Many viewers wonder if Alchemy of Souls on Netflix is based on Manhwa. Well, the official writers (Hong Jung-Eun and Hong Mi-Ran) have not yet disclosed if it was taken from any old Manhwa. It appears like the series was written to be displayed on screens.
Alchemy of Souls is a Korean romantic fancy series created by Park Joon-Hwa, Hong Jung-Eun, and Hong Mi-ran which is set in the fictional land of Daeho, which is inhabited by magical beings. Nak-Su, an elite warrior, finds herself in the body of Mu-Deok after death due to a mysterious spell known as the alchemy of souls or "hwanhonsool." Given the latter's status as a servant in Jang Uk's household, the warrior works hard to keep her covered while remaining committed to the mission she was pursuing in her previous life.
Recently, the second season of the show was released by tVN on November 19. However, Netflix bought the official rights to the show and premiered on the streaming platform on December 10.
The show is a thrilling combination of drama and fancy with several different components; it has accumulated a sizable fan base both locally and internationally over time. However, the series has also let many fans wonder if it is based on manhwa/comics like many of the other Korean series. Well, here is everything we know.
Previously, we touched on Naksu.
Alchemy of Souls on Netflix Isn’t Based on a Manhwa: Everything You Need to Know About the Series!
Alchemy of Souls is a South Korean television series starring Lee Jae-Wook, Jung So-min, Go Yoon-Jung, and Hwang Min-Hyun and officially written by Hong sisters Hong Jung-Eun and Hong Mi-Ran. It was rumored to be based on Manhwa. However, the series creator has not yet published whether or not the series was influenced by manhwa. It seems like the writers wrote the script only for the screen.
Manhwa is a general term for comics and print cartoons in Korea. Outside of Korea, the term is usually used to refer to South Korean comic books which have been heavily influenced by Japanese Manga comics. Likely, modern Manhwa has spread to many other countries. These comics have spread beyond Korea thanks to the availability of Webtoons and have made an impact that has resulted in many movie and television show adaptations.
Meanwhile, Alchemy of Souls follows a story about young mages dealing with heaven and earth. It debuted on tvN on June 18, 2022, and is broadcast every Saturday and Sunday at 21:10 p.m. (KST). It is also available in select regions for streaming on TVING and Netflix. The series is divided into two parts: Part 1 aired for 20 episodes from June 18 to August 28, 2022, and Part 2 (Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow) premiered on December 10, 2022.
The series revolves around the themes of love and personal development. This is primarily transmitted by Nak-Su, who is imprisoned in Mu-body. Deok's (played by Jung So-min). She begins to change as the former cold and lethal assassin is influenced by Jong-Wook's caring nature, as no one seemed to care about her before him. The series establishes a foundation through their new friendship that allows the storyline to be further explored and more character arcs to be developed.
In terms of moving the plot forward, it will be fascinating to see how these two characters collaborate to achieve their objectives. Events unfold quickly throughout each episode, making it difficult for viewers to keep up with what's going on. Typical of a period drama, various factions vie for power, and people aren't always who they appear to be. Political scheming and betrayal add another layer of intrigue, and these events become much clearer by the end of the second episode.
The series also knows when to laugh and when to take itself seriously. The Hong Sisters have elevated the show's comedy and changed things by introducing the clichéd body-swapping trope found in many Korean dramas in a fantasy setting. Watching Nak-Su try to navigate life in her new body, which is far weaker and less powerful than her own, creates hilarious situations for her to solve. Although the romance is not yet the primary focus, the Hong sisters have already laid the groundwork for the classic enemies-to-lovers trope between the two main leads.
A love triangle is also forming between Nak-Su, Jang-Wook, and Seo Yul (Minhyun) (@optimushwang). Seo Yul, like Jang-Wook, is a member of one of the four prestigious magical families and seems to be an old friend of Nak- Su's. He will almost certainly cause friction between the two leads and be another impediment to their romantic journey.
So far, this Korean Drama seems to bring a fresh perspective to the Romance Fantasy genre, and with 20 episodes expected to be released weekly on Netflix, there will be plenty of Alchemy of Souls to go around.
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