Why did Junpei turn evil in Jujutsu Kaisen? Explained

Modified Jul 01, 2024 00:30 GMT

Why did Junpei turn evil in Jujutsu Kaisen? Explained (Image via MAPPA)

Junpei Yoshino's tale in Jujutsu Kaisen is heartbreaking, full of suffering, and the disastrous effects of unresolved trauma. As an introverted high-schooler, he endured relentless bullying from cruel peers. This planted seeds of anguish, eventually leading Junpei down a grim path consumed by hatred and vengeance.

From his harrowing bullying experiences combined with his mom's tragic passing that spiraled Junpei into darkness, his story sheds light on how unaddressed pain can warp someone into an embodiment of evil when left unchecked.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Jujutsu Kaisen series. Discretion is advised.

Why Junpei turned evil in Jujutsu Kaisen, explained

Junpei's school days were filled with constant torment from his classmates, particularly Shota Ito, who relentlessly bullied him. The harassment became so severe that Junpei had permanent scars on his forehead, a constant reminder of the cruelty he endured. This traumatic experience, coupled with the indifference of those around him, fueled Junpei's growing resentment towards his peers.

The turning point came when Junpei witnessed the brutal deaths of his former bullies at the hands of the cursed spirit, Mahito. Driven by memories of his torment, Junpei confronted Mahito, expressing a desire for vengeance. Sensing Junpei's vulnerability and darkness, Mahito manipulated him, feeding into his growing hatred and despair.

The final blow came when Junpei's mother, Nagi, died due to a curse attracted to one of Sukuna's fingers. In a calculated move, Mahito convinced Junpei that his classmate, Shota, caused his mother's death, further exacerbating Junpei's already fragile mental state. Consumed by grief, anger, and a thirst for retribution, Junpei unleashed his newfound cursed abilities at his school, incapacitating his fellow students and confronting Shota.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Junpei's school life

Junpei meets Yuji Itadori for the first time (Image via MAPPA)

Growing up, Junpei's home life seemed pretty typical—his parents split when he was young, and he lived with his mom, Nagi. But the actual struggle was at school, where he faced constant, vicious bullying from classmates.

Despite having a relatively normal family situation, Junpei's school days were an ongoing nightmare of cruelty and isolation. With no intervention from teachers or peers, he felt alone, trusting no one. Even when he tried making friends by starting a club, his bullies always ruined it. Experiences like these just reinforced Junpei's belief that people are evil.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Mahito's role in Junpei's change

Mahito, as shown in the anime series (Image via MAPPA)

Junpei's path took a dark turn when Mahito entered the scene. During a movie outing, Junpei witnessed Mahito brutally murdering his former bullies, sparking Junpei's interest in gaining similar power. Junpei asked Mahito if he could do the same, revealing his desire for vengeance.

Recognizing Junpei's vulnerability, the cunning Mahito manipulated him further. They discussed cursed spirits, with Mahito revealing his embodiment of humanity's collective hatred. Mahito's influence grew as he showcased his twisted human experiments, captivating Junpei with the extremes of physical transformation.

Final thoughts

Junpei's journey from a shy bullied high school kid to a vengeful, cursed person is a powerful reminder of the lasting scars trauma can leave if left unchecked. It also highlights how manipulation can warp someone's mind and actions.