Aseudal Yeondaegi (Aseudal Yeondaegi; MR: Asdal Yndaegi) is a 2019 South Korean television series produced by Studio Dragon and KPJ, starring Jang Dong-gun, Song Joong-ki, Kim Ji-won, and Kim Ok-Vin. It was written by Kim Young-Hyun and Park Sang-Yeon and directed by Kim Won-Seok. The plot, which is set in the Bronze Age and is regarded as the first Korean ancient fantasy drama, is partially based on the life of Dangun, the founder of the first Korean Kingdom of Gojoseon.
From June 1 through September 22, 2019, the show aired on tvN on Saturdays and Sundays at 21:00 (KST) for a total of 18 episodes. On Netflix, it had its international debut. According to a Consumer Research Report by the Korea Creative Content Agency, the series was the sixth most popular Korean drama among viewers in the United States market in 2019 despite the typically mixed to unfavorable reaction from critics. Viewers had a generally favorable reaction to the show.
Arthdal Chronicles Season 2 Storyline
The early comparisons of Arthdal Chronicles to Game of Thrones in Korea are unfair to both shows. Both series have fantasy roots and political plots, but the Arthdal Chronicles emphasizes mysticism and prophecy while Game of Thrones focuses on gritty wartime politics. Given that the first season of Arthdal Chronicles is really two seasons combined into one, this dichotomy is appropriate.
The plot can get confusing, and if you aren’t paying close attention throughout each episode of Arthdal Chronicles, you will be severely punished. The brief prologue introduces the mythical race of Neanthals and the fictional land of Arthdal in the distant past. After this race has been nearly wiped out, a new military power under the command of war hero Tagon and his father Sanung rises and takes control of large swaths of land.
Eunseom and Tanya lead the Wahan Tribe, a peaceful colony on the verge of extinction due to Tagon and his forces, and they are prophesied to restore harmony to the world. In subsequent episodes, they become embroiled in a power struggle between competing groups in the nation’s capital. Politics and shady plotting become central to the story as Asa Ron and Mi-Hol lurk in the shadows, waiting for their chance to strike.
The second half of the season shakes things up by introducing Saya, who is connected to both Tagon and Eunseom, and who plays a pivotal role in the final six episodes. The second half is where we learn more about the prophecies and where the story really starts to move toward a resolution that will determine the fate of everyone in Arthdal, but if I’m being completely honest, the first half is the stronger and tighter written of the two.
Arthdal Chronicles has a large cast of characters and maybe its own worst enemy when it comes to keeping track of them all. Although the show’s first few episodes use helpful block text to introduce some of the main characters, this technique is soon abandoned in favor of introducing brand new faces. It’s a little choppy, and that, combined with the use of flashbacks here and there, makes Arthdal feel more forced than it should.
The show’s portrayal of Eunseom and Tanya, two interesting polar opposites, is effective, for better or worse. Eunseom’s trip to Arthdal and the subsequent overthrow of the current regime dominates the first half of the season. It’s exciting, simple, and not too hard to understand. It’s also a major turning point in Eunseom’s story before the latter part finds him sinking into anonymity.
Arthdal Chronicles is a risky but ultimately successful experiment, with an ending that gives plenty of room for the upcoming second season. It turns out that the show’s early detractors were way off base when they compared it to Game of Thrones; in fact, Arthdal Chronicles is miles better than the show’s later seasons.
Arthdal Chronicles is without a doubt one of the stronger Korean dramas this year, with a lot riding on it considering the high amount of won invested in each episode. Even while the series leans more toward a politically-driven drama, there is more than enough to make it one of the most thrilling shows of the year (and I’m a sucker for fantasy). Arthdal Chronicles wraps up its first season strong, making it a must-watch Korean drama even though its future is uncertain.
Arthdal Chronicles Season 2 Cast And Characters
Song Joong-ki
The actor Song Joong-ki hails from South Korea. He first gained recognition as one of the original cast members of both the historical coming-of-age drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal and the variety show Running Man.
Kim Ji-won
Known as an actress, Kim Ji-won hails from South Korea. Her roles in shows like The Heirs and Descendants of the Sun and movies like Arthdal Chronicles and Lovestruck in the City and My Liberation Notes helped her rise to prominence. Kim became a Hallyu celebrity as her TV dramas did well in Asia.
Jang Dong-gun
As an actor, Jang Dong-gun is well-known in his own country of South Korea. His breakout performances in Friend and Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War have propelled him to star status. Jang frequently ranks at the top of surveys of the most bankable personalities in Korea, where he is one of the highest-paid actors and celebrity endorsers.
Other Casts: Kim Ok-bin, Erika Karata, Jung Je-Won
Arthdal Chronicles Season 2 Release Date
Since the epidemic hit, production on Arthdal Chronicles Season 2 had to be put on hold. Season 2 of Arthdal Chronicles, along with a webtoon and massively multiplayer online role-playing game, was announced in February 2022.
