I officially got into k-dramas because of fantasy dramas. It has since always been my favourite genre, although I haven't finished any good one in a while now. I keep starting so many in hopes of finding a good fantasy that keeps me glued but just end up putting them on hold soon after. But this. JUST WOW!!! The story, the actors, the chemistry, the visuals, the aesthetics, the set, the music!!! I am just so obsessed with everything in Alchemy of Souls.

I did not start it immediately cos I was in a drama slump (again, I keep getting into slumps and my currently watching lists is reaching astronomical heights) and I think this actually helped me enjoy it even more. Binging it was so much fun, I haven’t stayed up this late clicking next episode in a long time.

I loved how it was historical but somehow modern as well. The language was a bit more graspable, the interactions were flowing and so were the overall dialogues. Like it was not your usual historical drama, and that was not just because it was a fantasy as well. The two usually distinct genres really fused together. The humour and comedy were also never really out of place, even in the most serious of scenes I never felt annoyed by the little silly moments (do we want to talk about Uk and the crown prince’s exchanging stares, they are always so effortlessly cute and funny. Also Park Jin with Kim Doju and Master Lee, what a love triangle. Park Jin and Jin Mu fighting over honey biscuits had me rolling on the bed). Like, I promise, you are not going to get bored one moment haha. But again that’s me but give it a chance.

The actors were amazing in delivering their characters. Usually with ensemble casts you have big expectations but not all the time your hopes are fulfilled. Our main leads were a group of talented actors, new and established, and I can say that I am so happy for them and how hard they worked. Seeing their hard work being paid by a second season within the end of the year just proves how much the story and their acting wowed the audiences. I am so proud of Lee Jae Wook btw. He has come so far since Extraordinary You and I’ve been watching and waiting for him from almost three year now. I prayed for a role like this for him so bad!!! I’m so glad this worked out for him. Can’t imagine a better Jang Uk. (Also are we ready for badass Jang Uk? The teaser better make him justice in season 2)

The individual stories of each character and how they were presented was really catching. After 20 episodes I know why they are the way they are and why they have been key in the story building process. Jang Uk, Seo Yul and Park Dang Gu have my heart!! Even the crown prince to be completely honest. The women of this drama woah!! Strong, elegant and resolute. Like I enjoyed this drama so much that I don’t actually hate any character. Like okay, maybe I dislike a few for obvious reasons, but the comedy made up for that. Also where can I find these honey biscuits? Like they were the main character.

The only little downside was Nak Su. It was a bit disappointing how she transformed into Mu Deok by the end. Like yes, she did not have powers anymore but somehow she just became more gullible. It’s like they were two different people. Like Nak Su’s soul was in her but it was Mu Deok who was controlling it which was one my theories as well. And with the Jin Bu Yeon twist they did to some extent make sense into that aspect. This is why I am excited for Go Yoon Jung being back as she added the essence and life into the original Nak Su. I am happy with how Nak Su/Mu Deok/Bu Yeon fused in Jung So Min but I crave more of that badass Go Yoon Jung Nak Su.

A lot of people consider this an overrated drama, and I can admit myself that until a few days ago I could have thought so too. When the final episodes aired I was at around episode 13 and thought that yes, I am loving it so far but is it actually going to live up to all the love I am currently feeling? And you know what, it did. I feel like the last 10 episodes really did it for me. Honestly you could not really stop at any point. Like at at around Hal dramas i start feeling bored because of the usual politics and power plays but not this time. While in the first half we were slowly flowing and building the momentum, the second half really showed so many important and necessary developments. Some dramas play their cards too early on, and it leaves boring episodes by the end where unnecessary subplots are added and are mostly just filler episodes. In here, although there were so many characters, there were subplots but they were somehow expected and everyone was waiting for those secrets to be out and put the final puzzle together. Like for a 20 episodes drama which was averagely more than an hour long they really managed to wow me.

I loved how between the last two episodes there were moments of calm before the ending. We knew it was going to one hell of a ending. Explosive. And that teaser at the end!! Are you kidding me!? How am I supposed to wait until December? Thank God I am going back to uni otherwise the wait would have killed me. I think I’ll just rewatch it (which from me is a big statement, because I never rewatch dramas)

I know that some people might feel disappointed by what will happen or not with Jung So Min but I am sure the writers have something good in store for us. The original Nak Su impressed me so much with her strong personality so I am very excited about Go Yoon Jung returning as Nak Su. It’s going to be just 10 episodes and from the teaser I am expecting a rather fast paced plot, which is honestly required at this point of the story. I hope Seo Yul finds his happiness, he was truly the scene stealer for me.

Rather than a review this was more like a rant to myself. I do understand the reasons many people might not like this but personally for me their points are exactly why I enjoyed this. I am just happy many people, just like me, loved and enjoyed the characters’ journey and the story. That is all that matters at the end. We are all different and have opinions but at the end of the day what matters is if the drama made you feel something.

Thanks for reading this messy train of thoughts!! Season 2!! DECEMBER COME FASTER!!