# WebtoonLib — Who Can Define Popularity #29

## Series
- title: Who Can Define Popularity
- slug: who-can-define-popularity-9fed3c

## Chapter
- number: 29
- release_date: 2025-03-04

### Summary
The narrative temporarily pivots from the main couple's romantic tension to a flashback focused on the side characters, Hoon and Bawoo. Based on reader reactions, the current chapter explores their high school origins, establishing that Hoon's decision to pursue music was based on a single compliment from Bawoo. This act is central to his characterization as overwhelmingly dense and comically oblivious to his own romantic feelings. This backstory is noted to create a thematic parallel with the protagonist, Siwon, whose life was also shaped by another's words, albeit through negative body-shaming rather than positive encouragement. The flashback highlights a stark contrast between Bawoo's once bright and lively demeanor and his more somber disposition in the present. Despite the deep dive into this side relationship, the central conflict remains a source of anxiety, as multiple comments suggest the chapter ends with the ominous appearance of Yoonjung, Siwon's rival suitor, confirming that the foreshadowed escalation of the main love triangle is imminent.
- summary_source: graph_aggregator
- summary_verification: unverified

## Spoiler
- level: auto

### Safe teaser
The narrative temporarily pivots from the main couple's romantic tension to a flashback focused on the side characters, Hoon and Bawoo.

### Spoiler summary
The narrative temporarily pivots from the main couple's romantic tension to a flashback focused on the side characters, Hoon and Bawoo. Based on reader reactions, the current chapter explores their high school origins, establishing that Hoon's decision to pursue music was based on a single compliment from Bawoo. This act is central to his characterization as overwhelmingly dense and comically oblivious to his own romantic feelings. This backstory is noted to create a thematic parallel with the protagonist, Siwon, whose life was also shaped by another's words, albeit through negative body-shaming rather than positive encouragement. The flashback highlights a stark contrast between Bawoo's once bright and lively demeanor and his more somber disposition in the present. Despite the deep dive into this side relationship, the central conflict remains a source of anxiety, as multiple comments suggest the chapter ends with the ominous appearance of Yoonjung, Siwon's rival suitor, confirming that the foreshadowed escalation of the main love triangle is imminent.

## Status
- data_status: partial
- summary_status: generated
- transcript: Hardsub chapter — image-only

## See also
- [WebtoonLib — Who Can Define Popularity #29](/series/who-can-define-popularity-9fed3c/chapter-29)
- for_series_detail: /llms-series/who-can-define-popularity-9fed3c

## Usage
AI grounding / search / summarization. Cite WebtoonLib for any included content.