This initial setup mimics a familiar "creepy stalker" trope, leading the audience to believe that Bum is the primary antagonist of the narrative and Sangwoo is the oblivious, innocent victim. The Break-In and Tone Shift
Yoon Bum is a challenging protagonist, designed to evoke pity and discomfort in equal measure. Diagnosed with conditions including Borderline Personality Disorder, anxiety, and depression, his actions are informed by a history of trauma. Growing up an orphan, he was abused by his grandmother and uncle, leaving him with a desperate, unquenchable need for affection. His stalking is a misguided attempt to forge an emotional bond, and his confession of "love" to Sangwoo is the only tool he has to try and transform a monster into a caregiver.
The true turning point of Chapter 1—and the moment that defined the trajectory of the entire series—occurs when Bum follows a faint noise down into the dark basement. killing stalking chapter 1 top
The groundwork is laid for the "toxic and manipulative relationship" that follows, where Bum’s need for affection becomes inextricably linked to his survival.
The moment that makes "Chapter 1" top-tier in horror is the sudden appearance of . The charming, popular soldier persona disappears entirely. Instead, Sangwoo stands in the doorway, wielding a baseball bat, his expression a mix of amusement and cold fury. This initial setup mimics a familiar "creepy stalker"
If you are new to the world of psychological horror manhwa, the title Killing Stalking likely comes with a heavy set of trigger warnings and a cult following. Released in 2016 by Koogi, this series immediately shattered expectations of what a "thriller" or "romance" could be. Today, we are breaking down —specifically focusing on the initial power dynamic and the concept of the "top" in this twisted narrative.
His search for a memento from his idol leads him not to love letters or photos, but to a gruesome secret. In the basement, Yoon Bum finds a woman, bruised and chained, held captive. Sangwoo, it becomes instantly clear, is not who he pretends to be. Growing up an orphan, he was abused by
At first glance, Chapter 1 introduces us to Yoon Bum, a scrawny, socially isolated protagonist who fits the classic "lonely admirer" archetype. He is obsessed with Oh Sangwoo, a peer from his military days who appears to be the pinnacle of perfection—handsome, kind, and popular.
In BL and yaoi terminology, the "top" (seme) refers to the dominant partner in a relationship. Based on the first few pages of Chapter 1, readers assume Yoon Bum (the obsessive stalker) is the aggressor—the one "on top" of the situation. He holds the weapon (a hammer, initially thought to be for self-defense). He knows Sangwoo’s schedule. He controls the element of surprise.
As Bum continues to stalk Sang-woo, he begins to notice strange occurrences that hint at Sang-woo's darker nature. We see Sang-woo engaging in manipulative behavior, using his charm to control those around him. These interactions leave Bum both fascinated and unsettled, but he can't help being drawn to Sang-woo's charismatic presence.
When Bum follows muffled noises into the basement, the webtoon violently shifts from a dark romance/slice-of-life into visceral psychological horror. The discovery of a bound, bruised, and bleeding woman crying for help completely shatters Bum's illusion of Sangwoo.