K-Drama Review: Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow (2022)

Title: Alchemy of Souls S02: Light and Shadow (2022)

Director: Park Joon Hwa, Bae Hyun Jin

Scriptwriter: Hong Jung Eun, Hong Mi Ran

Number of episodes: 10 episodes

Stars: Lee Jae Wook, Go Youn Jong, Hwang Min Hyun, Shin Seung Ho

Watched on Netflix

Jang Uk returns from death, and three years later, the story of the mages unfolds anew. Jang Uk becomes a hunter of the soul-shifters when a young woman, a prisoner in her own home, seeks his help to reclaim her freedom.

***

So, after finishing the first season in one go about two weeks ago, I decided to finish the second season soon. Sadly, I had to go to Solo for the annual staff retreat. Therefore, I couldn't watch much there even though I was dying to know about what will happen to Jang-uk and Mudeok.

The Story

To be very honest, I was so confused when watching the first episode of this series. I couldn't understand how Bu-yeon (Go Youn Jung) still alive. What made me confuse more is the connection between her and Mudeok-Naksu. I mean... I couldn't get it who is she at first ㅠㅠ

Then, after returning from his death, Jang Uk (Lee Jae Wook) dedicated his life to hunt the soul shifter. Well, since he got the power of ice stone, the palace forbid him to use that power for himself. Therefore, Jang Uk should obey the palace's order. Sadly, no one knows how struggle Jang Uk is after acquiring the ice stone power.

Every night, he couldn't sleep well since the wraith will come after him. That wicked soul wouldn't let Jang Uk to sleep peacefully.

Three years has passed from the tragic tragedy at Seongrim. Overall vibe at Daeho is very dark and gloomy. Even, every characters here become more sorrow and pitiful. Not only Jang Uk, but Dang Gu, Cho Yeon, Park Jin, and others.

Then, the fate brings Jang Uk to meet Buyeon, the first daughter of Jinyowon. Eveyone knows that she is the most powerful priestess at Daeho. Knowing that Buyeon still alive, Jang Uk finally agree to help Buyeon in order to get something from her.

My opinion

Most of the time, I really can't see Jang Uk being tortured. I mean, tortured by the wrait, his memory, or his longing feeling to Mudeok/Naksu. Moreover, he still remember killed by a person he loved the most. It's hurtful to see him like that.

Thankfully, the dark opening isn't kept for long. On the later episode, the overall vibe still become vibrant because of the interaction between Buyeon and Jang Uk. They are so funny ㅋㅋㅋ The other characters still being comical like always. Start from Park Jin who determined to being a gardener and cook--please don't try to savour his food🙂, the quirkiness from the Crown Prince, or the interaction between Dang Gu, Seo Yul, and Jang Uk.

What annoyed me the most on this series of course Jin Mu. Smh. Can we just throw him? I really despise him. Then, the royal family is also suck. I really don't like the king and the queen. Imho, the one who is kind in this series is the one who have a comical side. If it's not, they are just another Jin Mu allies for me.

As a finale of this epic saga, I think AoS 2 has done a really good job. The story is quite complex and the conflict for each character can be resolved well at the end.

Maybe, if i can have a wish, I do really hope they will make a special episode for the happy moment for each couple. I mean.. can we just get more sweetness from Jang Uk and Bu Yeon? We also haven't got enough scenes of Park Jin-Maidservant Kim or Dang Gu-Cho Yeon. Then, can we also talk about Seo Yul who still being single?

Conclusion

As a finale, I am satisfied with AoS 2. It's really worth to watch, imho.

8.5 out of 10 stars.

Sincerely,