Shows How You Can Love Someone for their Soul <3
If I loved season 1, I adored season 2 even more. There is absolutely nothing I would change about their beautiful story. Uk and Yeong's story is not one for the emotionally weak. They both have suffered so much and still are completely selfless. They do not need fate; fate needs them.I love Go Yoon Jung as Naksu/Yeong. This season was so different from the previous but in a good way. Alchemy of Souls brought all the genres I love and combined them into one show. I also loved Lee Jae Wook's powerful character which fed into my love for anti-hero characters. Despite this, Uk was very levelheaded, and although he would have loved to just stay in paradise with Yeong, he knew he had to let her go. This feeling was not one-sided as Yeong also knew they both have to take the role of saving the world from chaos. However, it hurt my heart to see them suffer even more because of this. Sacrifices always have to be made.
This is a tear-evoking show. I watched episodes 9 and 10 bawling my eyes out. I expected an inevitable sad ending because nothing was going in UkYeong's favor. However, I ended up crying in relief in the end; I could not have hoped for a better ending. I am so glad everyone good in the drama survived. This drama evoked every single emotion out of me, but it is what makes it so good.
The dialogue was beautiful. The relationship between Uk and Yeong was even more so. I never thought kissing an eye would be so romantic. He was basically kissing and loving her soul. It was a beautiful scene. This drama just shows how a person can love another person for their soul, not their looks. Whether Yeong was Naksu, Mu Deok, Bu Yeon, or herself, Uk continues to love her unconditionally. If that is not pure love, I don't know what is.
Please watch this drama. I'm afraid it will be very hard for another drama to top this one on my list. It was a beautiful watch <3
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This review may contain spoilers
Stop comparing to S1!
So much criticism from comparison to S1. Seriously, both seasons are great for different reasons. S2 is the perfect closure and the progression of the S1 plot.First of all, though I miss Jung So Min, Go Youn Jung is perfect as soul-shifted Jin Bu Yeon. I had to double check if it's the same actress who played Naksu in S1 because she really looks/acts like a different person as JBY (as she should be). She cannot be Mu Deok again because Mu Deok's memories and servant's identity are gone already. She cannot be sword-wielding Naksu again because she's no longer in the original Naksu's strong body. To me, the female lead character is the combination of Cho Yeong/Naksu/Mu Deok/Jin Bu Yeon. Wanting her to go back to the assassin Naksu phase is not fair to the original Jin Bu Yeon whose body and powers the female lead has 'inherited' (so to speak). Both in S1 and S2, Jang Uk loves... this combined essence of the female lead,... not separate Naksu nor Mu Deok. One nice subtlety is... though JBY also develops friendships with the crown prince and Seo Yul, this time it's more on equal footing.... compared to Mu Deok's friendships as a servant.
Also, why are people questioning Uk's loyalty. He admits to his feelings for JBY only in Ep 7. Before that, it's all angst (which I love for S2). If you accept that JBY is the natural progression of the female lead character, you'll more than welcome Uk and JBY relationship. Uk in S2 is no longer flamboyant; he is now kinda typical brooding hero with a massive chip on his shoulders.
I do agree that the moment Uk realized the truth about JBY was a bit underwhelming. But I understand the direction. At that point, he already loves that woman, his love is not gonna change, but this revelation will only hinder their future together. Hence, Uk would feel more conflicted than happy about the truth at the moment.
I do want to see more on the display of JBY's divine powers. She could call the rain after the defeat of the fire bird etc. All in all, I felt 10 episodes is too short. Acting 10/10! Chemistry 10/10! They could just fill it with more fluff, make it 16 episodes, and I'd happily watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
The fantasy-period drama we didn't think we needed but enjoyed (for the most part?)
By far one of the most enticing fantasy-historical dramas I've ever finished! (keyword "finished" as in finished BOTH seasons because I NEVER watch second seasons, it's like a recurring trend for me, up until now), Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow provided a substantial sequel to the hyper-loved season 1. I was afraid the sudden change in female leads would affect the plot and inherently make it messier to watch, but needless to say, I'm super satisfied by how they went around it!The switch between light and shadow in the two seasons was so apparent and I loved every aspect of that! The constant push and pull kept me on my feet and on the edge of my seat throughout the 30-hour-watch of Alchemy of Souls as a whole! There are some plot-holes that I hoped they would resolve by the end of the show, and they didn't; which disappointed me but never mind that, i actually still enjoyed the great deal (It would be a 10/10 from me otherwise!)
My personal disappointment mainly revolved around how some of my favorite characters didn't get their deserved justice even up until the very end LMFAO!! Like Go Won?? That man has gone through SO MUCH, even at the end, when he wished someone would find him a wife and we don't even get to see him happy with one!! And Seo Yul.. SEO YUL.. okay that dude got an incredulous amount of screentime somewhere in the middle because of So-i and that bothered me so much because (even though she was a bitch for more than a few minutes in the show, her love for him was pure and I'm just sad that even if he didn't love her back, she never got to tell him that) :"( But then again, it's something I would have liked better. I'm glad with the closure, but it was just a bit TOO quick..
Is it too much to ask that we get more than half an episode (ATLEAST) to show us how they've changed in post-apocalyptic Daeho, and to show us a bit more for each person??? But if i'm being fair, I'm just glad the Hong Sisters didn't present us with another tear-jerking parting-ways ending and gave us the closure we most definitely needed and deserved after going through that roller coaster EVERY SINGLE EPISODE.. It was so mean making me believe that Maidservant Kim and Park Jin were BOTH dead.. I had the ugliest cry of my LIFE because????? BECAUSE I BELIEVED THAT WAS A POSSIBILITY!!
Anyways!! If we ignore our best characters ending up with no bitches and how we have no idea where Jinmu is lmfao... This was actually a solid drama!!!!! I enjoyed (almost) every second of it, and I would definitely watch again in a few years when I've completely forgotten the plot!!
If you haven't watched it yet and you like a good thrilling fantasy-historical drama with TONS of cute romance and a 100/100 cast, this is the one for you!!
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This review may contain spoilers
Shadow of Part 1
I believe this drama ranks high because of the magic of Part 1. The main fantasy romantic plot worked out perfectly just like the Hong sisters usually deliver. Alchemy of souls has a very intriguing concept of magic and mages, also great cinematography and soundtrack. I loved the concept of 4 seasons, representing the respectable mage families. Season 1 is dense with intricate plot and amazing characterisation. Jang Uk, Seo Yul, Jang Gang’s trio was so uplifting and when combined with crown prince and Mu Deok, the group was my absolute favourite. They shared such pleasant bonding and chemistry. Jang UK’s character development as a mage and his sweet relationship with Mu deok really is heartwarming to watch. They fit together just right and I loved the master/pupil twist to their relationship. Whilst sometimes Mu Deok seemed crazy to me, I respected her bold/nonchalant way of loving Jang Uk.The above could be labelled as a review for Part 1, I guess. Flash forward to the outburst of events by the end of S1 and bearing with the brunt of it in S2, it went haywire. The plot started making lesser sense. I still don’t understand how they can justify Mu Deok’s face changing, despite having the same body. She starts living as Jin Byo Yun and whilst I liked that, I don’t think the actress fit well into the real naksu’s characterisation. Sure, she forgets all her memories and awakes a completely diff person, but Naksu’s feistiness and determination is shoved under the rug this season. It’s like a completely different person. I don’t think it’s necessarily Youn Jung’s fault, but the writers and director who completely forget Mu Deok/Naksu from S1. It’s like a re imagination of the main lead.
The romance is stronger this season and whilst I enjoyed that, I still missed Jung Somin’s character. The revelation of Naksu was so underwhelming. They build it up so much, dragging it all the way to the ninth episode and yet it felt so… oh, alright, ok lol. The dangers Jin Mu wanted to ensue onto the world seemed petty and annoying. The way they dragged Naksu’s reveal was already frustrating enough for viewers and so distasteful. Jang UK longed for his lover so much, only to find out she’s been alive and well.
How could they have just revealed it in such a chaotic, strange way? What about the conversations they were supposed to have after the big reveal? All gone wrong because they had to give jin mu’s plan screen time.
Season 2 was chaotic. Merely a shadow of Part 1. I still rated it high because season 1 is special and jae wook was absolutely brilliant.
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A Must Watch
a sided from the much anticipated anxiety of waiting for the next episode to resumechapter 2 of alchemy of souls has been magnificent every episode had left you grasping for more and wondering what will happen next.
The ending was great the chemistry between not only the main role but others as well were outstanding.
Normally a continuation of any kdrama in my opinion leaves you with dissatisfaction or an ending you weren't expecting
but with alchemy it filled all the voids and gave you an immense satisfaction.
enjoyed watching it my Saturdays And Sundays will not be the same.
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Could've done better
I didn't want to write a review cause I loved the drama but I had a lot to say still.Everything is good. Everything was going well until Ep7. That's when everyone on the set of AOS 2 understood that they had only three more episodes and they still haven't revealed anything.
10 episodes were more than enough with the run time but it still made us feel that the ending was rushed. In the last three eps, things were revealed in a magnitude of seconds. And the ending? the climax? lasted barely minutes that we couldn't even remember. It wasn't a nice gift with a Tiffany's & Co. bow tied to it but an express gift card that your uncle bought last minute cause he forget to get you a present on New Year's.
And the actress switch.
I understand that you want JSM back cause yall love her but i really don't understand why GYJ received hate. It's not like her acting is bad. You've got to give chances to new actresses.
But then some of you ask, "Was the switch necessary?"
Yes. It was and it is. It showed that they were destined to be with each other even if they can't recognize each other. And also the fact that it was Mu-doek's face that he was seeing, not her face. he never saw her before. Now he sees her completely.
Even tho the ending was rushed, the drama delivered what it was supposed to deliver. Mid-way I lost hope and was gearing up for another Scarlet Heart Ryeo. But the heavens heard the viewers. So no complaints.
Except for this one, thats all I promise.
I got Seo Yul's face and all my issues are gone.
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This review may contain spoilers
Alchemy of Souls: The ill-planned side story.
(Please note that there was no way that I could possibly review this season separately from season one as this drama is a continuation of it).This season was a roller coaster, that’s for sure, and writing this review was certainly challenging for me. From forcing myself to get into the slow start of season 1 to absolutely adoring it and excitedly waiting for season 2, I must say that my expectations were high, yet realistic for this season. All in all, I found that season 2 was well rounded for the little time they had, and they managed to pack the season to the brim where up until the eighth episode, we were still guessing where things would go or how they could possibly resolve everything in time.
For starters, the Hong sisters did an exceptional job at building the Alchemy of Souls world and I was rather sad to see that they were only making 10 episodes for this season. They introduced so many aspects, possible spin offs and unique storylines that could have easily taken this season, to a follow up of a 20 episode season like its predecessor.
There was also a major shift in terms of the story from the first season, and was even pointed out by some, that the posters clearly indicated this by giving an illusion of being action packed in the first season to a more wispy romance for the second. However, as we are introduced to these new and different issues, and seeing the shift in focus from where the story ended in season one, I can’t help but feel they may have missed the mark on certain aspects.
As much as I love a good mushy romance and although we got a happy ending where EVERY character found some form of happiness, the transition into the new season felt messy and ill planned. From the amnesia trope lasting much longer than anyone would have hoped, to the representation of our ever confident and mentally strong FL being downgraded to a helpless damsel in distress. Let’s not forget the anticlimactic reveals of important plot points in the story and the over-dramatisation of the “three deaths” which felt wrongly placed and unnecessary considering it didn’t do much for the story, except shock the audience.
In saying that, I absolutely loved the chemistry between the cast members and thought everyone did a marvellous job at portraying their characters, and the emotions that came with them! Both Jo Jae Yoon and Go Yoon Jung did an outstanding job in terms of their ability to continue the performance of their characters from their original actors, Do Sang Woo and Jung So Min, as well as Oh Na Ra and Yoo Joon Sang making us swoon over their romance, heartbreak and reconciliation.
Another incredible performance to acknowledge and possibly the best character growth throughout this entire drama (season one and two), has to be the growth and development of Jang Uk played by Lee Jae Wook. His performance throughout was fantastic where, as the audience, we were able to feel each emotion felt throughout the story. It’s almost as if the Hong sisters wrote this character especially for him!
All that aside, I enjoyed watching this season with its highs and lows, despite the inconsistencies and questionable moments. The cast, along with the production crew, the CGI used and even the OST were done exceptionally well! One small wish I do have is that we will get to see Go Yoon Jung and Lee Jae Wook working alongside together in another project soon - their chemistry simply oozes out of your screen like warm honey!
x dramafoxx
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storia fantasy molto bella!
Vista subito dopo la prima parte che mi è piaciuta molto.Ho in un certo senso preferito questa alla prima parte forse perché la chimica tra i due protagonisti era maggiore e la storia anche se più esagerata e molto carina.La storia e più fantasy ancora della prima.La protagonista é un miscuglio di personalità una più forte del altra ma alla fine prevale quella del assassina Nasku.
Lui è più freddo,un uomo tormentato dagli spiriti e il mago più forte che esiste.Quando si riconoscono scatta anche un po' di passione.
Sono 10 puntate che scorrono velocemente.
Nel complesso fantastico drama.
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excellent
Season 2 was the perfect ending and honestly even better than I expected. It managed to keep everything I loved about the first season while delivering a satisfying and emotional conclusion. The cast once again did an incredible job, and the chemistry between the actors was just as strong and captivating as before. The story was engaging from beginning to end, balancing romance, action, drama, and fantasy in a way that never felt overwhelming.One of my favorite aspects of the series was the breathtaking scenery and cinematography. Every location felt magical and beautifully crafted, making the world come alive on screen. Normally, I’m not a huge fan of fantasy dramas, which is why I hesitated to watch it for so long. I only decided to give it a chance after seeing it ranked in a friend’s Top 10 list, and I’m so glad I did.
This drama completely exceeded my expectations and never disappointed me. The emotional moments, character development, and overall production quality made it a memorable experience. Alchemy of Souls is easily one of the best Kdramas I’ve watched, and Season 2 gave the story the ending it truly deserved.
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This review may contain spoilers
Wow. No wonder they needed two seasons to get through everything.The beginning of season two starts three years after the end of the first season and a lot has changed. As everything unfolds, you learn about how the aftermath of what happened three years ago affected all the main characters. Park Dang Gu is now the leader of Songrim, and his engagement with Jin Cho Yeon was broken off. Seo Yul is suffering from the aftereffects of the blood parasite entering his body, and Jang Uk has completely changed. He's now in possession of the ice stone and hunts soul shifters and is surrounded by wraiths. It's a pretty gloomy start to the season, where it's obvious everyone is suffering although I love that Jang Uk is a total badass now who doesn't care what other people think.
I feel like I should have rewatched the last episode of season one before watching the second season, because I definitely forgot some very key details - like Jang Uk having the ice stone. *face palm* I had a lot of questions and things that I was wondering about in the first few episodes of the show, but maybe that's their intention because as the story progresses you do learn more about what happened and why. I was curious about how they would explain Naksu having her original appearance when her body got burned up in season one, but it does get explained in a way that I (sort of) understand. It does get pretty complicated though. I'm glad they go into the details of the blood parasite in depth in this season, because it was definitely one of the things I had questions about from the last season.
If the beginning of the show is dark and gloomy, then the middle is more romance oriented, with Jang Uk and Naksu getting to know each other, with the usual kdrama shenanigans where they misunderstand each other and start falling in love. Things are extra complicated because Jang Uk is still traumatized/waiting for Naksu meanwhile Bu Yeon (who is actually Naksu) is getting her memory back in bits and pieces as flashbacks but she thinks its actually someone else's memory.
The last third of the season (from episode 7 onwards) is where the plot starts to really pick up and it gets good. There's epic fights and showdowns, dramatic rescues, double crossing, and not one but TWO absolutely crazy plot twists / reveals that I did not see coming.
In the midst of all the excitement, it's nice that there is still some comedy to break up the tension. I love the interactions between Jang Uk and the crown prince. The whole season I was just rooting for them to be friends again. And the crown prince's turtle! I love how the writers of the show made the turtle so pivotal to the plot when I thought that it was just a cute thing that brought the crown prince and Bu Yeon together. 🐢🐢🐢
”He got rid of my turtle” - a truly iconic quote
Overall I really enjoyed the show, but there were still a few things that didn't quite make sense to me. In the beginning it seems like Park Dang Gu and Jin Cho Yeon's relationship is broken and that she resents him for not saving her father three years ago, but then a few episodes later it seems like they are back to being in love. I wish that the show had given the couple more screentime and shown how they were able to get past that.
I also thought that Jang Uk wasn't aware that Naksu's soul was going to disappear, but then it seemed like he did know when he went to go find her and they got married. And did the crown prince actually turn his back on Jang Uk at the end of season one? Maybe I just need to rewatch the show to catch more details but because of how long it is and how complicated the plot gets I do think things slip through the cracks.
I hate it when you get super invested in a show and then it's a sad ending so I'm happy to say that this is not one of those cases.
Yay for happy endings!
I can't end this review with a special mention to Lee Jae Wook for his phenomenal acting with how much his character did a 180 compared to the last season. It was so rewarding seeing his new persona and what a badass he is now. I had also seen Go Youn Joon previously in Law School but she gave off such different vibes in Alchemy of Souls that it made me completely forget about her past character. I was hesitant about how this season would turn out because of a change in the female lead, but the two of them had good chemistry together and made it work! I also have a soft spot for So-i. She wasn't a main character but I still think she shone in this show. Her character was really well-written and although she made a lot of mistakes, I think she really did her best in her own way and Seo Hye Won did such a good job portraying her.
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MUST WATCH! JUST WOW!
I enjoyed the first season. But this second season with 10 episodes, just WOW!ML (Lee Jae Wook) & FL (Go Youn Jung) BRAVO!
The supporting cast, OST, production... This is how you finish off a series with a bang! The funniest part to me was that they kept the villain from the 1st season all through the 2nd season. I'm sure that it was to drive the fans crazy. I found myself yelling at the screen for someone to 'take him out'. I love verbal and nonverbal acting. The ML gave it to us in spades! The ML was so impressive in showing strength, torment and even growing love which draws you in. The chemistry between the leads YES!!! The way so many things were weaved together to come to the ending, I must say that the writers got it right. Beautifully done.
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Daeho's Legendary Couple
Continuing from Season 1, this drama took on a rather darker vibe, dimmer lighting, a more somber ambiance, and a less exaggerated acting. Every characters in Season 1 is living under a shadow on what is happening three years ago. In the middle of all this brooding, we have our FL.Bright-eyed, innocent, bubbly, harmless, and amnesiac, FL barreled her way into Jang Uk's life and turned it upside down with her randomness and out of the blue-actions. While her beauty is unmatched, FL is quite literally a bit dumb, indeed. But it was endearing to me, because in most scenes, her dumbness came in handy when facing a difficult situation. This is GYJ's first lead project, I believe, and she nailed all her characters and give each one of them a different characterization and a whole different aura. She's very good. Her chemistry with Jang Uk was my favorite, quite literally the sunshine and sunshine protector. It's very refreshing to see their moments on screen.
Jang Uk, three years later, is no longer an innocent puppy. He's older, wiser, with heavy burden on his shoulders and he's mainly just very sad, albeit powerful. LJW nailed the acting and give us a more mature vibe, even when he laughs or smiles, it's softer in the edge, like it's more microexpressions now. But there were times when he lost control of his emotions and threw a tantrum, and I went, "there he is, our puppy." It felt nice.
As with the previous seasons, the characters are very well fleshed out, everyone matured and became wiser, story arcs are expanding and getting closer to entangling with each other. In here, more worldbuilding are happening, more backstories are unfolding as it's necessary to solve some of the drama's mysteries. The plot is quite fast paced, as it only has 10 episodes.
Most of the story arcs are wrapped up nicely, plot holes are covered and solved, and everyone get the endings they deserve. I am very satisfied and content with this season and I don't know whether there will be a third season but even if it is, it's going to be good as well, I think.
Overall, I recommend this for those who like historical fantasy, or industrial grade angst with one sided, mutual pining.
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