Running a small business in Port Harcourt is not for the faint hearted. Between the unpredictable power supply, the rising cost of goods, and the stress of dealing with logistics, there are days I honestly feel like throwing in the towel. Being self-employed means you wear multiple hats, and sometimes it gets so overwhelming that you forget why you even started in the first place. It was during one of these particularly exhausting weeks that I found myself scrolling endlessly through my app, hoping to find something that would just take my mind off everything. That’s how I stumbled upon Alchemy of Souls.
To say this series pulled me in would be an understatement. From the first episode, I was captivated, not just by the fantasy or the stunning cinematography, but by the emotional depth of the characters. Jang Uk and Mu-deok’s journey of growth, redemption, and love resonated with me in ways I didn’t expect.
Their world is filled with soul-shifting magic and ancient power struggles, but underneath all the mystical flair is a deeply human story. Jang Uk starts off lost and rejected, bearing a heavy burden because of his birth circumstances. That feeling of being overlooked or carrying a label because of things beyond your control, ah, I felt that. Sometimes as a small businesswoman, especially one without powerful connections, you feel like you’re constantly proving yourself just to earn a seat at the table.
Mu-deok, on the other hand, is the definition of quiet strength. Her past as a powerful assassin trapped in a frail body reminded me that strength isn’t always visible. Her loyalty, sharp thinking, and quiet confidence reminded me of the many times I’ve had to keep my head up, even when I didn’t feel like I was winning.
What really struck a chord with me was the whole concept of soul-shifting. Not in the magical sense, of course, but in the symbolic way. We all change. Life forces us to adapt, to become different versions of ourselves. There was a time when I was shy, afraid of risk, and would never dream of running a business on my own. But look at me now, still standing, still fighting, still dreaming. Just like the characters in the show, I’ve learned that transformation can be painful, but it is also powerful.
Alchemy of Souls reminded me that no matter how chaotic life feels, there’s always a chance to grow, to love, and to begin again. There’s a particular scene where Mu-deok tells Jang Uk something along the lines of, “Even if I lose everything, I’ll still have myself.” That hit me hard. In business, you might lose money, products, or customers, but if you don’t lose yourself, you can always rebuild.
So if you’re going through a hard time, whether it’s personal, financial, or emotional, I highly recommend watching Alchemy of Souls. It’s not just another K-drama, it’s a journey. One that might just help you find the strength you didn’t know you had.