Last week’s two episodes of Alchemy of Souls were a whirlwind and there was also the news about Part 2 that sent viewers into a tizzy so it’s nice that this Saturday’s episode 9 was a total slow break. Half the episode was spent at the gisaeng house celebrating Wook’s entry into Songrim, which is basically the Hogwarts of this universe and he’s the Boy Who Couldn’t his entire life until now. The reason I love Wook so much is that he reaches for the things he wants and cares about, he’s not afraid of failure or rejection or saving face. Conversely Yul is too perfect his whole life and has never stepped a toe out of line and in K-drama land that is what is the hallmark of a second male lead, his ideal traits lose out to the guy who actively makes up for his shortcomings. Mu Duk is still not in the brain space to think about Wook or Yul in a romantic light but her desire to be with Wook is definitely more than needing his protection or help no matter how she spins it. That signs now definitively point to her body as the Jin family long lost elder daughter Bu Yeon makes things more interesting and also I can’t wait for the Mu Duk/Bu Yeon/Nak Su combo to shiv Jin Mu and destroy that mega asswipe by the end.