jxxvvxxkstan

I didn't read the whole review, but here I am asking: do YOU hate women?
I don't understand all the hatred towards women with feminine traits. What's wrong with being sweet and kind? What's wrong with feeling tired of being strong all the time? What's wrong with relying on a loved one? Yeong lived a miserable lonely life as a warrior and she doesn't want that for her anymore. What's so wrong with that? Why do you have to undermine women who don't want to live like that? As far as I know, there's no "right way" to be a strong woman.

He wanted to gain power and influence through the ice stone. He knew he couldn't become one with the stone. So the stone was not his ultimate goal.

I'm talking about Korean dramas. As I said, other fantasy shows can hint at other genres, but they don't actually pursue those genres like AoS tried to do. You can say AoS opted for a more western approach.

"Why do you think Uk was in such deep denial ( as you say) when he’s living in a world of soul shifters and magic that he personally has experience with?"

First, he was in denial about Naksu's death. Then the opportunity to end his torment came in, he focused on that only. He suspects her right away, he checked her eyes, and he didn't see the mark but he doesn't even try hard bc that's not what he wants from her. He desperately wants to end the torment and he needs Yeong to do the job. So he builds barriers that she keeps destroying. She makes him confront his memories of Naksu, which hurts him a lot and makes him react really badly but he starts finally grieving and accepting Naksu is dead. Then there's the problem of liking Yeong and actively trying to separate her from his past lover. It's an impossible task bc they're the same soul, but he tries anyway. He wants Yeong to feel special and not a replacement. Then comes Yeong's rejection, Uk's ultimate trauma. Uk goes nuts, he finally opens up to Yeong, she promises to stay by his side, and then she dumps him. He's not thinking clearly, we can see him going crazy. The hurt, longing, and jealousy are all that remained from their conversation. Then shxt hits the fan and the truth comes out.

Part 1 he was playing safe and establishing his power through influence, he was the only one who wasn't vulnerable to the AoS and the bells spell. The shaman Choi even confronted him about it, she wanted to act and he kept convincing her they needed more people and so on because his goal was not chaos. His plan was getting the Gwanju posotion and have all the powerful people in his hands until a better opportunity showed up. Some events eventually forced him to change his plans. He actually achieved one of his goals and became the Gwanju, but it wasn't enough because he was still unwelcomed in Jinyowon. The queen offered him an excuse to bring Jinyowon down. Since he's a coward, he took the safe route (remember he wanted to be an important/influent person not an outcast). He only resorted to violence and bold moves after he turned into a soul shifter (and feared petrification).

That's one long post, Winter. So here's another gigantic post 😂

There is no major flaw. The story made sense from start to end. The messages were all sound and clear. Preferences aside, would you categorize this show as bad? I don't think so. It could have turned into a very displeasing mess but they pull it off. It's loved by many and the ratings and buzz are there to prove it.

"All these powers and ML only uses it to kill left over soul shifters" yes, he didn't even want to be alive, he was only doing what was asked of him to protect Park Jin.

" Ml which is quick witted only realised near the end of episode 9?" yes, he was traumatized and in denial, this changes anyone's perception.

I tried to understand your point about the FL but I couldn't. Part 1 and Part 2 have different tones. Part 1 relies a lot on slapstick comedy and everything looked brighter and extra. Part 2 couldn't have the same tone since Part 1 ended in tragedy and the ML (and other characters) is in constant suffering. That's why everything in Part 2 is darker and dim. I saw plenty of people praising Younjung's acting, perhaps you're visiting the wrong side of social media. Knetizens are even defending her from malicious attacks from toxic ahjummas claiming plastic surgery (nothing to do with acting). The buzz that actually makes any difference is positive so I wouldn't worry about that. The industry doesn't care about international trolls.

Fantasy is nothing new, but they always focus on one aspect. It's always fantasy thriller, fantasy romance, fantasy action, etc. Even though other things are sparkled here and there, they heavily focus on one particular genre. For AoS, the sisters got kind of greedy and tried to bite a mix of genres, which is very hard to balance out. There is plenty of fantasy shows both contemporary and sageuk, but they're mostly based in SK with plenty of historical references. The only other high fantasy show that comes to my mind is Arthdal chronicles. This genre is risky because is not palatable to an older general audience that prefers shows with heavy cultural references. They tried to break that barrier by inserting pop culture into this sageuk from a fictional world. They also gained more freedom to adapt props and costumes without historical controversies. All the western fantasy references they used was super refreshing, since supernatural and fantasy shows in SK are heavily based on their own folclore (which was also represented in AoS). Not to mention the change in actress, something highly risky. So, yes, this is a bold/ambitious and unique project.

The story was simple not weak. They did an amazing job keeping people engaged with such a simple plot. Yes, they used dirty tricks like unreliable narrator and time skip, but it worked. Everyone was crazy over thousands of theories and creating their own stories. That's the magic of fantasy that isn't really present in other Korean fantasy shows. So forgive me if I have such a romantic opinion about AoS. I just can't ignore all the good things they did just because the plot was not as elaborate as it could. Pace-wise I liked it. I'm used to even slower developments and I never really felt it was dragging because there was enough entertainment going on. I was never bored haha even the chaos and confusion was funny. 😂

Jin Mu is a bastard child and grew up as an outcast in Jinyowon. He had a thirst to prove himself as someone with power and influence. To show to the Jin clan he was not just worthy to be considered a member, but also eventually prove he was above them. That's why he begged to be the most powerful mage at the time to be his pupil and then take advantage of his master's influence to surround himself with powerful people.

I think their agency is mostly focused on models, they need to adapt soon because their models are all getting acting jobs. They need to step up their game.

Everything you said, although it makes sense, is all speculation. But let's say things happened exactly as you mentioned, I feel even more grateful to the production team. They had a huge challenge on their hands and they actually wrapped the show up without great flaws.
As I mentioned in my review of Part 1, AoS is highly experimental. The mix of genres by itself is super challenging for the director. It's not really fair to say they failed when most people enjoyed the show and didn't bother with the plot holes. Now, everyone watches a show for a reason, and if plot holes are something you can't forgive then you have the right to feel disappointed. But have in mind these people (pd team) had a humongous task and they delivered it without major catastrophes.

Of course you can say you're disappointed. Other people might disagree with your opinion and say unreasonable things but you don't need to feel offended. Does it really matter if someone say you're this or that if you know you're not? Nah. Just say they're wrong and move on. No need to stop speaking your mind bc ppl doesn't agree with you.

MAA sucks. I hope Younjung's contract expires soon and a better agency takes her in.

They definitely cut a lot of things but were they really crucial? From start to end, I could understand the story and the characters reasons/motivations. I really don't mind missing parts if what was left fits just fine. I actually prefere when the show doesn't explain every little thing, leaving stuff to our imagination. The crucial was there.

Me too!! I hope every casting director out there see the potential and offer them another drama or movie 🤩

I'm happy for you!! Enjoy! 😍

At the end of the day it's the Hong sisters' story. They finally gave JBY/SR a chance to be of importance and not go to waste like everyone said it would, so I don't see why it should be different. Just bc it could be different doesn't mean it should or they're wrong for it. If it was my story it would totally different but it's not and it's good anyway. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Lee Jaewook and Go Younjung topped January first week's most buzzworthy actors' list for a second consecutive week. Jo Jaeyooon remained at #8 and Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow also remained at #1 for a second and final week 🤧

https://twitter.com/jxxvvxxkstan/status/1613548441879052289

How exactly could she guide her? Their souls could only speak when the body is unconscious. Only one soul can be conscious with the body. They didn't have much time, the situation was pretty urgent. I wouldn't trust such a complex spell to Yeong who is completely new to divine powers.

I wish they had divided 16/14 but maybe 18/12 would better.

Slump o/

I feel you. I still had no courage to start writing my review.