Summary
A welcome return to Daeho centered around entirely fresh plot developments.
In Alchemy of Souls season 2, we’re three years into the future, and plenty has changed in Daeho. Jang Uk (Lee Jae-wook) is no longer the bright, bubbly young mage who, with the assistance of his love (and master) Naksu, determinedly set out to master his craft. Instead, he is now a monster hunter, a partially isolated man living with the goals of slaying the soul shifters which plague this secretive part of the world and finding someone to remove the coveted ice stone from within him. His friends, Dang-gu (Yoo In-soo) and Seo Yul (Hwang Min-hyun) have also undergone significant changes. The former is the fresh-faced new leader of Songrim, developing himself as a mature mage worthy of his significant role, while the latter has returned to Daeho intent on no longer hiding away, though seems comfortable enough concealing a worsening health issue.
Of course, there is the matter of Bu-yeon (Ko Yoon-jung) too. Ho-gyeong’s eldest daughter, who was desperately searched for by her mother, has been found, she just isn’t permitted to leave her room in Jinyowon. For the priestess has lost her divine powers, and now hosts the soul of Naksu inside of her simply so she can stay alive (though only Ho-gyeong and Lee Cheol (Im Chul-soo) currently know this, thanks to Bu-yeon’s memory loss). Still, she has ended up entangled with Jang Uk, who she has impulsively married for the sake of being able to live more freely, so lost memories may soon begin to be pieced together.
READ: Best Korean Dramas of 2023
Yet for all the things that have changed, the responsibilities which have switched, and the people who have found themselves moving around thanks to the events of three years ago, plenty has stayed the same too. Jin Mu (Jo Jae-yoon) is still the cynical leader of Cheonbugwan who loves to disrupt, the Crown Prince is still a petty royal holding a grudge against Jang Uk, and Maidservant Kim (Oh Na-ra) remains the charismatic figure from before.
It’s this comfortable familiarity that can sometimes aid proceedings, particularly when the show starts to feel drastically different from this summer’s first season. The new focus on Bu-yeon is welcome and necessary considering the Jinyowon priestess is technically Naksu, but it can sporadically be incongruous viewing, unable to lack the same punch as when we see someone like Jang Uk doing his thing because of our pre-baked investment in him. We’re only technically meeting Ho-gyeong’s eldest daughter properly now, and as a result, her story is one currently entirely different in feeling from the ones centered around the rest of the ensemble (not that the variety is a bad thing). This all may change once Bu-yeon comes to realize she actually is Naksu, but for now, the series is largely at its best when we’re able to witness the fruits of the narratively three-year-long developments the recognizable leads have undergone.
With that being said, it’s the character of Jang Uk which carries the bulk of the load, with his layered narrative direction one which becomes the driving force of Alchemy of Souls’ second season. Dressed in darkened clothes, this reflective, almost brooding incarnation of the once humorously boyish mage makes for fascinating viewing, and leaves the audience with an exciting abundance of questions. Will Jang Uk actually sacrifice his life for peace by having the ice stone removed from him? How else could he intend to use Bu-yeon’s powers, and how will this then change when he realizes the soul inside the body belongs to the person he yearns for? What will he ultimately do to save Daeho from the threats facing it given his immense power? Seeing how things will play out for Jang Uk in this shortened part two gifts viewers an unflinching reason to tune in for more, especially when they now know he could genuinely end up with Naksu after all.
READ: Highest Rated Korean Dramas in 2023 Based on Nielsen Ratings
Needless to say, you can’t praise the character of Jang Uk without commending Lee Jae-wook, who here adds more wrinkles to his already strong performance as the show’s central protagonist. Filled with depth, Lee’s depiction showcases a fresh edge to his character, one which highlights how his growth from the charismatic mage in love with his master into the steely-nerved monster hunter has been one syringed with pain. Similarly, Ko Yoon-jung serves up an intriguing showing as Bu-yeon, bringing considered life to the confused priestess attempting to simultaneously rediscover herself, and escape the suffocation of her “sickened cell” of a room she is usually locked inside. It’s overall an interesting reinvention of Jung So-min’s Naksu too, though of course, this has plenty to do with the fact Bu-yeon has no clue she is only Ho-gyeong’s eldest daughter in name.
Technically, Alchemy of Souls holds onto its colorful cinematography, with the multitude of settings the occasionally underappreciated backbone of every scene. Daeho really has been built up as a meticulously detailed world of its own, one dripping with personality, history, and life.
Overall then, Alchemy of Souls season two has an element of both past and present to it, a quality which helps it feel both wholly unique from the first installment and equal parts familiar. There’s a palpable sense that the undercurrents of intensity are ready to boil into something significant at any moment too, so you’d be wise to avoid skipping over the final chapter of this story, particularly if you were a fan of what you saw in the summer.
What did you think of the K-Drama Alchemy of Souls season 2? Comment below.
More Stories
- Alchemy of Souls season 1 review
- Best and Highest-Rated Korean Dramas
- Best Korean Historical Dramas in 2022
- Will there be an Alchemy of Souls Season 3?
- Best Korean Dramas on Netflix Of All Time
- Best Korean Dramas on Netflix in 2023
Like the first Bu-yeon (Jung so_min) a lot better, more charisma.
I like Jung so-min, better in the role of Bu-Yeon (she has more charisma) than this other girl.
Ok
Jung so min is natural, her beauty is fresh. Not so much in season 2.
When is episode 3 going to be out
It is hard to warm up to the new Bu yeon, I liked Jin so min much better. Especially since she Nasku. I really like Jang UK as he is now, in pain and not giving in the Bu yeon. However, It will be interesting to see how the relationship develops.
I think Ko Yoon Jung is doing an amazing job at portraying the role of Bu-Yeon’s soul in Naksu. I am really enjoying seeing this new cheery, funny and confused character. I’m really looking forward to the development in this character. I’m still very confused about the whole body switch thing though, are both their souls in Naksu’s body now? Did Naksu’s soul die in Bu-Yeon’s body? Very excited to see the next episodes and super curious about where the story is going!!
It’s bland for the first two episodes in the second season. I hope mud wok comes back. Naksu as buyeon do not blend in to their character. I’m not fascinated with the latest episodes. Alchemy of souls is an action packed in the summer . Continue the action and make all characters alive and wit. Thank you
I am going to wait for the remainder of the episodes and binge watch the 2nd season. That said, I agree with many other fans that Jung So-Min’s performance as Naksu/Mu-Deok was the driving force of season one, and she dominated every scene. She is such a phenomenal actress that she raised the bar and brought up all the actor’s performances included in the scenes around her. Yes, the series had much going for it, the other performances, the story, the cinematography, special effects, etc. were all very good. But Jung So-min was the glue that held it all together and made it truly great and next level. I will still watch after the season 2 ends & wish for the best. I truly hope that they are able to find some way to at least partially compensate for Jung So-Min’s absence to save the series.
It is possible to go back real buyeon or mudok? I really want her back not naksu person. It’s is okay if naksu is alive but not as buyeon.. i hope you give an justice to mudok or buyeon.
Dont know, i find myself skipping ahead unlike part 1. i actually dont look forward to the next episodes. I find there is no chemistry between the main leads. miss Mudeok.
The first two episodes were flat and had no chemistry. I think hey need to do something and bring mudok back!
They really F up here, should of kept the same actress…and should not end her character like that on season 1. Maybe they decided to change for cheaper director… lol..
They really F up here, should of kept the same actress…and should not end her character like that on season 1. Maybe they decided to change for cheaper director… lol..and what happen to English subtitle….come oooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn it took me 1 week to watch this day and night….lol….and season 2 sucks sorry the director should get fired…………………………………………
Not happy with season 2. No continuity from the first part. Would have been better if Naksu came back as Mudeuk. The chemistry is lacking between the main characters. Everyone seem to have reborn with different personalities.
Not happy with season 2. No continuity from the first part. Would have been better if Naksu came back as Mudeuk. The chemistry is lacking between the main characters. Everyone seem to have reborn with different personalities.
I agree with the other comments it’s a little boring without the original girl who played Mudeuk there no more chemistry between the characters anymore she made every scene interesting and fun…I’m a little disappointed so far.
I understand why some are having a difficult time with the first actress that played Naksu (season 1, episode 1), but you also need you understand that Mu Deok was outed as a soul shifter and went “wild” and petrified. When her body was brought back and revitalized, she still had the entire soul of Naksu as the real Mu Deok’s soul was in the body of Naksu, when was burned. That is why her features changed over time to the real Naksu, because there was so little of Jin in Mu Deok’s body. If she the actress (Soo Min) was brought back as the eldest Jin daughter, everyone would have recognized her as being a soul shifter. As for Jung Uk, he fell in love with his master Naksu! Everything about Mu Deok was Naksu – her personality, her emotions, her thoughts, her views on being a mage, but more importantly HER SOUL! If you want Soo Min back, then you are saying that Uk loved the shell, the outside version more – which makes him shallow and is deserving of his powers with the ice stone!
I was enthralled and mesmerized by Naksu in the very first episode of part one and I cannot wait for Uk to fully realize she is Naksu! You can already see from the first episode he is strangely drawn to her. Many things are repeating in their actions, so he looks into her eyes and I cannot wait to see how he reacts when he finds HIS SOULMATE!!!! Knowing this will give him back his will to live!
I understand why some are having a difficult time with the first actress that played Naksu (season 1, episode 1), but you also need you understand that Mu Deok was outed as a soul shifter and went “wild” and petrified. When her body was brought back and revitalized, she still had the entire soul of Naksu as the real Mu Deok’s soul was in the body of Naksu, when was burned. That is why her features changed over time to the real Naksu, because there was so little of Jin in Mu Deok’s body. If she the actress (Soo Min) was brought back as the eldest Jin daughter, everyone would have recognized her as being a soul shifter. As for Jung Uk, he fell in love with his master Naksu! Everything about Mu Deok was Naksu – her personality, her emotions, her thoughts, her views on being a mage, but more importantly HER SOUL! If you want Soo Min back, then you are saying that Uk loved the shell, the outside version more – which makes him shallow and is undeserving of his powers with the ice stone!
I was enthralled and mesmerized by Naksu in the very first episode of part one and I cannot wait for Uk to fully realize she is Naksu! You can already see from the first episode he is strangely drawn to her. Many things are repeating in their actions, so he looks into her eyes and I cannot wait to see how he reacts when he finds HIS SOULMATE!!!! Knowing this will give him back his will to live!
I find the second part boring, and there is no chemistry between the leads. I miss So-Min, she made the story with Uk. There were plenty of ways they could have still brought So-Min and had her hidden away. The reasoning they put into the storyline is garbage. I’m trying my best to keep watching to see if I will change my mind by watching the episode. However, I skip through many scenes that I didn’t do before. I find it a bit dishonest that a lot of sites are saying that the show is a hit when most sites or youtube pages with viewer reviews all say the same thing about the show, it is a flop at the moment. After watching the fourth episode, I feel more like Uk is cheating on the original (Mu-deok/naksu) then actually being with her. Ugh. Can they just scrap the second and make another one with su-min? Or can they do an alternative?
pls bring back soo min.
Season 1 is a much higher level show than Season 2, whereas the storyline is forced and the performance falls flat. It disgusts me specially when the whole production team artificially praises so much the chemistry between the new actress and the male lead as well as how beautiful she looks to boost public interest. The director of Season 1 also didn’t mention Somin’s name when he got the award for Season 1. I feel they intentionally ostracize Somin to boost the new actress and the new storyline. It is the game of the dirty entertainment industry. In addition, on reddit, they delete comments which support Somin. I dropped the Season 2 due to all these reasons and I am no longer curious about how the story will end up.
I thought i was the only one, this season is bland, i just can’t connect and not necessarily because of the change in the main actress (though there’s that), but cause the script is weak and bland unlike the season 1. The emotion is lacking, they should have stopped at season 1, it would have been better than this drag.
The chemistry tat was between the leads in season 1 is totally missing. That was their USP factor , now it’s a bland show, what were the makers thinking. So disappointed in what could have been an epic show.
I think it is getting interesting and giving suspense like season 1 ,I can’t wait for buyeon to regain her memories and get back to act as naksu/mudeok in season 1 and SEO yul I hope he won’t die in season 2 I love his actions , vibes in season 1.the director has more work to do
If Jang Uk falls in love with Bu yen without realizing she is Mudeok then that will be pure character assassination, It’s 4 episodes in and Jang Uk has no inkling that she has mudeok’s soul, the romance is gone, Bu yen hasn’t started to get the memores that are relevant, there’s zero chemistry and the story seems forced and worst of all Bu yen cannot play the fun and snarky Mudeok so she she fails when she tries to be funny or cute. They could’ve just as well used 1 additional episode to wrap up loose ends. I am going to pretend 2nd season did not happen.
It would have been so easy to thread Soo Min into the drama, even for a big reveal at the end. Clearly the writers went another direction and want us to have an investment in the newer Naksu without letting her have any of SooMin charm. I love both actresses, it’s just a shame that pushing more episodes didn’t really tie up anything.
I agree with everyone here, jang uk has ZERO chemistry with the new heroine… we miss the chemistry between him and soomin. Bu yeon feels too much of damsel in distress, she seems week eventho she is supposedly naksu. She has no similarity with naksu as mudeok. I understand memory loss but how can one person feels SO different. The actress tried to be as similar as mudeok (u can hear from her way of talking) but she just doesn’t have the same capability as an actress with soomin. I also understand the storyline to show that jang uk is in love with naksu the personality not that shell (whatever body shes in) BUT the personalities are so different right now and buyeon just keep forcing herself to jang uk and it feels uncomfortable for me as an audience to watch. They needed to build a NEW love story between jang uk and buyeong but noo we are expected to ship them just because mudeok and buyeon are both naksu inside??? Confusing as an audience. Anyway one thing I learnt from watching 4 episodes of season 2 is that.. if any drama ever want to do a season 2 make sure BOTH of ur lead (the biggest factor of drama’s success) stays. Ok that’s all
SOOOOOO the 1st ONE was wayyyyyyyyyy better . The new Naksu can act dont get me wrong , but this one lacks thats umphhh if you know what i mean . Somin did an amazing job she had chemistry with all 3 ml. What i dont like is she is more a save me sort of character and we all know Naksu was BADASS. Even with memory loss its tooo lukewarm… zero chemistry and there are potholes in the story line they changed their characters personalites sooo much and that was the charm for the whole drama. I find my self fast forwarding on this one …but on the 1st one i rewinded a lot of times to repeat some hillarious scenes. I am dropping this and coming back when all 10 episodes are done for now my focus is on this masterpiece i stumbled upon called THE FORBIDDEN MARRIAGE ( KDRAMA)so far it a 10/10 on that one……to any dramas that want to do season 2 please keep the origin cast thats the whole essence of the drama ….. Why it makes us scrutinize and compare im sure if there had not been a season 1 and the season 2 was a completely new drama it would work … . Who knows we have 6 more to go may be it will get better.
I don’t know why I lost the interest watching season 2. Buyeon character was not cleared in season 1. Is she petrified? She could have died but not living with the face of Naksu because her body was burnt to ashes. How can Naksu get back her old face instead when it is Boyeun’s body she possessed. Mudeok is just a name used by Buyeon after she lost her memory and power as priestess. I don’t know how this story ends. It has no explanation, flashback what really happened. Naksu with her real face in season 2 is just an absurd character written by the scriptwriter. Too much of mystery that doesn’t fit. And I am sorry I can’t watch a drama where actors are changed and revive after they have died in the first season. Too much imagination (scriptwriter) that seems not connected.
For me, it is Jung Somin who gives justice acting in Season 1. Because of her the drama hits globally. But with the real Naksu, she is not fit to be Buyeon. Hehe
The character is different and even the face expression I find it bland and lifeless.
I want the English audio back. ?
I want English audio back please.
Loved the first season. The second season looks really good also. It’s harder to follow when you have to read everything and try to watch what is happening at the same time. You miss a lot of what is happening in the series. Very disappointed that the first season had available in English audio but the second only just has subtitles in English. Really sad.
Season 2 is terrible, really struggling to watch it.
I don’t understand the very slow start to why she hasn’t regained her memory, just seems pretty pointless.
5th episode in to season 2 and I can’t bare to watch anymore.
I agree with most have said here. I really loved the character of Mu-Deok and how it interacted with Jang Uk. Be-yeon on the other hand, seems a little off. Must be the change in personality in both. However, I am a fan so I will look forward to every episode with bated breath.
Been pressing forward quite a lot on this season. I can hardly feel the chemistry between the leads. Also feel bad for Buyeon. Soul and face is Naksu’s but the powers are that of Buyeon only because her blood is still flowing on that body. How twisted and unfair. Honestly, just watching this season mainly for the supporting roles. I’m sorry but I felt like Buyeon being a very powerful sorceress has not been properly justified yet. And if her powers will be retrieved and shown on this season but under the command of Naksu, I don’t think I would be thrilled either. They have used Buyeon so much since Season 1 and I just want a separate well deserved ending for her.
They should have just continued with the plot on season 1 and ended it there. They took the time to build up the characters in the previous season only to rush the final few episodes. Like the thrill and climax on Season 1 were cut short. They are all aware that Jin Mu is the ultimate villain of all but they allowed 3 years to pass without plotting a plan to end his mischief. I just don’t feel the continuity and I don’t think that the Seasons were properly connected. The gap and the sudden dive…..
AoS Season/Part 2 SUCKS BIG TIME!! The storyline esp. with what they did to Bu-yeon/Mudeok/Naksu doesn’t make sense and contradicts Season 1. Bu-yeon/Naksu actress in Season 2 doesn’t have a chemistry with Jang Uk actor. Not having Mudeok is the worst thing they did and doesn’t give justice to the success and storyline of the 1st Season. What a downfall.
The more S2 episodes I watch, the more I think that this season was completely unnecessary. I just feel like, them dragging and stretching this series is ruining a completely beautiful story. Now, they are mostly focusing on one aspect which is romance (hardly any chemistry between the leads too). They sure do mention the ice stone, divine powers, naksu’s past, alchemy of souls, and others but I no longer feel the significance of these details in this season. Season 1 was already the complete package. There was Naksu’s quest for revenge for her Father’s death, Jang-Uk’s goal to be a recognised mage and son of Jang Gang, Jin Ho Gyeong longing for her daughter Buyeon, Jin Mu’s mischievous acts and Songrim trying to stop him and more. Now, it feels redundant. Jang-uk with Naksu (Buyeon), Yul still likes Naksu, Prince and Naksu playful encounters, Choyeon and Dangu in love, Jin Mu and Queen still being despicable. These were already in Season 1 but felt like they have to recycle these ideas to make a new season and give way to a new actress and in a way wasting what was already wonderful. I also think that the reasonings and explanations for S2 plot were lame. I mean, Jin Ho Gyeong begged Jang Gang to save her child (Buyeon) using the ice stone from death. She loved her daughter so much that she still hoped that she was alive after she got lost in the lake and continued to look for her over the years. Then, now that she found her, she chose to have her soul die and let Naksu live just so the body can survive and she can have an heir to the Jin family? She went from being a selfless mother to a selfish one. Choyeon hated Dangu for not being able to help her dad but suddenly forgave him and became bubbly and charming again. Park Jin from being a strong and well principled leader to just being a frustrated cook. And Buyeon and her divine powers is yet to be seen. Too many beautiful characters assassinated for what? 10 redundant episodes. I am after the sum of the parts, the story as a whole and not just a love story. The reason I believe AOS is one of the greatest kdrama is because it was more than just romance. It’s horror, comedy, action, fantasy features individually stands out but still somehow creates a harmonious scene. Now, it is just deduced to romance. Disappointing.
The new female lead is NOT a good partner. No chemistry, not funny, not passionate, completely fell off for me. I watched season one again to help me get thru this new 2. I HOPE they can bring Mudeok/Naksu back to end the series JU.
I agree with the other comments. The second season of AOS is absolutely not good. So far I’ve watched 7 episodes and it’s not working for me. The Hong sisters should have wrapped everything up in season 1. There’s zero chemistry between the leads. This is really disappointing.
I remember how excited I was while eagerly waiting for the season 2. My first heartbreak was when I got to know So-Min wouldn’t be playing the female lead. Still I wanted to watch S2 because S1 set the bar so high. First episode in there I was completely disappointed and utterly disgusted. I tried my best to find the chemistry between Jang-Uk and S2 Naksu BUT…… All I can see is a pick me girl forcing herself on a man. She can never in her entire life can reach So-Min’s level of acting. It is so funny to see how the PR is trying so hard to promote the new fl. I am flabbergasted when people say their chemistry and her acting is so good. Please, you either haven’t watched dramas with good chemistry or you are just drawn to her looks which I may quote “sculpted by her”.
I am not looking forward for the rest of the episodes at all. It so sad to see how one of my favourite dramas became my worst memory because of some stupid people and decisions.
I really enjoyed season 1. The chemistry between the two characters is amazing. I’m not too crazy about season 2. Not sure why they had to kill her off. Plus I really don’t like the fact that I have to read the subtitles. Season 1 was all dubbed not sure why they have to do subtitles on season 2
Even how much effort the new lead female put into her acting in season 2, nothing beats Jung-so-min, she still.the best . I was.disappointed that she was being out in in the cast in season 2..
I’m very disappointed in the second season killing her off like that doesn’t make sense and and why do it in subtitles for season wasn’t? I’m very disappointed in season 2. I thoroughly enjoyed season 1 and never saw anything like this beautiful love stories. They should rethink it and dub season 2. I find it very hard with the subtitles and they shouldn’t have killed off the girl. She was amazing. There’s no chemistry with the second girl.
I’m constantly rewinding season 2. I’m just not that engaged. It’s so blah. I miss Jung So-min! In the first season, I found myself laughing and crying. When I cried, I actually felt my heart. This season, I just want it to be over.
I agree with you plus it’s in subtitles not like the first was dubbed. Very blah.
I was waiting and waiting nd waiting for the Naksu from the first episode to appear. I like the actress from the second part, it’s just the writing is so incongruous and boring, Her character has NOTHING to do with Naksu. Yes, I understand she doesn’t know she is Naksu, however in episode 9, she does, and is the same stupid creature, no spark of a warrior. When the wraith follows her she STUMBLES? Waits to be saved? Naksu? Really? Were the writers high or something? I’m utterly upset and disgusted. We deserved at least the last two episode to see THE REAL NAKSU, not an idiot dove eyed, who stumbles and is stupid. Hong sisters, you really really blew the character development
The first season was catchy because, among the many amazing aspects (costumes, sword fights, magic), it promoted the image of a woman that, for once, is not just a silly beauty container. She had a strong personality, was a warrior, was powerful, witty. The second season goes back to the stereotype of woman that cannot even walk without falling and injuring herself, and always ask for help from the man Knight… enough for the usual stereotypes. Fine that, because of the plot, Naksu had do have another face… but did she lose also all her characteristics of brave and skilled woman? So deluding…
The lead actress NOT in wrong here, she did good job portraying the “character” as the writer wanted.
BUT the director, writer, DID TERRIBLE HORRIBLE job that’s why the story sucks. Remember her in first season as naksu? she did great there.
Now ALL character are terrible.
Even Jang Uk is becoming boring character, the writer and director absolutely done terrible job.
Director and Writer is at fault the story become so cheap and boring, poor the new lead actress being blamed for the lack of the story.
Hated it! The change in characters completely ruined season 2 for me. My deployment as a character made the show. It would have been better if they didn’t make a season 2, and let the actors move on to a new show without being tied to this massive failure.
* “Mu-deok” as a character