Another Hot Take:
Jinu didn’t deliberately leave his mother and little sister on the streets.
Textually: HE was invited to live in the palace by the emperor. HIS FAMILY was not invited.
One does not simply ignore the emperor, or defy his wishes, right on the palace grounds.
I think Jinu had 400 years of Gwi-Ma reinforcing his shame and guilt - calling him selfish for CHOOSING to leave his family at the gate. Blaming the whole situation on him. The illogical voice of self-loathing.
But an impoverished musician is at the mercy of the emperor, and the guards would not let extra people into the grounds who were not invited.
Jinu could have said “no” to the emperor, stayed with his family and been killed for his defiance and the disrespect.
That’s really not much of a “choice” - wanting to live isn’t selfish. The Emperor’s Will is Law.
And feeling shame and guilt for believing he failing to provide for his family, knowing they were starving while he ate at the emperor’s table…. It is understandable… but putting it ALL on his own shoulders isnt the truth of the situation.
It’s survivor’s guilt.














