Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow

great cgi, romance plot

8,8/10. Sumpah harus mulai darimana ya 😞😞😞 ini tuh konfliknya ga sebanyak di s1. Mungkin karena dulu si jang uk belum punya kekuatan sepowerful sekarang, makanya konfliknya bejibun ABIS. Klimaks konflik s2 cuma di eps 9 - 10 doang, selebihnya full romance between jang uk - naksu & kim doju - park. Jang uk - naksu hubungannya gemes karena tarik ulur, kim doju - park gemes karena sama2 kocak. Di ending beneran ngira si ji mu bakal idup terus makanya semua org butuh s3, taunya yaa k.o juga doi walaupun dgn cara yg kureng sadis 😁💔 kalo menurutku knp semua org butuh s3 karena ending yg kaya kurang penjelasan. Jujur pas liat ending tu aku harus ulang 2x baru agak ngeh dikit sama maksudnya. Juga jang uk - naksu pas sama2 inget satu sama lain tuh sedikit bgt partnya jadi kayak AKSHSJSNSJK lebih banyak pressurenya dibanding happy. Untuk sinematografi & cgi ya gausah ditanya, beneran bagus drama ini bikinnya. Dari s1 gapernah ngecewain 👍🏻 yg disayangkan mungkin part naksu yg powerful cuma ada di awal2 sama ending doang, jadi kaya kurenggg gitu padahal bagus bgt pas dia punya kekuatan itu. Tapi ya balik lagi mungkin emank plotnya ditujukan naksu itu hadir di saat yg emg genting bgt buat warga daeho. Ostnya suka di part kedua ini, lebih ngena 🔥

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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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People who didn't like it, just didn't understand the story. It's just as great as season 1

I would start by saying that Alchemy of Souls season 2 has the same elements as season 1. If you liked the first season, you will like this in the second:
- the humour
- the photography
- the acting (better than in the first season)
- the environment, the setting
- the epic scenes (less but better than in season 1)
- the friendships, romances and arguments

I honestly think that the people who left bad reviews just didn't understand the story.
Two souls confront each other in the same body, one of which is better than the other (hence the fact that it's not the naksu we were introduced to in season 1, she can't be entirely herself). And you seem to have forgotten at the end of season 1, how tender she was with her husband.

Also, I've read that some people find this season "mysoginous" which is absolutely not true!
I think you forgot all the female characters who play a CRUCIAL ROLE in the story :
- Kim Do Ju: She has the most impact on Jang Uk's decisions. Without her, he would never have made so many good decisions.
- So Yi: She is really bad-ass. Luckily she is there to give real information!!!!! Without her, there was no sequel after episode 5.
- Naksu: I won't say more for spoilers but without her, the world would fall apart.
- Jin Bu Yeon: main character, one of the most powerful. Same as Naksu, without her the world will end.
- Jin Ho Kyung: Charismatic character that everyone fears. I won't develop more for fear of spoilers.
..so please, there is no point in using such words

My feeling about this season:

I lost hours of sleep again because I love this show. The story and setting are gripping. Still as good as the first season.
Not to mention the acting is really better than the first season.
Let the story carry you along, it's great.

Only negative element:
Yes, there are a couple of inconsistencies, but frankly, it's not a big deal.

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UKYEONG COUPLE!!

I was so sad about jung somin not being the main lead this season, I thought the chemistry was not as great but I was wrong! Their chemistry is immaculate. I didn't expect those steamy kissing scene🫢. This gives me Xianxia drama vibes. I really like this cause i like fantasy dramas. The story was so good and the acting was nice, every episode was so worth watching there's no boring part. The editing skill is so sick, I like the visual effects.
What i dislike about this is the ending it could have been better , it was rushed like wth. I know jang uk was super strong but it was the fire bird his fighting!, the fighting scene could've been so epic.
Also the episodes should've been more, they should've shown what jang uk and cho yeong's story after all those events, like how they start they're new life.
STILL this drama was 10 out of 10 💯

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Pretty good but not as good as 1st part

First of all, it was an extremely beautiful show, and the cgi were crafted masterfully, Change of the female lead was a bit shocking at first but after watching this I have no complaint at all, The new girl did an amazing job, and the chemistry between both the of the main leads was pretty amazing, a tad bit different than the first season cz they had this master student thing going on between them and I liked that more, Kinda makes it a guilty pleasure I guess but still they had pretty good chemistry between them,
Now the reason I said it's not as good as the first part of bcz this season had less story telling and more padding the run time, I am not a fan of amnesia trope cz it makes no sense to me in any scenario, also UK became so OP that nobody could beat him so that became a bit bothersome, I mean by a technical stand point I do understand it's a bit difficult to make mages fight each other without making it boring, usually it seems like they're just throwing colorful wind at each other with their hands but at least they should've given the main hero a worthy memorable last fight, even that last dragon didn't posed much of a threat to him so all those things became pretty convinient and dull,
Last thing that makes it lesser than season 1 was it's predictable ending, I knew that bu Yeon would sacrifice and give her body to naksu from the very moment they mentioned this plot point so there goes any tension that might've built up,
I see people complaining about misogyny or weak female or all that woke bullshit, they are just blinded by their own complexes and absence of knowledge of storytelling and skills, Anybody who wants to have good time and watch a fantasy drama rather than some political or social agenda should watch this show, it's highly recommended for fun lovers

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GIVE IT A CHANCE

If u don't like the new actress, I cant blame u. But just give it a chance. I was gonna watch it anyway, but i got really found of her . We were already familiar to her and we already knew she is the real Naksu. We also have so many paralels in part 2 so it is easy to see her as Naksu.
I was a little afraid in the begining because i really liked part 1 so I thought that if i dont enjoy part 2 i would feel like a traitor :))). But I am in lovee with the first two eps. There were a lot of unanswered questions in the first ep, the the second ep answered a lot of my curiosities. I can't wait for the next week for new episodes, i am already hooked. As always I hate JinMu , but I hope he won't turn our crown prince into a bad guy. On the other hand I believe Jin Mu will try something bad, but that will end up making Naksu remembering the past .
I am constantly watching edits and replaying my favourite parts.

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Two Souls Forever Drawn Together

This part was highly anticipated and that could make this part be very bad if it weren’t to be good. But the writing for this show sells the drama so well, that every doubt I have is fading away

I thought with a new actress for Naksu that would be jarring and her character wouldn’t feel the same. But her development is there with the last part and she is the same person. The writing for her is fluent and tied with the last part so well even if it has been three years for all the characters. They all are the same people but they have drastically matured by the situations and hardships they’ve been through.

This drama is a top notch one. The setting is stunning and the costumes are just as stunning. It’s got everything and more importantly the script backing this drama up is done very well. With a time skip it could’ve been doing too much or having us assuming, but they leave just enough to assume and enough for us to guess.

I love how well Naksu and Jang Uk play off each other, with it being reminiscent of what it was before. I hope the ending isn’t again a tragedy, but so far this drama is anything but. It’s so amazing really and everything is engaging. Impressive for me and I love this show so much. I’ll write a more in depth review once it all comes out.

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the second season is more darker than the usual. lots of twists and turns to come

I have finished watching the second season, and it seems well done and ended a good but not that bad ending... i liked it, but not loving how the story continues because it seems to be less entertaining and the fact where the second season is far darker than the first season that is full of happiness (except the ending:’) ). It’s full of darkness, less chemistry, and less interactions with the characters. Seems the continuation of the story was focusing more of Jang-Uk’s life rising from his death, saved by the ice stone because he’s the King’s star. Liked the overall story of the second season, but I was hoping for more honestly…
So far, both seasons were good for me, but this season was more of unexpected twist and turns. So now, I’ll be talking about the second season from its plot/story (well a little bit for flashbacks), ost and cinematography. And of course, the casts and characters who did so well with how they bring interests watching both seasons <33 Also, this was like the drama series Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo, but its more of an historical action-fantasy kdrama that everyone must watch. A mixed genre of Action, Historical, Romance, and Fantasy.

STORY/PLOT
So, the story continues three years later after the incident in Daeho, Jang Uk, the son of the late king of the Royal Place, rises from the dead and saved from the Ice crystal stone as the King’s son. While fighting for the danger coming in the country, the mages continue to unfold the story anew of where it must belong. As Jang Uk became the hunter of the soul-shifters while a young woman, Jin Bu-yeon, the “called long lost daughter of Jin Ho-Gyeong and the older sister of Jin Cho-Yeon (her born name was Jin Cho-yeong), was a prisoner from Jinyowon. As she seeks to get help reclaiming her past and her life as she was in anemia after her own mother decided to bring back to life, to regain her magical powers from her past life. With that, as Jang Uk and Jin Bu-yeon met, Jang Uk slowly heals from the pain he had suffered after his only master, Mu-deok died. Slowly both discover and regain their memories and flashbacks, and Jin Bu-yeon body, finding her ways to regain her powers and energy as she regains memories from a past life, from Naksu and Mu Deok. As both slowly falls for each other, fighting from the missing pieces that left them in pain and suffering. Will they give themselves the answer they wish to desire and the comeback they deserve?
I honestly really love how it ended season 2, but the story seems to focus more of Jang Uk’s healing process of how he rises from the dead and carrying the ice stone inside of him as Master Lee concluded the last season as Jang Uk’s “not yet the end of his life”. I really love the first season, but the second season seems more darker than the first season that is full of surprises and fluttering moments, but this season gives me a scary-thrilling ride and an edge of the seat feels. But while watching, the feeling I have is always present: I miss Mu Deok so much :’)
Overall, for this area, the plot was not really promising. But the ending satisfies me as it belongs where it must be.

OST AND CINEMATOGRAPHY
Well to make this second part short, the ost still brings atmosphere with every scenario represents. I also love how Lia from ITZY shines while singing the ost and its her first time as well! Not really a fan, but I appreciate her as part of the second season’s ost, she has a great voice!! The cinematography is something that I do appreciate the producers as well! Its blending every scene, every part. Most especially the fighting scenes are too realistic :’)

CAST & CHARACTERS
Well, here we are at the last segment of my note. I REALLY LOOOOVE THE CAST SO MUCH! They bring us the joy, happiness, sadness, pain, fluttering feelings, and even they made me laugh of how they were so cute tbh :’)) Some of them that I have know from few kdrama roles improved a lot!! The 3 lead couples were also cute as well :’)) Jang Uk and Naksu/Cho Yeong, Lord Park Jin and Maidservant Kim Do Ju, and last but never forget, Park Dang Gu and Jin Cho Yeon <3 They really do appreciate more recognition!

Lee Jae-Wook as Jang Uk. Ever since the beginning of the season, he’s role never disappoints <33 I love his role both seasons. The fact where he proves us that he has so much potential to enter different roles other than his main roles this time :’)) Well appreciated kdrama actor and plus he might be soon the next hallyu star in the future because of how great he is <33 Giving him more love and support ever since I saw him from one of the first kdrama appearance as Baek-Kyung, Extraordinary You <33

Go Youn Jung as Jin Bu-yeon/ Jin Cho Yeong or known as Naksu in Bu-yeon’s body. Well, I saw her from Law School as the supporting role and the first time I saw her in her main role from this season! She improved well a lot; I do appreciate her discovering a role that fits her as well! She was pretty as well. Her character was okay, not really my favorite but I do love how Bu-yeon slowly acts like Mu Deok and gives me war flashbacks huhuhu :’)) But still, looking forward to her next projects appearing herself from future kdramas <333 Well appreciated and deserve recognition, giving her utmost love and support as well <333

Hwang Min Hyun as Seo Yul, he’s role from the second season never disappoints <33 I love the fact wherever since I saw him from a kdrama series as Go Eun-Taek in Live On. He also improved a lot. His acting skills are also being recognized as well. Seo Yul was one of the few characters that I loved, he was the softie one who gives his all to fight for everything, especially for Jang Uk. Overall, looking forward to Min Hyun’s future roles <33

Shin Seung Ho as The Crowned Prince Go Won. One of my favorite characters who never disappoints as well ever since the first season <33 Huhu I love that the fact he never betrays Jang Uk and stayed by his side whenever someone tempts him to betray Jang Uk. I also love Seung Ho’s role from here. From being the student role, villain role, and now, a prince role :’)) I loooove him ever since the first time watching him from his role as Nam Shi-woo from A-teen and 9-teen <33 He really improved a lot. Looking forward to his future roles and giving him the love and support he deserve <333

Lastly Yoo Joon Sang as Park Jin and Oh Na Ra as Maidservant Kim Do Ju. Huhu one of the couples that I love from the drama <333 I love both of them, the first time I saw Oh Nara was a coach role from Racket Boys and it proved that she is a great actress <333 Looking forward to Yoo Joon Sang and Oh Na Ra’s future roles as well 😊

And to the supporting cast, Yoo In Soo as Park Dang Gu and Arin from Oh My Girl as Jin Cho Yeon, they also did so well. Even if they had less screentime duration of being together comparing the last season, they were also one of the cutest couple existed in both seasons :’) Seeing Yoo In Soo from all of us are dead (haha) and arin from the world of my 17 web series, hoping that they could shine more from their acting roles. Hoping they could enter roles that are new to them, and they deserve a leading role as well. rooting for the both <3

I'll thanked Master Lee, portrayed as Lim Chul-soo, never forgetti ur also one of my favorite character in both seasons. WIthout him, Jang Uk and the other characters might not exists and as you're the savior. He's also one of the best supporting actor from a kdrama Vincenzo :P

Overall, a good series. Might not be everyone’s favorite, but I do love the story of how it began. Great for binge-watch and time kill, very recommended for beginners. But I would say that its not wuite good for rewatching since it might bring back the feels that gives me pain and it takes time to have patience while watching hehe :’) But really love the series overall.

Looking forward to the cast’s future roles!! Well deserve recognition <3

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Absolutely Incredible, what a freaking ride

Hands down one of the best dramas I have ever watched. I do truly understand why there is so much hate for season 2, and it took a lot of reflection for me to not only come to terms with the way the Hong Sisters decided to execute this season, but also to learn to appreciate the beauty of the choices they made in Jang Uk’s and Naksu’s love story. No joke, 10 minutes into the last episode, I was sprawled on the floor crying my little heart out because this show has tugged on my heartstrings so so much. One of the most beautiful conclusions in Dramaland and the best conclusion I could’ve hoped for with their story. Sure, it had flaws, but I’m willing to overlook them and instead focus on all of the things that were executed so beautifully, especially the “1 year later” epilogue. My little hopeless romantic heart was so happy with those last 10 minutes of the show haha. I genuinely cannot recommend this whole series enough, and all I want to say is for everyone to go into this season especially with an open mind despite the negative opinions.

PS: I challenge you to find a more rewatchable drama than this one

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