K-Drama

Real-life vs. on-screen visuals of the cast of “Alchemy Of Souls”

The stylings in “Alchemy Of Souls” don’t do the cast’s visuals justice, and here’s why. 

Marking the comeback of Hong sisters, the famous screenwriter duo that penned “Hotel Del Luna”, “Alchemy Of Souls” is a new fantasy romance historical drama set in a non-existent country known as Daeho. Starring a young and good-looking cast including Lee Jae Wook, Jung So Min, Oh My Girl’s Arin, and former NU’EST’s Hwang Min Hyun, the drama has been drawing much attention and recording good ratings for its exciting plot. 

alchemy of souls

However, even before its release, “Alchemy Of Souls” has stumbled against mixed reviews over the characters’ stylings, as some viewers complain the costumes and makeup look too cheesy and downgrade the actors’ visuals. 

Lee Jae Wook

alchemy of souls

In “Alchemy Of Souls”, Lee Jae Wook transforms into Jang Wook, a handsome, noble yet irritable master of Daeho. Some comments say that the styling of Jang Wook fails to make Lee Jae Wook look like someone from a noble background. It also makes him look older than his actual age. The middle part hairstyle can cause viewers to mistakenly think that Lee Jae Wook is in his 30s, but he is actually only 24. Lee Jae Wook is not famous for being conventionally handsome, but attracts viewers with his manly and attractive charm, which is shown clearly in the modern styling outside of the drama. 

alchemy of souls

Jung So Min

alchemy of souls

The character styling of the female lead character Mu Deok played by Jung So Min is also confusing. In “Alchemy Of Souls”, Jung So Min has her hair styled in a braid like most historical dramas, but the high bun on top of her head makes viewers question its purpose. In other scenes, Jung So Min has the half-up half-down hairstyle, which suits her better. Compared to Jung So Min’s lovely visuals in real life, it is obvious that “Alchemy Of Souls” doesn’t give her beauty justice. 

alchemy of souls

Hwang Minhyun

alchemy of souls

There is barely any difference between Hwang Minhyun’s appearance in “Alchemy Of Souls” vs. in real life, because he doesn’t change his hair. However, according to some viewers, the same hairstyle, hair color, and makeup as usual make Hwang Minhyun look exactly like his idol self on the screen, which is deemed unsuitable for a drama with a historical setting. 

alchemy of souls

Arin

alchemy of souls

The same as Hwang Minhyun, Arin’s hair and makeup is considered by some viewers as “cheesy”, although her pretty visuals still stand out. The costumes of Arin’s character are also said to be flamboyant and lack elegance. Compared to real life, Arin’s signature refreshing and sweet visuals seem to be hidden in “Alchemy Of Souls”. 

alchemy of souls

Yoo In Soo

alchemy of souls

Yoo In Soo has the most eye-catching styling in “Alchemy Of Souls” with blonde hair. However, the eyebrows with unmatched brown color and dark eyeshadow have downgraded Yoo In Soo’s masculine handsomeness in real life. 

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