Netflix is a verified K-drama machine in 2026, with tons of new hits cranked out monthly, and updates on a regular basis on its biggest returns and most anticipated adaptations. Yet, in a sea of 8, 12, or 16-episode stories in the service’s landscape, 2022’s 2-part Alchemy of Souls was a remarkable exception that sucked viewers in.
Its explicitly-labeled Part 1 featured 20 episodes alone ranging from approximately 75 to 87 minutes each. With an additional 10 episodes in Part 2, Alchemy of Souls was a uniquely ambitious run for viewers craving a meatier experience.
Following cultivation fantasy logic in the fictional kingdom of Daeho, Alchemy of Souls seamlessly blended magic and martial arts together with more typical K-drama trappings like a historically-inspired setting, and surprisingly charming romantic comedy throughout its story. The series follows Nak-su, a powerful warrior suddenly trapped in a weaker body due to the titular forbidden magic, “Alchemy of Souls”.
Alchemy of Souls Holds Up as an Excellent Binge Against Newer K-Dramas
A 30-episode run is already a strong enough unique offering compared to the usual webtoon-adapted offerings of modern K-dramas. Bearing additional influence of Chinese fiction with its xianxia elements, namely the cultivation aspects, Nak-su’s journey gets more complicated when her new, weaker body, Mu-deok (played by Jung So-min) is pitifully weak, lacking her previously-cultivated might.
This draws her new persona, Mu-deok, into a noble fold when she is taken in by Jang Uk, a Daeho noble, as his servant. But as is typical of the genre, Mu-deok and Jang Uk’s initial tenuous relationship shifts, as Mu-deok eventually helps Jang Uk awaken his powers as a mage. They eventually fall in love, only for tragedy to set the stage for Part 2.
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Alchemy of Souls Part 1 largely tells the story of this relationship, a slow-burn romance set against a backdrop of political subterfuge and conflict that alters the lives of Mu-deok, Jang Uk, and the people around them going into Part 2. Bearing Studio Dragon’s usual mark of excellence, it’s commonly regarded as an all-timer among K-dramas.
What Makes Alchemy of Souls Great?
While Alchemy of Souls is perhaps best-enjoyed once all the way through, it nonetheless boasts much of what makes the medium great. It’s got excellent chemistry between its primary romantic leads, superb costume design, and impressive production values for its magic visuals atop solid martial arts and fight choreography, mixing a touch of gravity-defying wuxia elements in.
Each season following the June 2022 debut of Alchemy of Souls has occasionally seen similar fantasy output, but nothing quite to this scale. The most many can muster is urban fantasy with touches of classical influence, like recently with No Tail to Tell, or 2025’s Genie, Make a Wish. But Alchemy of Souls, with its staggered 2-part release, stands unmatched.
However, there were drawbacks to Alchemy of Souls’ own structure and rules. Its central forbidden magic meant inevitably saying goodbye to Nak-su/Mu-deok’s portrayal, with many having grown attached to Jung So-min’s portrayal; such is the nature of a 20-episode Part 1 primarily featuring this actor in the role.
Alchemy of Souls ended Part 2 on a weaker note overall than Part 1, but still arguably left a more positive overall legacy than Squid Game which stole the world’s attention the year before.
But on the flip side, while Part 2 was half the length with less focus on relationships and world-building, it made up for it in melodrama and visuals. Alchemy of Souls ended Part 2 on a weaker note overall than Part 1, but still arguably left a more positive overall legacy than Squid Game, which stole the world’s attention the year before.
If you haven’t checked out Alchemy of Souls yet, you absolutely should. It’s a highly-recommended K-drama for good reason, being one of the few wholly original productions in an increasingly saturated market full of adaptations. While webtoon-inspired hits like Bloodhounds are reasonable, concise alternatives, it’s hard to find much better for long-form viewing than Alchemy of Souls.
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