No one is better than South Korean filmmakers in fusing fantasy, history, and romance to create the ideal TV series. Alchemy of Souls, a Korean drama on Netflix, is the ideal illustration of that. Both Korean music and film seem to be ideal examples of blending many genres and elements. They gather the materials they require from many sources and mix them into one massive work of art that, despite the apparent impossibility of it, simply somehow works wonderfully.
Following your enjoyment of Alchemy of Souls, you might want to watch any of the other Korean TV shows listed below. These series, which range from Hotel Del Luna to Arthdal Chronicles, should keep you occupied until Alchemy of Souls Season 2 is available to stream.
A Korean Odyssey, a fantasy TV series based on the Chinese classic Journey to the West from the 16th century, stars Lee Seung-gi, Cha Seung-won, and Oh Yeon-seo as the title roles. It centres on Son O-Gong and King Wooma, who are often at odds with one another but become friends through their shared desire to find light in a dark world. The show is straightforward, distinctive, and novel—unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Positive aspects of the show include the plot, which is like something out of a dream, and the chemistry between the two stars.
Arthdal Chronicles (2019)
The Bronze Age is the setting for Arthdal Chronicles, which is regarded as the first Korean ancient fantasy drama. It is partially based on Gojoseon, the founder of the first Korean Kingdom. It takes place in the mythological nation of Arth, where the locals, who are fictional heroes, battle to establish a new civilization among countless power conflicts and trials of love and unity. The unmatched Song Joong-ki and Kim Ji-won play the primary characters, two of South Korea’s most popular actors. This programme offers a fascinating glimpse into Korea’s early civilisation with its various tribes and is an epic fantasy that draws you in. We advise anyone who enjoys historical fantasy to read this.
Goblin (2016)
Goblin, which starred Gong Yoo in the titular role together with Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na, and Yook Sung-jae, swiftly gained popularity in South Korea after its debut. The eternal goblin in the tale needs to discover his one true love in order to free himself from the grip of an impenetrable sword. It has risen to the fifth-highest drama rating in Korean cable television history because to its large audience. Due to its genuinely transcendent art on screen, it has also grown to be regarded as the gold standard for K-dramas. Toss off all of your fears and hesitations, and watch this instead; you won’t be sorry.
Gu Family Book (2013)
Gu Family Book is a blend of martial arts action and historical fantasy drama, starring singer-actors Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy in the lead roles. The story centres on a man who is half human and half werewolf who is desperately looking for a centuries-old book that will enable him to become totally human. Get prepared for a lot of tears and heartbreaking backstories. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously and is a little unorthodox. With action, comedy, fantasy, and powerful male and female characters, it satisfies the need to see a variety of genres all in one.
Hotel del Luna (2019)
Last but not least, we have Hotel del Luna, a TV show created by the Hong sisters and starring Lee Ji-eun and Yeo Jin-goo once more. Lee plays the proprietor of a unique hotel that exclusively accommodates ghosts and looks after them until they enter the light. Yeo portrays both Lee’s love interest and the hotel manager. One of the highest-rated Korean dramas in the annals of cable television. It is superior to the typical goofy k-drama due to the excellent production. It occasionally becomes sluggish, yet it in no way diminishes its great attributes. The style crew has also done a fantastic job with the costumes and makeup.
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016)
Don’t worry; we also offer content for fans of homoerotic subtext. The plot of the historical drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth centres on an elite band of men, the Hwarang, who are trained soldiers and discover love and brotherhood as the Silla empire is in upheaval. Park Seo-joon, Go A-ra, Park Hyung-sik, Choi Min-ho of Shinee, and Kim Tae-hyung of BTS are just a few of the drama’s well-known stars. The series’ many positive qualities outweigh its few minor drawbacks, which some people prefer to point out. You’ll be disappointed that this doesn’t have a sequel since K-dramas typically only have one season.
Lovers of the Red Sky (2021)
Kim Yoo-jung and Ahn Hyo-seop play the main romantic couple in the fantasy romance historical drama Lovers of the Red Sky, which is based on the same-named novel. The only female Korean painter in the mythical Dan dynasty, who was only briefly mentioned in the historical documents, is the subject of the story. She meets an astrologer who has the ability to interpret stars and constellations. She was raised as a strong young woman with a magical painting talent. Every episode of this show keeps you on the edge of your seat; it’s a must-watch Korean drama.
Mirror of the Witch (2016)
Mirror of the Witch, also known as Scarlet Healer, is another another historical fantasy drama that you ought to watch. It was based on the book Dongui Bogam. It tells the tale of an infertile princess who consults a black magic shaman to try and break the curse placed upon her. Although the combination of attire, fantasy, and modern mannerism may seem strange at first, you’ll soon get used to it. While at times appearing to be written in circles, the plot is unique, captivating, and engaging. The plot and the excellent acting in the show make a lasting impression.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
The most well-known female solo artist in South Korea, Lee Ji-eun, Lee Joon-gi, and Kang Ha-neul, feature in the historical fantasy drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, which is based on the Chinese novel Bu Bu Jing Xin. It depicts the tale of a woman from the 21st century who accidentally travels to the Goryeo Dynasty during a solar eclipse, falls in love, and unwittingly becomes embroiled in political disputes. You’ll find the plot intriguing and heartbreaking in its intricacies even if you’re not a big fan of k-dramas. The show is exciting from start to finish and almost brings you to tears by the conclusion.
The Moon Embracing The Sun (2012)
Shaman stories are very popular in South Korea, and The Moon Embracing The Sun is no exception. It features Han Ga-in as a woman shaman who falls in love with Kim Soo-character, hyun’s a fictional Joseon Dynasty King, against the setting of a typical Korean palace. Political plots and disputes are present, as usual. At the 48th Baeksang Arts Awards, it took home the Best Drama and Best Actor prizes for television. Many contend that the teen actors performed significantly better than their adult counterparts in the series. You’ll see after watching it that it merits the positive comments and ratings that have been given to it.
