Episode 4 of Dear Hyeri deepens the complexity of Eun-ho's dual personality, creating more tension and emotional turmoil. From what I’ve seen and read about similar stories, when an alternate personality develops an ego, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage and can even lead to the loss of the original self. In this episode, we see that Hyeri starts to develop her own sense of ego, but interestingly, it’s not necessarily in a destructive way. In fact, Hyeri makes a heartfelt plea to Eun-ho through a letter, asking for permission to stay with her. She expresses that, unlike Eun-ho, she finds peace and happiness in her existence and this was based on her dreams where she see how sad Eun ho was.
This growing sense of independence in Hyeri adds another layer of complexity, particularly when it comes to Eun-ho's mental state. Hyeri’s recognition that she feels more content compared to Eun-ho further highlights the intense emotional divide between the two personalities. Her existence has become a form of escape for Eun-ho, and it’s clear that Hyeri’s presence brings some relief, though it complicates Eun-ho’s journey toward healing and self-understanding.
In addition to the internal struggle, the episode also brings complications in the characters’ romantic lives. Hyeri's relationship with Ju-yeon intensifies as she finally meets Ju-yeon’s mother and even introduces herself as Ju-yeon’s girlfriend. This development complicates things further for Eun-ho, as Hyeri’s growing connection with Ju-yeon only adds emotional weight to the already strained dynamics between the two personalities. The more Hyeri becomes involved with Ju-yeon, the harder it will be for Eun-ho to let go of her, especially since Hyeri represents a happier, more fulfilled side of her that she desperately wants to hold onto.
The episode also delves into Eun-ho's deeper struggles, particularly with the memories of her lost sister. There’s a profound sense of guilt that Eun-ho feels, as she blames herself for her sister’s disappearance. At the same time, there’s a part of her that wants to believe she’s not responsible. This internal conflict is a powerful reflection of her mental health struggles and the emotional toll of living with such unresolved trauma. The weight of these unresolved feelings is beginning to show more clearly, and it’s apparent that the lack of understanding and closure is having a devastating impact on her.
As the episode nears its end, we see Hyun-O continuing to care for Eun-ho, with the two of them sharing a kiss. This further complicates matters, as it raises the stakes for Eun-ho’s emotional well-being. The idea that Eun-ho and Hyeri are connected to the same person but have such distinct personalities makes their relationships and romantic entanglements even more complex. The kiss between Hyun-O and Eun-ho—though a moment of closeness—adds yet another layer of confusion and emotional tension, particularly when it becomes clear that their love interests are intertwined in ways they don’t fully understand yet.
This episode leaves us with many unanswered questions. What will happen when both Ju-yeon and Hyun-O realize they are in love with the same person, yet have different personalities? How will they navigate the complexities of these emotions? The developments in this episode only heighten the anticipation of what’s to come, and it’s clear that the story will continue to explore deep themes of love, identity, and mental health in ways that are both engaging and emotionally intense. The dual personality dynamic is becoming more intricate, and it’s fascinating to watch how these characters will evolve as they confront the challenges ahead.