Alchemy of Souls: Part 2 (2022)

A MASTERPIECE WORTH WATCHING

The journey of almost 7 months with AOS has been truly memorable. Now that it has come to an end, it feels so empty.
As I had mentioned in my review for season 1, this drama is just PERFECT and even this season didn't disappoint me with its excellent story line, cinematography, cast, music, EVERYTHING!
Go Yoon Jung portrayed her role as Jin Bu-yeon and Yeong so beautifully and I was all in for it. The dark side of Jang uk with the little mixture of softness was something to look forward to! Their chemistry is INSANE, TRUST ME! After soo long I could feel that the love that the leads share onscreen is BEAUTIFUL, just beautiful nothing else! My heart fluttered in all of their scenes together. Literally no one beats this couple and I was (will always be) all in for it! Kim DoJu, my favourite character throughout! Even though her role wasn't that much, I really really loved her little love story with Park Jin! They have to be my favourites<3. Seo Yul, Dangu, Cho Yeon, Seja Joha, Mama Jin, Master Lee (and ofc uri kkobugi the turtle!).. ALL OF THEM, they have my entire heart! Sad that it has ended and wouldn't get to see them, but happy that they were a part of this fantastic series!
About the story, I'M FULLY SATISFIED WITH IT. I truly think these 10 extended episodes did full justice to the series and I really want to thank the writers and the production team for this! People did criticise it a lot (still do) but for me, it was EXCELLENT! For me, the ending was PERFECT and it couldn't have been any better! After all the ups and downs, all the longing, all the heartbreaks, all the characters finally got what they deserved.
The OSTs! What a song Blue Flower is! I remember getting goosebumps while listening to it for the very first time. I loved how Lia's voice perfectly suited the song(she should get the attention she deserves). I even cried while listening to 'I'm sorry' by Ailee. True that I didn't understand the meaning of the song first but the emotions with which it is sung is MARVELOUS. All the other Osts too were exceptionally amazing!
Now that I've completed watching AOS2, I'm left with mixed emotions. I was rooting for this drama since it's announcement. The journey with it has been thrilling. Right from the first episode of the season one, till the last episode of season two, this series has ruled my heart and I know it will continue to do so for a very long time. From waiting for the premiere of season one to waiting for the finale of season two, this series has not once disappointed me. Hong sisters wrote the greatest love story to ever exist! They showed the world the meaning of true love! True love is not only about loving the body, but falling in love with the soul! It is loving the person inside out. They didn't disappoint us with the ending and I will thank them again and again for this!
All the praises for this drama will fall short. Every word will fail to describe the beauty of it. Alchemy of Souls is that drama which will remain in my heart FOREVER. Nothing could ever describe my love for this. For me, it was not just a drama, it was an emotion. Gonna miss it so so so muchh :(((
All I want to say is that don't miss out on this masterpiece. It's one of a kind and won't disappoint you.
Now i'll go and rewatch it right from the season one♡

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Excellent Cast; Lackluster Story/plot

Im a lover of great stories and faithful characters. To be honest I actually quite liked the first 8 episodes of AOS part 2. It has more of a rom com vibe and i don’t really understand why the writers kept trying to input conflict into the show when that clearly isn’t their strong suit. Every major conflict the show presented was solved so easily— there was no journey, no trepidation or wondering whether things would work out, and nothing significant lost or taken from the characters. The writers literally took no risks. Even if I didn’t watch the ending I could have told you that all the bad guys die and all the good guys live… and that’s exactly what happened.

I’m completely underwhelmed with the ending of AOS part 2. There was so much bulld-up concerning so many different plot lines:
- the fire bird that’s going to destroy the whole world “oh no!”
- the evil unanimous assembly who were greedy for the ice stone even from part 1.
- Jin mu pursuing his only character trait “im evil muahahaha”
- The protection of jinyowon and powerlessness of the jin family
- naksu/cho yeon/ jin bu yeon is definitely going to die— she definitely is..the story promises it! (spoiler…she lives)

The resolutions to the plot’s “major conflicts” were all solved SO QUICKLY it made me wonder what was the point of having them as conflicts in the first place? Especially the fire bird scene, the build up of that was across the ENTIRE part 2 show yet was resolved in less than 5 minutes… its just SO underwhelming.

Even that funeral they held for the “death” of the 3 main characters was also resolved almost immediately and then never addressed again. It was just so frustrating. Because I enjoyed the first 8 episodes enough, that made watching the final 2 episodes so shockingly disappointing. Sure its a happy ending, but how can you have a “world is going to end” scenario where all the main/ “good” characters survived no problem and fight scenes were over with a overwhelmingly crushing defeat to the opposing side? I think the writers really should have just stuck to the rom com concept. Also i gave up on the plotline of naksu as a fierce strong assassin from part 1. I felt like the writers themselves just didn’t want to write a fierce female character so i’m not going to put down the show for that plot line.

Ultimately the best part of the show was the actors and what they did with the characters they were given. Basically i liked the friendship chemistry with the characters and felt annoyed that the writers kept trying to push ‘love’ unto Cho Yeon where friendship suited the relationships better. Ultimately I did mostly enjoy the show before the last 2 episodes, so i cant rate it too harshly.

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SPOILER!

Bro, I just finished the last episode today ? ?. I am proud of having waited 3 months for Alchemy of Souls to come out, when It was first announced. I watched it since Lee Jae Wook caught my attention in Extraordinary You,after I proceeded to watch DoDoDoSolSolLaLaSo. Gosh, I am so happy to have watched both seasons of this amazing drama. I was ready to expect a sad ending, but I'm relieved that Jang Uk got his good life back. Regarding Jin Bu Yeon, I didn't like her but seeing what she did, damn she is the best for that, I was a little confused with the Jin Seol Ran situation but I'm glad everyone got their happy ending. As a Lee Jae Wook supporter, I'm happy he got his role, because seeing how successful this drama has been, it's opened up many opportunities for our favourite Lee Jae Wook and all the actors. Seo Yul, Dang Gu, Naksu, Jang Uk, Park Jin, Kim Doju, Jin Heo Kyung, Lee Cheol and our second King, Go Won, they will always have a place in my drama heart. I'm just confused as to why Naksu is now called Jin Bu Yeon. Anyway, LEE JAE WOOK, I'M SO PROUD OF YOU? I definitely recommend this amazing dramas, it is a masterpiece 100/100 rating.

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A Must-Watch Masterpiece

I know it's late to add reviews, but I have forgotten to share my thoughts while "Alchemy of Soles" Season 2 was airing from December to January. After re-watching it, I can confidently say that "Alchemy of Soles" Season 2 is an absolute masterpiece and a must-watch. I've already completed it nine times, and there's something about it that keeps drawing me back in. It's interesting how I always find myself starting with Season 2 before moving on to Season 1, a pattern I've even followed with "Dr. Romantic." This series truly has a magnetic pull, and I can't wait to watch it again.

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Closure but could have been better

What i missed the most was seo yul calling "moo deoka" just to get her riled up.
Since this was a sequel i tried not to have too many expectations but somehow the storyline was a pain in the ass.
Let me tell you a story. Then i tell you what happens next but indirectly its the same story with a few details changed and a few other points completely mismatched but enough to keep you hooked.
What ruined the story was the bad chemistry between the leads.
It's not a horrible watch but definitely not something worth sending 10 episodes over as well. You might as well watch it on double the speed.

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JANG UK love any woman who live with him for few days, PLAYBOY Story

Jang Uk live with Naksu and fall in love with her,
Naksu died
Jang Uk start living with Boyeon and also fall in love with her too
SO Jang Uk love any woman who live with him other then maid kim,
in end boyeon become Naksu and Jang uk still love naksu while he was in love with boyeon untill 8th episode
Naksu was fine with Jang Uk marrying boyeon kissing boyeon and what not
even jang uk moved on from Naksu in ep 4 and in 9th he is in love with with God knows whom
Do writer even understand love ? You love any person who live with you ?
Naksu sword, naksu was badass but for our poor male lead naksu has to become weak so that useless jang uk can be used
Jung so min acting level is way above this female lead of season 2, it was fun watching Jung So Min play Mu deok/Naksu
while this female lead was just a crying baby, most powerful pasta, most powerful assistent
Dear Hongs why even bother casting a female lead, oh yea for kissing that was only reason season 2 has a female lead for jang uk to spite......

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My kind of Drama

It's over; the final episode has aired and overall, it did not disappoint. I will so miss my weekly fix.
Equalling S1 and very similar in its slow build, with the action, intrigue and surprises, increasing with every episode.
The shift in Jang Uk's character and the effect on all the characters of S1's finale, was immediately felt from ep1.
There's more obvious romance in S2 as the eps role out, but it was never out of place or eye rolling. Quite the opposite.
I loved Go Yoon-jung's portrayal and the character of Naksu/Jin Bu-yeon. Still feisty, independent, capable and witty. Her interactions with Uk were as amusing, touching and frustrating, in turns, as S1. Subtle differences, as after all, the character has suffered and undergone a big change, but just as strong. Both actresses brought so much to their roles and credit has to go to everyone involved for making it pretty seamless.
There are twists, turns, revellations, just deserts and some shocks in S2.
There are some flash backs featuring Jung So-min's character, Mu Deok, in later eps and I'm really pleased these were included, as it stitched what was unfolding in the story together and was a reminder that the souls and their bodies had shifted to start with.
The ending was thrilling and all gets neatly tied up. It wasn't rushed, but did feel a bit like a conclusion, rather than extension of the story. Some characters and their stories did take a back seat in S2, which was a shame, however, it was still pleasing and unless S2 was to run for another 16+ episodes, the only way to complete the central theme.
With the closing 2 eps, there were a very few times the dialogue felt a little lazy and it only stood out for me because I never thought that in all the other 28 eps.
The special effects, soundtrack and sets were spot on all the way through and Car, The Garden's "Scars Leave Beautiful Trace" is now a favourite song.
An absolute favourite drama of mine now too, which in its entirety of 30 eps, is possibly top of my list. Ticked all my boxes!
All involved did a great job.

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UNIQUE STORY AND THE DRAMA IS A WORK OF SATISFACTION

The drama, the characters everything is so well written and directed. One of the best drama I have watched till date. You will fall in love with each character of the story. I swear I am going to recommend this drama to everyone. I wish there could be more extension to this drama, even though I am satisfied with everything the end the beginning all of it was worth it. The end was satisfying. This is my first time reviewing about a drama. I don't want to give any spoilers. To anybody who wishes to watch it watch it because it will make you feel anxious, happy, sad, excited, thrill, kick I MEAN TO SAY IT HAS ALL OF IT.

THE ACTORS DID A GREAT JOB AS WELL.
JANG UK HAS MY HEART?

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My favorite drama of 2022 and goes to my top 5 of all time

I didn't know much about the drama until like the week it was going to air (very weird since I usually follow up on the dramas to watch specially kdramas) ok so I saw Jung So Min which I love her acting so much and then Lee Jae Wook another rookie I like since Extraordinary You and it was his major main lead debut so I clicked, I loved the story (since always root for the underdog) Despite watching because of Jung So Min I got sidetracked by Naksu original actress Go Youn Jung but oh well I kept watching.

Part 1 was very entertaining keep me rooting for the couple as a team but it lack something and it was in my POV romantic chemistry always saw them as master and pupil they never gave each other the chance to go all for it, Naksu was kind of cold towards UK so bubbly character but when they announce Go Youn Jung was coming back I felt relief.

Not only they had the best chemistry for me, but the amplify the romantic part that lacked in part 1 IMO, so the entire drama made sense both characters matured one becoming more bubbly and spontaneous (Naksu) and Uk more of the leader and fighter we wanted to see in this kind of drama.

Over all, Jung So Min did a great job on part 1 and the reason I started watching it, then it turned to Uk journey and then when GYJ took over I didn't miss JSM a bit, because that's how good these two were, overall everyone acting specially the rookie actors did a great job and the senior actors so top notch that I got myself immerse in the Daho's world.

I highly recommend this drama to everyone looking for an entertaining and the love story of a lifetime....this puts the meaning of soulmates to the next level......

Excuse me if Im not going to the point or Im redundant with my wording but English is my second language and I barely barely write Reviews but I feel this drama deserved one of mine.....

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The Shadow made the Light disappear

LIKED:

The Naksu who fought Park Jin as the original Mage leader S1, in very beginning who we saw soul shift into Mu-deok, is same face as FL in S2.
The animal trainers did well: Loved the turtle moments, especially with Prince Go Won and the dog that could see soul shifters also was perfect.
FX good but not as awesome as in S1.
Costumes for the most part were good.
Acting by actors and actresses well done for most of them. Lee Jae Wook was great in both S1 & 2. Season 2 Jin mu mage (Jo Jae Yoon) wasn’t as compelling, but he always gives a good performance, especially when playing the bad/evil guy.
Music was for the most part appropriate, scene building and well executed.


DISLIKED:
A lot of the issues/dislikes from S1 were continued in S2, for example: Shaking camera moments and Fx green screen noticeable.
Using same actor (Im Chul Soo) to play different, non related characters; Mage Master Lee and one of the guys delivering alcohol, that Jang Uk saves by killing soul shifter [that went into son’s body].
Pacing issues, a lot of boring parts due to bogged down by too much politics and showcasing human greed

Directing: too much staring and inactive moments, extended scenes that didn't help in any way.

Writing:
Plot issues throughout, dragging on moments that were unnecessary, forcing chemistry that had nothing solid to back up the instant connection. Confusing choices for changing the character of FL that was so well developed in first season, to a character that was lacking in all aspects and then claiming she was this all along. The mess they created for the main storyline for the supporting characters of the Royalty, Unanimous Assembly and Jin mu w/ his mages, was very lame. The body swap and soul change explanation for Naksu/Bu-yeon was badly executed. Yes they used the same body for FL S2, as the opening scenes of Naksu in S1, but that didn’t help. Too many anti-climatic or low impact moments of important characters in S2, that were so evolved and developed in season 1. The character development and especially growth even for the FL, ML and other dominant characters was non-existent.

Wardrobe: the crowns of the King & Queen, all looked like those paper things you get from a fast food burger place. Also the jewelry mostly became heavy and clunky looking (like the hair pins). I understood why the colour palette changed to be more somber for literal execution of the SHADOW concept of S2, but the effort seemed lacking.


OVERALL: Most of the reviews cover all the crappy parts of the plot and their actor/actress character preferences. With a decent budget and good FX and getting a S2 to explain the concept of the plot, why did the Hong sisters give up on their plot and create a cliche and trope driven mass of garbage? Also I am sure they could’ve afforded the best camera production crew, so no excuse for zooming in way too close (I hate seeing up actor noses, cut off faces) and no film stabilizer! To give a proper review I did watch everything again, after watching it the first time. But I did use fast forward often in S2. As seems to be the trend lately with Korean Dramas, S1 is exceptional and S2 disappoints. I hope in 2023 that changes and we get consistency. I would recommend this show overall, and I will rewatch certain moments, but not the whole thing.

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I'm angry that they made a second season!

I loved AOS #1 up through episode 19. Then they had to go the historic tragedy cliffhanger route to justify another season. So, I'll admit my review is based upon my feelings. PLUS, I felt the script really diminished Uk's love to "love the one you're with" and that irritated me no end.

As with #1, AOS#2 was well-filmed, though granted, a lot darker than the first one. Great CGI, beautiful music.

STORY: Repetitive, with more of the same from #1. How the evil guy, that everyone KNEW was evil, continued to get away with his evilness was just frustrating. My biggest beef was the way the romance was written. Uk fell in love with Cho Yeong before knowing that she was Naksu. That might have been fine if we had some sense that he was struggling with his feelings, considering that he was supposedly so in love with Naksu. I didn't get that impression at all, though. Also, I didn't particularly care for the way that Cho Yeong/Naksu was written. Her personality was just so completely different than Naksu, I didn't get a feeling for Naksu's strength at all. She just seemed clingy to me, coming up with excuses to be with and touch Uk.

ACTING: So good.
Lee Jae Wook as Uk. I was believing his mourning until he met Cho Yeong and then that went out the window. I don't know if he lost weight since the first season or if it was makeup, but his jawline was so sharp it could have cut glass. It was a good look for him. I also liked him wearing black throughout the drama. It was like he had "graduated" from colors to being serious in black.
Go Youn Jung as Naksu/Cho Yeong. She did a good job with the writing that she was given. She is absolutely gorgeous. I've not seen her in anything else I don't think, I'm going to need to check her filmography and watch her in something else.
Hwang Min as Seol Yul. He, again, was my favorite character in this show. He figured out she was Naksu pretty early on, and you really got the sense that he could just FEEL that it was her. He did such a wonderful job with his longing for her.
Shin Seung Ho as Go Won. We got to see a little more understated comedy from him this time around.

CHEMISTRY: The kisses were so good, but I didn't feel the chemistry between them. How is that possible?

I have to say, I'm not particularly caring for the current trend of making multiple seasons of a show, unless it's an exceptional show like Hospital Playlist. Otherwise, it feels like they are just milking the drama, causing a lot of draggy parts to extend the drama length.

Bottom line: If you like darkly filmed dramas with multiple good fight scenes, good CGI, and you really don't care about the romance anyway, give it a try.

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