#5 - Alchemy of Souls (환혼, 2022)

Alchemy of Souls (환혼, 2022)

Review by Elana Falkenberg (Monash University)

Alchemy of Souls promotional poster. Image source: HanCinema

Contrary to the impression the shows name gives, you’ll find yourself laughing throughout.

Alchemy of Souls, otherwise known as "환혼" is a K-drama loosely based off the Joseon era in a fictional kingdom called Daeho. Utilising aspects of the xinxia genre, a genre of Chinese fantasy inspired Chinese mythology alchemy and other traditional elements, we follow the story of the notorious assassin called Naksu. We follow Naksu as she faces hard times with her soul being trapped in the body of a blind, frail young woman which allows her to be weak and hide her true identity. Naksu finds an ally in Jang Uk, a member of the Jang family who needs her help to unlock his abilities to become a powerful mage. We follow them together as Jang Uk and Naksu’s relationship develops, and as Naksu comes to peace with her past and her future. This happens while they fall into sticky situations at every turn with the leader of the mages of Songrim and the Prince.

Since the show began airing, Nielsen Korea reported that the drama received an overall average nationwide rating of 7.9 on the night of each episode’s release. The show has been well received as “Alchemy of Souls” marked its highest viewership ratings to date for a Saturday broadcast, which is highly notable since the viewership on Saturdays are usually much lower than on Sundays. “Alchemy of Souls” took first place among all viewers however, it seems to appeal particularly to the demographic group of aged 20-49. The K-drama is also available on Netflix; remaining in the Top 10 TV shows on for 6 weeks at 4^th and 5^th place. This indicates its positive reception from the international audience. Writers of the show, Jeong-eun Hong and Mi-ran Hong, seemed to have confidence in how the reception and success of the K-drama as prior to the release of episode 1, it was announced there would be a season 2.

Aside from the successful ratings, the show received favourable online reviews and opinions. Some viewers claimed that the kingdom of Daeho, where the story was set in, felt realistic; as if all different aspects of characters positions, history, and relationships had been thought out and explained. The story was coherent with few plot holes and there was a balance of tones throughout the story as well. Competently weaving between serious and jovial tones for balance, viewers could relate more to the characters’ personalities. However, while the K-drama was generally well received, there were some aspects that limited it from reaching its fullest potential. The narrative for some moved along too slowly, especially for those who adore the common style of romance K-dramas. When the story moved along more quickly, that was when plot holes appeared, for example, illogical jumps by characters.

In my opinion the success of the show came from its fresh use of tropes common in many K-dramas that draw in those that like them, and those who do not. “Alchemy of souls” uses tropes common within other K-dramas such as questions surrounding the main character's birthparents. The main character having hidden abilities as well as being constantly saved by their romantic interest. However, “Alchemy of Souls” adds in a variation on these tropes mainly due to the characteristics of the show's main characters. For example, Nasku (the main female lead) was once a strong and dangerous assassin, but due to her current weak body she gets into situations where she would be caught while Jang Uk or other characters are there to assist her. She has a lot of pride and always tries to get out of the situation herself which often causes laughter for the audience. She does not fall for flattery and is determined to fend for herself. Jang Uk also plays into these tropes but as a likeable character who gives Naksu her space and is also an interesting character who illogically jumps to conclusions adding a sense of naivety to his character. Therefore, the successful ratings of the show came from to the audiences' familiarity to these tropes, the genre and notoriety of K-dramas as well as the characteristics of the main leads.

What comes next in the story of Naksu and Jang Uk is yet to be seen. It appears though that the release of season 2 will be in December 10th 2022, it would be fair to say that many will be anticipating the future of “Alchemy of Souls”.