Naksu had a great build up but now writers are making her dumb for the drag. Because what do you mean she saw…
Yeah, I don't have anything to say to that either. She's been in the body for like what … more than a year now (in-universe)?
But if I will take a guess, they are probably playing with the rule that only one soul and inhabit a body because that's what a soul ejector does - eject souls and replace it with a different soul.
As far as Nak Su is concerned, her soul is the only one inside her body. So, all this time, she has not make a connection that the original soul was still inside her.
Although, after their interaction inside the ice stone, it would appear Bu Yeon finally left, at least based on the translation, she reacted to Nak Su as if she already left her body, that she has finally given full control of her body to her. Also remember the scene Bu Yeon woke up and called her mother "Mother" for the last time and tears fell from both her eyes? It does seem like it was that moment Bu Yeon left her body and gave it to Nak Su, hence the way she responded to Nak Su when she called her a relic.
Another thing. I've always think that Bu Yeon was sealing Nak Su's power since episode 1. Since she left her body, Nak Su got her powers back too.
As of ep18, it does indeed appear Bu Yeon set things in motion. And she sealed Nak Su's power because she wants her to change.
Her isolation. Her witnessing the death of her father, and then later finding out she was used. Her being trained by Jin Moo's gang. Her being isolated. It made her in a fiercesome assassin because she lost her human connections and her humanity. She became a living weapon.
Bu Yeon want her to change. Bu Yeon chose her to take over her body.
Bu Yeon created the barrier as a final test for Nak Su. Now that she have human connections. Now that she is no longer alone. Which path would she choose? Back to being Nak Su the assassin, a name that is not even her birth name? Or, be Mu Deok?
I'm starting to think Bu Yeon even chose the name Mu Deok for Nak Su.
Mu Deok = 무덕 / 무덕이 it means: 1. clear as mud (according to Naver) 2. virtue (according to Google and Bing)
Can also be written as 낙수 which means falling water. (According to Naver, Google, and Bing)
According to Korean Wikipedia, one way of writing it in Hanja is 武德 which means military virtues.
The Hanja form is interesting. It means that it's meaning as "virtue" is not just any virtue but _military_ virtues. It does not fit Bu Yeon, she is a Jin priestess. She was not trained to fight.
The meaning "clear as mud" is also interesting. It gives the idea of "tabula rasa" which means "blank slate". It is a theory that "individuals are born without built-in mental content, and therefore all knowledge comes from experience or perception". (Wikipedia)
Bu Yeon did not choose the name "Mu Deok" for herself. She chose it for Nak Su.
Mu Deok is a new identity for someone who will be _reborn_. Someone given a "blank slate" (a new beginning) (tabula rasa) and regain knowledge from experience or perception.
It is "clear as mud". A mud that can be shaped into anything. A mud that can be molded into anything.
And with virtues. Not just any virtue but _military_ virtues. Trained to fight. Trained to kill. Have killed. But is connected to their humanity. That being trained as one is a responsibility.
Which even Master Lee sent the same message: if she will unsheathe Nak Su's sword then she will have to take responsibility. Master Lee figured out and understood why the "great power" inside Mu Deok's body is protecting her.
And it was also the last lesson of Bu Yeon to Nak Su when they finally were able to talk. Take one and you will lose another. It is a burden she has to take if she will use the ice stone.
Here's the kicker. I think that the ice stone barrier was not only to test Nak Su on which path she will take, I think it was also to teach her about the power of the ice stone and how to use it properly.
Noticed how they kept repeating and showing scenes about water, fire, and wind throughout the episode? Bu Yeon also told her "pull and get pushed" and how "overflowing power" means she will not be able to control how much of it she can use.
"Desire rain and you will get a flood." "Desire wind and you will get a typhoon."
Choosing her path is not enough. She also has to learn to _respect_ the power of the ice stone and how to use it properly.
Through the barrier, Bu Yeon was able to give teach her the final lesson and let her realize the human connections she had made and make a decision based on it (instead of being "Nak Su").
Nak Su finally died and Astronomer Cho's daughter was finally reborn as Mu Deok.
That's a weird comparison. One is fantasy fiction while the other is autism advocacy.That's like saying your hands…
> They can be compared based on overall writing and power to engage.
The OP only said, and I quote, "now, aos >>>> eaw"
If the OP made it clear that s/he was talking about the "writing and power to engage" then I'm wrong. But the OP did not so it can be taken in various ways and any comments about it "is valid".
You understood it as about "writing and power to engage", I understood it as "fantasy vs advocacy".
Also … last I checked EAW already ended and AOS still have one more week.
The father-daughter adoption plot is the best part of this family drama.
It makes you see and understand the complexities of familial relationship laws as well as the emotions involved in being adopted and later finding your birth family.
Here in the Philippines there are many stories highlighted in local shows about this. They found their birth family but they chose to stay with their adoptive family. There were also those who were angry at first but eventually has forgiven and accepted each other.
They captured these different true-to-life stories and compacted it in this drama.
I hope others see this sub-plot for what it is instead of "just another TV entertainment/drama". It's good. It talks about human relationships, the challenges, the problems, family members arguing and having conflicts.
It is not your typical drama, Korean or otherwise, where there is a very predictable plot and it follows a formula to entertain the audience. It teaches us a lesson. It gives us an idea about different people.
Basically families in Asian countries really care about what other people will think . This concept of not marrying…
Re: religion, Christianity isn't the only 'religion' that frowns upon living together unmarried.
Also, marriage is one of the most fundamental aspect in many civilizations (past or current). It has been debated a lot if the idea and practice of "marriage" is a social thing or a religious thing.
As you've said yourself, cultural differences. Also, basically you're saying that you just want to express yourself. Since you posted a public comment then it means you're open to discussing it. ^_^
what they are registering , i thought After coming to their senses, those people will do the right judgment, the…
It may look like that from your perspective and culture but it is important in their culture. I'm not Korean but I was born in a culture and clan that places far more importance and authority to grandparents or elders. While I do not like what's happening in the show, it is understandable.
Them choosing this sub-plot is also a reflection of their culture and their desire to change things. Korean writers still write stories based on current cultural and social issues, not like Western writers. ^_^
That said, maybe one day this sub-plot will just become a trope but for now, they're still at that stage where this particular sub-plot happens in real life.
I'm so pissed at this drama right now. A bunch of old geezers, their lives have one foot in the grave and they…
In Asia, especially here in Asia-Pacific, grandparents do play a huge role for better or worse.
If you live here in Asia, then probably you were lucky enough to have been born when society has changed or your family no longer gives too much authority to grandparents.
If you don't live here, then it is like that. I was born in a clan at a time when grandparents still hold much authority over everything. And you can not go against their wishes unless you're willing to have feud (in other families, they'll be disowned by the entire clan).
'The usual disclaimer. I am writing this based on my experience as a late-diagnosed autistic woman and the parent of an autistic daughter. I do not claim to speak for all autistic people. But I do use “we” to reflect some widely shared experiences in the autistic community.'
About Naksu's power back in the preview, why am I thinking it is only for temporary and they might make us 🤡🤡Hope…
If the preview is any hint, notice how all mages no longer have powers yet the soul shifter running wild still has his power. Interestingly, Nak Su was able to use her power as well.
It seems to be pointing that Bu Yeon was the one who created that barrier, a Jin specialty. Since the soul shifter was created through a soul ejector, it is defying the natural order of things, the sealing ability of Jin clan does not work on them.
And if it was indeed Bu Yeon who created the barrier, then she's concentrating her everything on it. Which would allow Nak Su to use her own power (since they are no longer cancelling each other). Or maybe, the reason Nak Su can not use her power is because Bu Yeon is sealing it, since she has to create the barrier, Nak Su suddenly have access to her power.
So, I guess there really is no more doubt about: 1. Two souls in one body 2. They are cancelling each other's power
For #1: When Nak Su lost consciousness, it allowed Bu Yeon to take over. Her memories surged, she was able to open her eyes (and see as well), and say, "mother".
For #2: Nak Su finally realized something is happening to her … and it was her eyes hurting … whenever she is inside the home of the Jin clan. It was Bu Yeon's power "waking up" or slowly overpowering Nak Su's.
However, something is interesting here. Mu Deok's eyes glowed blue after Bu Yeon took over. This means that Mu Deok's eyes did not glow blue because of AoS or Hwansu, it _is_ Bu Yeon's power.
It now appears that the reason why there is no blue mark on Mu Deok's body was because Hwansu was used to transfer Nak Su's soul into Mu Deok's body. The question is, who did? At this point, it was possibly Bu Yeon herself. Somehow she can counteract the magic of a soul ejector -- as we were shown when she saved Jang Uk from it.
When Nak Su used the soul ejector (episode 1), since Bu Yeon was nearby, to save her she used Hwansu to absorb Nak Su's soul into her body. Since Nak Su is also powerful, their powers started to cancel each other thus Nak Su lost access to her power and Bu Yeon only gets to manifest herself when Nak Su is sleeping or their body "Mu Deok" steps into Jin home (or touch a Jin relic like the broken jade). Because Bu Yeon did that = no blue mark.
Over time, the glowing blue eyes faded because Bu Yeon's power also stared to fade from the body itself.
Well … at least that's how it appears currently.
There is also, again, the issue of Bu Yeon having been called back from the dead because of the ice stone. Maybe she did not use Hwansu (in episode 1) but because she was "touched by" the ice stone, she has an affinity and possibly better control with it which also allows her to overpower a soul ejector.
With the ice stone nearby. It would probably allow Bu Yeon to … merge their souls? Nak Su + Bu Yeon = Mu Deok? She inherits the Jin clan. She gets married to Jang Uk. Jin Moo is defeated and Jang Uk is proclaimed as successor of Jang Kang. The Crown Prince becomes the new king … and they all live happily ever after.
Hah. Best tactic ever to remove that which is preventing you from getting what you want … hire them by giving them an offer they will never be able to say 'no' to!
Not only will it remove the "fence"/"shield", it will also demoralize the team. Of course, in the absence of a non-competition clause, you'll have access to everything as well. The person's network, internal knowledge of your competitor and how they do things, contacts, etc.
I wonder how they'll play this one out. In some companies, they will make an effort to discredit the person who left them. They will do everything to lock him out. While in some companies, they're cool with it and expect a tough match (and instead of sulking about it, they turn it into their strength).
1 
But if I will take a guess, they are probably playing with the rule that only one soul and inhabit a body because that's what a soul ejector does - eject souls and replace it with a different soul.
As far as Nak Su is concerned, her soul is the only one inside her body. So, all this time, she has not make a connection that the original soul was still inside her.
Although, after their interaction inside the ice stone, it would appear Bu Yeon finally left, at least based on the translation, she reacted to Nak Su as if she already left her body, that she has finally given full control of her body to her. Also remember the scene Bu Yeon woke up and called her mother "Mother" for the last time and tears fell from both her eyes? It does seem like it was that moment Bu Yeon left her body and gave it to Nak Su, hence the way she responded to Nak Su when she called her a relic.
Another thing. I've always think that Bu Yeon was sealing Nak Su's power since episode 1. Since she left her body, Nak Su got her powers back too.
Sadly, I don't have anything about the flowers. But yes, you are correct that there is meaning behind everything in these type of shows.
Her isolation. Her witnessing the death of her father, and then later finding out she was used. Her being trained by Jin Moo's gang. Her being isolated. It made her in a fiercesome assassin because she lost her human connections and her humanity. She became a living weapon.
Bu Yeon want her to change. Bu Yeon chose her to take over her body.
Bu Yeon created the barrier as a final test for Nak Su. Now that she have human connections. Now that she is no longer alone. Which path would she choose? Back to being Nak Su the assassin, a name that is not even her birth name? Or, be Mu Deok?
I'm starting to think Bu Yeon even chose the name Mu Deok for Nak Su.
Mu Deok = 무덕 / 무덕이 it means:
1. clear as mud (according to Naver)
2. virtue (according to Google and Bing)
Can also be written as 낙수 which means falling water. (According to Naver, Google, and Bing)
According to Korean Wikipedia, one way of writing it in Hanja is 武德 which means military virtues.
The Hanja form is interesting. It means that it's meaning as "virtue" is not just any virtue but _military_ virtues. It does not fit Bu Yeon, she is a Jin priestess. She was not trained to fight.
The meaning "clear as mud" is also interesting. It gives the idea of "tabula rasa" which means "blank slate". It is a theory that "individuals are born without built-in mental content, and therefore all knowledge comes from experience or perception". (Wikipedia)
Bu Yeon did not choose the name "Mu Deok" for herself. She chose it for Nak Su.
Mu Deok is a new identity for someone who will be _reborn_. Someone given a "blank slate" (a new beginning) (tabula rasa) and regain knowledge from experience or perception.
It is "clear as mud". A mud that can be shaped into anything. A mud that can be molded into anything.
And with virtues. Not just any virtue but _military_ virtues. Trained to fight. Trained to kill. Have killed. But is connected to their humanity. That being trained as one is a responsibility.
Which even Master Lee sent the same message: if she will unsheathe Nak Su's sword then she will have to take responsibility. Master Lee figured out and understood why the "great power" inside Mu Deok's body is protecting her.
And it was also the last lesson of Bu Yeon to Nak Su when they finally were able to talk. Take one and you will lose another. It is a burden she has to take if she will use the ice stone.
Here's the kicker. I think that the ice stone barrier was not only to test Nak Su on which path she will take, I think it was also to teach her about the power of the ice stone and how to use it properly.
Noticed how they kept repeating and showing scenes about water, fire, and wind throughout the episode? Bu Yeon also told her "pull and get pushed" and how "overflowing power" means she will not be able to control how much of it she can use.
"Desire rain and you will get a flood."
"Desire wind and you will get a typhoon."
Choosing her path is not enough. She also has to learn to _respect_ the power of the ice stone and how to use it properly.
Through the barrier, Bu Yeon was able to give teach her the final lesson and let her realize the human connections she had made and make a decision based on it (instead of being "Nak Su").
Nak Su finally died and Astronomer Cho's daughter was finally reborn as Mu Deok.
The OP only said, and I quote, "now, aos >>>> eaw"
If the OP made it clear that s/he was talking about the "writing and power to engage" then I'm wrong. But the OP did not so it can be taken in various ways and any comments about it "is valid".
You understood it as about "writing and power to engage", I understood it as "fantasy vs advocacy".
Also … last I checked EAW already ended and AOS still have one more week.
It makes you see and understand the complexities of familial relationship laws as well as the emotions involved in being adopted and later finding your birth family.
Here in the Philippines there are many stories highlighted in local shows about this. They found their birth family but they chose to stay with their adoptive family. There were also those who were angry at first but eventually has forgiven and accepted each other.
They captured these different true-to-life stories and compacted it in this drama.
I hope others see this sub-plot for what it is instead of "just another TV entertainment/drama". It's good. It talks about human relationships, the challenges, the problems, family members arguing and having conflicts.
It is not your typical drama, Korean or otherwise, where there is a very predictable plot and it follows a formula to entertain the audience. It teaches us a lesson. It gives us an idea about different people.
It is very human.
Also, marriage is one of the most fundamental aspect in many civilizations (past or current). It has been debated a lot if the idea and practice of "marriage" is a social thing or a religious thing.
As you've said yourself, cultural differences. Also, basically you're saying that you just want to express yourself. Since you posted a public comment then it means you're open to discussing it. ^_^
Them choosing this sub-plot is also a reflection of their culture and their desire to change things. Korean writers still write stories based on current cultural and social issues, not like Western writers. ^_^
That said, maybe one day this sub-plot will just become a trope but for now, they're still at that stage where this particular sub-plot happens in real life.
If you live here in Asia, then probably you were lucky enough to have been born when society has changed or your family no longer gives too much authority to grandparents.
If you don't live here, then it is like that. I was born in a clan at a time when grandparents still hold much authority over everything. And you can not go against their wishes unless you're willing to have feud (in other families, they'll be disowned by the entire clan).
Select quotes: https://mydramalist.com/discussions/strange-lawyer-woo-young-woo/79277-feedback-on-eaw-from-an-autistic-woman-and-a-parent-to-an-autistic-daughter
Her disclaimer: ( https://twitter.com/hallyulyrebird/status/1560848704504201222 )
'The usual disclaimer. I am writing this based on my experience as a late-diagnosed autistic woman and the parent of an autistic daughter. I do not claim to speak for all autistic people. But I do use “we” to reflect some widely shared experiences in the autistic community.'
First thread: https://twitter.com/hallyulyrebird/status/1559752211613511680
Second thread: https://twitter.com/hallyulyrebird/status/1560848697696878593
So, it would appear the only mage that can do it who is still alive is Master Lee.
Unless of course Bu Yeon can, and Nak Su accidentally used it during her desperate escape in episode 1.
It seems to be pointing that Bu Yeon was the one who created that barrier, a Jin specialty. Since the soul shifter was created through a soul ejector, it is defying the natural order of things, the sealing ability of Jin clan does not work on them.
And if it was indeed Bu Yeon who created the barrier, then she's concentrating her everything on it. Which would allow Nak Su to use her own power (since they are no longer cancelling each other). Or maybe, the reason Nak Su can not use her power is because Bu Yeon is sealing it, since she has to create the barrier, Nak Su suddenly have access to her power.
That's like saying your hands are better than your feet. ;)
1. Two souls in one body
2. They are cancelling each other's power
For #1:
When Nak Su lost consciousness, it allowed Bu Yeon to take over. Her memories surged, she was able to open her eyes (and see as well), and say, "mother".
For #2:
Nak Su finally realized something is happening to her … and it was her eyes hurting … whenever she is inside the home of the Jin clan. It was Bu Yeon's power "waking up" or slowly overpowering Nak Su's.
However, something is interesting here. Mu Deok's eyes glowed blue after Bu Yeon took over. This means that Mu Deok's eyes did not glow blue because of AoS or Hwansu, it _is_ Bu Yeon's power.
It now appears that the reason why there is no blue mark on Mu Deok's body was because Hwansu was used to transfer Nak Su's soul into Mu Deok's body. The question is, who did? At this point, it was possibly Bu Yeon herself. Somehow she can counteract the magic of a soul ejector -- as we were shown when she saved Jang Uk from it.
When Nak Su used the soul ejector (episode 1), since Bu Yeon was nearby, to save her she used Hwansu to absorb Nak Su's soul into her body. Since Nak Su is also powerful, their powers started to cancel each other thus Nak Su lost access to her power and Bu Yeon only gets to manifest herself when Nak Su is sleeping or their body "Mu Deok" steps into Jin home (or touch a Jin relic like the broken jade). Because Bu Yeon did that = no blue mark.
Over time, the glowing blue eyes faded because Bu Yeon's power also stared to fade from the body itself.
Well … at least that's how it appears currently.
There is also, again, the issue of Bu Yeon having been called back from the dead because of the ice stone. Maybe she did not use Hwansu (in episode 1) but because she was "touched by" the ice stone, she has an affinity and possibly better control with it which also allows her to overpower a soul ejector.
With the ice stone nearby. It would probably allow Bu Yeon to … merge their souls? Nak Su + Bu Yeon = Mu Deok? She inherits the Jin clan. She gets married to Jang Uk. Jin Moo is defeated and Jang Uk is proclaimed as successor of Jang Kang. The Crown Prince becomes the new king … and they all live happily ever after.
Hmm…
Not only will it remove the "fence"/"shield", it will also demoralize the team. Of course, in the absence of a non-competition clause, you'll have access to everything as well. The person's network, internal knowledge of your competitor and how they do things, contacts, etc.
I wonder how they'll play this one out. In some companies, they will make an effort to discredit the person who left them. They will do everything to lock him out. While in some companies, they're cool with it and expect a tough match (and instead of sulking about it, they turn it into their strength).