1. Parental Absence in Upbringing
2. Betrayal by Close Ones
Both protagonists have experienced deep betrayal from individuals they trusted. Jeong Su In’s mother rejected him upon his father’s imprisonment, and Seol Kang Woo was betrayed by a colleague within his group of acquaintances, causing emotional distress.
3. Loss of Loved Ones to Parasitic Threats
Both characters suffered the loss of dear ones to parasitic monsters. Seol Kang Woo lost his sisters to these creatures, one of whom became a host for parasites, while Jeong Su In mourned the death of Detective Kim Chul Min, a trusted ally killed by a parasite seeking to infiltrate law enforcement.
4. Survival Amidst Repeated Parasitic Attacks
Despite facing numerous assaults by parasitic beings, both Jeong Su In and Seol Kang Woo have repeatedly survived life-threatening encounters. Jeong Su In, harboring the parasite Heidi within him, became a target for parasitic factions, necessitating continuous defense. Seol Kang Woo, despite lacking any parasitic abilities, demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness in evading and combating these threats.
5. Transformation from Weakness to Courage
Initially perceived as vulnerable, both protagonists evolved into courageous fighters against parasitic entities. Seol Kang Woo, once inclined to flee, now confronts these monsters head-on. Jeong Su In, aided by Heidi, initially relied on deception but later embraced bravery, strategizing alongside Seol Kang Woo to combat their common foes.
Despite their contrasting personalities, Jeong Su In and Seol Kang Woo share profound similarities forged by their shared adversities. Their chemistry and mutual understanding form a formidable alliance against the parasitic menace in Parasyte: The Grey.