Kingdom Season 2 Review: An Expanded Universe and Deepened Narrative Masterpiece
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| Source: Namu Wiki (https://namu.wiki) |
Netflix's original series 'Kingdom' Season 2 transcends the boundaries of a mere sequel, establishing new horizons for Korean zombie drama. Released in March 2020, this season answers numerous questions raised in Season 1 while simultaneously unveiling a more expansive universe. The stellar cast featuring Ju Ji-hoon, Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Kim Sung-kyu, combined with director Kim Seong-hun's exceptional direction, perfectly harmonizes the elegance of Korean historical drama with the tension of zombie thriller.
Story Development That Surpasses Season 1
Kingdom Season 2 begins where Season 1's cliffhanger left off, plunging viewers into an urgent situation. As it's revealed that the plague (zombies) originates from a plant called the resurrection plant, the story evolves beyond a simple survival drama into a complex web of political conspiracy and power struggle. Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) continues to fight against being framed as a traitor while struggling to save his people and reveal the truth.
The greatest strength of this season is its pacing. Despite the short six-episode runtime, each episode is strategically placed with significant twists and climaxes, leaving no room for boredom. The narrative that unfolds between Sangju and Hanyang (Seoul) adds depth to the story alongside geographical expansion.
Bae Doona's Entrance: The Power of Seo-bi
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| Source: Namu Wiki (https://namu.wiki) |
The most notable element of Season 2 is undoubtedly the character Seo-bi, portrayed by Bae Doona. As a physician and the only person who knows the secret of the resurrection plant, Seo-bi brings a new dimension of depth to the drama. Bae Doona delicately expresses a female character who is strong yet carries inner wounds.
Seo-bi is not a mere supporter. She knows the origin of the plague and is a complex figure confronting her own past. As the daughter of the person who first discovered the resurrection plant and a witness to the catastrophe it caused, her existence forms a core axis of the entire drama. Bae Doona delivers the weight of the character perfectly through restrained acting, and her chemistry with Ju Ji-hoon is exceptional.
The Secret and Twist of the Resurrection Plant
Season 2 gradually reveals the secret of the mysterious resurrection plant. This plant has the ability to revive the dead, but at the cost of turning humans into monsters. The drama meticulously unravels how this plant was discovered and why it spread across the Joseon Dynasty.
The process of revealing the resurrection plant's origin is not a simple explanation but delivers emotion as an independent story. The setting that Seo-bi's father discovered this plant to save starving people is a tragic narrative showing how good intentions can transform into catastrophe. This adds philosophical depth to the drama, making it a work that transcends simple zombie fiction.
The Villainy of Jo Beom-pal: Ryu Seung-ryong's Charisma
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| Source: Namu Wiki (https://namu.wiki) |
Ryu Seung-ryong's portrayal of Lord Cho Hak-ju is the ultimate villain throughout the Kingdom series. In Season 2, he shows an even bolder and more ruthless side. Cho Hak-ju's willingness to use any means necessary for power reminds viewers of real-world power figures and delivers a strong message.
Particularly chilling are the scenes where Cho Hak-ju uses the plague as a political tool. He weaponizes zombies to eliminate enemies and consolidates power by exploiting people's fear. Ryu Seung-ryong skillfully expresses the complex facets of this character, creating a villain that audiences hate yet cannot help but be fascinated by.
Cinematography and Action Sequences
The visual aesthetics of Kingdom Season 2 are truly cinematic. Director Kim Seong-hun exquisitely combines the beauty of Korean historical drama with the dark atmosphere of zombie horror. Particularly, the battle scenes with zombie hordes unfolding at night provide both tension and spectacle simultaneously.
The fall of Sangju Fortress and the invasion sequence of Hanyang are the highlights of this drama. The scene of thousands of zombies climbing over the castle walls boasts an overwhelming scale, with a perfect harmony between CGI and actual filming. The action choreography is also excellent, with each character's fighting style clearly distinguished while maintaining realism.
Depth as a Political Drama
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| Source: Namu Wiki (https://namu.wiki) |
Kingdom is a zombie drama, but simultaneously a sophisticated political drama. Complex political contexts such as factional fighting in the Joseon Dynasty, conflicts between royal and ministerial power, and the gap between common people and the ruling class intertwine with the zombie outbreak to create a unique narrative.
Crown Prince Lee Chang's journey is not simply fighting zombies, but confronting a corrupt power structure. He must save the people, reveal the truth, and prove his qualification as the rightful heir to the throne. This multilayered conflict structure makes the drama more enriching.
Music and Sound Design
Kingdom's music is a crucial element that maximizes the atmosphere of the drama. The soundtrack utilizing traditional Korean instruments preserves the historical drama background while heightening tension through modern arrangements. Particularly, the dissonant elements in zombie appearance scenes effectively convey fear.
The sound design is also excellent. All sound effects such as zombie groans, bone-breaking sounds, and sword clashing in battle scenes are realistic and enhance immersion.
Character Development and Human Drama
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| Source: Namu Wiki (https://namu.wiki) |
Season 2 delicately portrays the internal growth of main characters. Lee Chang grows into a stronger leader, while Mu-yeong (Kim Sung-kyu) realizes the true meaning of loyalty and honor. Seo-bi reconciles with her past, and Cho Hak-ju enters a path of downfall.
Particularly, the development of Lee Chang and Seo-bi's relationship is portrayed as a partnership based on mutual respect and trust rather than romance, which is a very fresh and modern approach. The two demonstrate expertise in their respective domains and recognize and cooperate with each other.
The Exquisite Harmony of History and Fantasy
Another charm of Kingdom is the harmony between actual history and fantasy elements. Set in the chaotic Joseon Dynasty period after the Japanese invasions, it naturally incorporates the fantasy element of zombies. While social conditions, class structure, and cultural background of the time are realistically recreated, the dramatic situation of the zombie outbreak blends in without any sense of incongruity.
Art elements such as clothing, architecture, and props were also produced based on thorough historical research, greatly enhancing the drama's immersion. Zombie makeup and action are also designed to suit Korean sensibility, establishing a unique aesthetic differentiated from Western zombie works.
Social Message and Modern Interpretation
Kingdom contains deep social messages beyond simple entertainment. The spread of plague metaphorically addresses modern society's problems such as wealth gap, corruption of power, and concealment of information. Particularly, the image of the ruling class sacrificing common people for their own benefit sharply criticizes the essence of power that transcends time.
Additionally, the subject of infectious disease resonated even more when released in 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. The portrayal of humanity dealing with plague reflects reality and demands reflection on our society.
Season Finale and Expectations for the Future
The ending of Season 2 heralds a new beginning with a surprising twist. Although peace seems to have come to Joseon, the final scene hints that another threat lurks. This leaves a strong impression on viewers and raises expectations for subsequent seasons or spin-offs.
Indeed, Kingdom expanded its universe through a special episode 'Kingdom: Ashin of the North,' which is a good example showing the series' sustainability.
Conclusion: New Possibilities for K-Drama
Kingdom Season 2 is a work that proves Korean drama can be competitive in the global market. While maintaining Korean sensibility and historical drama tradition, it creatively interprets the universal zombie genre. Excellent direction, high-quality screenplay, actors' passionate performances, and overwhelming visuals all harmonize to achieve cultural accomplishment beyond simple zombie drama.
Particularly, Bae Doona's addition breathed new life into the series and succeeded in showing various facets of female characters. Kingdom Season 2, where elements of political drama, action, horror, and human drama are perfectly fused, is a monumental work that announced the infinite possibilities of K-content to the world.
Viewers who have already watched Kingdom will find pleasure in discovering missed details through re-watching, while those who haven't yet can experience the pinnacle of K-zombie drama. Kingdom Season 2 is not just a drama, but a cultural asset demonstrating the power of Korean content.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Kingdom Season 2 is available for streaming on Netflix.