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Arthdal Chronicles

Arthdal Chronicles (Korean: 아스달 연대기) is a South Korean television series written by Kim Young-hyun and Park Sang-yeon and directed by Kim Won-seok, under the production banner of Studio Dragon and KPJ. Starring Jang Dong-gun and Kim Ok-vin in both seasons, joined by Song Joong-ki and Kim Ji-won in the first season, and Lee Joon-gi and Shin Se-kyung in the second season. Regarded as the first Korean ancient fantasy drama, the story takes place during the Bronze Age and is loosely based on the story of Dangun, the founder of the first Korean Kingdom of Gojoseon and Asadal, the capital (which the series is loosely named after). The first season aired on tvN from June 1 to September 22, 2019, every Saturday and Sunday at 21:00 (KST). The second season aired on tvN from September 9 to October 22, 2023, every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 (KST). It is available for streaming on Netflix for the first season and on Disney+ for the second season in selected regions.

In spite of the generally mixed to negative reception from critics, the series was the sixth most preferred Korean drama among viewers in the United States market in 2019 per Consumer Research Report by the Korea Creative Content Agency.

Synopsis

In a mythical land called Arth, the inhabitants of the ancient city of Arthdal contend with power struggles, while some encounter love along the way. Eun-seom goes through hardships to bring his tribe back to life and learns of his true origins in the process.

Cast and characters

Jang Dong-gun as Ta-gon
Song Joong-ki (season 1) and Lee Joon-gi (season 2) as Eun-seom and Saya
Kim Ji-won (season 1) and Shin Se-kyung (season 2) as Tan-ya
Kim Ok-vin as Taealha

Production

Season 1

The cast and crew attended a workshop in Yangju, Gyeonggi-do, on August 21, 2018. The first script reading was held on August 26, 2018. Filming officially started on December 5, 2018 with the opening ceremony of the set in Osan, whose construction took place for eight months. The drama was also filmed overseas in Brunei, with Song Joong-ki departing first on February 24, 2019.

The drama serves as a reunion project for Song Joong-ki and Kim Ji-won who both starred in the 2016 hit drama Descendants of the Sun.

Season 2

On February 12, 2020, it was announced that the drama was renewed for a second season. On June 11, 2020, it was announced that the production schedule was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and had been excluded from the 2021 lineup.

In February 2022, it was announced that the second season was expected to be released in early 2023 along with a webtoon and an MMORPG. Writers Kim Young-hyun and Park Sang-yeon were in charge of the script again, with Kim Kwang-sik as director. Titled Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun (Korean: 아라문의 검-아스달 연대기), the season is set about eight years later; thus, Lee Joon-gi and Shin Se-kyung replaced Song Joong-ki and Kim Ji-won as the adult versions of Eun-seom and Tan-ya, while Jang Dong-gun and Kim Ok-vin reprised their roles. Filming began on August 23, 2022 and took place in Jeju Island. Shin finished filming her part on April 4, 2023. Filming was completed on May 2, 2023.

Episodes

Season 1

Season 2

Reception

Critical reception

The first season of the drama received mixed reviews. It was criticized by Game of Thrones fans for sharing similarities with that series, while critics felt that it employed poor use of CGI, had a formulaic plot, was similar to other foreign fantasy dramas and films centered on ancient times, and had a slow-paced storyline, which could make viewers lose interest. Viewers were also bewildered by the anachronistic use of armors and weapons.

Conversely, the drama was praised for its intriguing storyline and unique setting, touching on subjects like the meaning of a tribe, an alliance and a nation, as well as religion. Writer Park Sang-yeon said, "I wouldn't even think of comparing our series to [Game of Thrones] and I don't think our goal is to create something similar... I wouldn't try to claim to do anything similar to the show and I don't think it's an appropriate comparison." He added, "We tried to create a great series by building a fictitious world of our own with our imagination and I hope you see our series as it is."

Although John Serba of Decider.com gave the first season a "Skip It" rating, he said, "Arthdal occurs in a more primitive time than [Game of Thrones], and appears to be set up to explore different ideas about the human creature and its thirst for power and possessions." He said that the show further differentiated itself from Game of Thrones by its absence of nudity and sex scenes. Forbes contributor Joan MacDonald said, "Stunning camera work makes The Arthdal Chronicles a visual pleasure to watch, capturing sweeping panoramas that place fledgeling humans in the context of a wide world waiting to be explored—and possibly conquered."

Viewership

In South Korea, the first season received lower-than-expected viewership ratings, in comparison to its massive budget. The first episode recorded average ratings of 6.7% and peaked at 8%, taking first place for all dramas in its time slot, including non-cable broadcasting stations. The season's personal record of 7.7% was on its fourth episode. Its finale scored an average rating of 7.4% nationwide.

Season 1

Season 2

Staff mistreatment

The production team was criticized for mistreatment of its production staff. In 2019 the production team was accused of violating labor laws from local civic groups, including the Seoul-based Hanbit Media Labor Rights Center and Hope Solidarity Labor Union, as the drama crew had been subject to a "murderous" working environment that made them work up to 150 hours a week. The organizations reported Studio Dragon to the Seoul Employment and Labor Administration. The standards were agreed upon and announced by the studio last September to enhance the labor environment of its staff.

Studio Dragon responded to the allegations, saying they abided by its own labor rules, but admitted that they had filmed for 113 hours during the week they went to Brunei in order to make the most out of their time shooting overseas. The studio denied reports that an injured staff member was ignored and told to continue working.