Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun

So good

I dnt know why people are so mean and underrating this epic series all because the characters were changed common is been 10years and the new actors are doing great in-fact they did great smooth acting ! Costume on point top notch , everything about this series is 10/10 so those giving this series low rating are really mean not fair at all this people put there best common let’s give them their flowers 💐 episode are not as long as they were previously still they kept us on our toes no dragging no slow pace and that’s lovely no waste of scene that even better so people complaining and criticizing don’t know what a good series is and the most painful thing about this is that the criticism are from Korea!!! Common you guys are do better

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At Least It's an Ending

My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.

I loved the previous seasons. This has been my crack drama - even this season. This review and rating will reflect this season only and not the drama as a whole.

Acting/Cast: One of the major aspects of this drama that had made it so great in the past was its amazing cast. The two leads, the two other leads, and all the side characters had been phenomenal. The acting of the two main leads were undoubtedly top-notch. Watching them as their families are slaughtered and as they're dragged away into slavery was heart-wrenching, but captivating as I rooted for Eun Seom and Tan Ya, on the edge of my seat, to find a way to save everyone. Without their amazing performances (Kim Ji Won 김지원 & Song Joong Ki 송중기), this drama could have easily flopped before it even really began. When I heard that both of these lead actors were being replaced, although the story was already established, I was afraid that it wouldn't be the same without them. Then, when I saw the actors that were taking their places, my heart sank. The female lead was being replaced by one of the worst lead actresses in Korean dramas (actually...she may be the worst in my opinion) and the male lead was being replaced by an actor I've only seen one other time (Moon Lovers). But, I knew just the change in the female lead could single-handedly ruin this season (having seen Shin Se Kyeong (신세경) in many dramas and never liking her performances but continuing to watch her dramas anyway). On top of that, one of my favorite characters was also being replaced - Nun Byeol. Way to kick me while I'm down. At least Yang Cha made it back. That being said, the change in the leads wasn't quite as bad as I thought it was going to be, but that's not saying much since my expectations were basically at nothing. Lee Joon Gi (이준기) was decent as Saya, not as convincing as Eun Seom, but overall he was alright. As for Shin Se Kyeong (신세경) - it wasn't her worst performance; I could tell she gave a little bit of effort, but not enough to warrant too many close up shots of her facial expressions. A comparison could be made between how her scenes were shot versus how Ta Gon's scenes were shot. However, the casting, to my surprise, was not the biggest problem this season… 4.5/10

Writing: While watching, I felt as though the writers were trying to write out the characters whose actors had been replaced because they knew their performances would not nearly be up to par. So, they made Ta Gon and Tae Al Ha the leads this season. Saya’s character in particular changed a lot from the previous seasons. He used to have this alluring, mysterious aura about him. He had been in isolation for most of his life with the intelligence of an Igutu, giving him this innocent vibe which also felt very dangerous at the same time. Sadly, in this season, Saya didn’t feel like a threat at all. He no longer seemed cunning and conniving (which is where he needed to excel in order to compensate for his lack of physical strength and skill). I even thought that he seemed pathetic, which is such a disservice to a once uniquely captivating character. The same thing with Nun Byeol – the previous season had built her up as an amazing swordsman Neanthal sleeper cell badass, but then her actress was changed so the writers said “nevermind” and basically wrote her into a nothing burger. Yang Cha (another favorite of mine) previously had this unique and interesting relationship with Tan Ya - being her protector and the only one who really knows her, as well as the only person he can genuinely communicate with. Unfortunately, this season, the writers immediately threw away this engaging dynamic. In return, they gave him more of a storyline, but it felt cheap or cheesy... They should have just left him alone and let him stay a badass. Overall, the writing had a completely different vibe from previous seasons. It wasn’t dark at all and not as serious. It was even “comical” at times (or at least tried to be), which just felt strange and out-of-place. I would say that the writing started off decently and then worsened as the drama progressed, becoming more predictable and boring. It felt lazy and rushed as if they just wanted to give the audience some sort of conclusion to the story. 2.5/10

Direction/SFX/Music: Not only did the writing have a completely different vibe from previous seasons, but the directing did as well. And just as the writing was, the direction, the special effects, and overall cinematography felt cheap and cheesy. Instead of a dark, gritty, and intense atmosphere, it now had a bright and light-hearted feel. The special effects were so terrible that the only explanation is that the budget for the season must have been drastically reduced. Right away, there’s a scene where Eun Seom jumps into the air and freezes to shoot an arrow. There’s another action scene toward the end that does this same corny freezing in the air technique. They are also apparently unable to fill in crowds with green screens or CGI. There were multiple shots that were laughable, especially in context with the dialogue – characters talking as if there are a multitude of people and then the camara angle showing a crowd of around 50 people at best. The music is definitely one of the stronger aspects this season. 3.5/10

Entertainment Value: Despite all of the disappointment, I still really enjoyed this season. It still had that crack drama vibe for me. Maybe it's because I'm so attached to the characters and invested in their world. I hate how this drama gets me rooting for child murderers. It did in the previous seasons and I still found myself rooting for them this season. I think even the characters in the drama forget that Ta Gon and his people are all child murderers. But, I think that's a testament to how well the character and world building was done from the beginning until now. 8.5/10

Overall, I gave this season a 5 out of 10 stars. It probably deserves an even lower rating objectively speaking, but I still really enjoyed this season. (In order, I had given the previous 3 seasons or parts a 6.5, a 9, and an 8.5.) Although inadequate in many ways, at least this season was able to provide some closure to this epic tale.

A special thanks to the Momo tribe.

I made a short music video for this drama that features what I miss the most. It’s on YouTube and it’s called “Arthdal Chronicles | Paradise” and my channel name is The Enablers (@theenablers3846).

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AAAAAA WHAT A MASTERPIECE

I’m writing this right after watching, and I’m overwhelmed with emotions I haven’t felt in a long time. The entire season kept me on edge, and not a single minute felt boring. Unlike the first season, which I struggled to finish over two months, I devoured this one in three days.

Yes, I originally started watching this drama because of Lee Joon Gi, who is my favorite actor of all time (honestly, if not for him, I probably wouldn’t have finished season one — it became too dull for me at some point). I thought this season would be even worse than the first — as often happens with second seasons in dramas. I’m so glad I was wrong.

Of course, there were some downsides — the visuals were hard to get used to at first. I think the idea of working with color to immerse the viewer in the atmosphere wasn’t bad, but the filter made it hard to watch — definitely not a winning decision. The editing and cinematography were distracting too. It looked different, but not in a way that worked. Initially, I constantly felt like I was watching from the sidelines, standing behind the crew. But I don’t want to lower my rating because of this — my emotions from the plot matter more. The storyline never disappointed me. If the first season had predictable character actions, a drawn-out story, and annoying, pointless dialogues, this one was the opposite.

About the characters:
At first, the cast change was hard for me. Even Lee Joon Gi didn’t feel quite right initially because I loved Saya, played by Song Joong Ki. It was even sad not to see the actress who played Tanya (though she annoyed me). But in the end, it was just a matter of time — I ended up truly loving the new characters (not just the main ones). Tanya’s development impressed me the most. She became smarter, more determined, cunning, wiser, and calmer (though I’m not sure if that’s thanks to the script or if the new actress simply underperformed — the previous Tanya was quite emotional).
As for Lee Joon Gi’s characters — like I said, I missed the old Saya (and a bit of Eunseom too — I liked him as a character, but my personal attachment to Saya was stronger). But over time, Lee Joon Gi made me fall for his versions of the characters too. At some point, I even felt like he’d been playing them from the start.
Tagon, to me, was complex and multi-layered from the beginning to the end. He’s a strategist and manipulator, building an empire on lies and fear. His ambition and cruelty are justified by the world he lives in, and his eyes constantly show the battle between the monster he’s become and the man he could have been.
Saya — as I said — is my favorite character. He captivated me because I could almost never predict what he was thinking. Yes, in season 2, I got to know him a bit better and could anticipate his actions, but he still remained the most enigmatic character for me until the very end. He intrigues, fascinates, scares, and makes me doubt my own judgments. Saya is a knot of contradictions. He’s cold yet vulnerable, cunning yet genuinely loyal, ruthless yet noble. There’s something more in every look of his — pain, rage, a desire for freedom, and at the same time, a longing for people who would love him. His greatest strength is his mind and ability to think several steps ahead. Even when I thought I knew what he would do, I still doubted myself until the last moment. Saya is a character you want to watch endlessly. He’s the heart of the intrigues and the most mysterious figure in the story. I want more of his story, more of his inner and outer struggles. I missed him so much this season, so I hope season 3 focuses more on him.
Also, Taealha surprised me even more this season. She’s no longer just the cold-blooded schemer she seemed before. She showed how strong she is — not only as a politician and strategist but also as a woman fighting for her place in a world where she was meant to be just “Tagon’s wife.” I can’t help but admire her.

Set design and costumes:
One of the first things I noticed was the sets and clothing. They were incredibly beautiful (though I still have questions about the armor and some other elements that looked like plastic).

Music:
I think they could’ve used more Korean-style music that would’ve suited the drama better, though I still liked the overall sound.

I NEED SEASON 3 RIGHT NOW!!

Let it be the final one — though I have a theory there might be four seasons. I just really don’t want another cast and crew change 😭😭. If the pacing stays the same, I’ll be happy.

The season 2 finale ended on such an intriguing note. Ahhh, I can’t wait to finally see the Neanthals start taking action — and SAYA, I NEED MORE SAYA!!!!! I think the next season should be packed with epic events. I hope I hear news about season 3 soon. Amen.

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Good Enough

'' Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun, Season Two '' is the long awaited sequel to the epic historical fantasy drama, with a change in the leads, starting the story a few years later from when the first season left things off.

The drama does suffer from the time gap between the seasons, and that is not because of the change of the actors. On the contrary, the new leads do their utmost to flesh out their characters, even though Tanya felt spineless at times. However, the story was stretched too thin, and, having lost the momentum of the first season, the few action scenes here and there weren't enough to keep things intriguing and fresh. Hence, the drama ended up being blunt, with only Ta Gon and his family the main source of thriller in the series.

As for the love story, it felt awkward. Again, time wasn't on the romance's side, and the couple had too few moments together in order to be convincing. Hence, it could have been easily omitted, keeping only the second lead as the love interest for an idea of a love story if it was necessary.

Finally, the CGI and costumes were nice and the performances were enjoyable.

So, overall, five out of ten.

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disappointing compared to previous installment

I really wanted to like this. I did, but… a lot of the charming aspects that had me so invested from the first few parts definitely did not carry over into this one. For one, the story felt rushed and slow at the same time. The difference in the main actors was upsetting, and while I do like both of these actors, to me they just didn’t fit the original characters. Eunseom felt so much more different. I like the portrayal of Saya, but Eunseom didn’t register and Tanya’s character felt really shallow. I also didn’t like the styling (noticed it immediately) and while some areas were done really well I was annoyed that they brought characters like Karat just to kill them off super quickly. I don’t know. I felt like this could’ve been so much better. It had a really strong foundation but just didn’t seem consistent at all (save for a few parts that seemed only like they were added because the directors were like “oh yeah! don’t forget about that one thing from season one”). LOVED the other Arthdal. Sword of Aramun has me so upset I think because I was so attached to it and now I feel like I can barely get that same emotion and attachment from this one.

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A decent "finale"?

I'm not sure if they want to continue the story, it looks like it, based on the ending, and I'm not saying I'm not interested, but I feel, what happened in the finale makes no sense at all. Or more like the last 2 episodes.

I honestly don't understand why Kdrama writers always do this. They either finish the story fast in the finale, and it ruins the whole thing, or so many things happening, and they forget what was the original plan.

Overall, this is a good show, with great casting, acting, music and visuals, and even tho I wasn't a fan of recasting Eun Seom and Tan Ya, but both of them are great actors and I "forget" that they weren't the original actors. But I still think, the chemistry wasn't as good as with Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won. Ji Won was more charismatic in the role.

The biggest problem is the plot holes and plot armor. The characters made so many dumb mistakes, they should've been killed off already, but the plot holes always protected them.

I also think, the writers didn't do much with this story, even tho it was 30 episode overall!

To be honest, the show represents well how stupid people are, and most of them are like sheep.

What I HATE in the last 2 episode is what they did with Tan Ya. Thousands of people followed her, yet the minute their King is back, they forget her? How is that makes any sense?

Also, the irritating cycle between Ta Gon and Tae Alha is just ridiculous. Sure, they love each other, yet they want to kill each other, but she had a chance to live a normal life with her son, but no, she wants revenge and another war with her teen son?

Not to mention Saya. He's probably the one who suffered the most, BUT it's not an excuse for wanting the throne again. Why? His brother saved him, he knows Tan Ya loves Eun Seom and Arthdal is finally at peace or something like that. But no, let's do another war, because girlie doesn't love us, so let's kill everyone?

I thought his character developed, but they ruined it in the finale.

Anyway, this is a good show overall, but I'm not sure we really need another season, even tho I'd love to see how Eun Seom and Tan Ya ruling Arthdal.

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Gripping

Feb 2024
Long awaited S2 picks up 8 years after the story of S1 closes. As well as cast changes, there are new characters and a shift in the dynamic of some main characters from S1.

I loved S1 and was really disappointed when it was revealed that Song Joong-ki and Kim Ji-won would not be reprising their roles in S2.

However, I have to say that Lee Joong-ki, who took on the dual roles of Eun-som/Sa-ya, was really good and easily filled SJK's sandals.

I like actress Shin Sae-kyong, but didn't think she portrayed Tan-ya quite as well as KJW did; the latter gave the role more depth and feeling, I thought.

The story is fast on action and there are some very emotional and violent scenes, just like in S1. A thirst for absolute power, built on a foundation of deceit, and madness fuelled by paranoia, make for a riveting watch.

I loved it almost as much as S1 and would happily sit through both, in one long binge, in the not too distant future!

I think the ending fits with the feudal times of the setting, but some might not agree.

My favourite race remained the Neanthals.

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Lee Joon Gi is certainly the master action actor

How interesting is this. The finale for me fails to fire. Too many rushed ideas all at once without the background information. Lee Joon Gi is still fabulous in his role of Eunseom/Saya. But somehow the ending doesn’t strike the right cord for me. Arthdal carries on with Eunseom as the King but for me this part of the plot seems weak.

I still really enjoyed Arthdal Chronicles and have watched it several times already. I'm glad Eunseom and Tanya get their happy ever after but I'm sad for Saya. He got a bad deal all the way.

I have grown to like Saya. He has never been loved. He is a complicated person with deep seated hurts. Even the King tried to kill him and failed. Without his help Eunseom would not have been able to save Tanya. He has a certain charisma but also a ruthlessness about him but I believe that this is his survival mode. He has inferiority complex and doesn’t know that his carriage and presence is stunning. Now I'm waiting for the background about his celestial item "the mirror". Bring on the next series where we can watch our favourite action actor Lee Joon Gi stun us with his scintillating and breath-taking stunts and knock us out with powerful, mesmerizing and hypnotic countenance.

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Arthdal Chronicles: A Mirror of Power, Politics, and the Fragility of Human Nature

What truly fascinates me about Arthdal Chronicles is not just its imaginative setting or compelling characters, but the thought-provoking way it blends myth, history, and human psychology into a grand narrative. Set in a fictional ancient world, the drama paints a stark contrast between the advanced civilisation of Arthdal and the simpler, earthbound life of the Wahan tribe. More than that, it explores the clash between different races — the dominant Saram and the marginalised Neanthals — reflecting themes of social stratification, cultural conflict, and imperial dominance.

It also lays bare the fragility and fickleness of human nature. The moment Tanya ascends as the high priestess, the Wahans’ status is instantly elevated — not because of justice, but because of power cloaked in sacred authority. The Wahan tribe, once brutally oppressed by the Arthdals, forgets their suffering almost overnight, swayed by shifting tides of power and the new luxuries they now enjoy. Their loyalty changes the moment the tables turn — a sobering reminder of how quickly victims can become collaborators. Equally striking is how susceptible the people of Arthdal are to superstition: they swallow the high priestess's tales of Igutus and their royal purple blood without question, swept up in a wave of religious fervour. It is a haunting depiction of how belief, fear, and ambition can rewrite history and reshape identity.

What makes this series resonate deeply is how eerily it mirrors our present-day world. The sophisticated, resource-rich and powerful Arthdal — with their advance weapons, polished lies and manipulative politics — resemble modern superpowers. But can such entities truly suppress the vulnerable forever? Can truth survive in a world where greed and self-preservation so often take precedence over justice?

This season opens with a gripping twist: the Igutu twins, Saya and Eunseom, now leaders on opposite sides of a civil war, fight unknowingly against each other. Saya, as Arthdal’s cunning commander-in-chief, and Eunseom, as the principled Inaishingi of the Ago tribe, cross swords and strategies in battle — masked, unaware that the person they are trying to defeat is their own twin. The tension climaxes during an assassination attempt that leaves both brothers wounded and mistaken for each other, resulting in their dramatic switch of roles - Eunseom is matched off to Arthdal as Saya, and Saya was mistaken as the Inaishingi. What unfolds next is too good to spoil.

There are hints at further sequels to come. The drama ends with tantalising hints of more turmoil: Saya with a dark gleam of cunning in his eyes, Queen Taealha donning armour alongside her grown son, and the newly crowned ruler of Arthdal struggling to hold together a kingdom of clashing races, religious divides, differing opinions and values, and political ambitions.

While I missed some familiar faces from the earlier seasons, the new cast — especially Lee Joon Gi — delivered a brilliant performance. His portrayal of the two brothers was masterful, making each distinct yet compelling: Saya cold and calculating, Eunseom warm yet wise.

The pacing of the series is well balanced — fast enough to keep viewers engaged without feeling rushed, emotionally evocative without slipping into melodrama. One of the most poignant arcs for me was that of Tagon. His desire to be a beloved ruler was constantly thwarted by the manipulative forces around him — especially Asa Ron and Taealha's father — pushing him into tyranny and bloodshed.

All in all, Arthdal Chronicles is a thrilling, intelligent series that goes far beyond fantasy. It holds up a mirror to human nature and modern geopolitics. All the seasons are masterpieces - highly recommended.

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Casts Switch Did Not Matter

Although I thoroughly enjoyed the first season, I wasn't overly anticipating for a sequel. It is like having a very satisfying meal but not wanting same menu right away.

This sequel was plastered a over, showing tVN's exemplary job in advertising. It piqued my curiosity since I have read of main casts being replaced. Disney, Hulu, and a lot of other major entertainment providers purchased rights to show this sequel that hyped up the interest of many internation viewers. Let us not forget that Netflix has the first one still available in their platform with high viewership.

The concerns of artists changes affecting the overall quality of this series was put to rest after the first episode for many viewers. Lee Joon-Gi replacing Song Joong-ki as Eun Seom did wonderfully if not better in portraying the character.

The location set and production didn't fail, but how can the beauty of Burma's landscaping be any disappointment? It was the perfect location for such a costume series.

I can say that this was a satisfying watch and highly recommended to watch the first kne before watching this sequel. I just wish that aside from tVN, other paid platform will have both available for viewers however, I am finding out that most will only have the first or this second one available and not both.

Enjoy watching!

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