These guys in comments saying the drama is no good: you gotta be kidding me... gosh
The drama is so good, and when the female characters change, I first didn't like that idea just simply because I liked the first ones chemistry better. but later it was alright. This is one of the best dramas I have watched this year. I really can't believe that I missed this masterpiece for this long! Both seasons are so fine, and I just felt different because the female leads got changed, but as it is the story, it was totally okay. Give it a try, and I assure you will love it.Was this review helpful to you?
FANTASTIC - START TO FINISH
Okay. So I am not one for writing reviews so this will be relatively short and wont include a lot of critic like words as who even understands what critics are talking about half the time anyway.From the very opening scene to the very end scene of Part 2 this show was fantastic. There weren't really any moments that felt like they were dragging on (unlike part 1 where I found myself skipping through a few scenes in the middle of the show). Everything felt important to the plot and character development. Soundtrack will have you on the edge of your seat. The acting is full of life and emotional from the entire main cast. I could really feel what the actors were feeling.
Go Yoon Jung came into this show with a bit of skepticism from some. She had some big shoes to fill as Jung So Min portrayed a phenomenal FL in Part 1. That being said Go Yoon Jung does not disappoint. Her on screen chemistry with the cast is remarkable. Her acting deserves awards. The way she can subtly shift between the characters she is portraying and her level of emotion shown prove that she is meant for FL roles.
Overall it was an incredible journey.
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Phenomenal
Such a great drama. I've been watching kdramas for 10 years and it has been a long time since I have been hooked on a drama! But this is the one! Alchemy of souls! Having seen part 1 and nearly all of part 2, I can safely say both actresses in season 1 and 2 give the show its magic. Some people compare them but they really shouldn't!This drama has brilliant special effects, a beautiful OST, talented actors and a really good storyline. If I had it my way I'd ask for a lifetime of episodes. Can't wait to see how part 2 ends! Hoping for a happy ending and/or cliffhanger preparing for a third season hehe!
If you are looking for a great historical fantasy series, then I have found the one for you!
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The performances are stellar, with a strong cast bringing emotional depth to their roles. The cinematography and world-building are visually stunning, immersing viewers in a magical realm full of breathtaking landscapes and atmospheric tension. The blend of heart-pounding action, romance, and supernatural elements keeps audiences hooked with every twist and turn.
Alchemy of Souls is a must-watch for fans of fantasy dramas, offering both visual splendor and deeply human storytelling.
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This review may contain spoilers
STOP THE HATE! STOP THE HATE RIGHT NOW! ITS BEAUTIFUL IT WAS AMAZING AND WE WANT MORE!!!
As expected, they are taking a darker turn with this season.You can tell from the angle of the shot and saturation of the screen of how they are trying to build up a moody air around it, and even the makeup is done to suit the darker theme of this season. Where the first season was a far warmer shade, dealing with Jang Uk’s entry into the world of magic and his growth as a mage learning the ways of ryusu, tansu and chisu. This one deals with how much he has suffered due to the aftereffects of S1 and the ice stone currently in him
I like the premise of it, the long-lost daughter of the Jin family being locked up in her tower by her obsessive-possessive mother (Rapunzel style) finds the dark and mysterious Jang Uk with his own dark past and unknown future who can help her escape her trapped and confined life, very nice very nice, not very original but I liked the SFX so I’m willing to give it the benefit of doubt.
(THOSE WHO HAVEN’T WATCHED THE SHOW DON’T READ AHEAD CUZ SPOILERS)
One thing I want to say to everyone who was disappointed with JSM not being in this season and GYJ taking the main lead’s role I don’t think you understood the premise of the season very well, for whatever reason JSM couldn’t play Naksu/Buyeon GYJ’s character gelled perfectly with the plot and her character was the most properly developed character in the entire story.
But damn that first episode fight scene was epic. I’m impressed by this small detail they added, in the first season Jang Uk’s fighting was flashy and showy, it was impulsive and depended on hard, fast and quick movements, this shows power but lack of experience. In this fight scene Jang Uk’s movements are slow, calculated, his facial expressions do not change, they show mastery and technique and quick foot work it is a contrast between the Uk of the first season and Uk now to show us how much he has matured in the three year time-skip
I love Yul so much!!! It pains me to see my beloved forest-prince Yul suffer with second male lead role so much because baby is literally perfect 🤣 he’s smart, funny, handsome and he loses all sense of direction when he’s flustered 🫠🫠 it doesn’t get better than that. I would very seriously PAY to watch a 20 episode spin of series of JUST SEO YUL MY DARLING as the male lead because he deserves so much betterrrrr<3333
The content was so good and the last episode LEFT SO MUCH SCOPE for a season 3 if they have the proper writers for it. I feel like Alchemy 1 and Alchemy 2 both had the same problems; they both had AMAZING plot and AMAZING VFX but their writers didn’t know how to handle it, they kept dragging out minor plots for 5-6 episodes on end and then squished the main plot into the last 30 mins of the last episode.
Listen, I love happy endings as much as the next person BUT- when there was such a good opportunity to pull in an apocalyptic vibe after they brought in the fire bird!! Then Jang Uk and Go Won (who is no longer the crown prince) can team up with Jin Seol Ran/ Bu Yeon to deal with the post-apocalypse world and that would have given us more depth into the King’s Star storyline that they spent SOOO MUCH TIME since like season 1 emphasizing and we would have gotten more content, the ending just felt really rushed and the SFX of the fight scene of Jang Uk and the fire bird was underwhelming at best. Considering all the amazing fight scenes they gave us (ref; Seo Yul’s fight scene when he went to protect So-I, Park Jin’s fight scene in ep 10) they could have made the Jang Uk-fire bird fight scene a little longer and flashier and could have showed off Lee Jae Wook’s skill eitht he sword a little more is what I felt.
And I just want to say before I wrap up, how passionately all the actors played out their roles to perfection the characters all were well-written, had depth and understanding and made y’all feel something, On that note there was the scene where Park Jin has to lock up Kim Doju (Kim Yeon) inside jinyowon and you reference back to that scene in S1 where she had asked “if I was in a very dangerous room and you had to choose between saving me and closing the door what would you do?” it makes you wonder if the whole thing had been planned from the start. I got literal goosebumps watching that scene because it was so emotional I actually started tearing up because Kin Doju and Park Jin’s relationship was my very favourite throughout the show, my poor clueless little Jin (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*.✧
Have I mentioned every character I liked— oh wait I forgot!! Our best friend Eunuch Go and his best friend the tortoise. The highlight of watching this show was watching the prince and his turtle. The prince himself was such a vibe throughout the whole two seasons of the show and I know he will make a veryy good king.
And that brings us to the end of the review.
As always, my review is just my personal opinion a d not meant to offend anyone.
I loved the show, it’s a very good show, definitely go watch it don’t listen to anyone else (especially the hate. Its not worth it.)
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This review may contain spoilers
StoryMy favorite and least favorite part of this drama was the story. I loved its moral—how evil people continue to harm others without sacrificing nearly as much as the good people, who endure so much to protect what’s right. It felt unfair at times, but even so, the good people persevered and ultimately found happiness. Justice prevailed, and that made it all worthwhile.
Romance
The main characters’ chemistry was amazing! It wasn’t just about their banter but also how they consciously chose to love each other through countless challenges. The story beautifully emphasized that what truly matters is what’s on the inside, not outward appearances, and that love is ultimately a choice.
Loyalty
I also appreciated how clearly the lines between good and evil were drawn. Watching this gave me a sense of security because I knew the good characters wouldn’t betray one another. The last time I felt this way was while watching Demon Slayer XD. The good characters in Alchemy of Souls were genuinely likable, and I loved the relationships among them.
Especially the Crown Prince—he had so many opportunities to get jealous or join the evil side, but he stayed true to his beliefs and overcame his struggles. By doing so, he was able to build meaningful friendships and surround himself with good people. He truly deserves a happy ending (even beyond what we saw in the drama)!
What Could Have Been Better
Now, onto what I didn’t like—or rather, what I think diminished the drama’s potential—the lack of episodes! The plot could have been developed more thoroughly, allowing us to follow the story at a better pace. Instead, it felt rushed.
Why? I wanted more of Uk and Naksu—UKSU <3. I also wanted to see Uk mourn for Mudeok and uncover Buyeon as Naksu. However, the rushed pacing made it difficult for many viewers to accept Buyeon’s character. It felt like such a missed opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I loved the drama! Even though it could have been better, I truly appreciated the story’s intention and message. Every actor gave their all, and it was evident in the way they brought their characters to life.
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Why Part 2 Totally Steals the Show
I found Part 2 to be far more enjoyable than Part 1! The love story is richer and more nuanced, resonating deeply with its theme of longing for a partner. The emotional complexity of the characters’ relationships beautifully encapsulates the highs and lows of love and desire, making it incredibly relatable and profound—I simply can't look away!While I appreciated Part 1 as well, I don't quite understand the criticism regarding the change in the female lead. This decision was outlined in the script from the start, and everyone was aware of it. Part 2 is more streamlined, focusing less on side characters than its predecessor, which results in a tighter narrative, even though Part 1 wasn't necessarily slow-paced. Moreover, it wraps up all the mysteries in just 10 episodes instead of 20!
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I know some people find it kinda disappointing that she lives as JBY, but I guess it’s needed to keep peace among everyone and she still has the divine power of seeing energy and Jin’s blood. As long as Uk knows who she is, I think it’s fine that she doesn’t have to claim back her name.
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This review may contain spoilers
My favorite drama of 2022 and goes to my top 5 of all time
I didn't know much about the drama until like the week it was going to air (very weird since I usually follow up on the dramas to watch specially kdramas) ok so I saw Jung So Min which I love her acting so much and then Lee Jae Wook another rookie I like since Extraordinary You and it was his major main lead debut so I clicked, I loved the story (since always root for the underdog) Despite watching because of Jung So Min I got sidetracked by Naksu original actress Go Youn Jung but oh well I kept watching.Part 1 was very entertaining keep me rooting for the couple as a team but it lack something and it was in my POV romantic chemistry always saw them as master and pupil they never gave each other the chance to go all for it, Naksu was kind of cold towards UK so bubbly character but when they announce Go Youn Jung was coming back I felt relief.
Not only they had the best chemistry for me, but the amplify the romantic part that lacked in part 1 IMO, so the entire drama made sense both characters matured one becoming more bubbly and spontaneous (Naksu) and Uk more of the leader and fighter we wanted to see in this kind of drama.
Over all, Jung So Min did a great job on part 1 and the reason I started watching it, then it turned to Uk journey and then when GYJ took over I didn't miss JSM a bit, because that's how good these two were, overall everyone acting specially the rookie actors did a great job and the senior actors so top notch that I got myself immerse in the Daho's world.
I highly recommend this drama to everyone looking for an entertaining and the love story of a lifetime....this puts the meaning of soulmates to the next level......
Excuse me if Im not going to the point or Im redundant with my wording but English is my second language and I barely barely write Reviews but I feel this drama deserved one of mine.....
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My kind of Drama
It's over; the final episode has aired and overall, it did not disappoint. I will so miss my weekly fix.Equalling S1 and very similar in its slow build, with the action, intrigue and surprises, increasing with every episode.
The shift in Jang Uk's character and the effect on all the characters of S1's finale, was immediately felt from ep1.
There's more obvious romance in S2 as the eps role out, but it was never out of place or eye rolling. Quite the opposite.
I loved Go Yoon-jung's portrayal and the character of Naksu/Jin Bu-yeon. Still feisty, independent, capable and witty. Her interactions with Uk were as amusing, touching and frustrating, in turns, as S1. Subtle differences, as after all, the character has suffered and undergone a big change, but just as strong. Both actresses brought so much to their roles and credit has to go to everyone involved for making it pretty seamless.
There are twists, turns, revellations, just deserts and some shocks in S2.
There are some flash backs featuring Jung So-min's character, Mu Deok, in later eps and I'm really pleased these were included, as it stitched what was unfolding in the story together and was a reminder that the souls and their bodies had shifted to start with.
The ending was thrilling and all gets neatly tied up. It wasn't rushed, but did feel a bit like a conclusion, rather than extension of the story. Some characters and their stories did take a back seat in S2, which was a shame, however, it was still pleasing and unless S2 was to run for another 16+ episodes, the only way to complete the central theme.
With the closing 2 eps, there were a very few times the dialogue felt a little lazy and it only stood out for me because I never thought that in all the other 28 eps.
The special effects, soundtrack and sets were spot on all the way through and Car, The Garden's "Scars Leave Beautiful Trace" is now a favourite song.
An absolute favourite drama of mine now too, which in its entirety of 30 eps, is possibly top of my list. Ticked all my boxes!
All involved did a great job.
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Overrated, so dragging and boring
Seriously who wrote the script? So foolish , completely ruined story, complete nonsense. Waste of time, i eagerly waited for months but this is all I see. Now I get it why Naksu jumped into lake ,cause she don't want to live to watch season 2.Naksu is smart enough .you should have atleast considered season 1 before making this,I got nothing from this show now, no love , no sense, FL acting seriously was she acting, I thought she is bystander.i haven't seen any comedy , if you think we should laugh at those jokes oh comeon what's wrong with your humour sense.Why such dragging, I am loosing interest in season 1. Don't go for season 2. Why villans always win, boring. I loved season 1 , now I lost interest completely, dropping it .what are they doing childplay?what kind of story is this? Female lead is like"I AM UNBEATABLE BEAUTY" but she is unbearably annoying, I never saw any expression on her face, why they took her in first place, go and learn acting then comeback. Firstly , they could have wrapped the show with good ending in season 1 itself instead of spoiling story. Ruined the show.Was this review helpful to you?
