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

Destiny at its finest

I was a little scared coming to this season and have so many doubts about if they will be able to make something good knowing the FL was going to change. My biggest question was that i didn't know how the writting could go in a way that makes sense and also get a happy ending.

Omg they didn't dissapoint. In the first two episodes what happened to Mudeok/Naksu gets explained and all makes sense (Of course in a world of magic).

Go Youn Jung is amazing in her role, she even gets the same manners and gestures that Somin put on Naksu in season 1, the looks and the fun actitude wich gets clearer when he meets the eunuch/Go Won lol. They banter is as great as in the first season.

My boy Jang Uk being the most powerful mage of all them... oh my! Lee Jae Wook performance was good in season 1 but here is even better. There is so many good moments: Seeing him in the first episode with naksu sword (I almost cry when i saw it) that flashback when Park Jin is telling he shouldn't had been born, how he cries, how he doesn't even care because the person he swear to protect is no longer with him and the most important one when Park Jin goes to Cheonbugwan and said to Uk that Songrim support him and his decision about Jin Mu. How significant is this moment and how much i love it. After all this time, after all he had to endure and sacrifice, his, basically, surrogate father say everything he wanted to hear.

Important to mention all of Jang Uk fantastic entrances specially when the Cheonbugwan mages are going to kill Seo. Badass is not enough for him.

But lets get on our OTP: from the beguining they notice something, specially Jang Uk was so lost because everything was telling him she was his love but it wasn't really her. When both gets to know the truth how they are willing to sacrifice her and their love for the greater good. Heartbreaking.

The fight of Jang Uk with the bird of fire give us the best parallel with Naksu fight in the first season. The start and the end, as it was both their destiny.

To end this review, the happy ending is everything good in this world :).

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If you haven't watched this WHAT ARE YOU DOING????

The hong sisters truly have incredible talent from an start from season 1 to an even better season 2. Please do not come at me for loving both Jung So Min and Go Youn Jung I love both my girls a lot. Like people need to stop comparing 2 queens like they're both equally as good in my opinion. But OMGG the way Lee Jae Wookie's character had so much difference than it did in season 1 like I absolutely loved season 2. I would say I prefer season 2 over season 1 sightly. But season 1 is great too. But it was amazing to see the whole cast again. Speaking of the cast like they're all casted to perfectly for their role. Everyone did an amazing job in playing their character. Like I actually got attached to this kdrama I had to take a break for a while after watching this because I was just in so much denial that it actually finished. Like funny thing I was rewatching it and im on the last episode today of season 2 I'm gonna finish tonight and cry. I am sorry if I've said this too much BUT I LOVE THIS KDRAMA SO MUCHHHHH. I'm looking for someone to be my red jade person because majority of my friends don't watch kdramas so they wouldn't understand the point of the bird egg jades. And the people that have watched it im not as close with. The blue and red jades that Jang Uk and Mu Deok had they're on amazon I wanna buy them so badddd. And have someone be my other red jade person. Anyways this turned into a rant instead of a review also if you're looking for the ost's or background music of Alchemy Of Souls than it's on YouTube and they have every single music track and ost that was part of the kdrama. Anyways please go watch it if you haven't already pleaseeeee.

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why so many bad reviews?

strangly, so many hateful comments and reviews towards FL. who have we become? i really enjoy the character growth in this SS2 childish Uky has grown up and I really fall in love, Go Youn Jung portray « one sided love » very well.
so where all the hate reviews coming from?

The story is reset and restart, it’s fresh delivered for the new FL. she is cute and did the new Naksu character very well. imagine Naksu without a revenge? she would think ordinary, falling in love like an ordinary person and Go Youn Jung delivers. I don’t get bored watching her at all, she’s geogous!

Jang Uk in this season is mature, I was very annoyed in SS1 because he acted like a baby all the time. so I’m glad to see the character development after the « losing » experience.

Love it ?

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WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

I DID'T EXPECT THIS! I started season 2 with a broken heart from season one, and honestly, I thought it was gonna be a sad ending. BUT IT WASN'T! I am so happyyy! So, let's start. This drama wasn't just a drama, it was my comfort, my sadness and my happiness. Jang uk is the literally definition of true love and it just set my standarts so high. I couldn't explain the happiness I felt when he expressed the love and when I would seenthem happy together. As I said, I was mentally prepared for a sad ending, so I was a little taken back by the happy one, but it was so worth it. The actors looked so good and not to start with the acting and the CGI! (or how it's the name) . The whole serie was a big plot twist. I honestly hated the crown prince bcs I thought it was on Jin Mu's side, but I'm grateful I was wrong. What more can I say then just GO WATCH IT NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Flawed/rushed but still beautiful and unforgettable

Story:
Apart from the flaws mentioned below, the story was pretty good, if you understood it and kept an open-mind that this was a story about Fate, Divinity and Fantasy. Still alot better than many other good dramas in the past few years.

Some flaws/dislikes:
-Flashbacks should have used more Jung So Min scenes, especially the more memorable (critical) scenes. (e.g. the wedding scene should have included flashbacks of when Jang Uk & Naksu first met in the inn , and also when Naksu decided to finally give up regaining her power and sheath her sword)

-Agree with most that the last episode seems very rushed and anticlimatic. Too many things happening in one episode.

-Story seems to have changed last minute and was still ongoing changes while filming was ongoing. Probably due to production team realizing they needed to extend more episodes and Jung So Min unable to extend her contract. One big issue I noticed was Jin Seol-ran/Bu Yeon's soul remaining in the body. Jin Seol-ran's soul remaining in the Ice Stone was only introduced in LnS, plus the fact that Master Lee early on in LnS specifically said that reviving Bu Yeon's body requires Naksu's soul and Bu Yeon's soul will have to be ejected and lost forever, yet this all changed quickly in the middle episodes. Seems it was added in for the tearjerker and to emphasize the "Light and Shadow" theme. (also felt Master Lee's speech wasn't as "impactful"). Another was Seo Yul exclaiming about Naksu's soul during the 7 star thing. (Shouldn't Naksu have already left Bu Yeon's body?)

-Amnesia arc was definitely too long and draggy. But with the Jin Seol-ran soul reason, it became a necessity.


Acting/Cast:
Only change in cast from AoS was Go Young Jung. Felt she did well and was very expressive for a rookie actress. The change from bubbly to the more serious "old Naksu" as she remembers who she was, was good and noticeable.
-0.5 as she was not able to re-produce Jung So Min's deathstare/glare even after regaining her memories.
Lee Jae Wook also did extremely well portraying the change in Jang Uk. Not sure why some people felot it was "flat".


Music:
I have always believed that OSTs are incredibly important for a drama. The quality itself and the time placement.
Having excellent OSTs make a drama so much more unforgettable and immersive.
Continuing from Alchemy of Souls, Light and Shadow did not fail to give such an experience.
Especially to 2 new main tracks: Lia's Blue Flower and Ailee's I'm Sorry
Admittedly, I start watching AoS after watching an MV of Lia's Blue Flower.
Comparatively, my top drama for music is still Hotel Del Luna's, with AoS/AoS:LnS a close second.

(Anyone who sees this and knows what track was played after Jang Uk destroys the tracking thread and he visits Bu Yeon, please do let me know. Did not find it anywhere, so it seems to have been forgotten and they did not release it)

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Give it a chance!

Look... I know many of you think it's really bad the way they changed the female lead, we all loved Mudeok and it's kinda disappointing at first knowing that we won't see her again as the protagonist, we have a new female lead in this season and I swear I was disappointed too at first. I stopped watching it after 3 episodes and didn't continue it for almost 2 years.
I decided to continue watching this year and I was so wrong! It's really good, give it an opportunity!
The new female lead is really good and she's getting hate for no reason, I'm telling you because I've been there, I also hated the idea of having a new female lead instead of Mudeok, but it's totally worth it.
Yes, it will feel different from season 1, things have changed. 2 years ago, I was mad at how different it was too. But I continued watching and I can confirm it's so well written and so good!

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An Enchanting Dance of Destiny

"Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow" continues to cast its spell with an exquisite blend of mysticism, romance, and profound revelations. This season takes the captivating narrative to dazzling new heights, delving into the depths of light and shadow that lie within the human soul.

Expanding the Enchanting Universe:
In this season, the intricate world-building takes center stage, introducing us to uncharted realms that shimmer with awe-inspiring magic. The visual craftsmanship seamlessly blends with the narrative, creating a tapestry of enchanting locales that evoke wonder at every turn.

Characters Evolving in Complexity:
The characters we've come to love evolve even further, facing their darkest fears and embracing their hidden strengths. Their journeys are a symphony of growth, making the viewers feel intimately connected to their struggles, joys, and triumphs. The chemistry between the leads sparks with intensified passion, tugging at heartstrings and ensnaring emotions.

A Ballet of Light and Shadow:
The thematic exploration of light and shadow, both literally and metaphorically, adds profound depth to the narrative. As the characters navigate through the complexities of their own souls and the world around them, the allegory resonates on a deeply personal level, prompting viewers to reflect on their own journey of self-discovery.

Plot Twists That Keep You Guessing:
"Alchemy of Souls Season 2" expertly balances its intricate narrative with unexpected plot twists that keep viewers guessing. The element of surprise is woven seamlessly into the storyline, making each episode a tantalizing piece of a puzzle that invites speculation and anticipation.

Visual Splendor and Emotive Score:
The visual feast continues, with each frame a work of art that draws you into its magic. The scenic landscapes, intricate costumes, and mesmerizing effects create a stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. The hauntingly emotive score heightens the impact of every scene, amplifying the emotions and adding layers to the storytelling.

In conclusion, "Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow" is a mesmerizing continuation of a series that has firmly cemented its place in the pantheon of fantasy dramas. Its impeccable blend of world-building, character development, thematic depth, and unforeseen twists creates a symphony of storytelling that resonates long after the final episode. This season is a testament to the power of imagination and human connection, reminding us that the dance between light and shadow is what truly makes life extraordinary.

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I Enjoyed More Than S1

Hear me out: My issue with S1 was there was so much fluff. They went 20 episodes in what could have been 10, and they proved that with S2.

The story to me is essentially a remake of S1. Yes, it is technically a continuation, but the overall love story and outcome is the same, but without all of the time filling nonsense. I read some reviews where they complained about the two lead love story and how quickly he got over Mu Deok, but if you pay attention to the story, you'd see that it's a sense of familiarity vs "here's someone new. I like her". My biggest gripe of S2 is how rushed the last episode was. Here you have these one hour-one and a half hour long episodes, and they waited until the last one to try to close everything. It was silly and unnecessary and made me meh the ending instead of fully enjoying it.

The casting is GREAT! Yes, it is unfortunate the entire cast couldn't return, but Go Yoon Jung really stepped up to the plate and I felt her chemistry with Lee Jae Wook was so much more natural and convincing then his chemistry with Jung So Min in S1.

The OST was of course fitting for the drama, catchy, and memorable. It tugged at your heart strings at the end of each episodes and made you belt out the lyrics while you quickly skipped the countdown for the next episode.

I would give this drama a rewatch on a cleaning day or something like that. I can't say I'd consistently rewatch it outside or a wanting something on in the background scenario.

Overall, I enjoyed S2. There were some plot holes, and to me, it really seemed like a condensed remake of S1, but it made the execution better in my opinion. It's worth a watch if you enjoyed S1 but felt like something was missing.

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Eager start, underwhelming end

Watch with lower expectations for this second half. An enjoyable watch with great bromance, impressive animations and usual plot progression. It is not as filled with filler episodes as the first season.

Now the following is my rant (spoiler), and warning to those who expect more out of Naksu's character in this season

I came into this second part ready to be equally impressed as the story went forth. The characters, the world, the plot was all laid out and I was excited for what it would bring.

I was also eager to see how the original Naksu actress would showcase the character we so enjoyed watching played by Jung Somin

...and I was disappointed. I feel like while we got the satisfying story end, and decent plot progression, the sole reason many, like myself, started this drama, namely Naksu's complex and strong character, just disappeared.

After 7 painstaking episodes, and telling myself it's because she lacks those memories, I received a Knight in Shining Armor trope and disappointing transiting to Naksu's character. The ending chaos or Part 1 was the last I would ever see of Naksu's character in action.

I loved learning about her outside of that assassin persona, but I yearned for her strength and courage to come forth. Alas....I got the same trope the writers of this drama use again and again with their previous works. To explain it, all I got was a short explanation at the end...sigh

I give it an 8 for the bickering I definitely enjoyed and its build up from its predecessor. But as for impressive...I think only Part 1 managed to charm me and keep me going :/

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A bit downgrade from season 1, but still a good show.

The season two consists just 10 episodes, picking up what's left in season one. Three years had passed and our protagonist Jang-uk now became a soul-shifter hunter. He lived thanks to the ice stone inside his body. Ho-gyeong secretly retrieved Mu-deok's lifeless body, and with the help of Master Lee, they succeeded to resurrect her. However, she lost her memories. Jin-mu planned a new scheme to take control of the ice stone, now planning to use the fire bird relic stored in Jinyowon.
All the actors/tresses from previous season returned for the show, so their acting quality was as expected.
The soundtracks were good, though i personally prefer the first season's.
Perhaps only two things i will rant about, as the major downgrade from season one. First, the writing. For a ten episode show, i expected it to be faster pace & denser. But here, things only heated after episode five. The first half told us the problem of Jang-uk & Jin Bu-yeon aka Naksu aka Mu-deok (whatever name you like to call her) fake marital status. Occasionally, we saw silly comedic moments of Park Jin & Madam Kim. Well, not so much to tell from ep 1 to 5 which is sad. Also a questionable plot: Master Lee was able to resurrect Mu-deok/Bu-yeon/Naksu back without the ice stone. That didn't make sense. Even Jang-gang needed to use it & that's what make the ice stone so special.
Second, the fighting scenes. There's no single memorable fighting scenes in this one, unlike the first season. Possessed the ice stone inside his body, now Jang-uk was practically invincible, much like Superman. Waving his sword here & there, and the battle was over in seconds. Even the final battle against the fire bird wasn't exciting at all.
Perhaps, best moment was the 100% happy ending, which i feel isn't necessary. Come on, sometimes we need a bit of tragedies for the protagonist's side. Show the antagonists some love! But, yeah they decided to make everyone live, only the poor So-i had to die.. alone. LoL.
My rating for this one is 8,5 to 8,7. Season one deserves a 9.

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Meh ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Pretty mid given the first season was so impressive...BUT, I will say I did not mind the change of actress as much as I thought I would. There was definitely a solid reason for that, I just wasn't a fan of that bit of plot, also I didn't think the ML and FL vibed as well this season. However, the CGI and visual aspect was not mid at all-- very nice graphics!!

The story: exhausting. I felt like the more layers that were added to the plot, the more I was wishing for the end (and it was only 10 episodes sooo). I was not as engaged in the plot as I was in the first season, I think largely because of Jin Mu...same dude, doing the same stuff, and every evil scheme he came up with was such a reach. Not his biggest fan, really hope he stays dead <3

My *biggest* gripe with the whole thing was that Naksu never got her time to shine!! Her first scene in season 1 was so cool, it captured me immediately and had me waiting for her return the entire season and this season...but it never happens :( I thought for sure we would see Naksu and Jang Uk vs fire bird! And the end of this season hinted at that she could potentially train again to use her powers but like....now we have to wait for a season 3?! Which is super unlikely, so that sucks. :'(

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Started great, ended like a joke

Yeah it's plot went smoothly on season 1 and half of season 2. Until a little turtle suddenly become a big hero, haha

Not clearly where is it from, and suddenly its a hero that solve big things. Then why kim dong ju can't go out from jinyowon cave? Why every great magicians suddenly become villains and don't matter to ruin the world?
Why su yon where jinmu switch the body just startled and not even try to move or run?
The fight with dwajo (fire bird) also done poorly.
Etc.

The 2-3 last episodes like a mess and joke + ruined everything. No logic at all. It could have been better easily with just a few tweaks and explanations.

Anyway since half of it still good and we have to have s2 for their happy ending, I still give 7/10 for this.

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