Alchemy of Souls – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Alchemy of Souls

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2022

69%

WISE Score

8.7

IMDb

Soul-swapping Korean fantasy with gorgeous world-building, slow-burn romance, and enough magical intrigue to keep teens hooked for 20 episodes.

8.7/10

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Alchemy of Souls

show

TV-14, 2022

69%

WISE Score

8.7

IMDb

Soul-swapping Korean fantasy with gorgeous world-building, slow-burn romance, and enough magical intrigue to keep teens hooked for 20 episodes.

8.7

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Screenwise Verdict

Alchemy of Souls is a solid pick if your teen is ready for Korean fantasy drama or already loves the genre. The soul-switching concept is clever, the world-building is legitimately impressive, and the 8.7 IMDb rating isn't lying—it's well-crafted TV.

That said, this is 20 episodes of slow-burn romance, magical politics, and identity angst. If your kid bounces off anything that isn't Marvel-paced, they'll tap out by episode 3. The 14+ rating is earned: fantasy violence, intense romance, and some genuinely dark themes around body autonomy and death.

For the right teen—one who's patient, into character-driven stories, and curious about what makes K-dramas so popular—this is a great watch. For everyone else, it's a beautifully shot slog.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14+ who can handle fantasy violence, romantic intensity, and morally complex storylines. The 20-episode format and K-drama pacing mean it's really for teens and adults who enjoy immersive, slow-burn fantasy romance—not younger kids looking for action-packed adventure.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Korean fantasy drama with themes of mentorship, loyalty, and overcoming fate. Characters model dedication and perseverance, though the romance-heavy plot and some power dynamics (older female mage in younger male body training a male student) create complexity. Pacing is typical K-drama—slow burn with emotional beats that work for teens but may drag for younger viewers. Positive messages about growth and found family, but relationship dynamics skew more mature teen/adult.

Imaginative

The soul-switching premise is genuinely creative—a forbidden magic that swaps souls between bodies creates intriguing identity questions and narrative possibilities. The fictional kingdom of Daeho has distinct magical systems, mage hierarchies, and lore that invite curiosity. Costume design and world-building are visually rich. However, it's a passive viewing experience (no interactive elements), and the imagination is more in appreciating the creators' world than in building your own.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, which signals moderate content concerns. Korean fantasy dramas in this genre typically include fight sequences with swordplay and magical combat (action/violence), romantic tension that can get intense, and occasional darker themes (death, betrayal, body horror implications of soul-switching). No explicit sexual content or gore, but the tonal maturity—twisted fates, forbidden magic, morally gray characters—means younger kids could find scenes unsettling. Not a 'surprise scary clown' situation, but definitely not background-safe for elementary schoolers.

Enriching

Strong IMDB rating (8.7) suggests compelling storytelling that resonates. Themes of identity (who are you if your soul is in another body?), destiny vs. free will, and the ethics of forbidden knowledge offer real discussion material. Character arcs show growth, sacrifice, and moral complexity. For teens interested in Korean culture, it's a window into K-drama storytelling conventions and fantasy genre tropes. Entertaining enough to hold attention across 20 episodes, which is no small feat. However, it's not actively skill-building and the entertainment-to-enrichment ratio leans more toward the former.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Creative premise—forbidden magic that switches souls between bodies creates genuine identity dilemmas and plot twists
High production value with beautiful costumes, fight choreography, and a richly detailed fictional kingdom
Strong character development across 20 episodes; watching young mages grow and face impossible choices is genuinely engaging
Themes of destiny vs. free will, loyalty, and sacrifice offer substance beyond typical teen romance
Gateway to K-drama storytelling if your teen is curious about Korean entertainment

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What to Watch For

Fantasy violence—sword fights and magical combat, not gory but present throughout
Romantic storylines get intense; age-gap dynamics (older soul in younger body) may feel uncomfortable depending on your family's comfort level
20 episodes at ~70 minutes each is a serious time investment; K-drama pacing means slow stretches
Some darker themes: death, betrayal, body-swapping horror implications that could unsettle younger or more sensitive viewers

Conversation Starters

"If you could switch bodies with someone, would you? What would be the hardest part about being in someone else's life?"
"The show explores whether you can change your fate or if some things are destined—what do you think?"
"How do the characters' relationships change when they're in different bodies? Does it make you think differently about what makes someone 'themselves'?"
"What would you do if you had access to forbidden magic that could solve your problems but hurt others?"

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