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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This review may contain spoilers
Disappointing
So I finished Part 1 of this show...and I don't think I have any desire to see part 2. There was a lot of potential here, with an interesting premise and attempts at cool fight scenes, humor, and romance. But it just did not gel, at least for me. The characters and relationships were underdeveloped, and there were SO MANY missed opportunities for really exciting revelations and for the main characters to get to do cool things. For instance, the scene were Naksu/Mu Deok is being killed so that they can demonstrate the power of the ice stone to resurrect people--this even results in her getting her power back as Naksu, at least temporarily, so it should have been incredibly dramatic, but it really wasn't at all. Then, when she is taken over by Jin Mu this is when the mysterious power of Jin Bu Yeon should have come into play. Instead, she is just taken over, murders a bunch of people, and is forced to jump into the ocean and petrify. Basically, our main character has little to no agency. She has no main character energy! There is the sense that the Jin Bu Yeon connection should be important, but that never materializes. Such a pity, because this really could have been an amazing drama. I wish I could say I have hope for Part 2 to bring everything together...but I just don't.Was this review helpful to you?
A Forbidden Magic That Defines Fate: Alchemy of Souls Review
Alchemy of Souls is a captivating fantasy drama that blends magic, forbidden spells, and a tale of destiny intertwined with complex relationships. The story takes place in the fictional kingdom of Daeho, where mages battle twisted fates created by the "alchemy of souls," a forbidden magic that swaps souls between bodies. The series introduces Naksu, an elite assassin whose soul is trapped in the fragile body of Mu Deok, a lowly servant in the noble Jang family. Alongside her, Jang Uk, the young master of the Jang family, seeks to change his dark fate with Naksu’s help. As the story unfolds, it explores themes of identity, revenge, love, and self-discovery.The character dynamics are one of the driving forces of Alchemy of Souls. Jang Uk, played by Lee Jae Wook, is a complex character. He is a young man with an enigmatic birth secret, struggling to overcome his destiny. Initially, Jang Uk comes across as impulsive and slightly reckless, driven by his desire to alter the fate that looms over him. However, as the plot develops, his character grows into someone more self-aware and compassionate. Lee Jae Wook portrays Jang Uk with intensity, balancing the character's strength with vulnerability. His performance resonates especially when Jang Uk navigates his emotional conflict between love and destiny, making his growth through the series particularly engaging.
Mu Deok, portrayed by Jung So Min, is a character with a dual identity. Trapped in the frail body of a servant, she is, in fact, Naksu, a deadly and skilled assassin. The internal struggle between her past as a powerful figure and her current weakened form gives Mu Deok a unique depth. Jung So Min’s portrayal of Mu Deok/Naksu is compelling, capturing the essence of a character who must learn to adapt to her new, powerless body while holding onto her strength and skills. Mu Deok’s journey is one of rediscovery and redemption, as she forms a strong bond with Jang Uk and ultimately seeks to fulfill her purpose while reclaiming her lost identity.
In addition to the two leads, Seo Yul (played by Hwang Min Hyun) adds another layer of complexity to the story. As a talented and noble mage, Seo Yul is a more composed and stoic figure compared to Jang Uk. However, his hidden emotions and feelings for Mu Deok make him an interesting character. Hwang Min Hyun’s portrayal of Seo Yul brings a quiet intensity, creating a strong contrast between his character and the more emotionally driven Jang Uk.
Go Won, played by Shin Seung Ho, serves as another significant supporting character. He is the prince who harbors his own secrets, adding political intrigue and a deeper layer of mystery to the plot. Go Won’s motivations are often ambiguous, and his role in the story becomes more prominent as the narrative unfolds. Shin Seung Ho’s performance highlights Go Won’s internal conflict and his struggles with his royal duties versus his personal desires.
The supporting characters, though secondary, play important roles in shaping the story. Park Jin, portrayed by Yoo Joon Sang, is a powerful mage and a mentor figure. His wisdom and experience influence many of the key decisions throughout the series, though his personal conflicts bring complexity to his character. Kim Do Ju, played by Oh Na Ra, further develops the world of Alchemy of Souls through her involvement in the political and magical spheres, serving as both an ally and a hindrance at times. The ensemble cast helps build a rich world filled with magic, intrigue, and tension, each character contributing to the emotional and plot-driven layers of the drama. Their relationships, especially the evolving dynamics between Jang Uk, Mu Deok, and Seo Yul, are central to the emotional core of the series.
Alchemy of Souls masterfully explores themes of destiny and free will. At its core, the series grapples with the idea of how much control one has over their fate. Jang Uk's constant search for a way to rewrite his destiny ties into a larger narrative about breaking free from the constraints of society and family expectations. The forbidden “alchemy of souls” symbolizes the human desire to change the unchangeable, to escape the fates that are thrust upon us. This desire for transformation is embodied in the relationship between Jang Uk and Naksu, as they both seek a way to rewrite their fates.
Identity is another critical theme. For Naksu, her soul being trapped in the body of Mu Deok challenges her sense of self and forces her to reconcile her previous life as a deadly assassin with her current vulnerable state. This duality leads to profound character development, as Mu Deok must accept both the limitations and strengths that come with her new form. Meanwhile, Jang Uk's journey involves understanding who he truly is, separate from the expectations placed on him by his birth and family. The tension between personal identity and external expectations drives much of the emotional depth in the story.
The theme of love also plays a central role in the series. Jang Uk and Mu Deok's relationship is not just about romance but about trust, loyalty, and understanding. Their bond grows from a need to survive and change their respective fates to a deeper, more intimate connection. The series beautifully portrays how love can evolve through trials and tribulations, with both characters supporting each other despite the odds.
Visually, Alchemy of Souls is a treat for the eyes. The series combines stunning costumes, lush landscapes, and well-crafted magical sequences. The fantasy elements, particularly the depiction of magic and the alchemy of souls, are beautifully brought to life with impressive special effects. The rich visual details enhance the world-building, making Daeho feel immersive and alive. The dramatic fight sequences, alongside the emotional character moments, are captured with fluid cinematography that emphasizes both the action and the quieter, more intimate moments between the characters.
Alchemy of Souls is an enthralling fantasy drama that brings together strong performances, intricate characters, and compelling themes. The relationship between Jang Uk and Mu Deok is the heart of the series, and their growth, both individually and together, is what ultimately drives the emotional core of the show. Though it occasionally leans on traditional tropes, the show’s unique premise and the well-executed development of its characters make it a standout in the fantasy genre. Whether you’re drawn to the magical world or the complex relationships, Alchemy of Souls offers an engaging experience for viewers, making it a memorable addition to the world of fantasy dramas.
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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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The best kdrama I've watched in a very long time!!!
I don't even know if this drama would have any bad reviews but if it does ignore them and watch it right now!!!There are literally no words to describe how amazing this drama was omgggg. I never like historical dramas and usually, drop them after a few episodes if I even watch them to begin with...but this hit differently. I loved the story and the fantasy aspects of it with soul-shifting it was very entertaining. The character of Naksu omgg is literally perfect I love herrr, the chemistry between the leads is everything. the male lead does such a good job he's so charismatic. this whole drama is so wholesome and funny I loved it and I'm so glad it was 20 episodes because the whole time I was watching I was already dreading having to finish it lmaooo. this is the first time I'm writing a review for any show..even though I'm probably repeating what everyone is saying I had to cuz it was that good!!!
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Alchemy of Souls – the best K-drama ever!
Alchemy of Souls was the very first K-drama I ever watched. I finished both seasons about a month ago and finally decided to share my thoughts.I chose to comment on both seasons here, under the first one, hoping it might help someone decide whether or not to watch the series. Honestly, I would recommend it to everyone.
Maybe I loved it because it was my first series of this kind, or maybe it’s just genuinely a great show, I’m not sure which it is, but it completely captivated me.
When I first started watching it, based on the first 15 minutes of the first episode, I thought it was going to be a completely different genre.
I didn’t like that first episode at all. I even considered stopping right there.
But I decided to give it just one more episode and that led to me binge-watching the entire series in a very short time.
The overall concept of the show is completely different from what you might expect based on those first 15 minutes.
It has sweet romantic scenes, magic, and comedy.
The comedy surprised me the most, I didn’t expect to laugh out loud in almost every episode.
I quickly grew attached to all the characters (except, of course, the villains), and even an episode lasting an hour and twenty minutes didn’t feel like enough. I wanted more.
I also loved how the side characters were given a lot of screen time and development. There were even a few episodes where their stories were more prominent than the main plot, which gave us the chance to really get to know them.
And the ending of season one… I did not see that coming. I was honestly in shock for a few days and couldn’t start season two right away.
Once I recovered, I finally decided to continue.
However, I didn’t enjoy season two as much as the first.
And no, it’s not for the same reason most people dislike it (I really can’t say more without spoilers), but because of the story itself.
Season one felt more exciting, mysterious, and packed with action, and I didn’t get that same feeling from season two.
The personality of the main character completely changed and although there’s a logical explanation for that, and it does make sense after what happened in season one, I still preferred who he was before.
Also, season two didn’t give nearly as much attention to the side characters, and the comedy that added so much charm to the series was mostly gone.
Even the storyline felt a bit slower and less engaging. All of that combined made me enjoy it less than the first.
And the ending… again… I feel like they really enjoy messing with us. That’s all I’ll say.
The endings of both seasons felt a bit rushed, but I think that’s just because the pace of the rest of the show is much slower, with most of the action packed into the final episodes.
Especially in season two, everything happened so quickly at the end.
I feel like I’m criticizing season two too much now, but compared to the first one, it just didn’t impress me as much, even though it’s still a good season.
All in all, I highly recommend watching this series.
It won’t disappoint you, I promise!
And remember: don’t give up after the first episode!
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a REAL romcom
i really really enjoyed the story, the romance, the casting and the music. everything just fits so perfectly that i wanna give chef's kisses to the people who came up with this story and who made this drama possible 🤌🏼i watched this drama after the first season finished but i had to rewatch everything since i was having problems with understanding the plot of the second season lol anyways, i still loved it since the beginning
AND speaking of rewatching, i wanna say that, at first (the very first time i watched it), i didn't like go won's character cuz he seemed rude and mean idk but the more i watched it i started to love him so much and he's like my baby and i want to protect him from everything so i hope ya'll can see more than what he's showing. he's a good and caring person ♡♡
this drama had a good balance with comedy that made me laugh a lot (like that one part where go won and jang uk have the blue and red jade and they both think it was mudeok), cry a lot, also being annoyed at jin mu because i hated him so much but also loved mudeok and jang uk's relationship. they had an special way to confess to each other, to confess their feelings and i loved that :(
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I loved Hwang Min Hyun but this wasn't for me.
I debated when this ended on saying a little of what I thought about it and it took me a while to come back and write this much. I had watched this to the end but by the time it was over I wanted to roll my eyes.The female and male lead annoyed me and when it came down to it their acting sucked.
I only stuck this out because of Hwang Min Hyun. This drama started out great but I liked nothing
it seemed by the third ep.
The supposed love and their so called love story between the leads wasn't there for me was falling flat as a dry pancake as the eps went on.
I know others felt/feel differently and liked/loved this but I just didn't/don't and could see no romantic chemistry between the two leads and them supposedly supposing to have feelings for each other just wasn't coming through for me and it was just awful to have to watch. When the second half of the show had started I managed to get through the first ep of the and wasn't going to waste my time watching more. It only served to piss me off more because I had wasted my time watching the first half and hated it.
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Could’ve been soo much more!!
Once i drop a kdrama, i never go back to it. I watched 2 episodes of alchemy of souls last year and then dropped it. The story looked like a typical superhero movie where the main character possesses special abilities. Not that there is anything wrong with it but I have watched this plot a hundred times in western movies/tv shows, and it bores me now.I was still curious as to why this drama is soo popular. So i gave it another try and this time i felt connection with the female lead. I was interested in her journey as an assassin who lost her powers. I figured that she will fall in love with the guy with special abilities but i still wanted to know how she will navigate her journey in a new body. But all i got was her being a tool to help the male lead in his endeavours and that was it. We didn’t got to see the exceptional shadow assassin in action. No display of her powers and abilities till the end. Her story could’ve been soo much more than just being a love interest of the male lead. If this show was just a romcom with little backdrop of magic then I would’ve been okay with it but we are introduced to a new world of alchemy of souls, all just for a romance story!!
The male lead was way too lucky every time and I wasn’t very fond of him as his character lacked the effort and hard work required or worthy of all the power he came to possess. Meanwhile FL was pushed back in the corner to cheer for him.
The curse of 2nd lead strike again. Seo yul known to be the 1st among his fellow mages to achieve high level magic skills yet he was caught up in one sided feelings and did nothing the entire season. He was adorable but his character plays little to no part in the story. Did him knowing the real identity of mudok changed anything at all ? No
Even in the last episode when mudok run wild,I thought he will do something now but no, nothing at all!! Crown prince emerged as a character better than my expectations. I liked his presence in the show yet he also didn’t had much to add in the main story. There are some characters that were the soul of the drama like Master Lee, Park Jin and maid servant Kim. Jin family’s relics were soo fascinating, they can make an entire show on the Jin family’s relics. Lady Jin was a such an badass lady, really liked her.
Overall I will praise the writers for introducing us to a new world of mages. It was very creative yet characters had much more potential than what we got from them.
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Entertaining to watch...at 2x speed
The 1st episode was just the "bomb" in terms of action, suspense, and intrigue. I was frequently on the edge of my seat on almost every scene and I was curious on the story behind the epic that is this kdrama's 1st episode. In short, it was purely exhilarating.For the succeeding episodes, I really wanted to be emotionally-invested to the plot, and its characters, and it was convincing on some aspects. The pacing was actually great during the first few episodes when the focus was just on Jang Uk's (Lee Jae-wook) character development from a lazy bum young master to the great mage he is destined to be. Mu-deok (Jung So-min) was essential in said development, and I won't divulge anymore to more details, but that story arc was really this kdrama's strongest point. Jang-uk's character development reminded me of Aang's in "Avatar: The Last Airbender". However, I was disappointed when the skillful assasin Naksu (Go Yoon-jung) was seemingly relegated to a weak side character in the name of Mu-deok. It made sense when the original Mu-deok was weak physically, but considering that Naksu's soul went inside Mu-deok and in turn, also becoming weak mentally, did not make any sense.
There were also quite a lot plot confusion here but I think the question with the most impact to the plot was that how were they not able to defeat Jin-mu (Jo Jae-yoon) already here? He was not even powerful in the first place. Furthermore, how was he able to escape the mages with their power all the time? Jin-mu's objectives and him being the antagonist was already obvious even to them and there were already ample evidences that would point back to him as the culprit but the Songrim just didn't confronted him? Even Master Lee (Im Chul-soo) knew all along, and if he truly wanted for peace in Daeho, it would've been wise for him to deal Jin-mu early on. But then again, what would happen to the plot if he was dealt with already?
Furthermore, there was a lack of firm direction that this story wanted to go. At first, it wanted to dig up Naksu's past, then it was overturned by the sorcery which Jin-mu wanted to get ahold with, then the Bu-yeon story, all in the while there were romances blooming on several sides. It was clear from the start that the writers wanted to make this series into 2 parts, and honestly, all of the episodes (including seaon 2) could've been encapsulated into a 20 or 24-episode format. In this case, the 20-episode format as shown here could've been enough to properly convey the overall plot. But even with the many sub-stories that this kdrama wanted to incorporate, it felt draggy that for every next episode I watched, I felt dreadful and was just conscious on the time run rather than the story itself. I felt that this show wanted to compress different genres into one main story whilst in a fantasy setting, but the execution just felt short to my expectations, especially after watching the first episode.
That is where I already played it on 2x speed, and honestly, it made me appreciate this series more as a whole. The pacing became faster, and the messy build-up was already glanced over quickly. It wasn't boring anymore since there are already swift transitions between scenes that otherwise would've felt boring. I don't have to remember the filler scenes anymore, and there was an awful lot of them, especially during the middle part and the last episode. The climax could've been put on the last episode, but the last episode itself was a "good" transition for the 2nd season, despite being uninteresting anymore. Please note that "good" in this context means that it is now necessary to have a 2nd season since it would be bad if they ended it with that. To be fair, I really don't recommend watching something in 2x speed as it diminishes the effort of all of the actors/actresses and the production team in coming up with this show, but in this case, I wasn't able to hold myself back.
On a positive note, I was just enthralled with the production value especially on the 1st episode. The effects were truly convincing and the action scenes were just mesmerizing to watch. It's sad that they weren't able to showcase more action on the later episodes, but I will try to be optimistic that there would be more action and suspense on the 2nd season.
Will I watch the 2nd season? Yes, I have to otherwise, this is a bad cliffhanger ending. Will I appreciate the 2nd season more? I hope so. Will I recommend this season as a standalone? Perhaps, if you don't agree with what I said.
Alchemy of Souls was not totally bad, just not that captivating for me. Although, it is still entertaining to watch...at 2x speed.
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Don't get overly expectant with overhyped ratings! But it's a GOOD story~
So I completed both S1 and S2 in the span of a week and I would give it a 8.5/10! Really great effort from the production , scriptwriting and execution, it is something I did not expect from the Hong Sisters' script. Honestly I hesitated very long to watch until last week when I convinced myself to give it a chance and put down my prejudice of such "idolized" typical F4 romance stories. Now I will rewatch it again very soon~First, acting and story plot is actually nicely executed and their background setting don't look out of place since they laid down the story fundamentals right at the start which made me able to dive into the show very smoothly. What made me took so long to start watching is the fact that I'm worried if the story is just sell the same "F4" vibes and FL forever like some innocent rabbit, but I'm so thankful FL is such a sly and strong character with a painful past. Male and female characters here do have some depth to their story and I'm totally happy about it as most romance dramas focused so much on just the main leads.
Secondly, I do think the amount of romance is done just right for S1 and S2 . Many ppl claimed they prefer S2's romance and chemistry more but seriously I do feel many viewers don't understand the flow of building up a relationship and just wanted fast romance... In S1, SML's romance seem awkward/lack chem to viewers because they are experiencing love and care for the very first time, and the doubts they have for their relationship "status". I do understand there are many plot holes with how they fell in love with each other which obviously not every female and male beings have to fall in love in a story but because it's the Hong sisters writing the script, it's totally predictable they will make SML in love no matter what. So if you just look past these flaws, it's honestly very easy to watch.
Thirdly, I like how both season's Naksu brought hope and light back into the Jang Uk's life yet funny enough she is the same person who break him into pieces in both times. The plot twists are nothing too shocking and the climax for Ep20 is quite predictable for me and I guess it's a common way for production companies to entice audiences to continue watching the next season with same level of enthusiasm.
One important thing I must say is please don't get sway by overhyped ratings or negative reviews, always watch it for yourself to know. You may dropped it halfway and rewatch again next time which is the same for me as well, there are times that I'm just not the mood for certain genres but felt like watching again after some time. What I wrote here is solely my thoughts and emotions felt while watching the show, so it could be totally different for everyone else!
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