FL was consistent throughout the series. She had a major character growth but her determination always 🔥. Even in her weakness she managed to display such strength. ML was fun to watched. He grew as a man, character and skilled person. I liked his character so much. He was such a kind person.
One thing that stood out to me was that 95% of the cast were good people with only 5% being being somewhat wicked.
No misunderstandings. No missing elements. I actually rewatched a few scene’s.
The negative: which may or may not be a negative. The ending was a cliffhanger. There was no closure. It was like a commercial break. Apparently there’s a season 2 coming, but after my “princess agent” let down, I’m anxious.
Aside from the cliffhanger ending I can’t find anything I didn’t enjoy about the series.
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What a show!!
Alchemy of souls was an amazing watch. I had been postponing watching this show for a long time. Now that I've binged watched the first season, I am regretting not watching it sooner.Story- Script of the show is very well rounded bringing some of the most amazing characters to life. The MLs story arc in parallel to FLs is very well juxtaposed. I thoroughly enjoyed their growth as main characters. This has good romance, heart fluttering moments, humor & emotional scenes. The story was fast paced, loved that things moved quickly even for a 20 episodes show, which made binging this even more enjoyable. The chemistry of the cast is top notch.
Cast- Couldn't have had more amazing cast than this. I've been a fan of LJW from Extraordinary you. He is such a talented actor who comes off so natural. His portrayal of Jung Uk is splendid. Jung So Min is also a favourite of mine, she was amazing here to watch. They have such a good chemistry , really liked their scenes together, even of just talking. I also liked the actor portraying Master Lee, such a fun guy. Other supporting cast also were phenomenal.
OST - the background music added the flavour which makes this show unique in fantasy- historical Kdrama space. OSTs were really good and matched the tone of the show.
Special effects- Production team really did the effects well, which made the scenes even more fantastic.
Ending scene of this season was so epic that knowing there is next season available to watch, I could sleep in peace. I plan to watch season 2 now, thought to write this review while season 1 is fresh in my mind.
Give this show a chance if you haven't yet, you'll not be disappointed. This deserves the classic tag already.
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This review may contain spoilers
Oh, how I wish they'd ended the drama with episode 19!
A complicated, convoluted, interesting, fast-paced story with lots of characters, CGI, stunts and color. It was beautifully filmed. I loved the color palettes used, the juxtaposition of the lights and darks to represent good and evil. The scenery was beautiful, the stunts and CGI were really good and I was all in until the end of episode 19. I will come clean and say that I’m not a historical drama lover and I don’t go out of my way to watch action/fantasy. Give me a good romance and we’ll call it a day. I loved how we got a bit of 21st century in the way they talked at times, as well as with the hair and makeup for the cast. THANK YOU for not putting all the men in the giant, ridiculous hats. The hairstyles were pretty much current, without all the extra, complicated ornamentation that they tend to use in historicals.THE CAST was really good overall, but the standouts for me were:
Lee Jae Wook as Uk. Played immature very well, and I really liked watching him grow into his powers. He’s gorgeous to watch and he’s subtle. I am fascinated by him for some reason, I've liked him in everything I've seen of his. PLEASE make him a ML in a true, honest-to-goodness 21st century romance!
Jung So Min as MuDeok. She did amazing things using only her eyes and facial expressions. I could totally buy into her role, and becoming more human as she went along. She was able to change from being the master to the servant in such a way that you weren’t pulled out of the drama. I have liked her in all the roles I've seen her in, she's very natural.
Hwang Min Hyun as Seo Yul. For the first few episodes, all I could think of was Che Eun Woo every time he was on screen. That eventually went away, and I loved his acting. This was another part that required subtlety, using eyes and micro expressions. My heart hurt for his character. Strangely, I cried for him.
Shin Seung Ho as Go Won. Initially, he was kind of a caricature, larger than life, obvious makeup, stiff hair that looked like a football helmet. I thought, “Oh, I’m going to hate him.” His character was wonderful, and I liked the bromance between him and Uk.
Jo Jae Yoon as Jin Mu. I think I’ve only ever seen him as a bad guy, but boy, does he do it well! With that silver hair and that ice stare of his, he was creepy.
Characters/writing: There was a lot to keep track of, but I didn’t really feel like anyone was a throwaway. The writing was necessarily confusing, with all that was going on and I felt like I needed a flow chart for the towns, the characters, and the convoluted love stories (past and present). I loved how the characters called each other by their first names.
Chemistry: I can see why romance is third on the list of tags. If asked, romance wouldn’t be the first word I would use to describe Alchemy of Souls. However, the romance was wonderful from the standpoint that the leads had absolutely no idea how to go about being in a relationship. Their foreplay was arguing, and they did it well. Kisses – just wow. I also really liked the chemistry between MuDeok and Seo Yul, and MuDeok and Go Won.
Music: Fabulous OST. From the haunting opening song, the powerful instrumentals that sound like they are making use of Taiko drums, to the vocal tracks, the music fit perfectly. BIG Naughty’s Love Letter, is beautiful and dreamy. Gummy whispers her way through Raindrops. Car, the Garden’s Scars Leave Beautiful Trace fit perfectly with the Joseon feel of the drama. Jeong Sewoon, Just Watching You – I think he could sing the dictionary and I would be enthralled.
Rewatch value: This is low for me, because romance wasn’t the driving force.
Ending: RANT and SPOILER!! From a romance standpoint, episode 19 was wonderful, because after all the darkness, bloodshed and evil, we got an episode full of sweetness and light. This drama could have ended on episode 19 and I would have been perfectly happy. But noooo, you had to go there, you couldn’t let people be happy! The ending was set up specifically for a second season, which really irritated me. I hate open endings, I hate cliffhangers, and I hate being forced to watch another season of a drama that pretty much tied things up. So, I’m thinking season two will create more of the same problems that our main characters have already gone through. Of course, I have to watch it just to see what happens, and I’ll try to reserve judgment.
Should you watch it or not? I’d say definitely, especially if you are into historical dramas, fantasy and action.
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Alchemy of souls
This kdrama is truly the best kdrama I have seen. I love the vibe of it and the fact that its like fantasy and historic but also like romantic which I adore. I love the acting especially mudeok’s I love her sm, truly the best actress. I can’t express my love for this kdrama. My love for this kdrama is endless and I will forever love it. Another thing that I liked was season 1 ending like dont get me wrong it was sas asf but I lowk love it when endings have a little gap to think about it and I really adored season 2 even though alot of people dont like it but I loved and love it. Alchemy of souls you did wonders.Was this review helpful to you?
Iconic, expressive, complex and full of well-written plot twists
If you're looking for a well-written story, with the perfect cast plus plot, then here we are! Alchemy of Souls is unexpected in a sense that it surprises you just around the corner when you don't expect it at all. And that's part of the magic. But, let's deepen the analysis based on some aspects:1. Story: quite simple at a first glance, however, as the plot thickens, there are many aspects of human behavior and profound desires being depicted and they're all relatable and even questionable. I mean, who doesn't want to live forever? That's the pretty basic premise of the series and it's been skillfully developed through 20 episodes. If you're looking for loopholes, let me tell you: there are next to none as everything in the plot is explained in details and hinted during the whole drama.
2. Characters (and cast): Do you crave for chemistry AND comedy? Well, come aboard, little one! The main characters are basically Naksu/Mu-Deok and Jang Wook, but there are many others as they are crucial for the story. Naksu/Mu-Deok goes far from what is expected of a woman in historical drama. She was an assassin and now possessed a body as Jang Wook's servant. I won't give any spoilers of the plot itself, but it's wonderful and refreshing to watch their interactions. They're fun, manipulative, and capable of anything as you'll see on screen. The other characters are also interesting and intriguing as there are lots of secrets and hidden things between the three great organizations and the royal palace. You are going to bite your nails and be on the verge of a collapse at the end of every episode after watching half of the drama. The acting skills of every actor in well constructed and alligns with their roles pretty well. The highlight is the shades of comedy and drama as the characters drive between them.
3. Soundtrack: just listen to the whole soundtrack on Youtube and blow your mind. Every chosen song fits perfectly the scenes, and the lyrics are fantastic!
4. What to expect on second season? The main plot of Alchemy of Souls is yet to be completely understood by both the characters and us. Are there things to be said and done in second season? Of course! And I'm down to binge-watch it as soon as possible.
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Lee Jae wook acting is top class. Also perfect body and voice for the role. So handsome above anything. As a drama student I wonder how he act so real like that. He is calm but you can feel fire. He is sad but you feel motivation in there. He is so playful and adorable like spoiled brat but you cannot hate but love him. And audience do. That's why he is so talented.
So min she is the other one in this drama. Eventhough she is older than main cast we didn't recognize it at all. She blended well. As her body and soul is different she has demonstrate that so well.
The chemistry of main couple is out class. I have to give that to Jae wook he is 24 and So min is 33 years old. But so matching chemistry both. I know Jae wook called as Noona killer. But even I wondered will this work out or not.
Then most important part ancient F4 Jang uk,seo yul,Dong gu and crown prince Go that's so funny and so delightful to see. Specifically uk and go couple those two are actually a couple 🤭🤪.
And scenes and OST blend so well. I cried once hearing OST but that scene was not sad.
Overall for the first time in history I felt likI am watching a fairy tale . I didn't do anything but stare at the TV whole time .Just lived in drama.
Fun fact my whole family watched the series and this is their first Korea drama ever.
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Shonen and shojo beautifully mixed
It's great.. s1 was fantastic and S2 ends on a satisfying note.
I don't like how fl cheated on ml.(Not actually, it is my personal opinion). Spoiler. She kissed the 2nd ml. Even though their lips barely touched and 2nd ml was unconscious. I hate how the writers just made the whole saving 2nd ml, part with the purpose of have them kiss...
What's more laughable is that, it is celebrated how apparantly no one(man) gets closer to fl except ml.. but she kissed another guy, hugged the same guy multiple times...
Her interactions with the other MLS, did not change much from S2, it specially becomes worse with 2nd ml..
This is the only personal grudge I have against this show which I might re-watch anytime because it is very hard to come but a action fantasy love story which is good
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Another Classic
This drama was so good. I usually do not post reviews unless a drama is a 10/10 or I have something to say about it.100% this drama will be another classic.
I originally picked it up and dropped it when it first came out as I’m not good with waiting each week for episodes to come out. So I finally decided to give it a second try, and I’m so glad I did.
I absolutely loved everything about this drama.
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Love, Power, and the Alchemy of Fate
“Alchemy of Souls” is a spellbinding blend of fantasy, romance, and destiny — a series that builds an entire world filled with mystery and magic, yet never loses sight of the human emotions that make it so powerful. It’s not just about sorcery or reincarnation; it’s about love, identity, and the choices that shape who we become.Lee Jae-wook delivers a magnetic performance as Jang Uk — a man born under a forbidden fate, constantly torn between power and compassion. His character arc, from reckless youth to a man capable of both love and sacrifice, is deeply compelling. Jung So-min, as Mu-deok/Naksu, brings brilliance and subtlety — fierce, funny, and heartbreakingly fragile. Their chemistry is electric and tender, a balance of humor, tension, and quiet longing that anchors the entire story.
The world-building is breathtaking. The fictional kingdom of Daeho feels alive, with its own history, laws, and mystical energy. The series masterfully balances intricate politics with emotional storytelling, creating a narrative that feels both epic and intimate.
The cinematography is stunning — sweeping landscapes, glowing lanterns, and carefully choreographed fight scenes that feel like poetry in motion. The score elevates every moment, from quiet heartbreak to explosive revelation, enveloping viewers in its rhythm.
What makes “Alchemy of Souls” unforgettable is its heart. Beneath the fantasy lies a story about destiny, loss, and rebirth — about two souls meeting in defiance of fate. It asks: can love truly transcend death and memory?
Haunting, romantic, and deeply human, “Alchemy of Souls” isn’t just a fantasy — it’s a beautifully crafted journey of transformation, where magic meets emotion and souls find their way home.
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The drama that changed my entire taste!!
I was never into historical dramas… until I watched Alchemy of Souls.I honestly don’t even know where to start because EVERYTHING about this drama was perfect to me.
The chemistry between the leads?? Unmatched. 😭💘 Every single scene between them had me either smiling like an idiot or holding my breath. Their connection felt so real and powerful.
And the plot progression?? Insane. The way everything was connected, the little details, the twists — it was all so smart and satisfying to watch. I was never bored, not for a second.
I kept thinking “okay, maybe next episode will slow down a bit,” but nope — it just kept getting better and more intense!
And the acting?? Phenomenal. Each character was well-written and perfectly portrayed, but the main leads? Next level. 👑
This officially became my favorite historical fantasy, and I honestly don’t think any other one can top it in my heart 💔
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This review may contain spoilers
Well damn
I had grat expectations for this one and it didn't disappoint. The story is pretty good and the premise definitely draws you in. I think the main couple has a very different dynamic than most of what you see in dramas, which feels very refreshing. I like how they made Naksu waver untill the very end to finally make her choice between love and power, it makes her choice feel earned. I was afraid they'd ruin her character by instantly making her switch sides and just become a nice girl, but fortunately this didn't happen. Her skill and power were still kinda underused, though.I also appreciate Jang Uk a lot. Behind his petty boy façade there was a very earnest and courageous character with whom was really easy to empathise. I enjoyed how the writers made him actually train and put in some hard work instead of him just miraculously getting his powers all the time.
There where other good characters, I have to say, though, I am a bit disappointed with the female mages. They were very few and the only interesting and I guess likable (?) one was Naksu. The healer was boring, the daughter of the Jin family was completely useless and the mother was an annoying dumb bitch. A character I am still very conflicted about is the prince. I don't really like what the writers did to him, I felt he was having a nice development untill the writers pushed him in the complete opposite direction and that just left me dumbfounded. I guess I'll have to wait untill the next season comes out to see how this will play out.
The costumes and styling of the cast were super nice, the acting on the most part was amazing (specially the leads), you could really tell the actors had great chemistry among them. I guess the pacing is ok, sometimes it seems a little draggy, but nothing that ruins the viewing experience. The plot is pretty good, but the worldbuilding could be more solid. Sometimes the show just takes some ground-breaking magic and magical info out of nowhere. Other things happen a lot out of convenience and at certain points the magical system and lore feel convoluted and confusing. But these flaws didn't bother me THAT much as the drama just has a way of keeping you hooked and I also think they balenced well the more serious and action packed moments, with some romance, some dorky and funny bits and sprinkles of drama.
I have to say, I truelly like the last episode, the writers made some bold choices and the ending was pretty epic, very well-suited for a season finale, it makes you want to see the next season immediately. So yeah, although it has some minor negative points, this drama was great and definitely worth the watch, anxiously awaiting the next season!
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Alchemy of Souls Review
Alchemy of Souls is a captivating fantasy story about a young mage journey to turn emotions into real objects. Set in an imaginative world, the tale explores the magic of human feelings and the protagonist's growth as they face inner and outer challenges. With its mix of magic and emotion, the story leaves a lasting impact, offering a thought-provoking adventure.Lee jae wook as janguk delivers a captivating performance , skillfully portraying the character's evolution from curiosity to mastery. His ability to convey a wide range of emotions and inner conflicts makes him relatable and engaging, ensuring the audience is invested in their journey
Jung So Min as mudeok/naksu/buyeon portraying the mentor brings gravitas and wisdom to the role. Her charismatic presence and authentic delivery create a strong mentor-mentee dynamic that adds depth to the janguk growth.
OST adds a special touch to the drama. It fits perfectly with the story, making emotional moments even more powerful and the magical parts feel real.
The story has many layers, and you might catch things you missed the first time. The characters grow and change, so it's interesting to see their journeys again. The magical world and cool visuals are worth seeing multiple times, and the music and emotions make it enjoyable to watch over and over. It's a drama that keeps giving, even after you've seen it once BUT changing buyeon face is disappointing
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