I believe this drama ranks high because of the magic of Part 1. The main fantasy romantic plot worked out perfectly just like the Hong sisters usually deliver. Alchemy of souls has a very intriguing concept of magic and mages, also great cinematography and soundtrack. I loved the concept of 4 seasons, representing the respectable mage families. Season 1 is dense with intricate plot and amazing characterisation. Jang Uk, Seo Yul, Jang Gang’s trio was so uplifting and when combined with crown prince and Mu Deok, the group was my absolute favourite. They shared such pleasant bonding and chemistry. Jang UK’s character development as a mage and his sweet relationship with Mu deok really is heartwarming to watch. They fit together just right and I loved the master/pupil twist to their relationship. Whilst sometimes Mu Deok seemed crazy to me, I respected her bold/nonchalant way of loving Jang Uk.

The above could be labelled as a review for Part 1, I guess. Flash forward to the outburst of events by the end of S1 and bearing with the brunt of it in S2, it went haywire. The plot started making lesser sense. I still don’t understand how they can justify Mu Deok’s face changing, despite having the same body. She starts living as Jin Byo Yun and whilst I liked that, I don’t think the actress fit well into the real naksu’s characterisation. Sure, she forgets all her memories and awakes a completely diff person, but Naksu’s feistiness and determination is shoved under the rug this season. It’s like a completely different person. I don’t think it’s necessarily Youn Jung’s fault, but the writers and director who completely forget Mu Deok/Naksu from S1. It’s like a re imagination of the main lead.

The romance is stronger this season and whilst I enjoyed that, I still missed Jung Somin’s character. The revelation of Naksu was so underwhelming. They build it up so much, dragging it all the way to the ninth episode and yet it felt so… oh, alright, ok lol. The dangers Jin Mu wanted to ensue onto the world seemed petty and annoying. The way they dragged Naksu’s reveal was already frustrating enough for viewers and so distasteful. Jang UK longed for his lover so much, only to find out she’s been alive and well.

How could they have just revealed it in such a chaotic, strange way? What about the conversations they were supposed to have after the big reveal? All gone wrong because they had to give jin mu’s plan screen time.

Season 2 was chaotic. Merely a shadow of Part 1. I still rated it high because season 1 is special and jae wook was absolutely brilliant.