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Alchemy of Souls

환혼 ‧ Drama ‧ 2022
Completed
Tanky Toon
0 people found this review helpful
Mar 8, 2024
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
How to rate a drama where the first part had me at the edge of my seat, while the second part almost lulled me to sleep? Hence my dilemma with Alchemy of Souls. I wasn’t sure where part two went wrong, or was it because part one was so amazing, it was hard to replicate the same excitement when I watched it?

The good of Part 1:

- The chemistry between Lee Jae Wook and Jung So Min is chef’s kiss. The banter between Master and Disciple, or Master and servant in some cases, showcased expert choreography and finesse in the performance.

- The cinematography, especially during the fighting scenes, was executed with remarkable precision.

- The plot, although sometimes over-complicated, was intricate and kept me on my toes.

- The supporting characters were not one-dimensional and had depth in the roles.

- The show explained the supernatural elements later, despite them being sometimes difficult to keep up with.

- The humor is quite refreshing and quirky

- The swoon-worthy music supported the emotional journey of the characters

Part 1 Verdict: Off to an amazing start!

Combined score: 9 out of 10.

Overall impression: Should have stopped at Part 1.

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Completed
KimSaRi
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 25, 2025
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

A new classic. Masterpice!

Is my first kdrama that I saw. And since than I rewhach it 3 times now. Both seasons. Is in my top 10/ 120. Huge diffrance between them, i think the first one is my favorite, but I also like the sexy Jung ku in next season. I love everything, so much simbolysm for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, chemestry between all characters, ost is amazing. Mu Deok was the Soul of the drama, she is a good actress. Jung uk was fabulos too. The story was dynamic and exciting through all 20 episodes. Really want to eat a honey biscuit. ♡♡♡ i give 9 to the story, as I wanted to see Mu Deok also in her power more than a master and a maid.

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Completed
Dooseobmey
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 2, 2023
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Something new in K-drama

I watched this drama because this drama brought something new in K-drama.
The characters are also easy to remember and very unique.
The acting skill of Jung So Min was brilliant. Others also ok.
The drama also contains humor, which is nice.
However, I stopped watching two episodes before the ending. It was too draggy.
So, for me, not worth to watch the continuation.
I think the script and logic are a bit messy approaching the end.
I wouldn't blame the cast. This is production team's and writer's faults, IMHO.


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Completed
NoName
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 12, 2022
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

ONE OF THE BEST KDRAMA

I think this is one of the best drama of the year . This season is so so good, and i cant wait to see how the story unfolds in part 2.
I like the new leading actress, she acts like the previous one so part 2 is believable.
The plot is well written and the osts are incredible.
I really enjoy following the main caracter (Jang Uk) journey ... the weekest become the strongest.
I already watched it like 2 times but I would watched it again . I hope the part 2 will make it a happy ending because i suffered enough, but it was like a beautiful pain so I won't complain.
It made me love the genre, so i fell in love also with xianxia dramas.
Big Congrats to all who worked for this absolutely masterpiece.

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Completed
Duckk
0 people found this review helpful
May 31, 2023
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

LISTEN

I am someone who rarely starts historical dramas because I generally can't stand the whole palace politics crap since it's very similar all the time and generally just bores me. I'm also someone who rarely enjoys fantasy since it usually takes the focus away from characters and makes storylines unnecessarily complicated. So if you're like me and prefer to turn off your brain and kick back and relax while watching a stupid romcom or cry during an overdramatic melodrama, TRUST ME and watch this anyway. Alchemy of Souls is such a gem and I'm so incredibly glad I gave it a chance despite how many freaking episodes it has. The reviews don't lie and I don't believe it is overhyped at all. Everything about this drama is incredible, and you will enjoy it no matter what your genre of preference is. This is my first 10/10 drama in almost two years so I don't give these out easy at all.

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Completed
EriCA
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 2, 2023
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

2022 2023 Best Korean Fantasy Costume Drama

The Best Korean Fantasy Costume Drama for 2022 and 2023

Season 1 & season 2 💯 excellent.

Season 2 is not ending yet.

2 episodes to go.

Plssssss we want season 3.

More shows like alchemy of souls. Pls.

All artist did great job.


We asking for season 3 pls..

The Best Korean Fantasy Costume Drama for 2022 and 2023

Season 1 & season 2 💯 excellent.

Season 2 is not ending yet.

2 episodes to go.

Plssssss we want season 3.

More shows like alchemy of souls. Pls.

All artist did great job.


We asking for season 3 pls..

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Completed
Jaima The kim
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 23, 2024
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

never seen anything like this before

The plot and the story is just soo different, unique and intriguing. at least when it comes to historical kdrama, nothing else compares to “Alchemy if souls”. That is because all historical kdramas revolv around the real history or real historical kings or joseon. But AOS is totally different from this perspective. its not the typical historical setting, doesn’t always revolve around the crown prince and king. EVEN THE COSTUMES AREE SOO GOOD, its nit exactly treditional korean hanbok. the outfits are a bit glamorised version of the treditional outfits. even the attire if the king and crown prince seems to be better and a modernised version of the traditional outfits. AND THE VISUALS ARE OUTSTANDING. What makes a kdrama great is its side charecters and their depths. I absolutely loved the second lead COUPLES. Soo much is going on in the second half if the show that it gets very confusing from time to time. i still found a lot if plot holes. Yet i enjoyed it, and the ending is just……no spoilers tho. i wished for a better ending but as we all know season 2 is there. The first few episode of season 2 is a mess, even tho they explained it still it feels a bit illogical in some cases.
anyways I absolutely enjoyed it, the production and ost were also 10/10. I WISH NETFLIX PRODUCED MORE OF THESE GLAMORISED AND FICTIONAL HISTORICAL KDRAMAS, ITS JUST WAYY BETTER THAN THE ONES BASED OFF THE REAL HISTORY AND PLACE

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Completed
Hi_IamJanC
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 25, 2025
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

A Lighthearted Fantasy That Captures Its Own Magic

"Comparison is the thief of Joy"

My rating is based on how much I personally enjoyed the show and the tone it was going for, a romantic comedy fantasy. While I do consider aspects like acting and cinematography, I'm simply rating the show by how well it captures the vibe it aims to deliver.

Plot (9.5/10):

Alchemy of Souls is a good romance K-drama that plays with the “underdog student meets master assassin” trope. At the time of its release, this was, as far as I know, a new or rare concept in K-drama storytelling.

It follows tropes and plotlines more commonly seen in novels, manga, manhwa, and similar media, but rarely in K-dramas.

Acting & Characters (9.5/10):

The acting leans more toward a lighthearted, rom-com vibe most of the time, so my rating is based on how well the cast delivered that tone. However, when the plot calls for a more serious moment, the actors handle it really well. Both the main characters and the supporting cast are fun to watch and genuinely enjoyable to spend time with on screen.

Production, VFX, and others (9.5/10):

The story takes place in a fictional land with inspiration from historical Korea. It’s not the first K-drama to use that kind of setting, but it’s definitely one of the prettiest to look at. The scenery, set designs, costumes, and overall vibe are big factors that make the show so enjoyable. The visual effects blend well with the story and setting.

The OST is pretty cool too. The song “Scars Leave Beautiful Trace” by 카더가든 (Car, the garden) is definitely a song that deserves a spot on my playlist and is a must-listen. It was also used in a really funny way in episode 12, which makes that scene a must-see.

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Completed
PHope
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 3, 2022
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 7.0

Good Enough

Korean Drama " Alchemy Of Souls " does a great job delivering.

The drama is a fantasy story that is not overburdened by the CGI or fancy fighting scenes. Rather, it draws its strength from the heartwarming, thrilling, and suspenseful story. Though, I have to admit that there were times that the story got tiring and boring. Still, the main part of the series was full of twists and the just right amount of intrigue and political plotting.

And even though there were a lot of characters to keep track on, the story doesn't get confusing or complicated. Rather, the main couple had killer chemistry and definetelly supported the whole drama when things got sloppy.

In addition, the performances were all spot on and the actors didn't overdo it with their actiong scenes.

So, overall, eight and a half out of ten.

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Completed
Snowflake Guy
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 7, 2022
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

it was an Epic Story

This is an Amazing Story with Greet Editing and Acting. all of them did there Best to make it Perfect. i Laughed with Comedy, I was happy with Fighting scene and i was soo happy with the Ending. everyone Doesn't have the same Test but i loved The Ending. and Waiting for Next season. it will be arrive in a few days. i feel like i am lucky, otherwise i had to wait so long time to see the Next Season.



in next Season, i would like to see a Fight Between Jang Uk and Naksu (Original Naksu, Not the Shifted Soul) because i wasn't happy to see them together Until the End.



and the last Twist was Shocking and Happy for me. I loved some of Character.

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Completed
tracy
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 1, 2025
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

Thoughtfully Made

I'm rarely drawn to fantasy because of its complicated plot and had a slow start with Alchemy of Souls. But as I progressed, I was impressed. The rating doesn't lie! Mu-deok is such a badass, strong, but witty female lead. She stays true to her motive but isn't afraid to show a soft spot. What happened to her at the end is tragic, but hopefully her soul will make a strong comeback in season 2. Jung So-min was the perfect actress for this role, from expression to acting, it's all phenomenal. I will miss seeing her. There were just so many twists and turns, and the story kept unfolding in directions I never expected. It made the binging experience irresistible. The fighting scenes kept me hooked and were flawlessly executed. The story is based off a unique concept and was developed well along with the characters. And of course, the heavy part of the show is relived by our fun couple, Park Jin and Maid Kim. I was so invested in their love story. While the show focuses mainly on fantasy, its multi-genre nature is pulled off well. Fantasy is complimented by mystery, comedy, and romance. Although most fantasy can run up to 30 episodes, AOS has appropriate pacing and manages to keep the story going with exciting moments to unpack.

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Completed
Anete143
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 28, 2024
20 of 20 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Favvv kdrama!

I loveee this kdramaaa sm!! And it kinda funny cuz I dont really like historical kdramas, but this was a masterpiece!!! It has everything, fantasy, romance, comedy, sci fi, action, thriller, horror, side charecters that you could not not like, a happy endjng in S2, in S1 thats a different story..., but even the casting was perfect, I cant beleve it came out 2 years ago, Its still my number one. I Will always recomend Alchemy of souls. I have bought the ost albums, I listen to their ost, and look at Alchemy of souls edit every other Day. This kdrama will ALWAYS be in my heart.

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Alchemy of Souls poster

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  • Score: 9.1 (scored by 107,145 users)
  • Ranked: #37
  • Popularity: #14
  • Watchers: 212,459

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