Does Lee Jae-Wook K-Drama Have a Happy or Sad Ending?

Alchemy of Souls season 1 is a highly anticipated fantasy K-drama that aired in August 2022. It stars Lee Jae-Wook and Jung So-Min and is available on Netflix.

Set in the fantasy world of Daeho, the drama follows mages’ battle with dark and evil magic called “alchemy of souls,” which allows souls to swap bodies. A warrior, Naksu, gets accidentally trapped in a fragile woman’s body named Mu Deok. One day, she meets Jang Uk and ends up becoming his master.

Both have their goals set and, hence, do not shy away from taking advantage of each other’s strengths. Eventually, they fall in love, but dreaming of a life with a Naksu is not easy. Hence, the first season ends on a heartbreaking and sad note.

Alchemy of Souls episode 20 recap & spoiler: Jung So-Min goes on a killing spree and stabs Lee Jae-Wook

Alchemy of Souls episode 20 begins with the aftermath of the rise of The King’s Star. Previously, Lee Jae-Wook’s Jang Uk saves everyone by breaking the ice stone barrier. But he lets Crown Prince Go Won take all the credit.

Episode 20 features Go Won getting annoyed with all the praise because he realizes he is not the real King’s Star. He approaches his master, Jin Mu, the villain of season 1. The latter manipulates the Crown Prince, making him think that Jang Uk is a threat. Additionally, Jin Mu finds a talisman to tame a Naksu. 

Meanwhile, Jang Uk and Mu Deok (Jung So-Min) dream of happily ever after. He proposes marriage to her, and viewers can see the stubborn and rude Mu Deok showcasing her soft side. A wave of happiness seems to take over the town. Aside from Jang Uk and Mu Deok, Park Dang-Gu, and Jin Cho-Yeon are also set to get married after Park Jin proposes to Kim Do-Ju. 

Unfortunately, their happiness does not last long. On Dang-Gu and Cho-Yeon’s wedding day, Jin Mu uses the talisman to lure out Naksu Mu Deok. In her hypnotized state, she goes on a killing spree, killing Cho-Yeon’s father. The news travels to all the mage families, including Jang Uk. When Park Jin shoots an arrow to stop Mu Deok, Jang Uk comes before her. As she is hypnotized, she doesn’t recognize her fiancé and stabs him.

Alchemy of Souls Season 1 ending: Did Lee Jae-Wook & Jung So-Min end up together?

Towards Alchemy of Souls episode 20 ending, Jung So-Min’s Mu Deok stabs Jang Uk (Lee Jae-Wook). He doesn’t let go of her and hugs her tightly, with the sword going deeper into him. He calls out her name multiple times, which allows her to regain her consciousness.

When Mu Deok realizes what she has done, she cries out loud in agony. Jang Uk falls to the ground and dies. Mu Deok returns to her hypnotized state and begins to attack again.

The end of season 1 shows the mage families burning Jang Uk’s body while Mu Deok stands on the edge of a cliff. As per the Naksu curse, she is turning into a stone. She jumps off the cliff. On the other hand, people crying about Jang Uk’s death as his body burns are shocked when they witness a blow of fire into the sky. 

Episode 20’s ending features Jang Uk’s resurrection while two women pull Mu Deok from under the water. Hence, Alchemy of Souls Season 1 ends on a cliffhanger.

Overall, the first installment has a sad ending. However, season 2 features more of the lead characters’ stories. Both seasons are available on Netflix.