Alchemy of Souls (2022)

Sweetness, Sorcery, and Soul-Shifting: 약과 in Alchemy of Souls

A golden, flower-shaped Korean dessert called 약과 (yakgwa)—often translated as “honey biscuit”—takes on unexpected emotional depth in the fantasy drama 환혼 (Alchemy of Souls, 2022). At first glance, it’s a traditional honey pastry. But in the world of 환혼, it becomes a subtle thread that ties together moments of affection, memory, and unspoken connection.

Alchemy of Souls is a genre-blending fantasy romance set in the fictional kingdom of Daeho, where mages manipulate elemental energy and fate itself through forbidden magic. At the heart of the story are 장욱 (Jang Uk, portrayed by Lee Jae-wook), a nobleman born under a cursed fate, and 무덕 (Mu-deok, by Jung So-min), a servant whose body holds the soul of the legendary assassin 낙수 (Nak-su). Their relationship begins with secrets—publicly, he’s the 도련님 (young master) and she his sharp-tongued 하인/몸종 (servant); privately, she is his 스승 (teacher/master) and he her 제자 (disciple). As they train together and face growing danger, their bond slowly shifts into one of deep trust and emotional intimacy.

The title 환혼 literally means "soul shifting" (환 = change, 혼 = soul), referring to the central forbidden spell in the story. The drama incorporates intense 무술 (martial arts) sequences, magical duels, and the ever-popular 출생의 비밀 (birth secrets) trope—both protagonists harbor hidden pasts shaped by powerful forces beyond their control. Despite its dramatic premise, the tone remains light and witty, often buoyed by romantic comedy elements, side character banter, and charmingly awkward 썸 타는 moments. In Korean, 썸을 타다 is a popular slang expression that means “to be in the talking stage” or to have romantic tension before officially dating. These playful, awkward, or one-sided crushes bring a welcome contrast to the show’s heavier moments.

Against this backdrop of shifting souls and magical politics, 약과 emerges as a surprisingly powerful motif. Traditionally made from wheat flour, honey, sesame oil, and ginger, yakgwa is often associated with celebration and sincerity. In the drama, it takes on added meaning: a symbol of quiet affection and the small, wordless gestures that grow between Jang Uk and Mu-deok.

Yakgwa is first introduced in Episode 10, when Mu-deok buys a bundle of sweets—including Jang Uk’s favorite yakgwa—at the market. She sends them to him at Songrim, where he’s confined for basic mage training. The two nearly cross paths: Jang Uk is seen leaving by boat just as Mu-deok spots him from a bridge. After seeing a notice for Songrim’s servant recruitment, she decides to apply—confident that they’ll meet again soon.

송림 (Songrim) in the series is a powerful and prestigious organization of mages, known for its strict discipline, elite training, and influence in the kingdom of Daeho. For Jang Uk, gaining admission to Songrim marks both a personal victory and the start of his transformation from an outcast to a recognized mage.

In the same episode, Mu-deok successfully passes the competitive servant selection test and becomes a Songrim staff member. She and Jang Uk finally reunite—an emotionally charged moment that quietly conveys their deepening connection. A fan-favorite scene known as their "love letter" moment reflects this shift. Watch the clip here

International fans quickly picked up on Jang Uk’s love for yakgwa. Social media buzzed with posts, memes, and even recipe attempts. The pastry became a soft emblem of Jang Uk’s tenderness and a symbol of Mu-deok’s care.

Rather than serving as mere background detail, yakgwa becomes a meaningful narrative thread—marking emotional shifts, offering comfort, and reflecting the evolving bond between characters. Through this small, recurring motif, the drama captures something deeply human: how food can express what words often can’t. How to Make Yakgwa at Home


🍴 Bite-Sized Korean: Korean Idioms & Phrases

Expression: 떡이 되다
Literal Meaning: To become rice cake
Actual Meaning: To get extremely drunk or completely wasted (slang)
Cultural Note: This phrase is often used in casual settings to describe someone who is so drunk they lose control—like soft, mashed-up rice cake. In Alchemy of Souls Episode 9, Mu-deok uses this expression to describe Jang Uk after his welcome party at Songrim, where he drinks heavily and ends up passed out. It’s a casual, somewhat humorous way to describe someone who’s become completely incapacitated from drinking.

Example Sentences:

장욱은 환영회 때 완전 떡이 됐어요.
술을 너무 많이 마시면 떡이 되기 쉬워요.
떡이 될 때까지 마시지 말고, 적당히 즐겨요.

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