Season 2 lacks the historical context/backdrop that made the first season so compelling, but it's still worth checking out for the leads...I guess.

In season 1, the characters all had to contend with numerous external and internal conflicts that tested them mentally and morally. It was both inspiring and heartbreaking to see play out each episode. There was a certain emotional depth that made the stakes real.

This time around, we shift the focus to present day where old horrors remerge to give our leads a hard time. The horror element is still there which is great news for those who loved seeing grotesque monsters and intense gore. The action is turned up a notch as well. But again, the emotional depth isn't all there considering a majority of the cast from season 1 is obviously not present. Sigh, I miss those interactions.

This isn't to say season 2 isn't worth watching. As I stated in the beginning, watch if nothing else but for the always stellar performances by the leads. Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee practically carry this drama on their backs. Performances of other cast members were ok. They did their jobs. No complaints here. But the leads? Honestly seeing them together made the story tolerable due to the fact there's a history between them.

Overall, this season seems like its own thing. Yes there are flashbacks spread out here and there, but it feels stand-aloneish. So yeah, watch it for the reasons I've mentioned above, but keep your expectations low if you're expecting a similar emotional thrill ride like season 1.