Alchemy of Souls S1&S2 — Must Must Watch — Review!

Well, one of the best series of 2022 — lots of magic and action.

It took me a while, at least until Episode 4 of S1 to understand who each of the names corresponded to, what Alchemy of Souls meant, why someone does it, what or who mages are and all that jazz. Till the 4th episode things go slow but once you start understanding things, there’s no looking back.

Jang Uk played by Lee Jae-wook is fantastic, he is the black sheep in the family and has no powers or skills but with the help of his maid Mu Deok-i, he goes on a quick learner mode and picks up most of the skills that take years to master. He is also lucky in many ways and seems like the stars are aligning to help him out.

Loved the chemistry between all the stars, Mu Deok-i played by Jung So-min whom I first saw in Because It Is My First Life, is pretty and smart as ever. The story gets interesting and intriguing with each episode. We get to understand why Jang Uk was not taught anything and why he did not develop any skills like his other family members.

Most importantly, this sorcery called alchemy of souls is fascinating — conjuring energy balls, spells, minus the wands, fights, jumping around ala Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, birth stars, destiny, hidden secrets — there’s everything in this series.

Not to forget the subtle humour that Jang Uk displays every now and then is refreshing. I have to mention his chemistry with the Crown Prince (who looks like a sasta Park Hyung-sik) is hilarious yet cute. How the Crown Prince develops feelings for Mu Deok-i is adorable, sometimes you do feel bad for him but I guess his character was there to keep us engaged with the story.

Th story picks up further pace from the 10th episode. The 14th ends on a cliffhanger!! And so does every episode after that, oh my goodness. I am so glad I watched it together and not week after week, would have killed me😂😂

So-i the thief and the impersonator does a wonderful job, she shows her desperation to survive and would undergo any torture to do just that. The desire to live a comfortable life, to be in the company of the rich and powerful and to be able to dream about handsome grooms, makes her go to any extreme. She kills the goodness in her to achieve that only unaware that the evil powers are planning to use her to their benefit and discard her. That, was very unfortunate.

The moment when Lady Jin recognizes her daughter is moving, you feel bad for the mother who has been waiting for her long lost daughter for more than a decade. By the way I like the eye makeup of the Jin ladies, esp the wings makeup. Pretty and elegant.

As regards S2, characterisation is more daring. Jang uk wears bright clothes in S1 and dark ones in S2. He mourns all the time and it’s tough to watch him like that. He seems mature when compared to s1 but is also deep down, mourning the death of his love, unable to accept the fact that she met her end. Does naksu/Mu Deok-i meet her end, is she petrified, or does she survive as Jin bu yoen forms the main premise of S2.

I really like his stature — erect and straight shoulders unlike many others. As the season 2 episodes go, you start seeing more of Jang uk in action, his walk, gait, stature.. uff… I liked his hairstyle from s1 rather than s2. But to see him go crazy every time jun buyeon says something is so heart breaking. You wish he realises the truth soon but then the series would get over then.

There was one dialogue in episode 7 if I remember correctly that makes Jang Uk go crazy and for good reason. He wants to give up thinking his power is going to be harmful to everyone, but then this happens.

So-i plays her role well and so does Seo Yul, you wish something happier happens to them but does it? You’ll have to wait and watch.

Among the most annoying characters are the king and queen. The king wears some stupid looking crown which I thought was made of paper 😂😂
Lady Jin is the most grumpiest, there are very few scenes where she’s happy or smiles. Sad life hers.
Some other loveable characters are Master Lee, Master Heo, Kim Do Joo, Lord Park Jin and of course the crown prince. He has a very deep voice and some peculiar actions which are cute, the way he raises his eyebrows and that smile.

The finale episode is really something! All loose ends are tied up, does anyone die, does Jin Mu meet his end, what happens to Jin Bu-yeon and Naksu and Jang uk is for us to see. The finale episode also helps us understand more about the poem Words of the Heart and the ice stone’s powers and its reason for existence. Intriguing and enlightening.

There were some moments that showed Jang Uk in a superman-esque fashion and it calls for claps and whistles, from us fans.

Overall, must watch. New found liking for many actors in this series. Now I am going to hunt for their Kdramas and add them to my list.