Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow

And it's a wrap!

And here we are...the answers to all that was left unanswered in the first part. Was this drama needed? It's both a yes and a no. If only Kdramas could be more than 20 episodes like Chinese, I feel this drama wasn't necessary. But since it is not possible, this drama is a must.

The story is basically the conclusion. All that was left to know was revealed and the story was wrapped up. It is not a season 2, it's a continuation, the last few chapters of the Alchemy of souls story. Thus, it is just as good as the first in almost all aspects. This dramas has parts that I loved and was disappointed with. One such detail (a plus point) that was really heart wrenching was how they wouldn't use Mudeok's name, reminding you that she never actually existed. They couldn't call her Naksu because that represents the side of hers that had blood on her hands. Yet they didn't have another name to call for the lovely person she had been with them and for them. All they could do was call her 'that child' or 'that person'. It really hurt.

I would say though, I don't see why a 3 year leap was necessary. And because I watched it soon after the first part, I couldn't find a valid reason even more. Another problem I felt was the repetition. So many scenes and lines felt the same old. The idea of reminiscence is understood. But it does get in the way. Freshness is reduced. That again made me wonder the necessity of the time leap. I also felt it was short. Just 10 episodes long. And added to that, the pacing wasn't good enough. Either they should have evenly spread the plot points or they should have added more episodes (I really would have loved if there were more episodes). There were definitely plot holes, loose ends and rushed, unsatisfying endings.

The storyline between the main leads would be the best. That was done very well. I liked how we went through a little detour and out of our comfort zone. How he fell for her again even if he didn't recognize her. Honestly, I really feared the ending. The way things were going, had it not been a happy ending I'd have cried buckets. Even for a moment when I thought it was over, I was teary eyed 😭 Yes, it was sad to see that Jang Uk has become closed off. But good that they didn't give him a full 180 change. You could still see his warmth for his loved ones. Jang Uk is definitely one of the strongest characters to exist. He just became undefeatable and I loved it! Man, Lee Jaewook is made for a cold man role. His aura just multiplied 10 times 😁 His stylist needs a raise too. He also made sure you were attached to his character and feel everything he did. Wonderful performance! Naksu and Mudeok especially, was gone. This time, it showed how Chu Yeong would have been if life hadn't put her through all that hell. Go Yoonjung as Jin Buyeon (or Chu Yeong I'd say) was just amazing! I love her soooo much! Go Yoonjung is one of a kind! Beauty and talent! This time their trope was the cold man- bubbly girl. And I love that typical genre 😌 They were awesome together!

One noticeable point is that they showed a whole new side of the characters. Obviously, Mudeok is gone and all there is Naksu who has lost her memories and is Jin Buyeon now. Jang Uk is no longer the happy-go-lucky guy but a more harsh, closed off, rough on the edges guy. Park Jin always had a comical side to him but now that is who he is. Understandable...for he is no longer the leader of Songrim. Seo Yul and Danggu had their shifts too. But yes, they still kept a lot of them same. Kim Doju is still the same and I loved that. Same with Jin Choyeon, Master Heo, Master Lee and more.

Seo Yul's character wasn't good enough though. For a moment, I even wondered if he would become the villain. Something about his storyline didn't make sense. Same with the crown prince. I was constantly confused if he was on the good side or bad. Heo Yunok was also pain in the neck character this time. Pissed me off.

Jin Mu deserved a wayy more painful death. Since he finally soul shifted, I was waiting for him to be petrified to death and broken to pieces. Ya well, reducing to ashes isn't bad too I guess. I loved that they killed all those muddle headed people of the Unanimous Assembly too. They were irritating characters too.

Musically it was the same. I guess there were just a few more new additions; else it was the same as the first part.

As a whole, the Alchemy of Souls story deserves a good 9.8/10. But definitely, the first part holds much of that score. The second part falls short in story, character development and pacing. But if you love this world like me, there is no way you could hate this part of the story. After all, this is the end. I am so attached to all the characters and this universe as a whole, I don't know how long it'll take me for moving on completely. And honestly, I don't want to 😭 I would literally do anything to watch this masterpiece for the first time all over again 🥹🥹

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Alchemy Of Souls 2

This drama is so far actually SO GOOD fr! They all have amazing visuals and awesome acting that are able to captivate the minds of the kdrama watchers and newbies. I love that Naksu is back to her original body. I also feel bad that she's been trapped in that room for a long time. That must actually really suck tbh.. no people, no socializing, no friends, no natural air and beauty... it is indeed unfortunate.. But it's fine! I'm sure it'll get better soon enough. I just cant wait for her to get her memories back and beat everyone's asses! I'm looking forward to it. I want Jang-Uk to experience and see how powerful is. They would be such a powerful couple omg!! AND IMAGINE THEIR CHILD- AHHH I CANT WAITTT. Jang-Uk, I feel bad for him because he lost his precious lover tragically.. it is also indeed unfortunate. I hope he soon finds out the truth about Naksu and they become all lovey-dover again. As for the second lead, I LOVE YOU AND ALL BUT I REALLLLY WANT YOU TO END UP WITH SO YI! She just really loves and deserves him. But I get a feeling she will die for him (kdrama sences tingling) BUT I REALLY HOPE NOT! To the bad guys... they can kts's tbh. But the actors who acted it out were all very good! I'd definitely recommend this drama!

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uk isn't the one, wake up

9/10 just for making naksu look weak and dependant on a man. she had so much potential and for WHAT. powerful naksu my beloved. like a get she shifted her soul into jin buyeon's body and all and the jin seolran was like "well hello there" and she's like all powerful and stuff, but i wanted to see more the real naksu, the real cho yeong.
no but seriously we never really got to see her in a real fight, her being herself. i was really hoping for a heart-wrenching ending with some more drama. don't get me wrong, the fire bird was awesome, but i needed something more. like a dramatic naksu killing off uk for real this time. but i guess it's too much to ask for.

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a little sad but interesting too !

the second season is a little sad then 1st, NaXu died ( as we all tho) and it is not known whether she survived or not, but when it becomes clear that she seems to be alive but is in the body of another girl, then you will worry the whole series, whether her soul will remain in the body of Bo Young or not and for how long .. very surprised and I was glad that the end was happy and she survived, even though in the body of Jin Bo Young .. (according to the plot, the end does not seemed happy, often many cool dramas that, according to the idea, should have a happy ending turn out to be sad, but here everything is according to plan ahhha everything ended fine )
it was very cute to watch how the maid Kim rushes around with Park Jin) I kept thinking she would choose teacher Lee but no, ahah she fell for the magician Park Jin) cute their relationship was ahha, of course he is dumb but what can she do lol
also liked that Seo Yul did not realize his nightmare with the NaXu .. let her live and even helped, probably because she saved him in the body of Bo Young , I guess ..
The topic of exchanging bodies and souls with Solram, Bo Young and Naxu is very confused .. I didn’t always understand who is who at the moment and in which body and whose soul finds lol
How did this magician Jimin pissed me off! and the fact that everyone in the palace obeyed him and the king and queen turned out to be corrupt and so wanted, on the one hand, a donut with shifters, and on the other, a new young body .. only one prince and his servants were adequate from that family ..
surprised that in the palace, many clans were obsessed with greed and wanted to take possession of the ice stone, while betraying other clans and even the prince! even the father went against his son and it was terrible! Of course, that scene was shown not so seriously, without any special spiritual experiences of the prince, but I think this is due to his character as a character ahhha
also thinking if Jimin's plan had succeeded he would not have helped the king with a new body but would have been a king himself
I was very surprised by the reaction of ChanUk when he was informed that the NaXu was probably no more, I thought it would break him according to the script, but he seemed to be ready and just doing his duty, although in his heart he must have been very hurt but he held on ..
I am glad that everyone has a happy ending..
NaXu and ChanUk are alive and together )) and even Maid Kim and Park Jin are expecting a baby ahha
great drama but I expected much episodes oops lol 20 or more ))

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Destiny at its finest

I was a little scared coming to this season and have so many doubts about if they will be able to make something good knowing the FL was going to change. My biggest question was that i didn't know how the writting could go in a way that makes sense and also get a happy ending.

Omg they didn't dissapoint. In the first two episodes what happened to Mudeok/Naksu gets explained and all makes sense (Of course in a world of magic).

Go Youn Jung is amazing in her role, she even gets the same manners and gestures that Somin put on Naksu in season 1, the looks and the fun actitude wich gets clearer when he meets the eunuch/Go Won lol. They banter is as great as in the first season.

My boy Jang Uk being the most powerful mage of all them... oh my! Lee Jae Wook performance was good in season 1 but here is even better. There is so many good moments: Seeing him in the first episode with naksu sword (I almost cry when i saw it) that flashback when Park Jin is telling he shouldn't had been born, how he cries, how he doesn't even care because the person he swear to protect is no longer with him and the most important one when Park Jin goes to Cheonbugwan and said to Uk that Songrim support him and his decision about Jin Mu. How significant is this moment and how much i love it. After all this time, after all he had to endure and sacrifice, his, basically, surrogate father say everything he wanted to hear.

Important to mention all of Jang Uk fantastic entrances specially when the Cheonbugwan mages are going to kill Seo. Badass is not enough for him.

But lets get on our OTP: from the beguining they notice something, specially Jang Uk was so lost because everything was telling him she was his love but it wasn't really her. When both gets to know the truth how they are willing to sacrifice her and their love for the greater good. Heartbreaking.

The fight of Jang Uk with the bird of fire give us the best parallel with Naksu fight in the first season. The start and the end, as it was both their destiny.

To end this review, the happy ending is everything good in this world :).

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MY FAV 2022 KDRAMA

So, the list of my favorite kdramas is longer now. I know it is 2023 now and I just finished watched all the episodes.

I just love all the aspects in this drama. Actors, story, production, OSTs, and others. I just love how all the actors have a great chemistry. I love how the story flow and even though the female lead changed, it doesn't make the story weird. I still can continue watching and enjoy all the episodes. I love how Go younjung can adapt acting as naksu after played by Jung somin.

All of the actors are gorgeous and act really well. I don't know what to say again.

THIS IS MY FAVORITE DRAMA. Of course, it is rewatchable.

p.s. I fell in love with jaewook harder now and of course, my beauty queen, go younjung 💓

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Best drama ever..need more drama for Lee Jaewook and Go Younjung please...hoping for season 3 too!!🖤🤍🍀🙈...UkYeong..YounJae..loveee them so much...best couple ever!! Please more drama for them...I can't move on..love the ending but I also really hoping for season 3❤️🙏🏼..Best sageuk, fantasy, tracklist, action drama everrrr!!!! Please please please....more drama for them...need AOS3...all the actors and actress are good...love the cinematography, songs, acting and all..this drama is a bomb!! Love it..I really can't move on...need more...please please please....Hong Sister's please do Alchemy of Souls season 3..🙏🏼🙏🏼✍️✍️🥺🥺❤️❤️🍀🍀🤍🖤🙈😍😍

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Flawed/rushed but still beautiful and unforgettable

Story:
Apart from the flaws mentioned below, the story was pretty good, if you understood it and kept an open-mind that this was a story about Fate, Divinity and Fantasy. Still alot better than many other good dramas in the past few years.

Some flaws/dislikes:
-Flashbacks should have used more Jung So Min scenes, especially the more memorable (critical) scenes. (e.g. the wedding scene should have included flashbacks of when Jang Uk & Naksu first met in the inn , and also when Naksu decided to finally give up regaining her power and sheath her sword)

-Agree with most that the last episode seems very rushed and anticlimatic. Too many things happening in one episode.

-Story seems to have changed last minute and was still ongoing changes while filming was ongoing. Probably due to production team realizing they needed to extend more episodes and Jung So Min unable to extend her contract. One big issue I noticed was Jin Seol-ran/Bu Yeon's soul remaining in the body. Jin Seol-ran's soul remaining in the Ice Stone was only introduced in LnS, plus the fact that Master Lee early on in LnS specifically said that reviving Bu Yeon's body requires Naksu's soul and Bu Yeon's soul will have to be ejected and lost forever, yet this all changed quickly in the middle episodes. Seems it was added in for the tearjerker and to emphasize the "Light and Shadow" theme. (also felt Master Lee's speech wasn't as "impactful"). Another was Seo Yul exclaiming about Naksu's soul during the 7 star thing. (Shouldn't Naksu have already left Bu Yeon's body?)

-Amnesia arc was definitely too long and draggy. But with the Jin Seol-ran soul reason, it became a necessity.


Acting/Cast:
Only change in cast from AoS was Go Young Jung. Felt she did well and was very expressive for a rookie actress. The change from bubbly to the more serious "old Naksu" as she remembers who she was, was good and noticeable.
-0.5 as she was not able to re-produce Jung So Min's deathstare/glare even after regaining her memories.
Lee Jae Wook also did extremely well portraying the change in Jang Uk. Not sure why some people felot it was "flat".


Music:
I have always believed that OSTs are incredibly important for a drama. The quality itself and the time placement.
Having excellent OSTs make a drama so much more unforgettable and immersive.
Continuing from Alchemy of Souls, Light and Shadow did not fail to give such an experience.
Especially to 2 new main tracks: Lia's Blue Flower and Ailee's I'm Sorry
Admittedly, I start watching AoS after watching an MV of Lia's Blue Flower.
Comparatively, my top drama for music is still Hotel Del Luna's, with AoS/AoS:LnS a close second.

(Anyone who sees this and knows what track was played after Jang Uk destroys the tracking thread and he visits Bu Yeon, please do let me know. Did not find it anywhere, so it seems to have been forgotten and they did not release it)

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When/why to watch it?

When to watch it? of course when you finish season 1. When you want to watch fantasy, romance, revenge, beautiful costumes, comedy included in the best way. Also when you want to give up and you need that hand to continue.

Why to watch it? I know that there are some bad reviews, but I believe that it depends on the eyes you see the series. The ambience and the magic helps to make you feel that it was real at some point. And the storyline closes everything that end up open in the first season.

I hope this helps someone to watch it when your feelings or your live match the energy of Alchemy of Souls 2. And please tell me if it does!

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What a Beautiful, Crazy and Wonderful Ride

Regardless of its flaws this will still go down as one of my favourite kdrama of all time.

The chemistry between the leads really made up for the frustration we all felt about the story during the ending and whilst I do wish some of the plot had moved on quicker and made sense.

There were times I did wish I could see the old Naksu but I feel like this is a view if what Cho Yeong’s personality without all the child hood heartbreak. Not to mention Ukie went from cute in PT 1 to sexy Jang Uk in PT 2. Not to mention those kisses.

Pt1 had the best story but Pt 2 had the best chemistry I’ve seen on screen in a very long time and atleast a “happy” ending.

The BTS and Instagram posts all the edits and this comment interaction made the whole journey worth it. We were all going crazy for 6 weeks and let’s not even pretend we all screamed on New Years Eve and New Years Day.

I hope it keeps the extra 0.1% because just on the above it deserves it!

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Thank you for making up for the ending of Season 1 but…

…I’m not sure why this couldn’t have just been tacked on to the end of Season 1. Season 1 was 20 episodes, Season 2 was half that. It could have just been one complete season of 30 or so episodes, and it would have flowed just fine. But I guess they had to get our hopes up so that we would excitedly watch S2 and drive the Netflix ratings up?

Anyways, now that the whole shebang is complete (I hope--though a next generation sequel might be interesting or a prequel, set 200 years before when the whole ice stone problem started), using my personal rating system of "loved," "liked," "meh," & "nah," this is a (one my rarely-given) “loved”. This is taking the two seasons together.

What I liked: That they figured out a way to make a happy ending for Naksu without her having to push someone else’s soul out of their body (well she sort of did that, but it was okay—just watch it if you need more explanation). I don’t think S2 was quite as good as S1 (which is why I wish it had not been a separate season, just the last ten episodes of one, single season), but it was satisfying. Evil lost, good won, Master Lee watched it all with a knowing smile.

What I did not like so much: I wish they would have given the Crown Prince a bit more depth of character, I really thought he’d been playing Jin Mu the whole time, but turns out he really wasn’t and seemingly made an arbitrary decision to go with the good side based on what appeared to be a trivial reason--but I'm glad he made the right decision in the end. I also wish they would have given a hint about who his queen would be and that it would be a smart, capable, and very sassy person :D. Mama Jin made me so angry with the way she treated Naksu. Even the assassin did not deserve that kind of treatment (e.g. being trapped in a room and then the plan to turn her into nothing more than a sow in a gestation crate—omg, those episodes before Jang Uk rescued her made my skin crawl). Matriarch Jin knew Naksu’s history and. sure, Naksu was the one who had killed her husband, he wasn’t exactly a stellar person in the first place since he was the reason beloved first daughter was drowned in the first place! And let’s not forget him deliberately placing a fake in the household with the intention of letting Jin Mu get control of the Jin treasury by soul-swapping the fake queen with Matriarch Jin. Anyways, any points of dislike of mine are minor irritations at best.

Should you watch this? I would recommend watching S1 & S2 as a complete season, which of course is possible because Netflix has them both. If you’re a fantasy person like I am, then I think you should watch it. Its well done. If you prefer hard, gritty reality then you won’t like it—or you could try stepping outside of your comfort zone and seeing what you think. (But I totally understand if you don’t want to because I don’t want to go outside my comfort zone, either, lol!). :D

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