After all the controversies surrounding the change of “Arthdal Chronicles Season 2: The Sword of Aramoon” main cast, lead actors Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung eventually showcased their characters’ versions in the drama. This intense and outstanding performance has raised the viewers’ expectations towards the new series. So, how did Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung perform as “Arthdal Chronicles” Season 2 cast in early episodes? Find out more in the following detailed report.
“Arthdal Chronicles Season 2: The Sword of Aramoon”Kicks Off with Promising Rating Amid Cast Change Controversy
“Arthdal Chronicles Season 2: The Sword of Aramoon” has showcased its impactful influence by showing a promising rating during its premiere. Indeed, the series have previously endured massive criticism and controversy for replacing the main cast. However, “Arthdal Chronicles” once again proved its first-class quality as the ultimate Korean fantasy drama with a promising start.
On September 10, Herald POP revealed the promising start of “Arthdal Chronicles Season 2: The Sword of Aramoon”.
According to the report, “Arthdal Chronicles” Season 2 premiere broadcast showed an impressive average viewership rating of 5.4%. Moreover, the rating continued to rise, reaching a peak level of 6.6% in the metropolitan area.
Nationwide, Herald POP eventually concluded that Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung new drama ended its first episode with an average rating of 5% and a maximum of 6.5%.
In general, “Arthdal Chronicles” Season 2 showed a promising start with an impressive rating for its premiere. As a comparison, JTBC “Reborn Rich” previously broke the ratings record with an average nationwide rating of 6.1%. The JTBC series claimed the honor as the highest drama premiere rating of 2022.
According to multiple Korean media reports, the success of “Arthdal Chronicle” Season 2 premiere was thanks to the main cast. Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung made an impeccable breakthrough performance despite being cast replacements.
“Arthdal Chronicles Season 2: The Sword of Aramoon” Cast Change Controversy Surrounding Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung
“Arthdal Chronicles” previously announced their decision to replace the main cast, Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won. Since season 1 was not as successful as expected, the previous cast and director decided to quit the project. Therefore, they had no choice but to find suitable replacements.
When Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung first entered as the replacement cast of “Arthdal Chronicles Season 2: The Sword of Aramoon”, fans protested and criticized the production team. Since the image of Eun Seom/Sa Ya and Tan Ya had been significantly embedded with Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won as the actors, fans couldn’t accept the idea of other actors playing the same roles.
Moreover, many questioned the ability of Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung to successfully portray the characters as intensely as the previous cast.
Despite being a veteran actor carrying the title of King of the Historical drama, fans still doubted whether Lee Joon Gi could replace Song Joong Ki’s image in Eun Seom/Sa Ya. Meanwhile, Shin Se Kyung received criticism for her stiff acting.
That is why “Arthdal Chronicles Season 2: The Sword of Aramoon” previously underwent massive controversy for the cast change.
However, all the criticisms and controversies have faded away after the premiere.
In just the first two episodes of the drama, Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung managed to entirely captivate the viewers as the new Eun Seom/Sa Ya and Tan Ya.
How Did Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung Perform as the New Cast?
Shedding the label as cast replacement for “Arthdal Chronicles Season 2: The Sword of Aramoon”, Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung completely immersed in their roles, creating a whole new image of the characters. But what’s most impressive was that they managed to create such characters without completely erasing the image of the previous Eun seom/Sa Ya and Tan Ya created by Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won.
Lee Joon Gi proved his extraordinary dedication to the role of Eun Seom/Sa Ya by not leaving the set during the filming. Fully immersing himself in his roles, veteran actor Lee Joon Gi showcased opposite images of Eun Seom and Sa Ya.
Despite not having a significant difference in hairstyles, Lee Joon Gi deeply portrayed Eun Seom’s rough and fiery image as well as Sa Ya’s naïve but clever nature. During the twins’ first iconic meeting, Lee Joon Gi paid attention to the characters’ details, including their gazes, gestures, gimmicks of their expressions, and their way of speech. It was as if the characters were portrayed by two completely different actors.
It demonstrated Lee Joon Gi’s ability go deeper in the characters’ state of mind, showcasing their opposite emotions with significant details and impeccable portrayals.
On top of everything, Lee Joon Gi’s spectacular world-class action acting became the highlight of the premiere as well.
Scene of the day for me! The twins finally meet for the first time. They bicker, Saya is resentful and jealous, Eunseom tries to get his twin to join him, Eunseom taunts Saya about his earlier defeat .. 😂#이준기 #leejoongi#아라문의검 #TheSwordofAramun pic.twitter.com/HokemBlv6Z
— gunman (@jg_k_drama_417) September 10, 2023
Meanwhile, Shin Se Kyung appeared with a new, divine image of Tan Ya. Unlike the previous season, Shin Se Kyung’s version of Tan Ya feels more mysteriously almighty and refined.
New Settings, New Circumstances, New Cast
Many believed that “Arthdal Chronicles Season 2: The Sword of Aramoon” setting its timeline 8 years after the previous season helped the new cast to enter more naturally as their adult versions.
Eun Seom and Sa Ya are no longer the Season 1’s innocent young adults learning their ways into life. In Season 2, the twins are adult warriors and leaders living in the battlefield for years. As for Tan Ya, she may have just learned of her majestic power in Season 1. But in Season 2, she is now the Great High Priest of Arthdal.
Moreover, it has been 4 years since Season 1 ended. Therefore, the image of the previous cast wasn’t as strong and fresh as when it first broadcasted.
These circumstances, topped with Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung’s impressive character embodiment as the new “Arthdal Chronicles Season 2: The Sword of Aramoon” cast, resulted in the dispersal of the cast change controversy. Viewers now believe that the new cast is more than worthy to carry on the roles. Not only that but they have also set high expectations in the new season.
The most determining factor will be whether the story will unfold in a way that can satisfy these viewers’ expectations.
So, what do you think about Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung performance as the new cast of “Arthdal Chronicles Season?”? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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I prefer the former actors acting. In fact, they are the main reasons why I have been expecting season 2. Who even said season 1 was not successful?.
Exactly! The chemistry between the cast of Season 1 was excellent!!! LOVED IT 🥰🥰🥰🥰 15 minutes into Season 2 was disappointing!!!! I didn’t care to watch it!!!!! The cast replacement did not give me the same character emotions as Song Joong-Ki and Kim Ji-Won!!!
Saying that season 1 was a failure is a LIE! I was glued to watching every episodes!!!!! Song Joong-Ki in playing both characters as twins was outstanding!!!!
3/3/24
I don't expect you to say season 1 is not successful, instead you should be thankful to Actor Song joong ki for the role
I loved the first season, I was hopeful for the second. After one episode, I think it’s just ok. I don’t like the replacement actors near as much as the originals. I will continue to watch but so far I’m a bit disappointed.
I dont like it, stop watching it after 30 minutes in episode premiere season 2. I'm like : "who TF this guys??"
I came for the previous actors..
I love both seasons stop the criticism, the Actors both acted well and it was exceptional, Just that why will they use someone as beautiful as Tealha as Antagonist?? She's too beautiful for the role.
I was really excited until I saw the cast. I gave it a try to see if I can accept the changes. Well I guess, i can't. Bring back the original actors please.