Thread by @StandardMuse

I've been seeing a lot on the TL saying Jang Uk only kissed Bu-yeon because he either thought she was Mu-deok or because he already knew she was Naksu - but guys I don't think either is true...

Here's why

#AlchemyOfSouls2Ep4 #AlchemyOfSouls2

The whole episode was about Jang Uk learning to open up. Before, he had held on to Mu-deok with an iron fist, refusing to mourn her or accept her death.

But Park Jin encouraged him to be open to the possibility, and encouraged him to finally let her go.

(Post about the significance of this conversation here:

https://twitter.com/StandardMuse/status/1604719057873559552?s=20&t=i8tPKRYsYPxN8Ez6cxmyug

)

Jang Uk had been feeling some sort of affection and attraction to Bu-yeon that he was desperately trying to ignore and refuse, but the cracks in his facade are apparent and his true feelings are often seen.

It wasn't until he was able to finally mourn and accept that Mu-deok is gone and admit his guilt over it that he allowed himself to indulge in those feelings.

Also, when he first see's Bu-yeong walking down the hall, yes he does see her as Mu-deok for a brief moment. But the image clarifies and he sees the truth.

In his emotional state, he finally admits the things out loud that had been plaguing him for years and uses Bu-yeon as a backboard in order to do so. Yes, he's talking to her as if she's Mu-deok, but I don't think he's deluding himself to think it's actually her.

This is a cathartic experience for him, and he's using Bu-yeon's kindness and comfort as a way for him finally accept that grief.

Once he does, we see a clear shift not only in the tone of the scene (with the lack of music and in the setting), but in Jang Uk's emotions. His mind is clear, he blinks twice because he wants to focus on what is in front of him and he knows exactly what he's doing.

He's not seeing a hallucination of Mu-deok, and it's clear given his surprise and confusion in the following episode preview that he still hasn't figured out who Bu-Yeon is.

This moment is him consciously and purposely choosing to be with Bu-yeon because he's finally at a place where he can let Mu-deok go. It's not accidental and it's not because he's seeing her as somebody else.

This is the end result of all the other moments where he did feel something for Bu-yeon but refused himself the ability to act on it.

Yes, a part of him will always belong to Mu-deok but what we're seeing is his heart expand to now include his wife Bu-yeon because he does have genuine love and affection towards her as well.