, Sangwoo has quite the fanbase. This has many people online asking what Korean series he's from, with many erroneously assuming that it's an anime. This shows how his popularity has transcended Killing Stalking itself -- and although this may sound confusing given his personality and actions, it does make some unfortunate sense.
Sangwoo is drawn to be incredibly attractive, having a toned yet lean physique, stylish hair like that of a K-Pop star and a face that most would find rather pretty. Likewise, his quirkiness and strange behavior essentially make him a much more sexual version of L from Death Note, albeit an outright villainous version. This would definitely bring in those who already find characters like L attractive, but shouldn't Sangwoo's despicable actions repulse them?
Sadly, there have been several cases in modern history of serial killers and criminals becoming sensationalized and fetishized, especially if they're rather good-looking and charming. The same can be said for fictional villains such as Sweeney Todd, who engage in horrendous acts of their own, doing so with panache and sensuality. Even Bum's own misdirected affection toward Sangwoo may play a part in this, causing the sappiest of romantics to see love where there clearly isn't any. The same goes for Sangwoo's psychopathy, which along with mental illness in general is likewise an unfortunately fetishized aspect of modern society. Sangwoo unfortunately follows in their footsteps, despite being one of the most immoral manhwa characters to have ever been created.