While Shang Tsung does seem obsessed with Kuai Liang, I don't think it's exactly comparable to the Sonya thing in 95. Shang saw Sonya as an object, a doll, he even dressed her up.
With Kuai, he seems...more respectful. Shang sees him as a person. Dare I say he cares about him? In a way? He doesn't really put him down or objectify him.
Unlike the Sonya thing was basically a plot device to make her a damsel in distress, this one with Kuai actually adds some depth to Shang Tsung.
At least that's my take on this.
no, I absolutely agree. it's definitely a lot different than his obsession with Sonya in the past.
his offer of teaching Kuai Liang to shapeshift alone shows more depth for him than his obsession for Sonya ever did. like you said, Shang Tsung's obsession with her turns her into a damsel in distress that needs to be saved. but an offer to teach someone the ability that gives him a lot of his power over others? that's not something that Shang Tsung would do lightly (and to be honest, until I saw it myself, I considered it completely out of character).
he legitimately wants Kuai Liang on his side and seems to be willing to do anything to convince him to come along. it wasn't like that with Sonya. he even complains to Bi-Han about it in an intro. he is just adamant and refuses to give up.














