This review may contain spoilers
It is getting repetitive..
Hello, just want to preface this review by saying, yes, I did drop the drama. However, I skimmed through the last few episodes, which is why I can't technically say I watched all of them. So ignore my review if this bothers you. Back to the review, this is all my own opinion, not meant to sway anyone or change anyone's mind about trying this drama out, because it could totally be for you.Overall, the drama started out good. I was excited for it as I thought it had potential. I like both Lee Jaewook and Jung Somin, I think they acted well and did what they could with their characters. However, from the very start, I picked up on the extreme similarities of the main character writing + otp dynamics from the Hong sisters last two works, like are they not bored? They give us a strong FL to start with, and a goofy-ish male lead (who will get stronger later while FL gets weaker) and it is all just so predictable. I'm sorry, I just feel like they need to try something new out. Aside from this though, I could feel the magic die as the show went on, it just lost that fire it had at the start in my opinion. I don't know what it is, but it started to become a chore to me to have to watch this drama. So, it wasn't for me to force myself to finish watching it.
The chemistry between the leads was also nothing special or unique in my opinion, I think a lot of this is due to how typical their love line was. It was just nothing new or different, nothing to cheer on. Also, this is perhaps a preference thing, but I'm really tired of the trope of having a female lead with three different guys who chase her, it feels so outdated.
For me personally, this drama was recycled with predictable twists and tropes, and it also failed to utilize the potential of things like the Four Seasons etc. So, it is a skip from me. However, I can totally understand the love it has gotten, and also respect everyone's own opinions and feelings towards it. :)
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This review may contain spoilers
I LOVE THIS KDRAMA!!
First of all, I am not a fan of most of kdrama nowadays. Maybe for the plot wise, the main characters, side characters, the cinematographies and the story as a whole, I am not the avid kdrama fan. But, this drama really captured me left and right starting from epd 1 to epd 18. We only have 2 episodes left this season and hoping for the best. The criteria I always prefer when come across for a drama or movie 1) the acting 2) the well-written story 3) cinematography and I don't mind a slow burn drama if it is beautifully done by the writers, producers and actors.Now, let's dive into the characters. ML in this drama is very rare in the kdramaland. He is honest and straightforward, kind, trustworthy, smart, a protector but at the same time very childish-like, sometimes weak. Don't we all? He is loved by many people who willingly will protect him at any cost. I appreciated the writers didn't make him a perfect ML characters. It is fun time to watch him grow into someone bigger and stronger.
Now, the FL. What can I say, the actress slayyyy the roles. Definitely difficult to do 3 different roles but she is a pro. You will love her and if you're not there is something wrong with you. I love how she is the contrast of the ML but they are the same nevertheless. Hard-headed peoples. They take time to warm to each other until they are finally understand each other with just their eyes😘.
Finally, the characters. They are unique and distinct characters in every way and no one is useless. SML is not a toxic character. No one is toxic hopefully 🤞. This drama will be just as fun with just these characters. I love the writers made the bad characters not so bad characters but the evil characters is just as evil.
The plot. I think I can agree in the midway, the plot kind of draggy with unnecessary stories but I enjoyed them so much. I don't know how they gonna wrap up the remaining 2 episodes. The comedy is on point, not too over the top or too cringy. Nevertheless, it is well-written and beautifully done by the writers. The VFX are awesome. I just love the OSTs. They are on🔥🔥. Definitely, I will rewatch this drama so many times.
Edited after part 1 finale:-
I just love the major cliffhanger for this finale. The preview for the part 2 looked great though. Although I felt utterly sad for JSM to leave the show but I also anticipated with the OG Naksu to come back.
I used to watch open/sad ending for the most of the series and this one will be good considering there will be part 2. I just hope all the plot holes will be answered in the next part. I know many viewers were disappointed with the cliffhangers, plot holes, JSM is no longer in the drama but for me I will patiently waiting for the next part. And I hope you guys too 😉.
See you again in December. 🙆
P/S: Please excuse my grammars. I am not an English speaker in the first place. 😉
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Alchemy of Souls is everything a fantasy story should be (plus some)
I am a lover of fantasy in pretty much all forms of media but wasn't sure I wanted to start such a long on-air drama, especially since it was going to be split into two seasons. After all, how much story is there to tell in that genre that hasn't been done before? I am so glad I did. Alchemy of Souls (AoS) does just about everything right; from successfully portraying complex morally grey characters, to creating a detailed but digestible fantasy background.Every character in this drama has serious flaws (don't we all), but the audience gets to grow with them as the story progresses. It is so seamless and unforced, that you don't even realize how much the characters have developed until they are confronted by one of their original weaknesses (ie-Naksu constantly being presented with opportunities to *unalive* people). The actors have such amazing chemistry together and are giving impeccable performances, allowing these characters to have so much depth and personality that you're constantly hypnotized regardless of the plot. In writing it can be easy to rely on either the characters *or* the plot, especially when in a fantasy narrative. However, here we have a truly seamless blend, where it feels like each is just as important as the other.
The characters have to make choices that give you pause, thinking about what you would do if you were there; there is often not a black and white "good versus evil" choice. The prime example of this is Naksu's whole ~body~ situation; we all kind of want her to stay as we know her, but is that really the "right" choice? Or even the main ~romance~ storyline; seeing their relationship develop, and how well they mature and get to know each other. They are both often forced to give pause and think about what they want, versus how it will impact the other. In my personal opinion, this kind of moral complexity, the kind that is so subtle but forces the audience to subconsciously engage with the story on a deeper level, is the trademark of good storytelling. And while this isn't especially easy to achieve in novel form, I think it is much more difficult to portray on television, when you can just *show* people what they are supposed to think. AoS does an amazing job with this.
"People can be very foolish.” – Crown Prince
“They are not foolish. They are frightened.” – Jang Uk
I love myself a good fantasy novel or movie, but so often it can be intimidating to even understand what is happening due to all the lore; AoS definitely has a lot of this to catch up on, but they spread out a lot of the lore through the story. Uk's character is especially good for this; he grew up in the world but was constantly shut out from truly understanding it. The audience gets to learn about the important details as he does. Side note, I love the incorporation of modern fashion in the character designs. It brings new life to the historically inspired fantasy style, and I think it makes the whole world feel quite fresh and engaging, without trying too hard. Despite the length of episodes, I find myself very rarely skipping through scenes (I'm looking at you, So-Yi).
I definitely think this is a drama that is truly elite to watch while airing, as the world is so new that the excitement and suspense can really be felt as it is quite unpredictable. It is not without its flaws or plot holes, but it is rare to find a drama (especially one this long) that feels so fresh and exciting, that you don't even think about hitting that "skip ahead" button. I certainly see myself rewatching this later in preparation for Season 2... I won't lie, as a fan of the Hong Sister's previous dramas, I am getting a bit nervous about this ending...so I decided to write the review before I potentially cried over this story, hah!
“Some things are hard to see because they are hidden, not because they do not exist.” – Jang Uk
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Superb But Could Have Been Tighter
This series has moments of magical charm along with lead actors to love who know how to create characters the audience will enjoy and care deeply about, and also has a fine director. I like the series very much, and it's on my favorites list. The Hong Sisters are among the best writers, it's a great story line, and the cast is outstanding—often heartbreaking and often hilarious. I will definitely be front and center for the sequel. But I do think it is overly long: 20 eps that are really more like 24 since they are extended. I found that tiring and thought many of the secondary plots and scenes could have been cut. But it's a great series and worth the time spent. That ending is amazing, and I didn't see it coming.Was this review helpful to you?
Oh my goodness, this was so good.
I really enjoyed watching this drama. I mean wow... The storyline is perfect. I will be wondering sometimes if soul switching is real, we a lot of people act strange in public. Lee Jae Wook (Jang Uk), and Jung So Min (Mu Deok) played the two main leads and both were awesome. I loved their characters. Hwang Min Hyun (Seo Yul), the main actor played his heart out and I loved his way of portraying his character. Shin Seung Ho (Go Won), Yoo Joon Sang (Park Jin), and Oh Na Ra (Kim Do Ju) are the three main leads who played some powerful characters who had to lead this that, and the other characters. All the other supporting actors/actresses did just as well. I loved the story, the storyline was crazy and interesting. The costumes, the visuals, the fantasy, all of it was perfect. Thank you!Was this review helpful to you?
Fantasy Joseon Wuxia Hogwarts
AoS is a fantasy Kdrama which brings together elements from my most beloved fantasy genres. I saw influences from the world of Harry Potter, WuXia and Korean mythology. All these elements have been amalgamated into a delicious new flavour, which was an absolute delight to watch. At the same time, the show truly retains all the characteristics we love about kdramas.AoS brought together a stellar cast with talents of all ages. Lee Jae Wook has been a wonderful actor ever since his first project, but he truly shines as Jang Uk. Jang Uk is impossible not to love, and you root for him all the way through the show. Jeon Seo Min has done well in her role of Mu Deok, and her experience did help the show. The other young actors have also created absolutely lovable people to watch on screen. The surprise for most of us was the character of the Crown Prince who became a crowd favourite very quickly. Hwang Min Hyun’s action scenes as Seo Yul were a delight to watch. As much as I talk about the young actors as they’ve led the main roles, the older, more experienced actors add density to the show with their performance.
The CGI and fantasy elements are handled well. Although the action sequences were not many, whatever they did add was done beautifully. The music works to amplify the emotions in the show. The costumes are nice, although I did have a problem with the FL’s costumes. They seemed to be made for comedic effect but it started getting annoying after a few episodes. But everyone else looks regal.
The only thing to complain about would be the pace, which is slowed down because of the 30 episode format with two seasons. In my opinion, making it a 24 episode show in one season would have helped the pacing. There are also controversies around the FL changing in S2 which is difficult to judge right now since we’re so used to JSM playing Mu Deok. We will have to wait and see if the show manages the transition well.
In a nutshell, watch the show, it's a beautiful representation of the fantasy kdrama genre.
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Though Fantasy , Human emotions are the same !!
This series has all the important genres: Romance , Action, Comedy, and Mystery.Well made series and writers have given through thought to each character.
Acting is amazing by all the characters and supporting characters as well !!
Though it has fantasy elements, human emotions are the same at the end and everything was perfect till 19.
However Ep20 is not that well thought, all powerful ones who controlled icestones get manipulated easily and importantly there was no clue about it in first 30 hrs or so. Last 20 min is done in a hurried manner.
Overall satisfying series in 2022, could have made with better ending !!
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A MUST WATCH!!
This is a MUST-WATCH Kdrama!! Every episode gets more and more interesting and gripping (I’ve binge-watched until Epi 18! ><.. update: now completed!)I’m not one who fancies Korean fantasy dramas, I don’t really care for goblins/ magic etc.. I didn’t finish Goblin, Tale of the Nine Tailed, Korean Odyssey... but this one has captured my undivided attention!!! :):):)
The storyline is riveting, each episode gets better and better, and the character development is so good! It probably reminds me of The Lord of the Rings (there’s one scene where all the mages were arguing about the Ice stone, it’s like when they were arguing what to do with the One Ring).
The only small dissatisfaction I have is the FL Jung So Min. As Mudeok she is fine (which is her primary role) but as the Shadow Assassin she doesn’t quite pull it off. Even with her serious trying-to-be-ruthless expressions, mehhh, it didn’t quite cut it for me. However, she pulled it off quite well for the final episode. Every other cast member was fantastic!! I especially love the love triangles!! 🤣❤️
A definite on your watchlist!!
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How can anyone not like this show ?
I dont care what anyone says, this is the best kdrama of 2022, and maybe even 2020 to now. Every episode had me on edge, the different characters, their development, depth and pacing of the story was just brilliant. Of course this show propelled Jung So Min to new found fame, and rightly so. Her performance in this should win whatever lead awards of the korean tv industry. Im planning to rewatch this before the sequel comes out on 10th december. A great series which has been quite innovative in the overused storylines and tropes of kdramas. I give this a 10/10, special effects, CGI, acting, OST music are all on point!Was this review helpful to you?
The most annoying thing is the passing. For example, you have 1 scene in which the story is progressing and the rest of the episode is just a filler. Up until ep 12, I was a bit bored. It could work with half the episodes. Also, I didn't like the many pairs. Some was completely unnecessary. And the love triangle didn't make sense. With everything happening, does anyone care who love who? I surely don't. All in all, I believe this drama contains a lot of things and it isn't clear if they are necessary. It is a bit confusing.
It is a promising drama. If it had a bit tighter plot, less elements and less comedy, it would be better. And I think two seasons is too much. If had better passing, they could fit everything in the 20 episodes of 1+ hour.
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This review may contain spoilers
Thoroughly enjoyable 1st season
From the very first episode, Alchemy of Souls had me hooked. The intricate lore, the unique world-building, and the promise of an epic hero’s journey immediately piqued my interest. Jang Uk’s path, riddled with obstacles and destiny-driven struggles, was something I was excited to watch unfold.One of the standout elements for me was the relationship between Jang Uk and Mu-deok. Right from the start, their dynamic was refreshing—built on trust, understanding, and an easy camaraderie. The scene where Jang Uk falls sick after receiving an immense energy boost and Mu-deok tends to him was particularly striking. Up until that point, there hadn’t been any explicitly intimate moments between them, yet this scene carried an unspoken depth, making it feel as if they had known each other forever. Their relationship was a highlight, and I only wish the series had given them even more screen time together.
Apart from Jang Uk and Mu-deok, I also enjoyed Mu-deok’s interactions with the Crown Prince. Their witty banter added a layer of charm to the show. On the other hand, I felt that some of the relationships between the younger characters took up more screen time than necessary. While I thoroughly enjoyed the older couples’ scenes, I would have preferred a greater focus on the main leads.
The hero’s journey aspect, which was the biggest draw for me, felt somewhat underwhelming by the end. While Jang Uk’s rise was satisfying to watch, I wished there had been more of his personal growth throughout the series. Similarly, Mu-deok’s character, despite being immensely powerful in her past life, was often relegated to the role of a mere maid. It would have been more fulfilling to see her take on a more active role in shaping events.
For the most part, the show felt like a breeze to watch, especially up until the first 15 episodes. The pacing was engaging, and the mix of action, humor, and romance kept me invested. However, the last few episodes were not as enjoyable. The storytelling felt a bit rushed, and some plot developments were not as satisfying as the earlier parts of the series.
That being said, the show excelled in many areas. The actors delivered stellar performances, the cinematography was stunning, and the visual effects—especially in the action sequences—were quite impressive. The humor was well-placed, providing a balance to the intense moments. However, I personally would have liked to see more romantic moments between Jang Uk and Mu-deok.
The ending left me with mixed feelings. Jang Uk’s literal rise from the ashes was one of the coolest moments in the entire season, and it was a fitting culmination of his struggles. However, Mu-deok’s abrupt downfall felt unfair, especially since she wasn’t fully conscious during those final moments. I wish the show had dedicated more time to her and Jang Uk in that critical scene where she stabbed him—it felt rushed considering their journey together.
Overall, Alchemy of Souls Season 1 was an engaging and visually captivating show with strong performances and a fascinating world. While some elements could have been developed further, it still delivered a compelling story. Now, as I move on to Season 2, I’m eager to see how the story unfolds from here.
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Even a kdrama hater will love this show!
To be honest, I’m not very big on watching kdramas, especially when they are over 16 episodes. Most of the time I never even finish the full 16 and just stop watching altogether. However, this show was not the case!I remember starting to watch this a while back and even though I did enjoy it, I only managed to watch up until episode 14 before forgetting that I was watching it. I later went to watch other dramas and didn’t bother coming back to watch it for a long time.
It was then that I managed to convince my sister (who has never seen a k drama in her life and refuses to watch them) to watch this entire series from start to finish.
I must say, it was definitely worth finishing! This is probably one of the best written k dramas I’ve watched, not to mention the amount of effort put into the sets must have been crazy. For both me (a person who doesn’t usually finish kdramas) and my sister (a kdrama hater) to completely binge watch a show, I would consider it to be nothing short of a masterpiece!
I honestly cannot recommend this enough! I can’t wait to rewatch this show over and over again :D
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