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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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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Captivating fantasy romance beautifully directed ! Worth all the hype !

The second (and final) season of the latest fantasy series brought to Dramaland by the Hong sisters was worth the watch. The writers managed a successful landing for this highly anticipated show as this sequel reaps all the seeds that were planted in its parent series.

Storytelling wise, I found the change of the main actress pretty audacious and leading to some uncharted territories of pinning and angst regarding the romance between the 2 main leads. It was properly captivating to see the lovers interact with each other. The cast did a good job (especially some of the secondary characters which provided some great added-value to the story) and I will be curious to see their next projects.

The drama was also beautifully directed. The production value was amazing with a real artistry in terms of the way scenes were filmed and the choice of colours overall. The pastels of the costumes gave me all the feels and were really eye-catching. I also found the Visual FX satisfactory and some songs of the OSTs are still stuck in my heads because it was so good.

Pacing might have been slightly too slow in the middle and motivation/plan of the arch nemesis might have been better thought through but it was a very enjoyable and thrilling ride that made me go through a lot of emotions. The ending had me glued to my seat, anticipating for the worst and praying for the best.

I would recommend this (and the overall saga as a whole with its season 1) to people looking for a fantasy show with strong production value and in search of an epic romance.

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Season 3 and 4? Why?

Season 2 was absolutely necessary as season 1 left the audience completely heartbroken for this pair of soul-mates. Leaving Uk behind to live out an eternity alone would have just been too cruel, especially considering he would be forever haunted by the wraiths, the residual spirits of the evil souls who greedily took part in soul shifting. As the evil Jin Mu, who never deserved to carry the revered family name, had not been served his just deserts, ha had to be eliminated.

So, season 2 wrapped up all the loose ends left by the tragic ending of season 1. Season 3 and 4 would superfluous. What is left for Uk and Yeong/Bu Yong to do? Chase after the escaped relics? Anyway, two thumbs way up for wrapping things up with season 2. Even Maidservant Kim and Lord Park had their happily ever after, with a suggested bundle of joy of their own on the way.

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My heart is heavy but the show was fantastic

I finished this beautiful, stunning gem today and ... cried at like 10 in the morning because the last episode was so epic! I am so sad that I finished this show omg… This was such an excellent, beautiful treat. I cried, laughed, got mad, cheered, just felt all the emotions!! The show was fun and stunning to watch despite my favorite characters being in so much pain. The OST for this part was just as pretty as in the first, and the story was just *mindblown* (I am surprised I actually understood it all lmao). I just loved how intricate and complex it was, my god. I will miss these characters and their interactions, and I will miss Daeho Fortress because she was a true stunner…. What a show*insert a turtle emoji*.

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Perfectly played out

I don't think people really understand this drama because all I'm seeing is complains. Don't watch a drama and start complaining if you aren't going to understand the story that it was telling. I didn't like pt1 but as I began watching pt2 it became obvious to me what the story was all about. I think Right from the start it was obvious to us but we choosed not to see it. First of all, the main theme has always been the seven stars, the king born with the 7 stars, the ice stone and Jonyoen. I will try to break it down if I can.
JBY was never existed, she died when she was in the womb, for that reason JS was reborn through her with the help of the ice stone since the ice stone belonged to her which was why she was able to sense and retrieve it from the lake, it was also why she wanted to destroy it because she knew the effect it will have on humans with greed. She came back to stop the future she saw in her vision.
The seven stars are JU, the person he was when his energy was closed and after it was opened which made him also the king as he was a product of the ice stone as well being that the ice stone is a powerful object. The other stars are all Jang UK friends, PDG, SY, the crown prince, Jin Bo Yoen and her sister JCY. The last star is CY aka Naksu. CY (Naksu) was destined to meet JU being that both fathers were best friends and their children would have met and fall in love with each other which master Lee also to be in conclusion of.
JU was a king because of the alchemy of souls in which he was born, JBY was reborn as a star to help him stop the calamity while Naksu (calling her Naksu because it's easy) was born as a star to be his shadow.
Jonyoen played a theme part in the sense that it's the most powerful place, so powerful that an object like the ice stone and the fire bird could be store there, which was why Jin Mu was obsessed in obtaining it or gaining access to it. Jonyoen collapsing would have been a disaster which we almost saw happened.
People wondering what what happened to mudeok soul or JBY soul since Naksu took over. In Pt1 while naksu was trying to shift soul into another woman but got to enter mudeok body is because JBY made it so, both were stars and both had a role to play in the king (JU) coming into his power. In pt1 Naksu got to live as mudeok/JBY and in pt2 JBY got to live in naksu body. Been that the first priestess JS was never met to be born but she had to be born to see the future come to pass and stop it that was why she was able to leave at the end and gave way to the light and shadow which was Naksu to live because she never really got to live.
I summarised it well in my head than I did writing it out, but all in all I really understand the drama and loved it. I guess the problem is the confusion of it all, in my own opinion it shouldn't have been divided, while watching it I refused to think of it as pt1 and pt2 and just sat it as 3YearsLater in my head which made me understand it better and got the bigger picture. I honestly loved the 3 years later more than the first part.

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WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

I DID'T EXPECT THIS! I started season 2 with a broken heart from season one, and honestly, I thought it was gonna be a sad ending. BUT IT WASN'T! I am so happyyy! So, let's start. This drama wasn't just a drama, it was my comfort, my sadness and my happiness. Jang uk is the literally definition of true love and it just set my standarts so high. I couldn't explain the happiness I felt when he expressed the love and when I would seenthem happy together. As I said, I was mentally prepared for a sad ending, so I was a little taken back by the happy one, but it was so worth it. The actors looked so good and not to start with the acting and the CGI! (or how it's the name) . The whole serie was a big plot twist. I honestly hated the crown prince bcs I thought it was on Jin Mu's side, but I'm grateful I was wrong. What more can I say then just GO WATCH IT NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I Enjoyed More Than S1

Hear me out: My issue with S1 was there was so much fluff. They went 20 episodes in what could have been 10, and they proved that with S2.

The story to me is essentially a remake of S1. Yes, it is technically a continuation, but the overall love story and outcome is the same, but without all of the time filling nonsense. I read some reviews where they complained about the two lead love story and how quickly he got over Mu Deok, but if you pay attention to the story, you'd see that it's a sense of familiarity vs "here's someone new. I like her". My biggest gripe of S2 is how rushed the last episode was. Here you have these one hour-one and a half hour long episodes, and they waited until the last one to try to close everything. It was silly and unnecessary and made me meh the ending instead of fully enjoying it.

The casting is GREAT! Yes, it is unfortunate the entire cast couldn't return, but Go Yoon Jung really stepped up to the plate and I felt her chemistry with Lee Jae Wook was so much more natural and convincing then his chemistry with Jung So Min in S1.

The OST was of course fitting for the drama, catchy, and memorable. It tugged at your heart strings at the end of each episodes and made you belt out the lyrics while you quickly skipped the countdown for the next episode.

I would give this drama a rewatch on a cleaning day or something like that. I can't say I'd consistently rewatch it outside or a wanting something on in the background scenario.

Overall, I enjoyed S2. There were some plot holes, and to me, it really seemed like a condensed remake of S1, but it made the execution better in my opinion. It's worth a watch if you enjoyed S1 but felt like something was missing.

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The best love story that ever existed!

First of all, I just can't believe that it ended already. Its been three weeks since it ended but I feel so empty inside. I keep on rewatching all the episodes. I just miss them so much. The excitement and frustration from waiting for new episodes. The theories that circled through my head. The way I betrayed Christmas and NewYear because I was more excited for AOS than them. It was such an unforgettable feeling. There's no other drama that made me feel like this before. I've become so obsessed and can't seem to let them go. I can't watch other dramas because AOS set the bars so high.

I'm telling you, this is the BEST KDRAMA. Everything about it speaks PERFECTION. But one of the best part was the LOVE STORY. Just like I said, its the best love story that ever existed. So if you're here for romance, don't hesitate and go watch it now!

𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔- 10
Three years after the tragedy that led Mu-deok to run wild and kill innocent people, engineered by Jin Mu, Jang Uk, who returned from the dead as a result of the powerful Ice Stone inside his body, becomes a ruthless hunter of soul shifters and becomes increasingly isolated due to his heartbreak over the death of his love—Mu-deok. He then meets the mysterious heiress of Jinyowon, Jin Bu-yeon, who resembles Nak-su.

- This season focused more on romance. That's why they change the title to Alchemy Of Souls: Light and Shadow.
LIGHT represents Jang Uk and SHADOW represents Cho Yeong/Naksu. It shows how they fall in love all over again, even without recognizing each other. I like how the story unfolds, the parallels from the first season, and how each characters changed.

"𝙒𝙚 𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙪𝙥 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩. 𝙒𝙚 𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙞𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧."
- I believed that this line is the perfect summary for the whole season. It shows the purpose on why they made this season. LOVE CONQUERS ALL!
They changed her appearance, removed her memories and locked her up but in the end Jang Uk ends up finding her. Why? Because light and shadow cannot be separated. They are INSEPARABLE.

Also, the other characters was given their own room to develop their stories. Everyone has their own closure, even those who lacked closure in S1. It was given to them perfectly here in S2. The story was well wrapped. Just prepare yourself for the biggest plotwist! I will not spoil it

There are also some annoying villains who carried the story. Jin Mu was the top of them. His greed lasted till the end.

𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙉𝙂 & 𝘾𝘼𝙎𝙏- 10
I'll start with 𝙅𝙖𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙤𝙠, the one who lead the whole 30 episodes kdrama. He deserves the best actor award this year. His acting was insane. He perfectly showed how Jang Uk changed over the two seasons. I really can't imagine other actors doing that role, Lee Jae Wook was born for it. Actually this role is too much for a 24 year old actor but JaeWook did it. I respect him so much.

As for 𝙂𝙤 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙣 𝙅𝙪𝙣𝙜, she also did a great job. She succeded in making the viewers love her. For those who already watched S1, you'll know that they changed the actress. From Jung So Min to Go Youn Jung. But it's totally understandable in this drama. Its fantasy and involves soul shifting. And Go Youn Jung is not a stranger in the series, she's the one who potrayed the original Naksu in S1. Her role here in S2 is the complete opposite of her role in S1. She perfectly potrayed a woman without memories. The development of her character from the cruel assassin to a clueless priestess.

Its time to talk about Lee Jae Wook and Go Youn Jung's chemistry. The chemistry that I didn't expect at all. Its insanely offcharts. Be it onscreen or offscreen. Their chemistry leaded this season to a great success.

𝙈𝙐𝙎𝙄𝘾- 10
I just love all the OST in this drama. This season only has three OST but had its own meaning. I already downloaded it and bought the OST ALBUM. They are just simply a MASTERPIECE!..

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𝘼𝙇𝘾𝙃𝙀𝙈𝙔 𝙊𝙁 𝙎𝙊𝙐𝙇𝙎: 𝙇𝙄𝙂𝙃𝙏 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙎𝙃𝘼𝘿𝙊𝙒 (A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED KDRAMA) ♡♡♡

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you’ll keep rewatching it over and over again

Alchemy Of Souls is one of the few kdramas that mostly lead to perfection. The first season is just sensational, story and fantasy wise. It'll intrigue you, move you, make you laugh and cry. It'll tickle all your emotions.
And the second season is quintessentially perfection and we absolutely needed it. The two main leads and their chemistry and emotions are the main focus of the story and you’ll fall in love with them over and over again. I cried so much but at the same time I had such a good time watching it.
It has become my fav kdrama of all time, taking the first spot from "Goblin" after 5 years.
I truly recommend it: you'll fall in love with every character and you'll embrace all their flaws and imperfections and shadows and lights.
Watch it!!

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AMAZING

Three years have passed after the tragic events at the end of season 1 when the tale picks up. Mu-deok (who is being controlled by Naksu) has vanished after being rescued from certain death by unidentified forces. Jang-uk is back and even more fierce than before. He is almost unstoppable and a soul-shifter hunter. He reminds me a lot of Neo from The Matrix Reloaded, and it's amazing how closely their characters' stories intersect.When Jang-uk comes across Bu-yeon, the long-forgotten princess of Jinyowon that’s been imprisoned by her mother, what ensues is an unlikely romance wrapped around a larger plot for saving the Kingdom. Only, it turns out Bu-yeon is actually Naksu and Mu-deok in disguise, although she doesn’t remember any of it.

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