Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun (2023)

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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Lucky Lee has been cast

I’ll watch any series with Lee Joon-gi because I absolutely love him! He's one of my all-time favorite actors in the world of South Korean drama. For this drama, I can confidently say I’d recommend it not only because of Lee Joon-gi, but also because of the compelling storyline. Shin Se-kyung delivered a strong performance, and her role added a lot to the show. And, of course, Lee Joon-gi looks absolutely perfect in historical attire! And, Kim Ok Bin is a great actress, I just realized it more after watching the season 2 and I also have to say, apart from Lee, I liked Ta Gon (Jang Dong Gun).

This is season 2, so if you haven’t watched season 1 yet, you’ll need to start there; otherwise, some parts of this season may be hard to follow. It’s worth noting that Song Joong-ki did an excellent job as the younger version of Eun Seom/Sa Ya in season 1, and Lee Joon-gi is perfectly cast as the older version in season 2. There’s really no point in comparing the two—they both absolutely nailed their respective roles.

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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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It really didnt disappoint

I went it with very low expectations so the fact that it exceed my expectations is not shocking.
I wasnt so bothered with the fact that the cast would be changed because i have always been a fan of Lee Joon gi, also i fell in love with Arthdal Chronicles because the story was very riveting.
The cast change was awkward initially but i think everyone found their footing
LJG was able to capture a warrior Eunseom perfectly but i think he had trouble being Saya and i believe it was because he tried to be SJK's Saya. He tried to be a saya that was similar to season 1 im guessing so people can relate but that is not LJG. He did a good job potraying Saya as someone looking for where to fit in.
The actress who played Tanya did a really great job, i was honestly wowed. She played the part of the high priest very well in my opinion, i say her as a leader.
Tagon and Tealha were beyond perfection, i was wowed.
Between episodes 5&8, i almost gave up watching but im glad i didnt, because the cast really shined from episodes 10-12
Keep an open mind when you watch it and enjoy the story of 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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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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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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amazing both

I did not watch s1 hhhhhhhhhhhhh just jumped into s2 cuz of the ml and fl love them both and the amazing true acting just wooooooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww




loooooooooooooooovvvve and wish for more work for them together, the whole cast did an amazing job in every step


thank u allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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