Lookism Chapter 545 was just released, and it finally confirmed what most of us already suspected, Jinrang is not the real villain of the Busan Arc.
Turns out, James Lee was actually manipulating Daniel Park the whole time. He tricked Daniel into thinking Jinrang was on his way to becoming the next Charles Choi, knowing Daniel wouldn’t let that happen.
After failing to stop Charles Choi before, Daniel does not want to make the same mistake again. He wants to take down threats before they even get a chance to grow.
James Lee Used Daniel for His Own Plan
But in reality, James Lee had his own reasons for wanting Jinrang gone. He used Daniel as a pawn and even sent the King of Incheon, Jaegyeon Na, along with him to help take out the “threat” in Busan.
James made it seem like Jinrang was a danger to everyone, but he was just using Daniel to do his dirty work.
Who is James Lee in Lookism?
For those who don’t know, James Lee used to be one of Charles Choi’s most trusted people. He was one of the ten geniuses handpicked by Charles and played a huge role in shaping the current crew era (2nd Generation).
- James was behind the murder of Gapryong Kim, the Gen 0 leader of the Fist Gang.
- Charles Choi helped cover it up.
- James played a big role in building the HNH Group with Charles Choi, and he was also the CEO of PTJ Entertainment.
- He took down the 1st Gen Kings, collecting their body parts as trophies.
- His actions ended the era of circles and led to the rise of the four major crews in Seoul.
Later, Eugene offered James Lee a way out, but only if he helped take down Charles Choi and got the red paper from Gun Park. That led to the whole Hunt for Gun Park, since the red paper had enough dirt on Charles Choi to destroy him (Yamazaki Contract).
- James helped Eugene get the red paper.
- Charles Choi’s secrets were exposed, leading to his suicide.
- Eugene framed someone else for Gapryong Kim’s murder.
- James Lee walked free and disappeared.
James went silent for a while, but as soon as Jinrang, the King of Busan, got out of prison, he started making moves again. The Busan Arc is now revealing more about what he is really up to and who is allies are.
Daniel Park Knew He Was Being Played and Went Along With It
Lookism Chapter 545 starts with everyone shocked to see the King of Incheon siding with Jinrang. Zack Lee demands answers from Daniel Park, but Daniel stays calm, he expected this all along.
Turns out, it was not a betrayal but a double-cross. King of Incheon was never fully on Allied’s side or Busan’s side. He was playing along with James Lee, who had bigger plans. James wanted Jinrang on his side, or at the very least, he wanted the King of Incheon to bring Jinrang to him.
Steve Hong Reveals Who Took Charles Choi’s Wealth
Before Daniel met with James Lee, he had a conversation with Steve Hong, who finally revealed what happened to Charles Choi’s wealth. Ever since the Hunt for Gun Park, people had been wondering where all the money went.
- It was not transferred to Gun Park.
- It did not go to Charles Choi’s daughters.
- It was not directly given to James Lee either.
For a long time, this was a mystery. But in Lookism Chapter 545, Steve Hong tells Daniel that the wealth was transferred to a single charity foundation. And James Lee happens to be on the board of that foundation.
Steve also points out that out of everyone involved, James Lee benefitted the most from Charles Choi’s death. Everyone else either suffered or lost something, but James came out on top.
Daniel Park Meets James Lee
At the start of the Busan Arc, Daniel got a text from James Lee, asking him to meet at a tailor shop. Daniel already knew something was off but decided to play along.
That is when James told him about Jinrang, the King of Busan, and tried to convince him that Jinrang was another Charles Choi in the making.
Daniel was not fully convinced but went to Busan anyway to see things for himself. He wanted to talk to Jinrang, but there was only one way to do that, through a fight.
Since Daniel and Allied had stormed into Busan and messed with their businesses, Jinrang had more than enough reason to throw hands.
King of Incheon Betrays Allied
King of Incheon did betray the Allied, but not for Jinrang, for James Lee. James did not expect Daniel to figure out he was being played, but he underestimated Daniel’s intelligence.
After Jinrang was exhausted from fighting, the King of Incheon suddenly took down Taesoo Ma and then went for Jinrang too.
Since Jinrang had already fought two Kings, he was in a weakened state, and the King of Incheon took advantage of that. But before things went too far, Daniel stepped in.
King of Incheon does not see the second generation as much of a threat, but Allied might prove him wrong in the next chapter.
Meanwhile, Lookism Chapter 545 also hints at James Lee and Kitae Kim plotting something big in the background.
What do you think James Lee’s plan is? And is he the final villain of PTJverse? Share your theories in the comments. Lookism Chapter 545 is now available to read for premium users on Naver Comics.
