Operation True Love: Why Eunhyeok is a Bitch and DOWHA is the Only Endgame
Ugh, I seriously need to rant about this manhwa. Specifically, I need to talk about why Eunhyeok is trash and why DOWHA has to be the endgame. If you're not caught up— SPOILERS AHEAD! You've been warned.
Why I'm Done With Eunhyeok
Honestly, I can't stand the guy anymore. And before you come for me, hear me out-
The ghosting of Su-ae
The man ghosted Su-ae for 8 years! Eight! People keep saying, "Oh, he must have had a good reason," but no. I won't accept it. Two, three, maybe even four years while he's getting his life together? Fine. But 8 whole years without a single word? That's not a tough circumstance; that's a choice.
He didn't even give her a reason or a warning! You could argue he tried to call, but what about a simple text? If he had time to dial her number, he had time to fire off a one-line explanation. "Emergency. Have to leave the country. Will contact you when I can." Easy. He just didn't bother.
The nonchalant return
The absolute worst part? When he finally ran into her after eight years, he was completely nonchalant. No apology, no explanation, just... silence. He acted like nothing happened, as if Su-ae didn't deserve a single word of justification for the decade of confusion and pain he caused. She literally asked him why he left, and all we got was a "painful expression." Guess what, buddy? A pained look doesn't cut it when you've been gone for ten years. If my partner did that, there'd be no second chance. Period.
The Ra-im connection
This is the most unforgivable sin. He kept in touch with Ra-im! The girl who helped Su-ae's ex cheat! Eunhyeok knew how betrayed and heartbroken Su-ae was, and yet he maintained contact with the person who hurt her while completely abandoning his own girlfriend. I don't care if it was for a year or a minute; he ghosted Su-ae while still chatting with Ra-im. That feels like a second betrayal, and I'm furious for Su-ae.
Why DOWHA is the Only True Love
Now, let's talk about the man who is pure endgame material: Dowha.
Unconditional, unwavering love
Dowha's love for Su-ae is intense and most importantly, unconditional. It's been 8 years, and he's still not over her. The only reason he didn't contact her was because he probably thought she was still with Eunhyeok and he didn't want to complicate her life or ruin her happiness— even if that happiness was without him. That's not ghosting; that's selfless love.
He knows her
Dowha is the only one who truly sees and knows the real Su-ae.
Eunhyeok didn't know she was a writer.
Eunhyeok didn't know she was a beast at the arcade.
Eunhyeok didn't know she loved to sing in a karaoke room.
But Dowha knew all of it. Even after he became a famous movie star, he went to the same arcade just to break her high score! And what did he do when he won? He entered Su-ae's name on the leaderboard, giving her the win! I was absolutely screaming. This is true romance, people!
The novel foreshadowing
This is the biggest sign: Su-ae wanted to change her novel because she felt it was unfair to Grey (the second male lead). She wrote a whole alternate version where the FL ends up with him. And guess who Grey represents? DOWHA! They look alike, and both love the female lead unconditionally.
The manhwa's title is Operation True Love. I believe the author did this time skip to create an alternative universe—just like Su-ae's novel— where she finally ends up with Dowha. Plus, a small detail I love: it was mentioned before that the person with the lowest love points often ends up with the person who has the most, and we saw a frame of Dowha and Su-ae!
The best boyfriend material
Even when they're not officially together, Dowha is miles ahead. He constantly updates her about his life with cute texts, mirror selfies, and random thoughts, completely including her in his world. I don't remember Eunhyeok doing that when they were dating.
And let's compare their birthdays: Eunhyeok just wished her a simple happy birthday. Dowha, now that he has money, takes her to the arcade and karaoke— the things she loves— in his luxurious car, and straight-up confesses his feelings. He's making up for all the time lost when he couldn't afford to spoil her.
Dowha is Grey. He is the true endgame. If Su-ae chooses Eunhyeok after all this, I swear, I'm dropping the manhwa and hating her forever.
