Truly a Shadow of Part 1
To preface, I gave part one 9 stars — I absolutely adored it. Part 2 lacked compelling characterization, had a plot that made zero sense, and just overall felt directionless. That best part about it was staying with endearing characters like Lord Park and the Crown Prince for just a little bit longer. The female characters were completely diminished and there was no real weight to any of the "danger."Also, while I appreciate GYJ, there was a huge hole in part 2, and that was the gap left behind by the absolutely show-stopping Miss Jung Somin. Her performance carried audiences through the endless laughter and excruciating tears of Part 1. Part 1 had it all: novel world-building, suspenseful plotting, and intense chemistry. This season, while adequate, had none of that, and Jung Somin and her character of Mu Deok tied so much of that together. It's not just that I miss the actress — I miss the CHARACTER. Her persona, the way she was written, and the way she loves. GYJ as Bu Yeon was fine, but her character and performance weren't magic like JSM's Mu Deok was.
BUT ten stars to Lia's OST — I loved that.
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Disappointing story development. Pretty/handsome but underwhelming lead actress and actor.
Disappointing story development. Not too sure what's the point of having season 2 with only 10 episodes.8 episodes are wasted to get Naksu to remember her past.
Felt like season 2 is just a major advertisement to promote Go Yoon Jung and how pretty she is.
Without a strong female lead like So min, Jae Wook's acting for season 2 is just boring and underwhelming compared to Min Hyun (Seo Yul) and Seung Ho (Go Won).
Let's not compare So min with Yoon Jung. So min is on another level. Yoon Jung's acting range has alot to catch up with Arin (Cho Yeon) and Hye Won (So Yi). Hye Won is just outstanding! For Yoon Jung, acting cute is not part of acting. But too bad, pretty faces are always pushed for leads irregardless of acting skills.
To sum up, the supporting casts were the ones who carried the show. Not forgetting the CG effects. Too bad, most viewers are carried away by the kissing scenes, Yoon Jung acting cute and boring story development. High ratings does not mean the story is good. I hope they will just give couple awards to Yoon Jung and Jae wook but please don't win any Best actress or Best actor please....it will not be convincing. Hope the supporting casts will win some awards.
Will forever remember how Alchemy of Soul's director capitalise on loyal fans from Season 1 to watch the underwhelming season 2.
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What is this??
I can handle storyline but when watching a series, I want to be convinced and I wasn’t. Naksu’s personality was not the same in Season 2, felt more like the leading lady had face of Naksu, body of Buyeon and personality of Buyeon. Where was the Naksu who was gutsy, clever, mischievous, a bit more reserved about her love for main lead? Naksu in season 2 was just sad, foolish, cared only for her looks, too emotional and open about her love – even if was she Buyeon at first, when Naksu remembered everything, shouldn’t she be more like Naksu in season 1? Felt like she wasn’t Naksu. Naksu would never cry or run away. She got hit in the head once and laughed whilst bleeding! Where did that Naksu go?Was this review helpful to you?
Big Big Mistake and Big Big Let Down
I don’t think I have ever been so angry or upset over a TV series, as I am with Part 2 of Alchemy of Souls. What on earth were the famous sisters’ writing team thinking?I will say that the special effects were top notch as usual. Of course, Part 1 was splendid in every way. So, why get a new female lead in - out of nowhere? Why? Removing the main female character played by Jung So-min, who was incredibly essential through out the entire first part … and who stole the show again and again with her fabulous acting, was simply abominable. Jung So-min’s character had wit, energy, determination, and great humour. Because So-Min is a fabulous actor., she stole every scene along with her co-partner Lee Jae Wook - and they played off each other perfectly. He was wonderful, of course, as always. They clicked. Chemistry.
You could tell they were really enjoying their roles. It was fabulous. The acting (of most of the cast members) was extremely good in Part 1 as well; the story was strong; the magical effects were amazing, and it had everything that was needed to be greatly entertained, and yet involved and, also, often touched by the passions, horrors, hatred and love in every way. I loved every second of Part 1.
When I heard that Jung So-min “might” not be returning in Part 2, I was immediately upset and irritated. A whole lot of “maybe, maybe not” nonsense came out, that was offensive to viewers and which was pitched again and again. What kind of games were the writers and producers playing with avid watchers of Part 1? Surely Jung SO-Min would be back!
Not so. Apparently they had decided that Nasku (played by a younger actress, Go Woon Jung) would take over the lead female role. Why on earth would they totally drop Jung So-min? They removed a fantastic actress and a fabulously written character right out of the story? Why? Except for weak hints in Part 2 … which I will not go into, as it might be seen as leaking information, nothing is really offered. It is as if Mu Deok had never existed in Part 1. Either way the wonderful actress as a main lead was gone.
And who did they add?
They added a character who meanders around after Uk, sulking, mooning about, and being very very dull. This young actor’s facial expressions are set mainly into a pursed lip of “wondering” and “unhappiness” or something vague that was incredibly irritating. Again … what were the writers thinking? No strong actress here. I wanted Mu Deok back immediately! I missed her completely.
I felt NO passion between these two leads in Part 2. None. Zip. Nada. Even Lee Jae Wook couldn’t show a pretended “love with deep passion” connection with his co-actor. At the end when they are trying very hard to look in “love,” it was cringemaking. Like wooden puppets. It was as awful as the goofy bizarre ending with a cat as big as an elephant suddenly appearing. But that is something else. Seriously...was that a hint of a part 3? Was that supposed to be a promise for more action in a Part 3?
I will not be watching Part 3 if the amazing Jung So-Min does not return, that’s for sure. This unjustified replacement of the wonderful character Mu Deok is so so frustrating. They chose an actress that looked a wee bit like Jung So Min. And younger. But not strong at all in the part. No passion. No intelligence and quick thinking. Little or weak humour. Dull.
A Bad Bad decision. Big Big Let Down.
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A huge let down
I was a big fan of season 1, I didn't mind the few draggy episodes towards the later half of it because the main story was intriguing and loved all characters to begin with. However this season is just draggy, plain and disappointing. I've been waiting for the grand reveal and the rebel female lead to show up and kick some ass since the second episode, but all I get is a puppy faced girl running around looking stupid and weak, the cliche clueless damsel in distress. Every other sub plots are also going on direction less with some fan service here and there. I'm just annoyed at this point.The popularity of this drama amazes me, reminding me of how different our perceptions are.
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This review may contain spoilers
Playboy Jang Uk
The sisters turned Jang Uk's character into a Playboy in season 2.Then Uk kisses her thinking of her with Jin Bu Yeon in ep 4, that is (a new love interest), since he didn't know it was Naksu yet.
It's just that he wasted no time "changing" women this season. Uk goes to the cliff where Naksu had met her death and says goodbye to her, and goes drinking to his room and that same night he already has Jin Bu Yeon lying in his bed!
He walks with her back and forth thinking of her as "Jin Bu Yeon" until ep 8. And they even kiss without the revelation! Worse yet he asks her to marry him and almost makes love to her thinking she is another woman!
In ep 9, he finds out who she is and RAPIDLY agrees to be with her, he didn't even think twice about it!!!
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The dreaded rushed ending *tada*
Dang that ending was bad.Could have definitely avoided a few episodes in season 2 to make a proper ending and not rush everything in the last episode.
The last episode in itself is 2 episodes but noooooo let's use flashbacks to end a well built story and put everything to trash in 1 hour and 20 minutes.
I should have stayed on my first impression at the beginning of season 2, when we were explained what happened with Mudeok's body, that should have a been the ending of season 1, not some random flashback in season 2, again a major part of the story rushed and badly used
Such a shame and a waste of time season 2 has been
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flaming garbage
i watched this series and rushed to make an account to say how ridiculous and trashy this show is. The misogyny goes crazy in this one. Plus why should anyone root for an assassin who loses a battle in her introduction scene and goes around manipulating the situations through mediocre blabbering? Why should anyone root for an irredeemable POS male lead like that?No words can describe how garbage the actresses playing the FL are. I physically cringed every time they were on the screen. The plot was so-so. The Hong Sisters tried too hard as always and produced a below average storyline where every woman except the FL get bashed.
This show is like a basic romance novel where the author fantasized a few trope centric scenes and made up an illogical world to join them together. I'd give it a negative score if this website permitted it.
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Disappointed in FL and the story. Loved the actress.
I am very disappointed in what they did with the FL. I liked the actress though. All actors did a great job, and I loved the sets. I was super excited about the actress change, but it's just sad what they did to Naksu.The overall story had so much potential, but it nosedived. Uk became Neo from the Matrix. I haven't been this disappointed in a series since GoT.
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**Alchemy of Souls Season 2: A Disappointing Follow-up to a Strong First Season**
*Alchemy of Souls* Season 1 was a thrilling ride filled with rich lore, compelling characters, and an exciting hero’s journey for Jang Uk. It was a show that, for the most part, felt like a breeze to watch. However, Season 2 struggled to maintain the same momentum, and by the halfway point, it became more of a chore than an engaging experience.### Strengths of the Show
One of the biggest strengths of Season 2 was the performances of Lee Jae-wook (Jang Uk) and Shin Seung-ho (Crown Prince). Lee Jae-wook was convincing as the brooding, all-powerful mage weighed down by his burdens, and Shin Seung-ho was thoroughly entertaining as the Crown Prince, bringing charm and humor to the screen. Their interactions remained a highlight, with their dynamic being just as amusing as in the first season.
Another enjoyable aspect was the side romance between Park Jin and Maidservant Kim. Their story provided some lighthearted and touching moments, making them one of the more entertaining older couples in the series.
### Weaknesses and Disappointments
Despite these strong performances, the overall narrative of Season 2 felt lackluster. One of the most significant disappointments was the handling of the central romance. The chemistry between Jang Uk and Jin Bu-yeon (who has Naksu’s body but no memories) never felt organic. Their relationship felt rushed—kissing as early as Episode 2—making it difficult to invest in their bond. Unlike the deep, slow-burn relationship between Jang Uk and Mu-deok in Season 1, this pairing lacked emotional weight.
Additionally, the show’s pacing felt uneven. The first five episodes were tolerable, but after that, it became tedious to watch. Perhaps binging both seasons back-to-back contributed to the fatigue, but by the latter half, the story lost its grip, and watching felt more like an obligation than a pleasure.
Jin Mu’s continued presence as the main villain was another source of frustration. He felt like an overused antagonist, and the negative characters in general became tiresome to watch. The stakes never felt truly engaging, and the soul shifters, which initially seemed like they would be a massive threat (almost zombie-like in the first episode), never really played out in that way.
### The Lingering Absence of Mu-deok
The biggest blow to Season 2 was the absence of Jung So-min as Mu-deok. While the show initially made minimal effort to acknowledge her presence, later episodes did include some flashback scenes featuring the original actress. However, these moments were not enough to fully recapture the emotional depth of Season 1. The connection between Jang Uk and Mu-deok was so compelling that it was difficult to accept a new female lead, and that disappointment never truly faded throughout the season.
### Final Thoughts
While Season 1 had a devastating yet powerful ending that left a strong impact, Season 2 failed to evoke the same emotions. The overall storytelling lacked the depth and engagement that made the first season so enjoyable.
In the end, *Alchemy of Souls* Season 2 felt like an underwhelming follow-up. It had its moments—strong performances, fun character interactions—but it was ultimately weighed down by a lackluster romance, sluggish pacing, and a story that felt like it had run its course. While Season 1 was a delight, Season 2 overstayed its welcome.
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Only loyalty kept me watching until the end . . . With the writers taking zero risks, and turning the main female character into a 'mary sue' empty shell of her former self, there's really nothing to recommend.
Three scenes only stand out in my mind: Jang Uk storming up to the Jin Matriarch and getting the tracker taken out of Jin Bu Yeun, Seo Yul attempting to save So Yi, and any scene with Prince Go Won and his turtle.
Otherwise there was little chemistry between leads, everyone just kind of ran around for 10 episodes. The music was nothing too outstanding, and the rewatch value is nil.
It was just incredibly disappointing on all fronts, and I was grimly watching just to see whether the main couple ends up dying or not. We need more sci fi/fantasy epic romance, I'm all for it. But, to do an epic romance, you have to be willing to take risks, and this second season takes none.
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Disappointing Second Season of Kdrama Ruins Overall Enjoyment
It was frustrating to invest so much time into the show, only for the second season to be disappointing. Although the first season was fantastic, the second season did not live up to the same standards. The happy ending for the main characters was not enough to make up for the neglect of the side characters, particularly Seo Yul. I would not recommend the second season to anyone, as it was poorly written and had a rushed and unsatisfactory ending. It would have been better to end the show at the end of the first season, even if it meant a cliffhanger ending.Was this review helpful to you?
