Constructivism

I strongly recommend watching S1 because S2 is directly tied to it. S2 does not care much for explaining what happened in S1 and marches on. Even for people who have seen S1, S2 can be hard to follow sometimes.

Exactly, all the examples you mention point towards a form of storytelling that is lacking – there is not enough buildup or coherent logic. Taealha and Tagon are the ones that come best out of it because they feel most true to their character in relation to how they were portrayed and developed in S1. And, yes, Lee Joon Gi and Shin Sae Kyeong are doing a terrific job with the script they have.

I think the reason why people can react the way we do is related to what you wrote about Arthdal, which could have been the biggest masterpiece. When the series was announced, the writers stated that they wanted Arthdal to introduce nothing less than a new genre to the kdrama world, epic fantasy. Essentially, they wanted to do the same thing as “Moving.” S1 didn't quite hit the mark, but it was good enough to warrant a new season – they were on the right track. Then, the pandemic hit and derailed everything. We are lucky to have S2, but the quality of it tells me that Arthdal will never live up to its full potential. It is good but it could have been exceptional. And, of course, we wanted it to be exceptional!

To my understanding, the pandemic messed up the schedule, so Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won did not choose to reprise their roles.

Well, we will have to enjoy what we can 😊

I agree that certain aspect of S1 was dragging, especially as you said about Ensoum. But, I do not see the direction or stylistic decisions in S2 as any development.

Many people feel like you. The narrative styles of S1 and S2 are different, which means that people who prefer different styles are going to meet. I agree with the lens filter!

To me, S2 style is entry-level storytelling with too many pop-up scenes and convenient logic; Mubaek dies because he is a complete idiot, Shoreujagin draws all the correct conclusions based upon almost nothing, Yangcha shows up out of nowhere to fight Eunseom, etc.

I can't remember how many seasons the scriptwriters originally wanted; I think it was four or five, at least more than two. They have been forced to condense several seasons into one, and that is showing.

It is good that you are satisfied with the continuity and development from S1, but judging from the comments, many people have issues. For example, with Eunseom’s development. I don’t mind his development, but there should have been a season in between that explained how he went from “country bumpkin” to “war leader.”

With fan camp, I was referring to the people who only talk about Song Joong-Ki and Lee Joon-Gi; those people seem to think that Arthdal is only about them. I am also here for the story. In that, we are in unison 😉

There are many differences between S1 and S2. Phasing, editing, soundtrack, camera filter, and script quality are different. In my opinion and with regard to what I mentioned, S1 is superior in every single way. Whereas S1 was meticulous in its storytelling, favoring build-up and logic, S2 favors fast phasing and "coolness factor" - it is more important that it looks cool rather than making sense. This means that you are left with a sense of things happening because the script says so, not because it is a natural progression of the story.

If you are not a part of any fan camp, you will soon realize that the actors are the best of Arthdal. All the actors are doing a marvelous job.

That is in S1

There is no love triangle.

Yes, we do :)

I am really looking forward to this one. But note that this will most likely not be a realistic thriller. It is going to be the opposite.

The scriptwriter`s style is over-the-top storytelling. “Punch” and “Whisper” were intense and stylized stories with a coolness factor of the chart, full of highly charismatic characters locked in a never-ending battle of wits with ever-changing alliances.

In other words, “Punch” and “Whisper” are some of the most exciting and charismatic kdramas I have ever seen and stylistically the opposite of something like “Chief of Staff.” The style is not for everyone, but for those who like it, it will be an epic ride!

I can’t say I agree with your evaluation, but that is how it is sometimes.

With time Gyu Ri has certainly transformed herself into a capable actress – I mean, she started off as a musical idol – Yes, in recent years, she has mainly taken the role of SFL, but she will be FL in her next drama, and she was the FL in Cruel City and joint FL in 49 days, two very good dramas 😉

“Children of a Lesser God” and “Yoo Na's Street” are two of the very best I have seen. If you can find them, consider giving them a look. The first is a crime-mystery drama, the other a slice of life where she plays a pocket thief – it is a long one, old school and fantastic.

Happy to help 😉 Just some side information “Children of a Lesser God” might be the best place to start because it is a superb thriller.

But one recommendation I left out because it is not action is “Yoo Na's Stree or Steel Hearth.” And that is one of the best dramas I have ever seen. It is more of a slice of life, where she plays a thief, and that show has this classic old-school approach to storytelling that is simply amazing. However, it is not action but focuses on character portrayal, development, and dialog, but if you can enjoy that – you are in for a ride.

Taken from memory :

Dramas:
- Arthdal Chronicles (her action scenes are in the latter part of the series)
- Dark Hole (much action)
- Children of a Lesser God (more thriller than action, but still)
- Sword and Flower (I have not seen it myself, but I know she has several action scenes)

Movies:
- The Front Line (she plays a North Korean sniper; it is a very good anti-war movie)
- Life Is but a Dream (a short movie, but with action)
- The Villainess (ha, the definition of a female action character, and not marvel style luckily)

According to herself, she will portray a character in both her 20s and 40s. So, the story will be set in at least two different timeframes.

Yes, they manage to mess up the naming convention. But there are only two seasons, the previous and the one coming. What MDL calls Arthdal Chronicles Part 1, 2, and 3 is one season. Start watching from part 1.

Yeah, I think they have the second-largest production budget of all time, only behind Arthdal. Actually, the scope and ambition level very much feel like Arthdal!

Cosmopolitan Korea interviewed Hyo Joo. From 2:13 to 3:26, she talks about “Moving” she explains a bit about the characters. From what little we get to know, it sounds very ambitious.
With English subs: https://youtu.be/lpnQOEIiin8?t=133

That was an impressive casting list!

It is the same in Bloody Hearth. I agree with you. She possesses a very soothing voice!