Season 2 of Alchemy of Souls dubbed as “Light and Shadow” premiered last December of 2022. At that time I was still finishing Dodo-Solsol-Lala-Sol also starring Lee Jae-Wook & I decided to wait for more episodes of season 2 to air.
Alchemy of Souls – is one of the period pieces fused with fantasy and folklore. Many got captivated by season 1 as it ended with tragedy and mystery.
Season 1 / TVN
Like previous drama reviews, I avoid lengthy posts and prefer to point out the best in every series. I’m sure you’d agree, actors here have stunning visuals and exceptionally good-looking 😉
The genius of AOS is that they didn’t use actor heavyweights, the acclaimed writers – Hong sisters (Hong Jung-eun and Miran) presented a captivating storyline paired with carefully concocted visual effects to impress viewers worldwide.
Season 2 / TVN
Currently in episode 6 and I can’t help but to pity Yul again as another heartache is about to happen… 💔
Finished with this drama and ending is just superb! Happy ending for everyone.
We’re done watching Season 1 of Alchemy of Souls and boy what a great ending! Massive cliffhanger and intense drama, though many people died 😦 and revelations were all shocking.
Thought of posting about the character of Jin Mu – the main villain of this Kdrama. He did well in this series, I must say he is one effective villain. I’ve seen other dramas with him as the antagonist and he is really a good actor. This post is not about him as an actor but will talk about his role in Alchemy of Souls.
Jin Mu
In Psychology, a toxic person is most likely to manifest a manipulative behavior. And it was evident all throughout the series. Jin Mu has manipulated the main characters for his own benefit. His dream has always been to be a Kingmaker or a very powerful head of Cheonbugwan. So he manipulates Naksu who lives in Mu-deok’s body using spells that shaman Choi left behind.
As per Merriam-Webster the meaning of MANIPULATIVE is of, relating to, or performed by manipulation; especially : serving or intended to control or influence others in an artful and often unfair or selfish way.
Manipulation refers to strategies and behaviors a person uses to gain power or influence over another. These tactics often include attempts to damage another person’s emotional and mental well-being. And for those following this series, Mu controlled and destroyed the lives of many characters like Jang Gang and his friend (the father of Naksu), Naksu, the queen (shaman), and list goes on.
Ep 20 stills – Crown Prince (Go Won) & Jin Mu
A manipulator like Jin Mu will show the following behavior;
Lying
Denying
Passive-aggressive behavior
Gaslighting
Silence
Criticizing
Withholding important information
Blaming
He has used lies to control and influence other people in the story – Go Won that’s why he would be confused and troubled all the time. Fighting between his stand as a student of Mu or a kind-hearted prince. He promises to help Go Won kill Jang Uk and reveal his great secret. Won claims that Uk is now powerless and would soon be an outcast so he asks Jin Mu to confess and come clean but again with the manipulation Mu insists that Jang Uk might just be hiding his power and that everyone was deceiving Go Won (lie after lie, tsk).
Jin Mu also showed gaslighting, blaming and endless lies to other characters like Lady Jin who was already desperate to find her long lost daughter.
Manipulative behavior can also serve the following purposes;
Cause doubt and confusion
Help them avoid conflict
Conceal their true intentions
Allow them to avoid responsibility for their behavior
This destructive behavior has caused the tragic ending of season 1. And though we are aware of second season coming this December, I just can’t take my mind off the dispecable role of Jin Mu. He is the evilest among all evil as one blogger said.
In reality, we may be living with a manipulator and it only takes knowledge and understanding to spot one. They don’t need spells to try to control and influence us for their own gain. We should be wise enough to deal with them so we won’t fall victim to their main act which is manipulation.
I was told by fellow K-drama lovers to get my tissues ready. And of course the sentimental side of me who cries so easily – is expecting the tragedy behind this fantasy drama.
Growing up with Disney fairy tales such as Beauty and the Beast, Snow White etc, happy endings are the norm and what’s needed for a complete closure. But not in season 1 of Alchemy of Souls.
Ep 1
A tragic romance between Jang Uk and Mu-deok is what makes this show beautiful. My heart aches as I watch their love and friendship unfold. In the beginning, there are light moments with cute and comic exchanges between the characters. And I love how they portray the “change of heart” from Haksu to Mu-deok, in one scene you’ll pity her and another scene you’d like her to stay away from Uk.
The essence of true love is manifested here not by sensual scenes, but by what truly matters – sacrifice, dedication, loyalty.
I can do anything, if it only means being able to see you.
Netizens find this story gripping and exciting, making us beg for more. Yes, many fans go through a plethora of emotions and I’m no exception. Real life experiences tell me that we can all relate with their struggles…
Gearing towards the season finale which they said – genius & gorgeuos! Let’s all get ready for this… ❤
Quite late on this as everyone’s talking about season 2 coming this December. We just finished episode 3 and this series continues to mesmerize me. With beautiful faces, gorgeous ensemble, makeup, costumes, scenery and fantastic special effects.
AlchemyofSouls(Netflix) from creators the Hong Sisters, Jung-eun and Mi-ran (Hotel Del Luna, Korean Odyssey), takes us to a magical land called Daeho, where sorcerers (mages) have harnessed the power of the natural world.
Jang Uk (Lee Jae-Wook) comes from the noble Jang family. He holds an unpleasant secret about his birth. A troublemaker, switching from one master to another and happens to meet Mu-Deok (Jung So-Min) – an elite warrior and assassin, but her soul is trapped in a physically weak body. She then becomes Uk’s servant, secretly teaching him martial arts and skills.
So the plot seems pretty simple, about these two main characters – Uk and Mu-doek exhanging funny antics, determined to prove themselves in this magical world while romance is being developed.
Alchemy of Souls – tVn
One notable character is Seo Yul (Minhyun) who comes from Seo family. Aside from his good looks, he is also intelligent and has strong martial arts skills. I’m sensing a love triangle in the future episodes 😉
Alchemy of Souls
Stream this on Netflix and other sites, surely your love for fantasy will be revived as spells come left and right.
mypanoplies 