Let's start with CHANGING OF ACTRESSES1. JSM initially signed a contract for part 1 (even with the knowledge that…
If you didn't hate it, you don't have to. 😂😂😂 I am not sure about your tastes in dramas but as someone who has been an avid fan of fantasy genres, this was a top tier release.
Let's start with CHANGING OF ACTRESSES1. JSM initially signed a contract for part 1 (even with the knowledge that…
and if I may add,
JIN SEOL RAN is still such a gray character.. The writers made it feel like we should HATE her.. She's using this and that.. or planning to do this and do that which makes it understandable for the audience to somehow show dislike in her (LET'S PLEASE SEPERATE THE ACTRESSES AND THE CHARACTERS okay?? so clarifying i dont hate JSM.. I love her to death).. Since she wasn't a clear character from the beginning. And if we noticed in season 1, She acts too cold and cocky sometimes when she meets naksu. If she chose Naksu ever since the beginning, she shouldn't be acting all high right? (even if she is indeed powerful) LMAO.
Anyway, JSM is such a slayyingg actress as JIN BU YEON/JIN SEOL RAN
And I am sooooo looking forward to seeing more from Go Youn Jung! I was never invested to a drama until this series came. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE'S PROJECTS SOON.
This is what I liked most about the ending:Crown Prince being the king without that paper gold crown.
EXACTLY! LMAO... He looked amazing when he was a prince and even more so as the KING.. Glad he didnt had those prop crowns like the one from the old king and his father.
I feel like I need to address a few things here as an avid KDRAMA fan since 2008.. Read the reply if you want…
Let's start with CHANGING OF ACTRESSES
1. JSM initially signed a contract for part 1 (even with the knowledge that there's a part 2.. i totally forgot where i saw it but i did saw an article about it when Season 1 was airing 2 or 3 episodes that time). Along the way of their filming they could've renegotiated for her to join the 2nd part but then that didn't push through.. remember, JSM is the 2nd lady casted to be MUDEOK. The first one was a rookie actress who backed out probably due to the pressure since it's a huge project afterall and she's a MAIN LEAD. Given JSM's schedules which could've already been decided way back + company contract renewal topic, her appearing in the 2nd part is really going to be difficult. Also let's put into our minds that the director and writers have decided to split the stories into 2 parts.. We have S1 and S2.. As per the director, he mentioned that the story is complicated thus making them decide to do this.
2. NAKSU is NAKSU regardless of who got casted. What's even surprisingly amazing for me is the fact that GYJ and JSM are soo identical in so many ways except the height maybe. They've studied each other's ways and may have had inputs to how they would portray naksu. Remember that the 1st naksu appearance is with GYJ so JSM has to act like her in terms of way of speaking, maybe the voice as well. I do know GYJ was the inside voice of JSM when she was like talking to herself.
3. S1's plot and characters are FUN, BUBBLY with loads of actions as well. I understand some of you might have preferred season 1 coz who wouldn't want the funny genre incorporated in? As much as I like S1, it had loads of filler episodes which makes me think it would've been reasonable for it to be 15 episodes season 1 and 15 episodes season 2. This way, we can remove filler episodes in S1 and have more depth in season 2 aside from the romance. As S2 was all about changes, MORE ANGST, and the romance itself (not centered much on comedy aspects) but we all have to understand this isn't a separate story. IT IS 1 WHOLE STORY divided into 2. Why? coz 20 episodes max is for TVN especially for their timeslot. This is not a netflix original series that they can just drop everything in 1 sitting.
DIVING IN TO SEASON 2
4. Why didn't they just show us naksu fighting again with her sword? --> Good question! BUT... Remember, Naksu as a persona was created from her desire to avenge her father's death. Cant remember the line exactly but she said she cant remember if she had to be strong to survive (please correct me if I am wrong..i cant remember the full lines)..
Her original body that trained and suffered and survived all the harsh conditions is burned. Why would you want a combat showcase of her if she's in a priestess' body (JBY/JSL) which is just literally proven to be physically weak? Jin Choyeon showcased her swordsmanship but not really on par with other mages (as shown in EP 20 in season 1).. She's easily defeated.. HOWEVER, they do have such divine powers which is good for ending in S2.. The moment Choyeong got married and acknowledge that she wanted to be called CHO YEONG, there is no going back to the old her, THE NAKSU. Because she has no reason to weild the sword again. She's given a body and divine powers, a family and a man. Those things are enough for her.
5. The AMNESIA ARC... --> I am trying to see this at the lense of the writers (as I am a fan of all the hong sisters series) and here are my thoughts. (a) it had to be prolonged that way. why? If not, would we have seen choyeong act as herself if not for this? We were given a chance to see how she could've grown up if all the things that happened DIDNT actually happened. Would we actually have seen her get a friend like seo yul (the dumb and dumber duo) or would have we actually gotten the turtle (which is an MVP character btw.. LOVE U TURLE) if these things didn't happen?
6. JANG UK, CHOYEONG recognizing each other, underwhelming.. --> I dont think so.. Or maybe this is because I've watched too much series that I sort of understand this is very A THEM thing to do...If you've been following the characters since season 1 you will understand more why this is very them to do... If anything, I'm glad it was the way it was... I don't want him to cry so much just like when we was mourning.. When he thought he completely lost the love of his life. Kinda plus points on seo yul for telling jang uk naksu's going to be gone soon...
7. The JINMU death, choyeong should've killed him --> AND SHE DID! She did it in a way where she no longer puts her anger above her actual self... If Choyeong slashed his neck, it would be such a NAKSU thing to do.. but the thing is, SHE'S NO LONGER THE NAKSU THAT WE SAW. She's just herself... She's choyeong.. She hates the guy more than anyone else but she's still putting herself above and granting jinmu a painful death. It would've been bad if we just saw her slashed his neck with her sword coz that would've been an easy death. Her putting that ice stone sucking energy was such a good choice, He dies PAINFULLY... AND SLOWLY.. HE'S IN EXCRUCIATING pain before the queen and this stupid uncle came in the picture.
8. EASY DEATH of JINMU in Jang uk's HANDS. --> DESERVE! I completely see why he deserves to die in Jang Uk's hands.. He deserves to BURN!!! Naksu/Choyeong already got her revenge from putting the ice stone inside Jinmu.. Technically, Jinmu's body is now dead.. That's DEATH #1 and Jang Uk just had to kill him again. LMAO. Death #2.. THAT WAS ACTUALLY A SPLENDID DEATH.. Glad that everyone in that assembly died too.
Anyway, For the longest time, this drama had me hooked, with ANXIETY... I will never forget this and I am so thankful I could rewatch this without having to feel like throwing up (coz u never know..... It's hong sisters anyway)
I feel like I need to address a few things here as an avid KDRAMA fan since 2008.. Read the reply if you want to know more.. I'm putting the spoiler tag for this.. I'm hoping to see more things we can discuss... maybe share the same thoughts as mine. :)
I wrote this in a longer reply but it sums up in short my main problem with Part 2. I still love and adore the…
why would she be the same if she has no memory of who she was and was fed with whatever PRIESTESS information for the past 3 years? she is expected to act like a damsel in distress because she had no memories.. Season 2 is more centered towards the love story and how she's going to pull out Jang uk from the darkness he's in coz of the ice stone
one good thing about this season is they actually showed who she could've become without all those trauma.. and who she is now that she remembered who she is. she's mixing all identities within for the finale which makes her such a great lead
Some questions.1. Does Uk keep living with ice stone inside him? 2. Who become the Gwanju?
1. Yes I guess. 2. I've watched the livestream so I am not 100% sure but I think Seja was asking master lee when will he and buyeon comeback from their monster slaying/collecting activities.. And he did mention about cheombugwan so I am guessing he is going to offer jang uk the gwanju position just like his biological father Jang Gang
So in the end, Naksu didn't get back to her powerful self, right?
It wouldn't really make sense if they did Because 1. She is in Jin Buyeon's body with no combat skills (only divine powers) and 2. She's still training though as she have already reached Chisu level so adding a fight scene is over the top. The ending was EXACTLY HOW IT SHOULD BE. Jang Uk with her sword and her with Buyeon's power.
so a fan theory really is making sense now how Jin Seol Ran is Jin Bu Yeon. when Jin Hogyeong asked Jang Gang to resurrect her dead child, it could've been possible that the soul they've called upon is not of Jin Bu Yeon but rather of Jin Seol Ran.
check @MArtRevenge full theory on twitter!!! IT'S MAKING SENSE NOW!!!
You wrote what was in my heart! This is exactly the tribute this drama deserves!
Thank you so much! it's such a long letter but I really can't help it. THEY DESERVE SO MUCH LOVE and this letter I wrote was something I thought of while listening as well to the osts this season.
it's heartbreaking and beautiful. thank you for supporting them! ❤️
The story is based on real life experiences, so there's no nonsense. In my opinion, it's worth the time for every…
makes sense.. I personally do give a series 1 or 2 episodes in but CDRAMAS have like 40+ episodes usually so I am sort of wondering if it's enough to plunge in the series by watching the 1st 2 EPs. anyway, thank you so much for your thoughts! ❤️
I've been avoiding CDRAMAS coz of the number of episodes (and my ADHD just can't keep up) so I'm wondering if this drama is somehow interesting. I'm fine with watching something over 24+ episodes as long as it has to be worth the time and the attention. so if anyone can tell me if this is worth the watch, I'd really appreciate it
p.s. I got attracted to this somehow because I really liked a Korean drama that had an airport setting (I completely forgot the title) and I love planes and airports!!
Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing a piece of your heart with us
I couldn't contain my happiness.. After such a long time this drama made me want to see more of what these actors and actresses have in store for us in their next projects! I'm so glad to have witness this from the announcement of casting to now the nearing end of the 2nd season.
[ THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONG HEARTFELT WRITTEN LETTER FOR AOS ]
Now, I realize why the Hong sisters had to prolong the amnesia arc of the story. A lot of things got clearer for me and there are a few things left to resolve especially with Buyeon's real intentions. Regardless of how this story ends, whether tragically or in a happy ending, I'd like to express my admiration and gratitude to the following people.
SO MIN.. I've always been such a fan of hers and personally, I love her so much in Because this is my first life (kdrama).. SHE DELIVERED and SHE DID REALLY WELL..
YOUNJUNG - First saw her in He is Psychometric, And loved her so much in sweet home. Her appearance in S1 was the reason I watched this series (aside from the story itself). THANK YOU FOR BEING NAKSU. You DELIVERED. And I'm glad a lot of people are showing you love now. I'm happy you proved them wrong.
JAEWOOK - Phenomenal.. Thank you for being JANG UK in this series! I couldn't imagine anyone doing this role. IT'S ONLY YOU.
MINHYUN - I've been a low-key nu'est fan and after knowing you got casted for LIVE ON, I was so excited. After watching you act, I got even more excited knowing you'll have more opportunities. And well, here you are slaying your role as SEO YUL. Thank you.
Thank you for opening my eyes and making me adore shin seungho and In soo. They're going to be the actors I'll look forward to this year and in the next years to come.
I couldn't even imagine how I ended up loving this series the most as someone who got into Korean drama in 2008. Maybe this type of stories/genre is my fave.. Or possibly anything written by the Hong sis really became those memorable stories for me.
For sure, there will be more Korean dramas out there that I'll love in the future, but this story has left such a remarkable memory. Like an engraved name in my heart. ❤️
Thank you for gracing my year (2022) with the best STORY, best CG, best cast, best OSTs, best everything I could ask for.
Thank you for making my girls SOMIN and YOUNJUNG (And Nara & Arin ❤️) SHINE THE MOST. ❤️❤️
The casting directors did such a great job of finding perfect similar actresses to portray the roles of NAKSU (CHO YEONG) - MUDEOK - BUYEON And I couldn't ask for more.
This has been such an amazing story and drama for me that even if it ends tragically, I'll always remember how this was one of the highlights of my year (2022) and that everyone in here will be in my radar now and will open-heartedly support each and everyone in this series.
Also, to everyone reading this, I hope you understand the heart of the writers by this point now.
Even if it's tragic, or doesn't necessarily give off everything y'all ask for by the ending, show appreciation to all the characters and to the cast and staff. ❤️
This masterpiece wouldn't even come to life without them.
Thank you, AOS, and to the people with whom I've shared my fangirling stuff (mydramalist forums)
I'm such a happy fan.
ALCHEMY OF SOULS, TIL THE VERY END, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A REMARKABLE STORY FOR ME.
Naksu and jang uk had it worse. I never understood why buyeon never tried to find her way back with her power.…
exactly! I can't seem to recall season 1 but I think there was a mention of her loosing memories of some sort.. BUT IT MAKES ME ACTUALLY THINK SHE KNOWS EVERYTHING from that very moment she got picked up by the grandma. She even told naksu that she was living off of her body so how dare she was for calling her a relic..
she could've easily gone home knowing how she can always track the energy of nature and seemed to know her way in the village. SO WHY DIDN'T SHE EVEN BOTHER GOING HOME? she's not much of a victim considering she grew up being taken care off the grandma.
JIN SEOL RAN is still such a gray character.. The writers made it feel like we should HATE her.. She's using this and that.. or planning to do this and do that which makes it understandable for the audience to somehow show dislike in her (LET'S PLEASE SEPERATE THE ACTRESSES AND THE CHARACTERS okay?? so clarifying i dont hate JSM.. I love her to death).. Since she wasn't a clear character from the beginning. And if we noticed in season 1, She acts too cold and cocky sometimes when she meets naksu. If she chose Naksu ever since the beginning, she shouldn't be acting all high right? (even if she is indeed powerful) LMAO.
Anyway, JSM is such a slayyingg actress as JIN BU YEON/JIN SEOL RAN
And I am sooooo looking forward to seeing more from Go Youn Jung! I was never invested to a drama until this series came. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING EVERYONE'S PROJECTS SOON.
TOTALLY forgot to add,
THERE WASNT ANY CHANGE OF ACTRESS AT ALL.
Since The Naksu in SEASON 2 was The OG Naksu..
If you hated this series, Go talk to the wall I guess.
1. JSM initially signed a contract for part 1 (even with the knowledge that there's a part 2.. i totally forgot where i saw it but i did saw an article about it when Season 1 was airing 2 or 3 episodes that time). Along the way of their filming they could've renegotiated for her to join the 2nd part but then that didn't push through.. remember, JSM is the 2nd lady casted to be MUDEOK. The first one was a rookie actress who backed out probably due to the pressure since it's a huge project afterall and she's a MAIN LEAD. Given JSM's schedules which could've already been decided way back + company contract renewal topic, her appearing in the 2nd part is really going to be difficult. Also let's put into our minds that the director and writers have decided to split the stories into 2 parts.. We have S1 and S2.. As per the director, he mentioned that the story is complicated thus making them decide to do this.
2. NAKSU is NAKSU regardless of who got casted. What's even surprisingly amazing for me is the fact that GYJ and JSM are soo identical in so many ways except the height maybe. They've studied each other's ways and may have had inputs to how they would portray naksu. Remember that the 1st naksu appearance is with GYJ so JSM has to act like her in terms of way of speaking, maybe the voice as well. I do know GYJ was the inside voice of JSM when she was like talking to herself.
3. S1's plot and characters are FUN, BUBBLY with loads of actions as well. I understand some of you might have preferred season 1 coz who wouldn't want the funny genre incorporated in? As much as I like S1, it had loads of filler episodes which makes me think it would've been reasonable for it to be 15 episodes season 1 and 15 episodes season 2. This way, we can remove filler episodes in S1 and have more depth in season 2 aside from the romance. As S2 was all about changes, MORE ANGST, and the romance itself (not centered much on comedy aspects) but we all have to understand this isn't a separate story. IT IS 1 WHOLE STORY divided into 2. Why? coz 20 episodes max is for TVN especially for their timeslot. This is not a netflix original series that they can just drop everything in 1 sitting.
DIVING IN TO SEASON 2
4. Why didn't they just show us naksu fighting again with her sword?
--> Good question! BUT... Remember, Naksu as a persona was created from her desire to avenge her father's death. Cant remember the line exactly but she said she cant remember if she had to be strong to survive (please correct me if I am wrong..i cant remember the full lines)..
Her original body that trained and suffered and survived all the harsh conditions is burned. Why would you want a combat showcase of her if she's in a priestess' body (JBY/JSL) which is just literally proven to be physically weak? Jin Choyeon showcased her swordsmanship but not really on par with other mages (as shown in EP 20 in season 1).. She's easily defeated.. HOWEVER, they do have such divine powers which is good for ending in S2.. The moment Choyeong got married and acknowledge that she wanted to be called CHO YEONG, there is no going back to the old her, THE NAKSU. Because she has no reason to weild the sword again. She's given a body and divine powers, a family and a man. Those things are enough for her.
5. The AMNESIA ARC...
--> I am trying to see this at the lense of the writers (as I am a fan of all the hong sisters series) and here are my thoughts. (a) it had to be prolonged that way. why? If not, would we have seen choyeong act as herself if not for this? We were given a chance to see how she could've grown up if all the things that happened DIDNT actually happened. Would we actually have seen her get a friend like seo yul (the dumb and dumber duo) or would have we actually gotten the turtle (which is an MVP character btw.. LOVE U TURLE) if these things didn't happen?
6. JANG UK, CHOYEONG recognizing each other, underwhelming..
--> I dont think so.. Or maybe this is because I've watched too much series that I sort of understand this is very A THEM thing to do...If you've been following the characters since season 1 you will understand more why this is very them to do... If anything, I'm glad it was the way it was... I don't want him to cry so much just like when we was mourning.. When he thought he completely lost the love of his life. Kinda plus points on seo yul for telling jang uk naksu's going to be gone soon...
7. The JINMU death, choyeong should've killed him
--> AND SHE DID! She did it in a way where she no longer puts her anger above her actual self... If Choyeong slashed his neck, it would be such a NAKSU thing to do.. but the thing is, SHE'S NO LONGER THE NAKSU THAT WE SAW. She's just herself... She's choyeong.. She hates the guy more than anyone else but she's still putting herself above and granting jinmu a painful death. It would've been bad if we just saw her slashed his neck with her sword coz that would've been an easy death. Her putting that ice stone sucking energy was such a good choice, He dies PAINFULLY... AND SLOWLY.. HE'S IN EXCRUCIATING pain before the queen and this stupid uncle came in the picture.
8. EASY DEATH of JINMU in Jang uk's HANDS.
--> DESERVE! I completely see why he deserves to die in Jang Uk's hands.. He deserves to BURN!!! Naksu/Choyeong already got her revenge from putting the ice stone inside Jinmu.. Technically, Jinmu's body is now dead.. That's DEATH #1 and Jang Uk just had to kill him again. LMAO. Death #2.. THAT WAS ACTUALLY A SPLENDID DEATH.. Glad that everyone in that assembly died too.
Anyway, For the longest time, this drama had me hooked, with ANXIETY... I will never forget this and I am so thankful I could rewatch this without having to feel like throwing up (coz u never know..... It's hong sisters anyway)
one good thing about this season is they actually showed who she could've become without all those trauma.. and who she is now that she remembered who she is. she's mixing all identities within for the finale which makes her such a great lead
check @MArtRevenge full theory on twitter!!! IT'S MAKING SENSE NOW!!!
BLUE FLOWER - Jang Uk's POV
TREE - Seo Yul's POV
I'm Sorry - Naksu's POV
it's heartbreaking and beautiful.
thank you for supporting them! ❤️
p.s. I got attracted to this somehow because I really liked a Korean drama that had an airport setting (I completely forgot the title) and I love planes and airports!!
Now, I realize why the Hong sisters had to prolong the amnesia arc of the story. A lot of things got clearer for me and there are a few things left to resolve especially with Buyeon's real intentions. Regardless of how this story ends, whether tragically or in a happy ending, I'd like to express my admiration and gratitude to the following people.
SO MIN.. I've always been such a fan of hers and personally, I love her so much in Because this is my first life (kdrama).. SHE DELIVERED and SHE DID REALLY WELL..
YOUNJUNG - First saw her in He is Psychometric, And loved her so much in sweet home. Her appearance in S1 was the reason I watched this series (aside from the story itself). THANK YOU FOR BEING NAKSU. You DELIVERED. And I'm glad a lot of people are showing you love now. I'm happy you proved them wrong.
JAEWOOK - Phenomenal.. Thank you for being JANG UK in this series! I couldn't imagine anyone doing this role. IT'S ONLY YOU.
MINHYUN - I've been a low-key nu'est fan and after knowing you got casted for LIVE ON, I was so excited. After watching you act, I got even more excited knowing you'll have more opportunities. And well, here you are slaying your role as SEO YUL. Thank you.
Thank you for opening my eyes and making me adore shin seungho and In soo. They're going to be the actors I'll look forward to this year and in the next years to come.
I couldn't even imagine how I ended up loving this series the most as someone who got into Korean drama in 2008. Maybe this type of stories/genre is my fave.. Or possibly anything written by the Hong sis really became those memorable stories for me.
For sure, there will be more Korean dramas out there that I'll love in the future, but this story has left such a remarkable memory. Like an engraved name in my heart. ❤️
Thank you for gracing my year (2022) with the best STORY, best CG, best cast, best OSTs, best everything I could ask for.
Thank you for making my girls SOMIN and YOUNJUNG (And Nara & Arin ❤️) SHINE THE MOST. ❤️❤️
The casting directors did such a great job of finding perfect similar actresses to portray the roles of NAKSU (CHO YEONG) - MUDEOK - BUYEON And I couldn't ask for more.
This has been such an amazing story and drama for me that even if it ends tragically, I'll always remember how this was one of the highlights of my year (2022) and that everyone in here will be in my radar now and will open-heartedly support each and everyone in this series.
Also, to everyone reading this,
I hope you understand the heart of the writers by this point now.
Even if it's tragic, or doesn't necessarily give off everything y'all ask for by the ending, show appreciation to all the characters and to the cast and staff. ❤️
This masterpiece wouldn't even come to life without them.
Thank you, AOS, and to the people with whom I've shared my fangirling stuff (mydramalist forums)
I'm such a happy fan.
ALCHEMY OF SOULS, TIL THE VERY END, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A REMARKABLE STORY FOR ME.
FIGHTING!!
❤️❤️
she could've easily gone home knowing how she can always track the energy of nature and seemed to know her way in the village. SO WHY DIDN'T SHE EVEN BOTHER GOING HOME? she's not much of a victim considering she grew up being taken care off the grandma.