The character of Lee Goon, portrayed by Kim Jae Joong in the drama Bad Memory Eraser, offers viewers a fascinating glimpse into the psychological complexities that arise after an experimental surgery to erase traumatic memories. While the surgery successfully wiped away Lee Goon’s painful past, it has left him grappling with a range of new, puzzling behaviors. These symptoms, eerily reminiscent of various personality disorders, make us question whether the cure was worse than the affliction.
A New Confidence or a Mask of Narcissism?
Before the surgery, Lee Goon was often plagued by feelings of inferiority, a self-doubt that dictated much of his interactions. However, post-surgery, this has flipped dramatically. Lee Goon now exudes an almost unnerving level of self-confidence. It’s as if the surgery didn’t just erase his traumatic memories—it also implanted an inflated sense of self-worth. This sudden shift is reminiscent of narcissistic traits, where an individual may harbor an exaggerated sense of their own importance. While confidence is typically celebrated, in Lee Goon’s case, it raises red flags. His newfound assertiveness sometimes borders on arrogance, leading him to make questionable decisions and alienate those around him.
Is this the real Lee Goon, or is he simply compensating for his lost identity with an overblown persona? As viewers, we are left to wonder whether this change is a sign of true healing or a deeper psychological rift caused by the surgery.
From Obedience to Dominance: A Struggle for Control
Another striking change in Lee Goon’s behavior is his shift from passivity to dominance. Pre-surgery, he was a character who followed orders without question, a trait that made him appear compliant, if not a bit lost. However, in the wake of the surgery, he’s become someone who enjoys giving orders rather than taking them. This sudden reversal is not just surprising—it’s unsettling. It suggests that Lee Goon might be wrestling with an identity crisis, where he is trying to assert control in a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unfamiliar to him.
His need to dominate could be interpreted as a symptom of antisocial personality tendencies, where there is a disregard for the feelings and autonomy of others. It’s a stark contrast to his former self, raising questions about the long-term effects of such memory-erasing procedures. Are we, as viewers, witnessing a transformation, or are we seeing the emergence of a more troubling, underlying personality disorder?
As the drama Bad Memory Eraser unfolds, Lee Goon’s unpredictable behavior keeps us on edge. His character’s evolution—ranging from his eccentric dress sense to his obsession with winning over his psychiatrist—paints a picture of a man who is far from healed. Instead, we see a character who is increasingly disconnected from reality, struggling to find his place in a world where his past, and perhaps his true self, have been erased.
In this portrayal, the drama masterfully explores the theme of identity and the dangers of tampering with memory. Bad Memory Eraser is not just a drama about overcoming trauma; it’s a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of trying to erase the parts of ourselves we find painful.