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The Dark Irony Of 'Principle Of Good Faith' Manhwa: A Deep Dive Into Kim Eunji's Controversial BL Thriller

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The *Principle of Good Faith* manhwa, also known by its Korean title *신의 성실의 원칙* (Sin-ui Seongsil-ui Wonchik), has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about and controversial new BL (Boys' Love) thrillers of the last two years. Released in 2024 as part of an anthology, this short-form work by the acclaimed dark romance creator Kim Eunji plunges readers into a grim world of legal corruption, moral ambiguity, and intense psychological drama. The series is a stark reminder that 'good faith' is a legal concept often brutally violated in the pursuit of power, setting the stage for a toxic, high-stakes relationship that has captivated the mature manhwa community as of December 21, 2025.

This deep dive will dissect the core appeal of the manhwa, explore the profiles of its morally bankrupt protagonists, and analyze why its dark themes—including smut, violence, and manipulation—have cemented its place within the "red-flag" romance subgenre. For fans of intense, character-driven narratives, *Principle of Good Faith* offers a chilling, unforgettable read that challenges the very meaning of loyalty and trust.

The Principle of Good Faith: Manhwa Profile and Key Entities

The success of this dark BL story is built upon the foundation of its talented and established creator, Kim Eunji, who is known for pushing boundaries within the Korean webtoon industry. The manhwa is not a long-running series but a powerful, concentrated story, often released as part of a larger collection of short works, making its impact immediate and intense.

  • Korean Title: 신의 성실의 원칙 ([SS 단편선] 신의 성실의 원칙)
  • Alternative English Titles: *In Good Faith*, *Principle of Sincerity*
  • Creator (Author & Artist): Kim Eunji (also known by the pseudonym Eeej)
  • Genre: Yaoi (BL), Mature, Smut, Drama, Psychological Thriller, Crime, Violence
  • Release Status: Completed Short-Form Manhwa / Ongoing (Season 1, 6 Chapters)
  • Original Release Year: 2024
  • Related Works by Author: *The Abyss* (무저갱), another highly popular and critically dark psychological BL series.

Main Characters: A Corrupt Prosecutor and His Gangster Enforcer

The entire narrative tension hinges on the dynamic between the two main leads, both of whom operate far outside the bounds of conventional morality and the law. This complex relationship is the driving force behind the manhwa’s "black-flag" appeal.

  • Prosecutor Baek (Protagonist/Seme):
    • Role: A highly ambitious and ruthless prosecutor who has built a successful career through systemic corruption.
    • M.O.: He fabricates evidence, manipulates witness testimonies, and leverages his connection to the criminal underworld to secure convictions and climb the ranks of the prosecutor's office.
    • Personality: Cold, calculating, and driven by a desire for power and recognition from his superiors. He represents the ultimate betrayal of the legal principle his story is named after.
  • The Gangster (Deuteragonist/Uke):
    • Role: An unnamed or minimally named thug/gangster who acts as Prosecutor Baek's primary enforcer and accomplice.
    • Dynamic: He is the instrument of Baek's corruption, carrying out the dirty work—intimidation, evidence tampering, and possibly violence—that allows the prosecutor to maintain a facade of legitimacy. Their relationship is one of power imbalance, dependency, and dark obsession.

The Dark Irony of the Title: Why 'Good Faith' is a Lie

The title, *Principle of Good Faith* (*신의 성실의 원칙*), is a deliberate and deeply ironic choice. In a legal context, the Principle of Good Faith is a fundamental concept, particularly in civil law jurisdictions like South Korea. It dictates that parties in a contract or legal relationship must act honestly, fairly, and with sincere intentions toward one another.

In the manhwa, this principle is not just ignored; it is actively and systematically violated by the protagonist, Prosecutor Baek.

Corruption as the Core Conflict

The entire plot of *Principle of Good Faith* is a direct subversion of the legal concept. Prosecutor Baek’s success is predicated on his ability to operate in bad faith. He is a law enforcer who is, in reality, a law breaker. This thematic irony serves several key narrative purposes:

  • Psychological Depth: It highlights the hypocrisy and moral decay of the protagonist, making his eventual downfall or confrontation with reality all the more compelling.
  • Social Commentary: The story acts as a sharp critique of corruption within the justice system, suggesting that those who preach the law are often the ones most guilty of violating the spirit of "good faith."
  • Relationship Dynamics: The relationship between Baek and the gangster is built on a foundation of mutual bad faith—a toxic blend of manipulation, coercion, and dependency. There is no sincere trust or loyalty, only a shared, dangerous objective.

The manhwa challenges the reader to find "good faith" in a world where it is clearly absent, forcing them to engage with the darkness of the characters' minds and actions. This moral ambiguity is a signature element of Kim Eunji’s storytelling, a trait also evident in her previous work, *The Abyss*.

Exploring the Controversial Appeal: Smut, Violence, and 'Black-Flag' Romance

Like many works in the dark BL genre, *Principle of Good Faith* is not for the faint of heart. It is explicitly labeled with mature tags, including violence and smut, and has generated significant discussion online due to its "red-flag" or "black-flag" male lead.

The Rise of the Toxic Protagonist

The term "red-flag ML" refers to a male lead who exhibits deeply problematic, often abusive or obsessive, behaviors. Prosecutor Baek fits this archetype perfectly. His power-hungry nature and manipulative tactics extend into his personal life and his relationship with the gangster. This type of character is a staple in the modern psychological BL genre, which often explores themes of:

  • Obsession and Control: Baek’s control over the gangster is absolute, blurring the lines between professional dependency and personal bondage.
  • Moral Justification: The characters often justify their immoral actions, believing the ends (power, success, survival) justify the means (corruption, violence).
  • Intense Psychological Stakes: The romance is not sweet or gentle; it is a high-stakes battle of wills, where the emotional and physical consequences are severe.

Fans who seek out this subgenre are drawn to the intensity of the character study and the exploration of taboo subjects. The dark, gritty art style by Kim Eunji complements the narrative perfectly, using strong shadows and dramatic expressions to heighten the tension of every scene. The violence and mature content are integral to the story's world-building, emphasizing the brutal reality of their lives.

Topical Authority: Kim Eunji's Dark Universe

To understand *Principle of Good Faith*, one must recognize its place within Kim Eunji's broader body of work. Her previous completed manhwa, *The Abyss* (2019), is also a celebrated example of a dark, psychological thriller with a toxic BL relationship at its center. This history establishes Kim Eunji as an author who specializes in narratives that are:

  • Crime-Focused: Often involving police, military, or underworld elements (e.g., *The Abyss*'s action and military themes).
  • Psychologically Complex: Deep dives into the minds of damaged, morally compromised individuals.
  • Unflinchingly Mature: Containing explicit themes and violence that are essential to the plot's development.

The connection to *The Abyss* is a strong signal to readers: expect a well-crafted, albeit deeply disturbing, story that prioritizes raw emotional and physical conflict over conventional romance tropes. The manhwa is a powerful addition to the growing list of dark Korean BL webtoons that explore the intersection of crime, power, and toxic relationships.

Where to Read and Latest Updates (December 2025)

As of December 21, 2025, *Principle of Good Faith* is considered a relatively new, short-form work. It was initially released as part of the "SS Short Stories" anthology. The latest widely available update indicates the story concludes or pauses after Chapter 6 of Season 1.

Readers interested in experiencing this intense narrative should be aware that due to its mature and controversial content (smut, violence, and dark themes), it is primarily available on adult-oriented webtoon platforms that specialize in uncensored content. It is crucial to seek out official or licensed translations wherever possible to support the author, Kim Eunji, and to ensure the highest quality reading experience.

The manhwa’s limited chapter count makes it a fast-paced, high-impact read. The concentrated nature of the storytelling means every panel and every chapter is packed with psychological tension and plot development, leaving no room for filler. This brevity is part of its appeal, delivering a powerful, self-contained story about the total breakdown of trust and the perverse relationship that blossoms in the shadow of legal corruption.

In conclusion, *Principle of Good Faith* is a must-read for fans of dark romance and psychological BL thrillers. Its masterful use of thematic irony, compellingly flawed characters like Prosecutor Baek, and the author's proven track record make it a standout title in the 2024-2025 manhwa landscape, proving that sometimes, the most captivating stories are the ones that explore the darkest corners of the human heart and the justice system.

The Dark Irony of 'Principle of Good Faith' Manhwa: A Deep Dive into Kim Eunji's Controversial BL Thriller
principle of good faith manhwa
principle of good faith manhwa

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