Alchemy of Souls

An Epic Story Worth Watching

From the very first episode, this drama completely had me hooked. The story is such an addictive mix of fantasy, mystery, romance, action and comedy and it never once felt boring or dragged out.
The pacing flowed so well, revealing each part of the story piece by piece in a way that often blew my mind, it was logical, exciting and just so fun to watch.
The world-building and magic system felt fresh and creative, I loved how everything actually made sense within the story. Every single episode ended with that perfect cliffhanger that made me want to hit “next” right away, so it was honestly hard to stop watching once I started.
The chemistry between Jung So-min and Lee Jae-wook was absolutely perfect and their interactions always felt so natural. Even the side characters had their own charm and depth making it easy to get attached to everyone.
Each character had their own story that fit into the bigger picture, so nothing ever felt unnecessary.
By the end, I realized I was so invested that some moments really hit me emotionally.
This drama is definitely one of those rare shows I’d call a favorite, and I already know it’s one I’ll go back and rewatch someday. No wonder everyone praises this drama so much, it truly feels perfect in so many ways.

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Review for Season 1 and 2 together.

Alchemy of Souls Part 1 and 2 are spectacular productions. This is a character driven fantasy Korean drama that has very well choreograph action scenes, conspiracy galore, great CGI’s, beautiful costumes, comedy, and a story of steadfast love and support from the leading couple as well as the friendship among the young generation of mages. The chemistry among the main characters is fantastic as well as the dynamics of the older mages which many times deliver many comedic moments. Alchemy of Souls has an original story line from the famous Hong sisters with many twists and turns, modern styles (costumes and hairstyles), references to pop culture, and a great OST. The entire drama would’ve have been better if season 2 was integrated with season 1 creating just one drama and viewers would not have been disappointed with some changes. The leading lady on season 2 did very well bringing her character to life as she was Naksu in the beginning of season 1, which I particularly agree with bringing her back with her own semblance, but the amnesia plot weakened her magnificent warrior aura. The second season is more about Uk and Naksu’s love story. Overall, even though this drama has n blend of genres (action, mystery, revenge, comedy,…), the drama is about Uk and Naksu’s relationship as Master and Pupil that evolves into a beautiful love story among the mayhem of a fantastical plot and the antagonists underhanded tactics to bring them down. This drama (Part 1 and 2) is very entertaining, enjoy it!

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captivating Entertaining Fantasy Drama

Through its fast-paced plotting, engaging characters and character development and splendid wardrobe, Alchemy of Souls Season 1 was a captivating entertaining fantasy drama that helped me sail through this summer. Using it interesting plot, this drama revolved around the lives of people residing in a place not known to regular humans, Daeho. The writers did a great job introducing all the character and writing storylines that suited each character perfectly but also linked in with the other characters. I especially love the relationship between Jang UK and Mu Deok( Naksu), his master I found fascinating how loyal Mu Deok undeniable always stands by Jang Uk (although at times did not come across that way)and Him her. And how the gradually fell in love with each other. Although season 1 ended with a heart break it also makes it more interesting to see the journey that’s ahead of the characters as sad as it might have ended. one question i keep asking myself is, “Are they character we deem villains actually villains?” only season 2 can answer that question and I can’t wait to watch.
Defiantly a rewatch drama.
10/10 for Writing
10/10 for Character development
10/10 for pacing
10/10 for storyline
10/10 for chemistry between lead Actors
10/10 for casting.

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Damn! I knew I'd love this!

What a drama! Beauty in all its forms. The story, the production quality, the acting, the music, the visuals - gorgeous! I must say, this drama is by far the best fantasy costume drama in the K-Drama world.

The story is the main character. The world building, character narratives, plot twists, connections -it is all so well done. Before I realised, I was already clicking the next episode. I must say, the patience of those who watched it while it was airing is great 😂 Not even once did I feel there were plot holes or loose ends. This drama is the whole package. There is emotion, humour, action, fantasy. All put together wonderfully. It reminds me of Chinese fantasy action dramas but with more emotional aspects than pure action. It was well paced and the 20 episodes is definitely not too long. I don't remember ever watching an episode and calling it mind blowing. But episode 17! Damn bro! That was the best episode ever 🤌🤌🤌 The ending as well! Goosebumps!

Lee Jaewook...the star of the show! His acting - action and emotion - were outstanding. For a very long time, I thought his real name was Jang Uk 😂 He has got a very strong screen presence as well. I can't believe he was just 23-24 when he was shooting this drama. He has such a mature air about him. I always thought that Jang Uk was this more serious character and so Jaewook fits perfectly for that role. But seeing him as a very easy going, laid back character really caught me off guard. But it wasn't necessarilya bad thing. It really showed a different side of the actor. And he did a great job. The story adds to his character's importance. Loved Jang Uk so much. Jung Somin as Mudeok was yet another great choice. She is just such a no-filter character. The myriad of emotions she has as someone living in a different body was beautifully potrayed. You would be forced to believe she is the real Naksu as Mudeok and notthe actress. The storyline gave her character such a boost too. I loved the dialect she spoke too. Mudeok is an unforgettable character who anyone would love. Together, I feel they made a good pair. Was it visible there was a 10 year age gap between the actors? Hell nah! Since the focus was on a lot of other aspects and not plainly romance, I feel this pairing fits the best. Their bickering, black cat girl-golden retriever boy relationship trope was very cute and endearing. It stays with you for a very long time. I love how they didn't add that typical cutesy vibe to Naksu just because she is currently Mudeok. That really balanced their relationship.

The side characters were main characters in their own ways too. Each of them had a good storyline. Loved how they made the crown prince an easy going and almost childlike character. Someone who has a proud and boastful outer shell that he tries to show to the world while having a heart full of warmth. Shin Seungho potrayed that character so well. My next favorite characters were Yoo Joonsang as Park Jin and Oh Nara as Maidservant Kim. Oh God! They are the most adorable pair of the entire drama! I loved how they wrote those two characters and I must say nobody other than them could play those roles better 🥹🥹 Im Chulsoo as Master Lee was amazing too. This is my first time seeing him in an almost serious role 😂 Hwang Minhyun as Seo Yul was a complex character too. God! It is difficult to be good 😭 The villian Jin Mu is definitely one of those pain in the neck kind of villains. They just wouldn't die or end their nonsense. The entire idea of his for conquering the world is just so stupid and clearly degenerate but it's crazy how he is blinded by it to a point where he just cannot see the obvious. That is frustrating honestly. This drama used all their supporting characters so well, it made the drama so much more wholesome!

There weren't songs that stood out to a point where I would play them on loop a hundred times. But I'd definitely say, the background music added so much more weight to every scene.

Honestly, this is one big drama of 30 episodes. I understand they had to cut it at 20 episodes because that's the longest a KDrama can be (I've never seen a KDrama longer than 20 episodes; is there one?) But even if they didn't, this would still be amazing. I wish there was a book that had the entire story as a whole. It would be heavenly then 🥹 I don't think i have any complaints with this show. There were too many who loved both the main leads each so I was worried of misunderstandings complicating the story. But Jang Uk and Mudeok are both such stable characters when it comes to who they like, you could definitely be at peace. I did want more of Naksu and her action scenes but that wasn't there. But alas, Naksu is a villainous assassin.

Rewatch value is off charts! I know I'll watch this show over and over and over again! I loved it that much! I really love fantasy-costume genre and a good, complex story. This drama had it all. It's the way everything has it's place and are pieces of one big puzzle that fall together to form a beautiful picture. So yes, that just makes it a top candidate on my favorite dramas of all time list! Thank you so much Hong sisters and director for this masterpiece!

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Everything was amazing but the ENDING?!?

This drama is a masterpiece!!!! If you are someone who don't watch ancient korean dramas this is the time and this is the drama to begin with that genre i was also a person like this but now since i have watched this i am very interested in these type of genres. Now it's time to review this drama and make you guys convince to watch this drama(not forcing that is completely on you if you wanna watch after reading my review)

ACTING/CASTING: The acting of every crew member was very accurate and genuine. Other actors also nailed it. The pairing is literally so good and the chemistry is chemistryingggg(sorry if my spelling is wrong yk what i mean right?) like i couldn't even imagine someone else playing the role of Jang uk and someone else playing the role of mu-doek. Overall the acting and casting both were soo good heads off to the director!🙌🏻

OST: I don't really notice OSTs but as much i heard it was a solid 7.5/10.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

STORYLINE: Now comes the main part why you have to watch this but sadly there is... leave it you will get to know it in the end.

There is a soul shifter hunter who lives in songrim snd then there is ordinary girl who fakes to be blind but is not. Once she is caught doing this all fake drama thing so songrim lady who is kimservent maid but is not a maid she is head of a maid department.

Girl, whose name is mu-deok is maid of soilder man , whose name is Jang uk both protect each other and both are examples of powerful couple. Started to fell in love with each other and in all through Jang uk ask mu-deok to marry him but then the next day mu-deok got possesed by the villian Jin mu and killed Jang uk by her own bare hands she did not do that she was possesed. Then she ran away from there , everyone was searching for her then they find out she suicide felling into ocean by herself. That is a sad ending i know😭😭😭. But then when they were all firing up the dead body of jang uk something happened and jang uk woke up by using his powers. So in the end she died and he is alive. There is a Season 2 of alchemy of souls so go and check my review right there also after watching this. There is one more thing also that a soul of naksu that shifted into mu-deok's body and Jang uk knew he supposed to kill her but he didn't green flag SCANNED!

FINAL REVIEW: My final review is that everything was going good but why the villian have to do that😭😭 i literally cried when she died and he is alive why directors have to do that there work were reducing if they gave them happy ending by making them both alive not only him. But no directors are like no we want work we don't want to be free. We want to make season 2. So now comes the most main and important question that YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS DRAMA OR NOT? My answer who already watched this drama: Yes you should watch it, i know it is a sad ending drama but we watch dramas for chemistry and fun so there is both so much and i forgot to tell you that there is so much COMEDY TOOOOOOO!!!! SO GO WATCH ITTTTT!!!🤌🏻🫶🏻

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very intriguing

i wish i could erase my memory of this drama... so i can experience it again for the very first time!!

genuinely one of the best dramas i have ever watched. i recommend this to anybody who enjoys fantasy, couples with good chemistry, and a lovable group of friends.

incredible plotline - it was paced just right for something filled with mystery and magic. it ends on a cliffhanger, but that is where season 2 comes in :) the worldbuilding in AOS is very intriguing and beautiful. i would reccommend it to fans who enjoy action and magic with a dose of romance.

wonderful characters - the actors did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. there is a lot of depth to the more frequently shown characters, and i loved learning about them. jang uk's journey in this plot makes you very invested, and it was cool to see him grow!! mudeok and jang uk had incredible chemistry right from the start, and it was fun to watch them try to deny it until they finally got together!! i also liked the background relationships a lot, they each had their charm.

gorgeous soundtrack - so much that i purchased the ost album! car the garden's song was my favourite, so hearing it play at the end of each episode was something to look forward to. the music overall was also very beautiful 💓

overall, very solid show! have rewatched it twice and would do it again.

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My Favorite Drama - & here's why...

Just to be clear, this contains spoilers; so it's more for discussion rather than a recommendation - Although I do recommend it.

This was my second Asian drama series ever watched and having now watched about 70, I recognise it has unfortunately set a high bar.

The acting is good if a little wooden at times, but I think that is more due to the dialogue scenes being set up like a stage play. (Probably while standing on a bridge.) I think Jung So-min and Lee Jae-wook have great chemistry that builds authentically over the 20 episodes making the payoff in episode 20 so SO GOOD. The supporting cast really sold their roles too. Lot's of different personality types portrayed really well. I hated Jin Mu just the right amount; was wary but hopeful of the crown prince just the right amount; Cheerful with Park Dang Gu just the right amount; Intrigued by Seo Yul just the right amount. Really well cast.

Also a nod to the English dubbing. These days i find most dubbing awful and watch with subtitles but I thought these guys sold it.

The OST is amazing. I listen to it all the time. My only complaint is I can't find on Spotify, a version of Scars Leave Beautiful Trace that has the slightly off-beat metal ringing that's in the actual show. I'll keep looking.

World building: The incorporation of Korean history with fantasy elements to create the setting is really amazing. the personal and power interaction between elemental energy and divine powers is very cool. The background strife, drought and relics give the writers plenty of tools to help flesh out the story.

Story: The ML & FL have their mutual problems (Mu Deok a once powerful mage has lost her energy. Jang Uk has incredible potential but has no one will unblock his gate of energy.) They by chance meet and decide to help one another within a disguised symbiotic relationship. Their backgrounds inform their actions; Naksu / Mu Deok is ruthless and calculating and Jang Uk is clever, privileged but also somewhat naive. Their joint mission is to train Jang Uk up so he can transfer his power back to Mu Deok. They always move forward, with Mu Deok throwing Jang Uk into danger again and again and him 'failing-forward' to the best of his ability. This culminates in episode 18 where for reasons, they both decide to give away all their hard won achievements, leaving them only with each other and a new shared fate as husband & wife. I love the part in ep 19 where Jang Uk has to tell his 'mother' Maidservant Kim that who he's marrying. Classic.

Now; the crux of why I really like the show and - in hindsight - why I like it better than other k Dramas:
Both are resolute in their commitment to their cause and to each other. As their relationship evolves from one of convenience to one of dependence and then love, their honesty and commitment to each other never wavers (Except for the part with Kil Joo but that is a great relationship development moment for them both.)
I love it how they are both open and honest with each other,
Mu Deok Casually, "Yeah I stole and tried to sell the spirit plaque" Jang Uk just accepts it without comment even though he had been beaten severely for loosing it;
Mu Deok to Seo Yul, "I stole Jang Uk's money to go drinking and buy nice things. Do you want to come in?" leaving him dumbfounded.
Jang Uk always being forthright with his feeling towards Mu Deok, "I missed you too."
Step by step, the pragmatism and devotion of their relationship leaves no cracks for others. Even Seo Yul who has significant leverage has a tough time.

Seo Yul: "I like pine pollen tea snacks"
Shop Keeper to Mu Deok, "Would you like some?"
Mu Deok: "No." (Boom, shut down.)

Heo Yoon Ok to Jang Uk: "I made you a hangover cure, would you like..." *Jang uk has already turned and walked 20 feet away.*

One of my favorite parts (ep 10) is when Jang Uk finally gets into Songrim and they belatedly realise that it's separated them. All goals are put on hold and independently, both of them hyper-focus on getting back together again. It's really fun to watch.

It's also fun to see the friend circle evolve and recognise Mu Deok's special status as more than just Jang Uk's servant and they start to include her more as their own friend. An important evolution which has an impact in episode 20. (SO GOOD.) This is often recognised by other characters as, "Mu Deok, the servant that's always by his side."

So unlike a lot of dramas where the ML & FL constantly bounce off each other to unconvincingly end up together in the finale, Alchemy of Souls shows their relationship evolving and strengthening from within. All the drama is them leaning on each other to fight external conflicts together. I like this framework best.

Confession: I've literally watched this show - without exaggeration - ten billion times; and I still love it.

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More like this please!

This review is for season 1.

I'll start this and say that I am a fan of this show and binged it. That's why even if I noticed 1-2 things that a critic can use to not give it a 10 I went past this and gave it a 10 for the awesome work it is.

The rating for each section is already shown but I can say that the story, overall, is captivating, the acting is what it should be. I haven't found any flaws with it from any actor and many scenes were written/produced/acted as any production of this kind should be done. 11/10 to the actors and 11/10 to the production team for these awesome moments.

Had it on my watchlist for 2 years and one of the reasons I delayed watching it a couple of times was because I expected it to be good(if something is good I simply can't stop watch it, even if it means no sleep). That decision was perfect because if I had started that show in a busier period I couldn't have binged it as I did because it exceeded my expectations. This is a good thing because, unfortunately, expectations are the worst thing for any type of work. They raise the bar and if that kind of show/movie is lacking anywhere it will feel like it is a bigger matter that it trully is. I am glad that this show exceeded that and delivered a great experience.

I recommend it and feel that the rewatch value is high with this show, even more so if you watched season 2.

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Goblin Adjacent

So it has been a while since I watched a drama that was so well written and so well executed. The acting was amazing. Every single actor and actress did a fantastic job. I became a fan of all of them which is usually rare for me. The story was new and interesting. Dramas tend to be somewhat predictable but this one was not. Everytime I thought it was going to go one way it did something differently. I named it goblin adjacent because it probably ruined me for any other dramas right now. I just finished season 2 but I almost feel like I should rewatch it already because it was that good.

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Simply fabulous! Watched/loved when first released - watched again 3 yrs later & LOVE even more!

Watched this fantastic show when it originally aired in 2022. Loved it so much that I rewatched at least once, sometimes twice, the released episodes each week waiting for the next two episodes to be released. I loved everything about it - original story, writing, casting, acting, set design, costumes, cinematography, special effects, OST, action, drama, romance & comedy - everything! Episode 20 is brutal, but incredible and my only negative was losing the FL actor after part 1. Jung So Min is a favorite of mine and I was so sad to learn she would not be back. She was fantastic in this show. Fortunately after watching part 2, I was able to see why she was only in part 1 and reconciled that issue with the fact that the entire story was so complex, detailed and SO good. I just watched part 1 this week for the 4th time after last seeing it 3 years ago. I was just as enthralled as the first time - actually more so as I understood more of it on a deeper level. Looking forward to part 2! Even though it was 3 years between watching part 1 again, I’ve been listening to the excellent OST all along with a bunch of favorite songs. Would love to see more shows of this caliber and original story fantasy genre!!

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Subverted expectations in the best way

There are some excellent, comprehensive reviews already so I'll just focus on my feelings: AAAAAA

I enjoyed this show so much. The storyline, the characters and their relationships, the humour!!! Not to mention such a lush and beautiful world. I was caught most off-guard by how funny this show is (SO good), and also how serious it can get (That Scene...you know the one... hands down one of my favourites ever).

I'm one episode off from finishing Season 2 but I needed to vent some energy first. So many times I've started the next episode to just watch the first ten minutes...and then I ended up finishing it. Which is really a testament to how good the pacing is.

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