Perfect 98%-Rated Fantasy K-Drama Everyone Forgot About Is Your Must-See on Netflix

The sisters Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran are one of the most popular screenwriters in South Korea whose names are strongly associated with the fantasy genre. The Hong sisters' career began in 2005 with the release of the drama Sassy Girl Chun-hyang.

This is a modern interpretation of a Korean folk tale about a girl named Chun-hyang who could not betray her loved one even at the risk of death. The drama was very popular with viewers and paved the way for the sisters to enter the industry.

Nearly two decades later, their series Alchemy of Souls debuted on Netflix in 2022, becoming the most high-profile K-drama release in recent years.

What is Alchemy of Souls About?

Naksu is a powerful magician, skilled in martial arts. During one of the battles, Naksu is mortally wounded, but does not want to die, so she uses a forbidden spell – the alchemy of souls, and transfers her soul into the body of a blind girl.

Naksu’s name is now Mu-deok. She is sold to a house of courtesans, where she meets Jang Uk, heir to one of the four most powerful magical families, who has no powers at all.

Jang Uk offers Mu-deok a deal – she will become his mentor and help him restore the magical abilities, and in return he will restore her to her former strength. Mu-deok agrees and Uk makes her his maid.

Alchemy of Souls Channels Girl Power

Jung-eun and Mi-ran pay a lot of attention to female characters – their heroines are often characterized by strong will and independence, and are no less charismatic than their male counterparts.

And Mu-deok is the embodiment of that image. She does not turn into a damsel in distress, even though she has lost her magical abilities.

The K-Drama's World Is Chef's Kiss

The world of the series, the locations, and the costumes are so detailed and original that it seems as if the authors have adapted a series of Korean fantasy books. There is romance, the struggle of magicians for world power, and bright action scenes with sword fights.

All of this makes Alchemy of Souls one of the most striking fantasy dramas of recent years, as evidenced by its Rotten Tomatoes audience score of 98% for Season 1.

Season 2 Wasn't Necessary, But It Was Still Good

However, the second season received less love from the audience – its Rotten Tomatoes score is 83%. Many fans noted that the new ten episodes did not seem like a necessary continuation of the story, and the revelation of new details could fit into an additional few episodes of the first season.

Nevertheless, it's worth watching both seasons of Alchemy of Souls if you're a fan of beautiful fairy tales about love and magic.