Alchemy of Souls (2022)

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I am someone who rarely starts historical dramas because I generally can't stand the whole palace politics crap since it's very similar all the time and generally just bores me. I'm also someone who rarely enjoys fantasy since it usually takes the focus away from characters and makes storylines unnecessarily complicated. So if you're like me and prefer to turn off your brain and kick back and relax while watching a stupid romcom or cry during an overdramatic melodrama, TRUST ME and watch this anyway. Alchemy of Souls is such a gem and I'm so incredibly glad I gave it a chance despite how many freaking episodes it has. The reviews don't lie and I don't believe it is overhyped at all. Everything about this drama is incredible, and you will enjoy it no matter what your genre of preference is. This is my first 10/10 drama in almost two years so I don't give these out easy at all.

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The most beautiful masterpiece I've ever watched.

"Alchemy of Souls" is a beautiful story about love, friendship, and fantasy.

The plot really made me think about how some people can be selfish by putting their souls into another body, craving youth, fame, and power. Every episode made me curious and engaged. Each of them brought a mystery and solved it; then, at the end of the episode, the drama would raise another subject. I was addicted to everything!

The worldbuilding is detailed but not messy or complicated to understand. The magic system, combined with the fighting skills, suits the drama so well!

The characters are well-written and developed. I love the friendship of Jang Uk, Yul, and Dang-gu. The crown prince is such a fun character as well. The main couple, Naksu/Mudeok and Uk, has the best chemistry and development. Their relationship was multifaceted: from strangers to "we are master and pupil" to "we are friends" to "we are lovers."

On the other hand, both Jang Uk and Naksu/Mudeok are great main characters. I am passionate about how Uk started as the weaker wizard and became the most powerful one. I love that he is both sunshine and moonlight. He doesn't discriminate against the kind of magic you use to save someone, and I think this side of him is what makes him so attractive to me. Plus, Somin is the best female character ever. Naksu inside Mudeok's body was funny and amazing to watch. I must confess, I miss her in S2; she was the star of this show. My baby suffered a lot by always being manipulated, a puppet, a pawn in another nasty game. She deserves a happy ending, it doesn't matter the body.

The second couple, Dang-gu and Cho-yeon, were the sweetest. They truly represent summer and spring falling in love. Moreover, the place where Cho-yeon came from has many interesting artifacts that make the story richer.

Finally, the villain gave me goosebumps; I was really afraid of his ambitions. By the way, I hate everything he did to my Naksu.

Then, I must add: nothing I write here will truly convey how I felt watching this show. My mother and I relished every minute of it, finishing the first season in 6 days! The cast is amazing, the photography, the soundtrack. Everything is perfect.

I truly will never get over this drama.

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Alchemy of Souls: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of the plot

I have to write these thoughts down otherwise Alchemy of Souls will keep occupying my mind and probably my soul.

The last few episodes of season 1 are very emotional and there are lots of plot twists. One of the twists is Mu-deok drawing her sword through the body of her fiance, Jang Uk. Surprisingly, I didn't cry watching this scene. Don't get me wrong, I did not see it coming either. However, I started bawling when So Yi was killed by Jin Mu's guys in season 2. So Yi, despites being a swindler, is able to form meaningful relationships with her helper and Seo Yul. It was really touching to see Seo Yul repeatedly tries to protect So Yi, who he is not close to, who gives him the poisonous parasite that can kill him, and who is of no use to him. He understands that she is merely a victim of her circumstances and empathizes with her pain. I was hoping that happy endings can still come to those who do wrong in the past and the writers will let So Yi live. I did not cry for JangUk because I knew that this character was destined to get a happy ending. Sometimes, the death of a supporting character, especially those who are helpless, weighs more in my heart than those of the leading protagonists.

Why does Seo Yul not end up with anyone in the end? He is such a mature and considerate man. In real life he would probably be wed a long time ago. Is it because he is hung up on Naksu the whole time?

I am glad that in season 2 the writers do not keep going with everyone trying to protect Naksu from dying. It is much more down to earth and realistic for her to accept the fact that she is an assassin who has killed many people. Being controlled by Jin Mu is not an excuse for all the damage she has done. I am very surprised and pleased when Jang Uk acknowledges that he would have to kill Naksu if he recognizes her, which must have relieved Seo Yul from his guilt of planning to kill Naksu. In the end, her soul is saved by Naksu's willingness to die and her contribution to saving the world from the firebird's destruction.

The writing of the show lacks female empowerment. Naksu is saved as a reward for Jang Uk, who kills the firebird not because she is a strong woman with power and her own moral compass. That's such a misogynistic message. Light and shadow always go together and they give too much credit to the male lead in season 2 and not enough to the female lead. The writers even downplay the divine power, which is supposed to be the mastermind of Jang Uk's destiny. I was screaming when Maidservant Kim, and Lord Park died but apparently they did not. Like KimChi Review says, I demand my bucket of tears to be refunded. They do not die thanks to the divine power Jin Bu Yeon possesses. Her power is often told from Master Lee's perspective, which does not give it enough justice. Jang Uk always gets the cool action scenes as resolutions for any problems. The scene in which Jin Bu Yeon's entering Jinyowon to save her mom and Maidservant Kim could have been given more action and air time. To my disappointment, it felt underwhelmed as the previous scene is extremely emotional with the deaths of such great characters like Park Jin, a great couple (Park Jin and Maidservant Kim) and Bu Yeon's mom, who is the leader of a Jinyowon, a highly prestigious organization that protects the world from dark magic.

The transition to a new actress and character of season 2 is actually great in my opinion. The chemistry of the new female lead and Jang Uk is adorable. It is a great break from the sharp, selfish at times, and determined assassin who lives in Mu-deok's body. I love how her character comes back as childlike, gentle, and considerate. She is forward with her affection towards Jang Uk, worried about her mom's fear of losing her, and asks Seo Yul if his friend ever gives him his favorite snack as well as letting Seo Yul get lost and wander with him to calm him down. Her compliment to the Crown Prince is also genuine and does not contain any ulterior motives. Mudoek's character is complicated and interesting, but her thorn is tiring and hard to understand at times. Jin Bu Yeonn's character is refreshing and mature in contrast. Even when she gain Naksu's memories back, she is able to handle them very well.

I cannot not write about the Crown Prince and the turtle. They are such a great pair. The Crown prince's saving the turtle represents his will to protect those who are powerless. The scenes that have the Crown prince and the turtle are always humorous and heartwarming. It is because of these characters along sides with engaging stories, great acting, and powerful cinematography that makes me find it even harder and sadder to say goodbye with Alchemy of Souls.

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A little touch of magic in everything

Review:

The series is split into two parts for a complex storytelling. The first part (20 episodes) really lays the foundation for an amazing character arc that comes full circle in part II. You have to be patient at certain points, but overall, the intensity of the characters and attention to detail does not disappoint. The secondary characters are a delight to behold as they bring a vibrancy to the story in an otherwise heavy on the plot story. The dynamics between the Four Seasons (Jang UK, Seo Yul, Park Dang Gu and Cho Yeong) are funny and makes you wish they had included more of those moments. It’s humorous without trying too hard and the endearing moments between the friends is something so real in a story set in a fictional town based entirely in the fantasy genre. Towards the end (especially in part II), I wished there had been more between some of the secondary characters (especially Park Dang Gu and Cho Yeong) as it felt their story was sort of rushed over for the benefit of the main leads.

The Cast and performance:

The Main male lead – Lee Jae Wook – brings a surprising intensity to the character Jang Uk that immediately has you rooting for him. Part I sees Jung So Min as the female lead and she does a brilliant job of layering the character’s story so beautifully. At one stage there are multiple characters and personalities and she plays them ALL flawlessly. The leads have amazing chemistry and its rather wonderful to see because you don’t quite realise it’s an epic love story until its too late.

The second female lead – Go Yoon Jung, (in part II) was an interesting but apt choice – as she immediately highlights the sharp contrast to the male lead especially to the character he once was. She protects him (Jang Uk) so he can protect everyone else. Her softness contrasts with the harsh reality of his pain and heartbreak. Go Yoon Jung deserves a lot of credit for being able to make the character her own while still drawing from part I so we’re not left feeling like we totally lost something. We grow to love the character she plays, nearly as much as we love Jang Uk does.

I loved the soundtrack on this one. There are some beautiful instrumental pieces that will leave you feeling nothing but utter peace. The opening sequence is pretty catchy and matched with great visuals. The OST can be found on spotify. I added a few of my personal faves to my own spotify playlist as well.

Final thoughts:
While the ending might have been a tad bit rushed for me (and others alike), I really enjoyed this from start to finish. The fantasy element really shone through for me. There might have been more I wanted form the show there was very little I would have changed. This is a beautiful story told with amazing scenes and an impressive cast. It’s a long haul of a story but definitely worth it.

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it will take your actual soul

This was the show that got me into dramas so it will always have a special place in my heart. I actually started watching it with a lot of doubts since i wasn't sure a show with 20 episodes of over an hour each will really hook me up. I was sooo very wrong, i love it so hard the episodes started to get too short lol. I'm very spoiler free and in this case in was hard not to look for what was about to happen.

I was always a fan of magic and supernatural shows and this one have all of that and more: Magic, conspiracy, action and, above all, love.

The cast is perfect for each of they roles starting with our boy Jang Uk and his quest to find a master who actually help him get what should be rightfully his. He is a spoiled little boy don't get me wrong but the moment he meets Naksu is really the moment his live change. The aesthetic also is on point, you see them with the other male characters and he is taller and more like you can't look any other way.

The FL is fantastic also how she only wants to gets her powers back but meeting Jang Uk will get her world upside down. We get to know her backstory and is tragic and awful. She was used all her life so her priorities change but she still is a strong female character.

The humor is also soo good. Seo Yul, Jang Uk and the Crown Prince on the Jinyowong cave is epic. Seo losing his direction when he gets nervious is just hilarious.

Episode 18 is my favorite episode of both seasons, everything that happens is on point and love every second of it.

There are two other moments that i will hightlight in this season: When Jang Uk have to fight with the last one of the other mages and is Seo the one who came forward. I was surprised because i didn't expected it and also broke my heart in pieces.

and the other one, clearly, is the end. how much that end hurts??? they almost got the happily ever after so that makes it hurt even more.

Really if you like fantasy dramas even a little bit this is the one for you.

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A Magical Love Story

I added this to my list from the high rating on here. At the time that I went on a K-Drama adding spree, this was one of the ones that sat on the top. I dove right in hitting a wall with some of the current dramas I had on my list.

The story, I thought was great. At least Jang Uk's story. I want to say his is the only story, but unfortunately there are so many filler episodes and it's like they really try to push the entire cast into a main lead role, which gets very boring fast. I found myself almost wanting to skip to get to the stories I wanted to follow. I'm not saying the side stories weren't good, but I didn't find them necessary and they really could've just condensed the drama to 10-16 episodes vs the full 20, especially with each episode being an hour and a half. I really wish they would have spent more time developing Mu Deok's story. I think they spent too much time on trying to bring everyone main character energy that she got lost in translation.

The acting was done well. Everyone had great chemistry, although I do question the chemistry of the two main leads. It felt forced and unnatural compared to the way all the other cast seemed to mesh. The casting was great on all fronts! I can't imagine a different cast to play those parts.

The music was well orchestrated and catchy. The cliffhanger ending ment definitely had me screaming (because of the cliffhanger), but enjoying the song at the same time.

I did add this to my list of rewatches while I do other things and don't necessarily need to look at the screen because I already know what's going to happen. I can't deny that Jang Uk's story is intriguing and you really connect with the character throughout the drama.

Overall, it is a good drama. The antagonists really make you despise them and you call their bluff out loud in hopes the other characters hear you. It had re-watch value and I was definitely excited for Season 2.

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best K-drama 2022

Alchemy of Souls[6] (Hangul: 환혼; RR: Hwanhon) adalah seri televisi Korea Selatan yang akan datang yang dibintangi oleh Lee Jae-wook, Jung So-min, Hwang Min-hyun, Shin Seung-ho, Yoo Jun-sang, Oh Na-ra dan Jo Jae-yoon.[4] Seri ini ditulis oleh Hong bersaudara (Hong Jung-eun dan Hong Mi-ran), itu menggambarkan kisah-kisah penyihir muda yang berurusan dengan langit dan bumi.[1][7] Seri ini dijadwalkan tayang perdana di tvN pada tanggal 18 Juni 2022, dan disiarkan setiap hari Sabtu dan Minggu pada pukul 21:10 (WSK).[8] Seri ini tersedia untuk streaming di Netflix di wilayah tertentu.[9]

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9.5/10 - Like / Dislike

This series is still being my most favorite after watching many more series, the reason is:

1. I always rate every kdrama based on the plot and how not dumb of characters are. Because the dumbness on characters' action make me feel irritable and ruin my mood to keep watching. But in this show, each characters' decision are justified and have a decent reason to support their action. Especially Mudeok and Jinmu are very clever actually.

2. Some kdrama, support couples are kinda boring and uninterested to watch. But in this show the support couples are very funny and entertaining. Especially Kim dojo and Park jin, they carry the show along with the main couple.

3. Despite of Fantasy and historical drama , I didn't expect this show to be very funny to be honest. And there are a lot of funny scenes which makes me very impressed. So it's a bonus score for me.

4. Chemistry between main couple is Insane. They are very funny especially the actress.

The reason I give 9.5/10 and not 10 is because:

- It's too long that some parts are kinda boring especially last 3 episodes and it feels like they unnecessary drag the a story for 20 episodes' sake.

So overall, I'm very impressed of this show and it's still being my top 1 kdrama. Very worth watching till the ends. I would give it 9/10 if I have another dislike but I can't think of any. I still want to rewatch it.

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Saved by a stellar supporting cast and supporting story

Alchemy of Souls offers a really compelling fantasy world with impressive world-building and a particularly stellar supporting cast that carries much of the show's weight. While the main leads often feel bland and uninspired making me wonder at one point why they even had a romantic story line , the supporting characters more than make up for it, bringing depth and nuance to the story.

To be really honest , most of the episodes have a repetitive feel, with similar set pieces and stakes, making the middle of the series drag a bit. However, the drama really picks up in the last few episodes, delivering an engaging finale that redeems some of the earlier pacing issues. It’s a bit like those singers who mumble through the verses but nail the chorus—slow to start, but worth it in the end. I kind of resent the drama for this but I did enjoy the dramatic whiplash in the last 5 episodes.

One of the more intriguing aspects of the series is its exploration of power and morality. The drama delves into how those in power construct the logic and rules of what is considered right. When they fall, the next group does the same, raising the question: what truly defines logic and righteousness? The show suggests that if your rule serves the best interests of a large collective, then your logic is justified. But only for now- I particularly loved how the drama leaves you pondering the true nature of power and justice.

All in all, Alchemy of Souls is a solid fantasy drama with enough strengths to outweigh its flaws, and it’s easy to see why it’s garnered the hype it has.

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Shifters Grifters Drifters & Heart Lifters °7.9° °Excellent°

Being the King's son has only brought Jang Uk misery and danger. Why? The Alchemy of souls. The name itself is a riddle. It is a spell that switches souls and bodies... and it's forbidden: We can't letl the bodies of the rich, young, beautiful and gifted all be stolen by people who know the spell, afterall. As AoS opens, the king is dying. He knows his mage is mastering the spell, so he demands that the mage switch bodies with him, as the king is determined to produce a royal heir. Jang Uk is that heir. He's got the DNA of the mage, whose body fathered him. The man who took over that body is really the one who created him, yet, they have no DNA in common. It's almost like Jang Uk has no father, which is kind of sad. Nevertheless, according to the maxims of AoS, Jang Uk is of the royal line. Even though the King's star, which marks the birth of a future king, appeared in the sky several months after the King's passing, the court believes the king died childless. Another man becomes king, another child becomes the crown prince, and the mage is forced to raise a child that isn't his.

While this is going on, an assassin has also been born. She (Naksu) wasn't actually /born/ a ruthless kiler; she was made. After her family was killed, a master adopted her with the intent to transform her into a killing machine. Over the years, She was fed pain and pressure until her bloodlust raged. The more skilled she became, the more difficult she was to control. Once she breaks free of her captors and starts mucking around, her quest for revenge against those who wronged her, coupled with her past crimes, land her on the most wanted list. As she's hunting, she's /being/ hunted - relentlessly. In fact, in ep1, she only escapes death by switching bodies via the AoS spell. Her emergent escape is incomplete, however: Her soul now resides in the body of a blind, weak woman named Mu-Deok, and Mu-Deok is not free. Mu-Deok is a slave - a slave that has just been sold. Who bought her? A mage. This mage is a near powerless man who's had his magical energy sealed from the day of his birth. Though his family is privileged, he lives as a lower class being in a world of powerful mages. What makes it worse is that his parentage is always questioned. His father has never acknowledged him, so the general perception is that he's a b@$tard. What's his name? Jang Uk.

Thus they meet. Jang Uk quickly realizes she has abilities and knowledge that he desperately needs. In private she becomes his tutor - his master. In public, she's his servant.

What's so marvelous about AoS? Director Park Joon Hwa has brought us hit after hit, such as Because This Is My First Life-7.7, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim-6.8, and Touch Your Heart-8.2. He does not disappoint here. The filming is gorgeous. The sets, art, and costumes are impressive. A poetry book with blank pages becomes a scene of lofty elegance. Jank Uk's azure robe is resplendent. It's one visual sensation after another.

The acting is everyday Kdrama - it's excellent. Lee Jae Wook (Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, When the Weather Is Fine-9) is the ML. Give him his Grade-A Korean Beef sticker. He's just another everyday Korean male lead. 'Everyday' means looking very (VERY!) fine, likely very tall, with a rich baritone voice, and excellent acting skills. Per Capita, Korea trounces Hwood when it comes to cranking them out. Jung So Min (The Smile Has Left Your Eyes, Love Next Door) is S1's Mu-Deok. (Lee Jae Wook's head is twice the size of hers. It's unsettling to look at). In flashbacks, her character is deadly serious. In her new form we gradually see that she's clever, moody, and always ready with a quip. She has a dry wit, a no-nonsense manner, and she's rather likable. When she's fighting back tears it's a nifty bit of acting. The pair's interaction is tangible. Mu-Deok must also have an overload of pheromones because she catches every guy's attention. I must say that Oh Na Ra (Racket Boys-8.3, My Mister-9.5) who plays maidservant Kim (a mother figure to JU) and Park So Jin (Sh**ting Stars, The King: Eternal Monarch-8) who runs the guesthouse/bar in town are both adorable. Oh my, the Crown Prince's voice is divine. It's impossible for me to dislike the prince because Shin Seung Ho (from Moment at Eighteen) is so pitch-perfect. {Before we get into it further, if you're watching this with the English language dubbing, you're missing some beautiful voices, particularly the men. You're also missing half of the performance. If that's the only way you can tolerate it, then it's better than not seeing AOS at all, but try an episode in the original language and see how it goes. Subtitle proficiency often takes mere moments.}

There's laughs. An attempted book burning ends up as a lark. Half of the jokes are connected to one mage's tea. Some would rather turn to stone than give up their libido. Jang Uk and Mu-Deok are on the run and hide out at this master's place for a spell. This powerful master's secret is his chaste tea, which negates one's sex-drive. Jang Uk decides to give the brew a try and becomes a happy little busy bee. So busy. So SO happy. Working and chumming around with his new master; they're just two bros having a great day. Mu-Deok is irritated, but she can't figure out exactly why. When that tea runs out, things do get tangled. One must have a libido to understand true desperation and sadness, it seems.

The soundtrack is magical. In S2 I shazamed Blue Flower by LIA, Aching by Kassy is too, I′m Sorry by Ailee, and Raindrops by Gummy. There's a bar / guesthouse scene with wonderfully original music that takes me right to Mos Eisley Cantina in Star Wars. There's even some cool rock riffs here and there.

There's also love and bittersweet loss.

The best thing about AoS, though, is how it does Chinese fantasy! The screenwriters are Hong Mi Ran Hong & Jung Eun who collaborated on Hotel del Luna-8.4, My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho, and more. These writers have already revealed their fascination with Chinese culture in A Korean Odyssey-7.2, which they based on the ancient Chinese work, Journey to the West. If you like AoS, just be aware that this show is pretty much a Chinese fantasy piece with Korean touches sprinkled everywhere. Despite some clunky special effects, China does amazing fantasy. AoS has more showmanship (or flare), and a kitschy sauciness that departs from the elegance that China breathes out, but the fact that the writer and director got inspiration from China is undeniable.

AoS could be improved upon. I love actress Jung So Min in Because This Is My First Life. Initially, she didn't seem like the best fit for Mu-Deok. The spark was missing, perhaps? I couldn't pin it down. It became clear that it is the writing and direction that falls short, not her performance. The story fails when it comes to fully realizing her character and motivations. Her personality is ill-defined as are her internal struggles. JU's early attraction to Mu-Deok, before he realizes what's going on, is played for cheap grins. it's slightly off and takes away from the grace of the show. The bad guys should have been scarier. The FL is flipped over to Go Youn Jung (of The School Nurse Files-7.6 & Law School-8) in S2. She has no memories and he doesn't recognize her, so they need to fall in love all over again. It should have been awesome, but their delivery is barely above average. After wondering if Jung So Min was right for the role, I ended up missing her quite a bit in S2. Finally, they are inconsistent with the rules they laid down, especially in S2.

I'm sincerely a fan of these writers. Anything with their names on it is a draw for me. My love for them is warm and cozy but not ‘Firebird hot,’ to borrow from the show. Sci-fi/fantasy is my favorite genre (they are commonly lumped together as one genre though they are actually quite different from eachother, but there's no need to get into that now). The Sci-fi fantasy genre is not one for dummies. The best authors are masters of intricate world-building with everything fitting together like a hand-crafted 1-second repeating pocket watch - Parameters are laid down and strictly adhered to - The lows are heartbreaking - The highs are euphoric. AoS isn't like that. Its weakest link is the writing. More for fun, AoS doesn't take itself seriously. Besides the levity, there's a fair amount of sheer stupidity. With a perpetually average IQ, they stay in the shallow end, while I would have preferred the series to carry more weight. It manages to stay in an acceptable range (Look at the ratings! People are crazy about it!). A lower degree-of-difficulty does lower the maximum score, though. The writing prevents my fingers from going beyond a 7.9. Just can't do it. But I still liked it very much.

If you like AoS, alchemize your watch list to include these amazing Cdramas: Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber 9-Kung-fu!,
Eternal Love-8.3,
Douluo Continent 9.4;
Handsome Siblings 8.7;
Ancient Love Poetry 8.6;
The Sleepless Princess 9.1;
The Romance of Tiger and Rose 9.8,
Love Between Fairy and Devil 8.9,
Love and Redemption-10


QUOTES~》

If you're not going to do anything, just die.

Evil always does what it wants without ever stopping. Why does virtue always have to prove itself over and over again?

RATINGS
Directing 8
Writing 7.4
Acting 8,
Romance 6
Flutters 5
Art 9.3
Sound & music 8
Ending 8.4

LEVELS
Warmth 5
Action/ Excitement 7
Laughs 4
Tears 4
Fright 4
Tension/Anxiety 3.5
Gore 4
Thought provocation 4
Snores 0

Age 12+
Scary elements violence gore

S2 language b@$+@rd, $h!+

Re-watch? Likely

Kdrama romances with a fantasy element:

My Only Love Song 8.7 ~ excellent comedy,
Mr. Queen 8.5,
The Legend of the Blue Sea-7.2,
Live Up To Your Name-7.6,
Oh My Ghost 10,
The Bride of Habaek-7

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Lives Up To The Hype, Until...

I just need to preface this by saying I wanted to give this a 10/10 but part two absolutely ruined it for me. It was extra drawn-out and I just couldn't get behind rooting for her when she was played by a difference actress. Yes, I know that's the point, but still. I just didn't care about her at this point because she just wasn't the Mu Deok I came to love.

This is just a collection of notes I took while watching this show. I thought the show was only 20 episodes so boy was I confused when there were 15 minutes to go in episode 20 and stuff started to fall apart.

Why would he do the switch? Because if he doesn't the king kills him? Ok, so now I'm dead, and you'll be dead and still without an heir, Asian Jack Sparrow. Good plan.

Okay, why is he surprised old dude was going to smash his girl? He literally was bitching about an heir.

Wait so the king and the mage actually did switch back? I for sure thought the king would let him die in his body. And it seemed like they were saying that but I see I was wrong.

When he said he'd try to save her, I thought he meant with strength. Not by breaking the Jin Family's oldest and most important heirloom. Although, if Gwigsu waited until after everyone was gone to sniff her out, he wasn't very powerful. lol Jang Uk (Lee Jae Wook) is an interesting kid that's for sure.

Man has it been a wild ride. Fight with the Crown Prince, now he's run away and they're living with the ultimate mage. Then the alleged marriage, and now Mu Deok is missing.

I didn't realize Jung So Min was in this, let alone that she played the FL Mu Deok. I've only ever seen her in Playful Kiss, and she annoyed the crap out of me there so I was worried, but I actually love her in this. If only Park Shin Hye could have some sort of redemption with me. lol

I also super love Park Dang Gu (Yoo In Soo). He's just such a ray of sunshine and such a sweet person. Seo Yul (Hwang Min Hyun) is also really starting to open up. Hell, even Go Won (Shin Seung Ho) seems like he has some humanity.

It seems like Dang Gu really likes Jin Cho Yeon (Arin) which bums me out because she seems like an insufferable C word. ESPECIALLY after trying to pin the broken jade on Mu Deok like the jealous POS she is. Btw, as if a solid jade ball just breaks because you dropped the protected carrying case.

I love that Crown Prince clocked this fake a** Mu Deok from the jump. He knew the real one would not hesitate to be rude to him. lol

Not enough to frame her for breaking the jade, but you stole it and framed her too? Pathetic.

WOWWWW AND you watched her open the door to Jinyowon, so you know exactly where she's at and that something awful has happened to her and you're still quiet? No wonder your mom doesn't seem to like you that much. The daughter she misses, I assume, is far less disappointing.

"If she gets locked in she could die." *Looks down at the jade SHE broke and tried to pin on Mu Deok and locks Mu Deok in there*

Wow. Dang Gu didn't even hesitate to clock her ass saying he hears what sounds like jade knocking together every time she moves. That poor man. That face is pure disappointment.

What is Jin Ho Gyeong's (Park Eun Hye) problem? No wonder Cho Yeon sucks as a person.

At least she admitted to everything, although I imagine Jang Uk, and even Dang Gu, wouldn't have let it slide. They'd have defended Mu Deok since no one would believe her against essentially a princess.

Uh oh, they're about to ask her if she locked Mu Deok in Jinyowon and she's gonna out her abilities. Hopefully they won't believe her.

It's already duel time. I obviously don't want Jang Uk to die, but I also don't want Crown Prince to die.

The queen is the real Danju!? Man I thought that was the head of the Jin family when she first showed up.

Here comes another trouble maker. I love that it says, "Mu Deok and Jang Uk are once again driven apart." When will we stop with that story line?

Also, Crown Prince lovvvvvessss filthy Mu Deok. lol

So he can't bring his own servant, but also they're short servants and looking for new ones. Make it make sense.

Omg she knows she can't enter and he can't leave so why is she doing this nonsense like he abandoned her?

SHE'S THE LOST DAUGHTER OF THE JIN FAMILY!?

Omg these three helping her to pass is so cute. Although I bet she used her own test.

Jang Uk is such a petulant child. She worked so hard to get into Songrim and this is how he behaves? Omg I feel like its hours later and he's still being such a lazy, bratty, f*ck.

Heo Yun Ok (Hong Seo Hee) "You should forgive him. The flowers are so pretty." Maidservant Kim Do Joo (Oh Na Ra): "You really have a way with words, Lady Heo." I mean, really setting the bar low. lol

What's to stop So Yi (Seo Hye Won) from going to the head of Songrim and telling them what Jin Mu is doing? As a matter of fact, he just switched souls from that old mage to his young pupil, are you telling me no one is going to wonder where that super important, powerful, old man mage went?

What's the point of having the younger body if you can't even be your real self? Now you're just some lowly pupil.

Okay, so they're going to have him die in front of others so as to not rouse suspicions. But it still makes no real sense because would you even have your power in the new body or would you just spend a new lifetime getting back right to where you were before?

Yun Ok (In Jang Uk's room) while speaking to Mu Deok: "Please, come in." Girl what? Get out of fantasy land.

LOL Not Jang Uk and Go Won being driven to one another and completely misinterpreting it. They're like all the insufferable weirdos who insist on shipping male leads, especially if they have a healthy male friendship.

I kept thinking I hope this has a perfectly happy ending but Park Jin (Yoo Jun Sang) is on my last nerve and I wouldn't be upset if he died.

So Yi has some real audacity on her. I get why she did this to begin with, but to be so foolish to think they aren't using her.... wild.

So Mu Deok is the missing daughter of the Jin family, right? That makes sense as to why they never mentioned her mother and was basically confirmed when Cho Yeon's father stated that Bu Yeon was the result of an affair the mother had with another man.

Mu Deok has her powers back so why is she talking about soul-shifting despite it risking all their lives? What a brat.

I did not expect Cho Yeon and Dang Gu to actually follow and approach her dad. That's wildly dangerous.

Welp. I did not know there was a part two. I was surprised when things kicked off 15 minutes from the end of episode 20.

How much time has passed? Also, it seems Mu Deok isn't Mu Deok anymore which is going to be bizarre.

My poor, sweet Dang Gu. She's being a real biotch. Okay, so someone explain to me how Jin Mu is still kickin' around.

I get that they're trying to say Naksu's soul is inside Bu Yeon's body, but didn't we already establish Mu Deok was Bu Yeon? Not Naksu's soul, but actual physical Mu Deok?

I don't understand why she's not in Mu Deok's body. They said she was basically dead and they yanked her out of the lake. Why would it be anyone but Mu Deok? Mama Jin was hell bent on this because she saw Mu Deok mouth "mom" to her. So I don't understand how Naksu is in this other body and why Mama Jin wants it.

Okay, that's a stupid explanation. Her whole thing was keeping her daughter's body alive to get a grandchild and now it's not her daughter's body or soul. And yes, I know they said "Ohhh just the face will morph back to Naksu" which is also idiotic. I get why story purposes it can't be Mu Deok because people would recognize her but this is beyond stupid.

I'm sorry but I just cannot picture Jang Uk and Naksu. It almost feels like he's cheating. I just wish she looked like Mu Deok again.

Also, I've been meaning to say this for awhile but the OG Queen is also kind of an a**hole. I get what she's been through but she rubs me the wrong way. Also, if Shaman Choi (fake queen) was telling the truth, and I believe she was, the OG queen got herself into this situation by trying to get a newer, younger body.

This is exactly what I mean. She's blaming everyone else but taking absolutely zero accountability.

So tell me why Seo Yul doesn't seem absolute shook to see Naksu's face? Really? He doesn't recognize her? The woman he was madly in love with for years? Give me a break.

F*ck the queen. I do hope she dies. It was her vanity that got her into this mess and she's learned nothing.

I'm sorry but she has some audacity. She begged him to save her and help her, and he made it clear his intentions and now she's mad?

Nooooo Seo Yul dies!? Phew, ok. This show will give me a heart attack.

The audacity of Jin Mu to try to tell Lady Jin that she's also to blame. Bffr.

How dare lame ass doctor chick read his personal letters.

Okay, she's grown on me a little bit but I miss Mu Deok. Also, I'm sort of weirded out. It feels like he's cheating on Mu Deok by breaking their promise. I know she told him to move on, but it just feels weird. And that's WITH me knowing it's her. lol

All the horrible, horrendous things that Jin Mu has done, and he just keeps going. I SWEAR that turtle had better be safe and sound.

"What does it concern you, Yunk Ok?" could be a tagline for this show.

Jin Mu finally dying but of course this asshole queen and the other moron can't leave well enough alone. This show is never going to end.

Well as usual the ending was way rushed when the show had so many parts that dragged out that they could've cut for more time.

But at least everyone got their happy ending. Although I hate that they're happily ever after wasn't with her as Mu Deok. I get why in terms of the story, but I miss Jang Uk and Mu Deok.

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