Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow (2022)

A highly entertaining absolute mess

It is hard to write a review of this show, since it has elements that are really, really good, mixed with stuff that is really, really bad.

The most irritating part Alchemy of Souls 2 is the main female character. We fell in love with Mudeok/Naksu in the first part of this show because she was this fierce, amazingly powerful figure who had suddenly found herself in a completely powerless body. She adjusted to being completely helpless by using her brain instead of her sword, and by using the increasingly powerful Jang Uk as a tool to eventually get her magical and sword-fighting abilities back (it was never explained how exactly that was supposed to work, but whatever). So, going into part 2, we were led to expect that the reborn Naksu/Jin Buyeon would eventually get back to what we think of as her true self.
Instead, we got an almost completely different person. The new FL is still smart and not afraid of anything, but otherwise a complete blank, and her main, or only, goal is to gain Jang Uk's affection. This is understandable - she can only remember the last 3 years of her life, in which she interacted with about 3 people, so she never had time to really BECOME ANYONE - but it is hard to connect her to her previous incarnation as Mudeok. As the story progresses, she starts to gain some of her old qualities back, especially her old fierceness (the scene in which she confronts Jin Mu is amazing). But, she only becomes her old self for fleeting moments, after which she again turns into helpless Jin Buyeon, permanently in need of rescue.
The FL's transformation could have been explored in interesting ways. Naksu's transformation raises an interesting question - can you still claim to be yourself if you have no memories of your previous self? To what extent do your experiences and the people around you make you who you are? There are a few moments where this comes up (there is one scene in which the FL is asked which of her four names she wants to use, and another in which Buyeon/Naksu realizes she does not even know who she is), but otherwise completely ignored.
Other things that were problematic:
-The plot and consistency issues: People acted in a certain way in one scene and then completely different an episode or two later, without explanation. Or they appear in places with no logical reason to be there, only because they are needed to advance the plot.
-The pacing and ending: The last 2-3 episodes were absolutely rushed, and there was very little tension in the 'big showdown' at the end, because so much was crammed into the last episode.
- Characters become one-dimensional (especially the villains). I loved Jin Mu and his evil genius in part 1, but in this sequel he becomes a bit boring, to be honest.

Now to the things that were really good:
- The visual: stunning costumes and sets
-The OSTs! There is not a single one that is bad, and many will give you goosebumps (Scars leave a beautiful trace, Aching, Blue Flower, to name a few)
-The romance: Even as you want to scream at Naksu/Jin Buyeon not being Mudeok, you can't help but be are drawn in by the increasingly dramatic and painful love story between ML and FL. The actors playing both will absolutely make you believe that nothing in the world matters more to them than the other person.
-Acting: next to the LJW and JSM playing the leads, huge credit goes to the actor playing Jin Mu - SPOILER - after he shifts souls. He became a completely different person! You knew straight from looking at him who he was.
- The humour is great. Park Jin's cooking skills are the best running joke in this series ("If you want to die, I will cook you more noodles!")
- The characters will make you root for them. Jang Uk, who really was an annoying brat through most of season 1, now becomes much more likable as a traumatized but incredibly powerful hero. You will love Naksu/ Buyeon in the moments when you don't want to shake her to come back to her senses. Of the supporting characters, the Crown Prince is really likable (and I really enjoyed his interactions with the FL).
- I loved how the writers drew connections to the beginning of season 1. SPOILER: In the last episode, Park Jin finally has to face the door scenario; Jang Uk fights a powerful adversary on a frozen lake Gyeongcheondaeho, shooting from a bow, which brings you back to Naksu's fighting the mages right at the start of season 1.

Even with all its faults, Alchemy of Souls 2 has HUGE entertainment value. I was not bored for a single minute watching this! And even if you don't agree with the characters' choices a lot of the time, you'll find that they stay with you long after finishing the drama.

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A 'Shadow' of season 1

In Part 1 I was captivated and glued on to the episodes. They didn't feel like they dragged on even though they were long. However, Part 2's pacing was so slow. It felt like it dragged on and on. Then at the end it felt super rushed. Just 2 episodes to conclude every thing.

It didn't feel like they thought it through enough. It should have been reversed. They should have rushed it in the beginning and moved at a slower pace towards the end.

But don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it overall, I just felt that it missed the charm of Part 1. It wasn't because the FL wasn't in there. It was just the overall direction and writing messed up this season.

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A Good Chill Thriller Fantasy Action Comedy with Romance subplots

The production staff have done a great job, with the music, costumes and cinematography. It's top notch. I like the actors but I feel many of the characters didn't get a chance to shine. Ten Episodes is however too short for the type of ensemble cast here, and much like season 1 so much was left unexplored in favor of a more fast paced action thirller comedy; this could have made a better 50 episode show than Six Flying Dragons or Empress Ki. With the world building, character relationships and introductions and giving the various characters more time to shine, and story arcs. There was much more to this world story wise than was explored. There was room to expand the magic, of the world, the locations and factions of Daeho. The weakest narrative part of the show is the antagonists, while the strongest is the comedy. So while its my favorite show of 2022, it wasn't the best. It was fun, and left me wanting more. This story has more elements to enrich it than Arthdal Chronicles. The potential here is such that it could have been as epic as the Lord of the Rings. It is my favorite show of 2022. I recommend it to all fans of fantasy works.

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Despite shortcomings, still an enjoyable watch

STORY 8.0/10
Season 2 falls short of the narrative strength seen in season 1, with both old and new storylines feeling drawn out. I wish the overall series had a shorter episode count in order to enhance pacing and storytelling. Introducing a new villain with different motives could have injected fresh energy into season 2, because I got tired of the same politicking and drama that carried over from season 1.

Romance took a bit more screen time this season, but it still felt somewhat rushed. It still falls victim to some tropes as well as cheesy and contrived moments. Despite these shortcomings, however, the chemistry between the leads kept me watching.

After the incidents of season 1, I welcomed the change in the male lead's character. I loved his tortured angst compared to his hot-headed naivete in season 1. He also became so bad-ass after the 3 year time jump.

Some viewers griped about the female lead's shift in personality, but I think the writers did it intentionally by reversing the dynamic between the male lead and female lead. It's showcasing their complementary yin-yang natures between seasons. In season 1, the female lead was more calculating and clever while the male lead was more naive and carefree. In season 2, the male lead became the clever one while the female lead became more playful and carefree. The female lead also took initiative in pursuing the male lead romantically in season 2, while he was the one who pursued her in season 1. Although the female lead lost her mage powers, she gained divine powers instead which complemented the male lead's powers. Ultimately, I think the changes to the female lead worked out fine and they support the duality theme of the show.

ACTING/CAST 9/10
The supporting cast is notably neglected. This was a shame, because they were so enjoyable to watch in season 1.

The romantic chemistry between the leads significantly improved and I enjoyed every moment they were on-screen together. I believe Go Youn Jung is just more compatible with Lee Jae Wook on-screen.

MUSIC 10/10
Great soundtrack and I liked the pop ballads in this season more than in season 1.

REWATCH VALUE 8.5/10
While the overarching storyline is not as engaging as season 1 and a lot of side characters were neglected, I absolutely loved seeing the two leads together in this season. I would rewatch this season just to see them together again.

OVERALL 9/10
Issues from season 1 are still present in season 2, such as pacing and storytelling issues as well as contrived tropes. Conclusions to some plot lines and the final confrontation at the end of the series also felt underwhelming despite all the build up over 2 seasons. But overall, the series was still an enjoyable watch. I especially enjoyed watching the two leads together on-screen. I would love to see Lee Jae Wook and Go Youn Jung leading another series together because they looked amazing together and their chemistry was phenomenal. I binge watched both seasons consecutively and will dearly miss the world of Daeho and this cast.

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Treat it as a long epilogue

This would make S2 more palatable because it did give the happy ending we all wanted for Jang Uk and Naksu/Choyeong/Mudeok/Buyeon in S1. Frankly, a lot of things in this season felt like fillers like when they showed Park Jin making kimchi.

Some people are saying that Naksu seemed weaker this season. I agree but I understand. This Naksu had already let go of her revenge and need to be powerful in S1. Her time as Mudeok made her more considerate of others, particularly her mother in S2. Still, I would have wanted her to became a sword wielding Naksu again which would have made this season and the overall series epic. I also wish that Jang Uk didn't become so overpowered.

It really would have been better if AoS was made into just 1 season of maybe 25 episodes.

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Best in while

I really enjoyed this show after long time watching animes and k dramas , to say how much this show hooked me i felt sad to finish this show , I didn't want to finish this because I might feel empty after. The best show in a while , definitely worth to watch it. Graphics are really good didn't expect to be this good , story is great blend with action romance for perfect amount , humor and jokes are on point, I learned a lot about life from this serious , just watch you won't regret it , I'm emotionally over whelmed. But some how I like 2nd female lead personalities than in season 1 like the all boys want , in 2nd season main character is so cool . In the end episode lacked action and romance it went so fast it should be more things . Anyway thanks for the journey I really enjoyed this .

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End the drama slump

I'm so glad I waited to start season 1 because if I hadn't known there was a second season I would have been so angry. Season 1 ended on an epic cliffhanger and season 2 picked up on a whole different drama. I loved that there is a clear distinction between the seasons. Season 2 did a great job of changing the mood. The actors were amazing. I really enjoyed all the interactions between the different characters. Every character stole my heart. I wish we could have gotten more of this season and not just 10 episodes. Overall though great drama. Definitely this is one to end drama slumps.

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the second season is more darker than the usual. lots of twists and turns to come

I have finished watching the second season, and it seems well done and ended a good but not that bad ending... i liked it, but not loving how the story continues because it seems to be less entertaining and the fact where the second season is far darker than the first season that is full of happiness (except the ending:’) ). It’s full of darkness, less chemistry, and less interactions with the characters. Seems the continuation of the story was focusing more of Jang-Uk’s life rising from his death, saved by the ice stone because he’s the King’s star. Liked the overall story of the second season, but I was hoping for more honestly…
So far, both seasons were good for me, but this season was more of unexpected twist and turns. So now, I’ll be talking about the second season from its plot/story (well a little bit for flashbacks), ost and cinematography. And of course, the casts and characters who did so well with how they bring interests watching both seasons <33 Also, this was like the drama series Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo, but its more of an historical action-fantasy kdrama that everyone must watch. A mixed genre of Action, Historical, Romance, and Fantasy.

STORY/PLOT
So, the story continues three years later after the incident in Daeho, Jang Uk, the son of the late king of the Royal Place, rises from the dead and saved from the Ice crystal stone as the King’s son. While fighting for the danger coming in the country, the mages continue to unfold the story anew of where it must belong. As Jang Uk became the hunter of the soul-shifters while a young woman, Jin Bu-yeon, the “called long lost daughter of Jin Ho-Gyeong and the older sister of Jin Cho-Yeon (her born name was Jin Cho-yeong), was a prisoner from Jinyowon. As she seeks to get help reclaiming her past and her life as she was in anemia after her own mother decided to bring back to life, to regain her magical powers from her past life. With that, as Jang Uk and Jin Bu-yeon met, Jang Uk slowly heals from the pain he had suffered after his only master, Mu-deok died. Slowly both discover and regain their memories and flashbacks, and Jin Bu-yeon body, finding her ways to regain her powers and energy as she regains memories from a past life, from Naksu and Mu Deok. As both slowly falls for each other, fighting from the missing pieces that left them in pain and suffering. Will they give themselves the answer they wish to desire and the comeback they deserve?
I honestly really love how it ended season 2, but the story seems to focus more of Jang Uk’s healing process of how he rises from the dead and carrying the ice stone inside of him as Master Lee concluded the last season as Jang Uk’s “not yet the end of his life”. I really love the first season, but the second season seems more darker than the first season that is full of surprises and fluttering moments, but this season gives me a scary-thrilling ride and an edge of the seat feels. But while watching, the feeling I have is always present: I miss Mu Deok so much :’)
Overall, for this area, the plot was not really promising. But the ending satisfies me as it belongs where it must be.

OST AND CINEMATOGRAPHY
Well to make this second part short, the ost still brings atmosphere with every scenario represents. I also love how Lia from ITZY shines while singing the ost and its her first time as well! Not really a fan, but I appreciate her as part of the second season’s ost, she has a great voice!! The cinematography is something that I do appreciate the producers as well! Its blending every scene, every part. Most especially the fighting scenes are too realistic :’)

CAST & CHARACTERS
Well, here we are at the last segment of my note. I REALLY LOOOOVE THE CAST SO MUCH! They bring us the joy, happiness, sadness, pain, fluttering feelings, and even they made me laugh of how they were so cute tbh :’)) Some of them that I have know from few kdrama roles improved a lot!! The 3 lead couples were also cute as well :’)) Jang Uk and Naksu/Cho Yeong, Lord Park Jin and Maidservant Kim Do Ju, and last but never forget, Park Dang Gu and Jin Cho Yeon <3 They really do appreciate more recognition!

Lee Jae-Wook as Jang Uk. Ever since the beginning of the season, he’s role never disappoints <33 I love his role both seasons. The fact where he proves us that he has so much potential to enter different roles other than his main roles this time :’)) Well appreciated kdrama actor and plus he might be soon the next hallyu star in the future because of how great he is <33 Giving him more love and support ever since I saw him from one of the first kdrama appearance as Baek-Kyung, Extraordinary You <33

Go Youn Jung as Jin Bu-yeon/ Jin Cho Yeong or known as Naksu in Bu-yeon’s body. Well, I saw her from Law School as the supporting role and the first time I saw her in her main role from this season! She improved well a lot; I do appreciate her discovering a role that fits her as well! She was pretty as well. Her character was okay, not really my favorite but I do love how Bu-yeon slowly acts like Mu Deok and gives me war flashbacks huhuhu :’)) But still, looking forward to her next projects appearing herself from future kdramas <333 Well appreciated and deserve recognition, giving her utmost love and support as well <333

Hwang Min Hyun as Seo Yul, he’s role from the second season never disappoints <33 I love the fact wherever since I saw him from a kdrama series as Go Eun-Taek in Live On. He also improved a lot. His acting skills are also being recognized as well. Seo Yul was one of the few characters that I loved, he was the softie one who gives his all to fight for everything, especially for Jang Uk. Overall, looking forward to Min Hyun’s future roles <33

Shin Seung Ho as The Crowned Prince Go Won. One of my favorite characters who never disappoints as well ever since the first season <33 Huhu I love that the fact he never betrays Jang Uk and stayed by his side whenever someone tempts him to betray Jang Uk. I also love Seung Ho’s role from here. From being the student role, villain role, and now, a prince role :’)) I loooove him ever since the first time watching him from his role as Nam Shi-woo from A-teen and 9-teen <33 He really improved a lot. Looking forward to his future roles and giving him the love and support he deserve <333

Lastly Yoo Joon Sang as Park Jin and Oh Na Ra as Maidservant Kim Do Ju. Huhu one of the couples that I love from the drama <333 I love both of them, the first time I saw Oh Nara was a coach role from Racket Boys and it proved that she is a great actress <333 Looking forward to Yoo Joon Sang and Oh Na Ra’s future roles as well ?

And to the supporting cast, Yoo In Soo as Park Dang Gu and Arin from Oh My Girl as Jin Cho Yeon, they also did so well. Even if they had less screentime duration of being together comparing the last season, they were also one of the cutest couple existed in both seasons :’) Seeing Yoo In Soo from all of us are dead (haha) and arin from the world of my 17 web series, hoping that they could shine more from their acting roles. Hoping they could enter roles that are new to them, and they deserve a leading role as well. rooting for the both <3

I'll thanked Master Lee, portrayed as Lim Chul-soo, never forgetti ur also one of my favorite character in both seasons. WIthout him, Jang Uk and the other characters might not exists and as you're the savior. He's also one of the best supporting actor from a kdrama Vincenzo :P

Overall, a good series. Might not be everyone’s favorite, but I do love the story of how it began. Great for binge-watch and time kill, very recommended for beginners. But I would say that its not wuite good for rewatching since it might bring back the feels that gives me pain and it takes time to have patience while watching hehe :’) But really love the series overall.

Looking forward to the cast’s future roles!! Well deserve recognition <3

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Answers all the questions and beautifully continues and nicely ends the story

9/10 is my rating. This is a 2022/2023 South Korean Action, Fantasy romance drama with 10, 69-87 minute episodes

First I provide a Unique Synopsis then review

Synopsis

If you watched the first season and experienced the cliff hanger and tragedy that was the ending, be reassured season two will resolve all that. One could just let things end where they did but why? This continues the story. Jang uk (Lee Jae wook) survived but is now dressed and acts in a very dark manner (shadow). As the most powerful mage in Daeho, he is charged with hunting down and executing soul shifters. Doing so takes an additional emotional tax on him as he is able to see who that person was before going “wild” and erects rock cairns to honor the departed. His nights are spent being “haunted” by wraiths and the memories of his love he lost. When chasing a soul shifter into Jinyowon leads to a chance encounter with Jin Bu yeon (Go Youn Jung) the recently found daughter of Jin Ho Gyeong (Park Eun Hye), the two form an unlikely alliance. Bu Yeon has spent the last 3 years locked in Jinyowon to hide her true identity from the other mages. Jang uk knows that if he can get rid of the ice stone his life will end and he believes Jin Bu yeon will be able to do that. Jin Bu yeon wants freedom as her mother’s plan is to keep her locked away yet have her marry and produce offspring to continue the Jinyowon.

Season two continues the story with all the characters and you find out what happened with them in the three years since the events that happened at the end of Season 1.

Review

I loved this series. I highly recommend it and will watch it again. I am a huge fan of Star Wars and Star Trek and other such otherwordly shows so the complete other world built in this seres greatly appealed to me. I was concerned that the main actress in this second season was different than the primary actress in the first but in the context of this show it makes perfect sense. It did not disrupt my like or feeling for that character at all i just found myself waiting for the aspects that were Naksu like to emerge.

Spoilers

I seriously liked the complexity of the soul shifters in this series. In Season 1, Mu deok (Jung so min) is a character unlike either her original self, Cho Yeong, the assassin Naksu (Go Youn Jung) nor the soul from the body she inhabits, Jin Bu yeon. It was so skillful both in the script and in the way the actresses portrayed these characters how you could, at times, see aspects of each of those souls and, other times, see a individual that was all of them and none of them. Finding out, towards the end, that because Jin Bu yeon lived and didn’t die as a stillbirth only because Seol ran, the original and very powerful priestess actually controlled a lot of what happened with those souls. It is why Bu yeon was born blind as Seol ran was blind, and also why she was more powerful than any of the priestesses in her blood line.

It was my fond wish that others would learn the truth about Naksu and I was very happy that it was revealed that she was tricked into being an assassin and then used as a murder weapon through sorcery by Jin Mu (Jo jae yoon). There was so much hatred toward even her memory that I found that incredibly tragic. I was sad that Seo Yul (Hwang Min-hyun) had planned to kill Bu yeon when he discovered she had the soul of Naksu as his view on the situation was so cut and dry. It made sense for his character to thin that way and actually was the reason I felt less sad he never got to be with the girl he loved. He was one of the few loose ends in the story as it would have been even better if he would have found someone who loved him enough he would get over Cho Yeong (young Naksu).

I have to commend Do Sang-woo the actor who played the soul shifted Jin Mu. The expressions on his face and even his voice transformed to Jin mu and that took a lot of acting skill to carry that off so well. He was an annoying side character as Seo Yun oh that was power hungry and arrogant and was able to kick that up to the level of Jin mu’s evil sorcerer level in a very believable way.

The friendships that developed were such a wonderful part of this series. Jang uk was already close with his childhood friends Seo Yul and Park Dang-gu (Yoo In-soo). But, as the series develops his relationship with Crown Prince, Go Won (Shin Seung ho) becomes closer and friend/family like (and he is sort of the cousin of the Crown Prince depending on whether you consider the father the soul or the body. Go Won seems destined to befriend Naksu as he is intrigued by, and befriends her, in her many forms.

I really liked that he became the King and that Jang uk wanted him to be the king and fully supported him. The writers and creators had an well executed twist when they led viewers to think that Go won had joined Jin Mu’s dark plans.

There are a lot of flashbacks that seem unnecessary and disrupt the flow of the show but that is just Netflix. When these shows are created or sponsored on any of the streaming platforms I expect there will be certain deviations from the formula that has made Asian dramas so successful. There will be flashbacks galore (that does happen in the Asian shows but it is an order of magnitude), the scenes with kissing or skin contract will be a degree more risque and it will end with question if there will be additional seasons or not. I read that the Hong Sisters themselves indicated they did not plan beyond Season 2 so I think any indicators of a Season 3 are likely rumors. There is so much they could do with Daeho, prequels and side stories, but I hope they let the main story remain completed as it is.

I could continue on about this excellent series but will stop there. I just finished Season 2 and miss Daeho already.

#LeeJaeWook

#GoYounJung

#AlchemyofSouls2

#ShinSeungHo

#DoSangWoo

#JungSoMin

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Absolutely Incredible, what a freaking ride

Hands down one of the best dramas I have ever watched. I do truly understand why there is so much hate for season 2, and it took a lot of reflection for me to not only come to terms with the way the Hong Sisters decided to execute this season, but also to learn to appreciate the beauty of the choices they made in Jang Uk’s and Naksu’s love story. No joke, 10 minutes into the last episode, I was sprawled on the floor crying my little heart out because this show has tugged on my heartstrings so so much. One of the most beautiful conclusions in Dramaland and the best conclusion I could’ve hoped for with their story. Sure, it had flaws, but I’m willing to overlook them and instead focus on all of the things that were executed so beautifully, especially the “1 year later” epilogue. My little hopeless romantic heart was so happy with those last 10 minutes of the show haha. I genuinely cannot recommend this whole series enough, and all I want to say is for everyone to go into this season especially with an open mind despite the negative opinions.

PS: I challenge you to find a more rewatchable drama than this one

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A great second season with a different Fil.

When I started this show, I had no idea that Go Youn Jung was going to be the new lead, And I'm glad they did it. I was hoping they'd do it as well since this really hasn't been done before.

What can I say? As good as the first season which is rare and they pulled of having a new female lead very well.

Go Youn Jung was just incredible, Both her and Jung So min did so well with the same character and I don't know who I like more.

I do think this story was a little weaker than the first season but other than that, An Incredible end to a great show.

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