Just standing there with blank eyes, as always.
-- Narrator (chapter 1)

Importance: In Chapter 1, Yunjae retrospectively relays his mother and grandmother's attack on Christmas Eve. Though he describes the brutality of the incident, he does not disguise his lack of emotional response to the event. By beginning the novel with this image, the author inspires her reader's curiosity, and charges the narrative with immediate tension. From this opening chapter, Yunjae immediately proves himself an untraditional narrator.

To be honest, I couldn't have cared less.
-- Narrator (chapter 9)

Importance: After describing his mother's series of elaborate emotional tests and games, Yunjae confesses his disinterest in understanding how to feel or read people's feelings. Though he knows his mother desperately wants him to be normal, Yunjae remains apathetic. His blatant disinterest in his life and world make the reader wonder if his character will be capable of change if he does not possess the desire to alter his circumstances.

But...
-- Narrator (chapter 18)