Alchemy of Souls Episode 15 Nets 6.610% Ratings with Focus on Uninteresting Plots Continuing to Derail the Central Narrative Momentum

It makes me sad to have to complain about Alchemy of Souls since I loved it so much when it first aired, all those early episodes elicited the best feelings of curiosity, elation, and excitement. Now it’s slowly petered out to obligation, continuing to watch because I want to see the story through and also a loyalty to how the amazing start made me so happy. It kills me to see most of the episode wasted on plot points NO ONE CARES ABOUT, namely the bitch from the village So I and her masquerade as the long long Jin Bu Yeon orchestrated by Jin Mu. Like, just gloss over all the set up like training her to be blind, killing anyone who knew her past, blah blah blah, just stick her in there because we know it’s all going to fall apart in the end anyways. The best part of the episode was learning how Master Lee soul swapping happened, in a LOL way when he leveled up and his soul left his body but his derpy pupil Dr. Heo Yeom burned his body in a funeral pyre prematurely so he took over the body of a recently deceased orphan on the streets hence he’s aged up again with this generation. Of course I do love when Wook is so forthright and sure of his love for Mu Deok but while she when pushed acknowledges her feelings her character hasn’t grown to the same degree as Wook has through this drama. I hope the final episodes really level up as well to bring this drama home in a meaningful way.


Comments

Alchemy of Souls Episode 15 Nets 6.610% Ratings with Focus on Uninteresting Plots Continuing to Derail the Central Narrative Momentum — 18 Comments

  1. This is the first time I really love Hong Sisters’ ML, so relatable, straightforward and unique character. The actor is doing such a amazing job. I first watched this drama for Jung So Min. Later ML, Lee Jae Wook is the one who won me over with great acting, kept me watching.
    He is one of very few rookies who can actually act.

  2. That So-i’s plotline is unnecessary and dragged too much. She has many screentimes recently. I don’t like it. I’m annoyed with Naksu as well. She still doesn’t care anything about this body owner. Such a self-centered character.
    Naksu kinda forgot about her life or getting ice stones, while Jang Uk is the one who is worried about it more than her. Hope they better stop this love triangle. Yul needs to move on.
    The main plot need to step forward. With next week’s break, probably they know their mess and try to improve it.

  3. I stopped watching this around ep 8/9. Though I loved the first 5 or 6 eps so so much. Even reading recaps is so boring cos of all the unnecessary draggy plotlines. This Is also the first time I really like a hong sisters ML. I’m not sure if it’s the acting or writing, but Lee Jae Wook is a darn fantastic actor and really makes Jang Uk stand out. He’s one of the few 90s actors that can really act. I’m personally not buying JSM as Naksu, though I love her in all her other works. She doesnt have that natural fierceness and gravitas that is needed for this character and which Go Yoon Jung had. I find myself comparing them alot mentally and I wouldn’t mind if GYJ were to be the FL in s2

    • Same. I don’t feel much for JSM here. In romantic scenes between leads, she looks so forced. I got it they have 9 years age gap in real life. But the boy is doing everything. I think something went wrong with her.
      I’m more excited for Lee Jae Wook and Go Yoon Jung pairing in part 2. Not sure about GYJ,but LJW will pull it off.

      • Same! Alot of ppl are raving about the leads’ chemistry, but I just dont see it, or rather, feel it. She has way more chemistry with the crown prince. Yes in romantic scenes (even the mudeok ones n naksu ones where she has to be fierce), I find her acting very forced. Which is why I dont buy the romance, they should have stayed as platonic pupil n teacher. Yes! Am looking forward to ljkn gyj! Am excited to see her as Naksu cos she impressed me since ep 1

  4. I’m surprised to find out Lee Jae Wook was born in 1998. I mean really? He just turned 24 years old. He still has a few more years before military service. His looks are very versatile and he is surely talented. Now I understand why Hong Sisters chose him. Such a good young actor. Jang Uk character is made for him.

    • Lol. That was so surprising to read that you binge watch from beginning to end each week. I do the same but fast forward through the other story lines. I find some of them so funny that I laugh each time. I have liked both lead actors for a while now. I have noticed a decline in the main plot but will stay to the end.

  5. It’s really a boring drama. Neither LJW neither JSM can change this aspect for me, they don’t have any chemistry. I’m still curious about the magic part.

  6. At first JSM was doing well with her character but not anymore . She looks like she is forced to finish her job . Lee Jae Wook is the one doing his best . It’s sad as i don’t see their age gap . JSM looks young and Lee Jae Wook is manly not a “flower boy” . A mention to Jo Jae Yoon that i like . He is always on the top .

  7. msj doing a great job will not watch season 2 if she is out. Would actually love to see plot twist where the old naksu comes back but only recalls prior and loves Yul and all this time its been the real meuduk Jin Queen aka White Stone gal aka blind gal aka Buyun that really has been communicating the heart stuff with LJW. Folks forget that little blind girl Buyun has some serious power! You know like Naksu’a mind but Buyun’s heart. Remember it was Buyun that gave him that gorgeous hug that saved him in alchemy underworld. Then Yul gets Naksu and Janyuk gets Buyun oh and Prince gets herbal gal!!! If it doesnt finish like that I will just make believe it did.

  8. Agree with the So-I analysis. I find Naksu’ character in line with the storyline. She grew up on her own, trained as an assassin and honestly has no idea how to show affection. Yeah I want to bang my head against the wall with her sometimes but I think Uk understands why she is the way she is.

  9. Stupid people. Why you hate the storyline and the actors. You guys can’t understand the story cuz you noob. There’s alot of theories here. If you can’t understand, please stop crying. Close minded people. The story is Good.

  10. I’m also a lover of Alchemist of Souls! However I do agree with your comment. Still it’s a great k-drama fantasy, Romantic and comedic series! My only complaint is that I have to wait every week for Just Two episodes! Ugh! so frustrating! So to ease my mind I watch it from the very beginning right through to the last aired episode! 🥰

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