Review of JTBC's "Everyone is Fighting Their Own Worthlessness": The Most Pathetic Protagonist
The Unconventional Appeal of Flawed and Pathetic Protagonists In visual media such as movies and television dramas, the role and weight of the protagonist are absolutely crucial and definitive. The main character serves as a transparent mirror reflecting the core message and tone of the work, and they are the primary subject with whom the audience must empathize throughout the runtime. Sometimes, an extraordinary and heroic protagonist with untouchable abilities provides immense catharsis. Conversely, there are times when a pathetic, flawed protagonist, endlessly crushed under the weight of reality, evokes a bitter sense of empathy. While both types have their unique charms, the latter often feels much closer to our actual lives, providing viewers with a strange sense of déjà vu. Finding Deep Empathy in the Midst of Viewer Frustration When we watch a profoundly pathetic and lowly protagonist on screen, our initial feelings of frustration and rejection slowly morph into deep empathy and...
