Prequel of tale of the nine tailed (season 2): (Episode 1-12) fully explained

When Tale of the Nine Tailed premiered in 2020, it received criticism for its lackluster romance and somber tone that didn't align with its grand fantasy aspirations. As a result, the first season ended up being disappointing and mediocre.However, fast forward to 2023, and Tale of the Nine Tailed is back with a vengeance. Despite initial doubts about its renewal, the second season, titled Nine Tailed 1938, surpasses the expectations set by its predecessor and delivers a compelling and captivating story.
While fans of the first season will undoubtedly appreciate the numerous Easter eggs and deeper character development, newcomers will also find themselves drawn into the narrative.
The focus of the story revolves around Lee Yeon, an immortal nine-tailed fox who was once a mountain god spirit. In this season, he, along with his assistant Shin-joo, is transported back to 1938, where they become entangled in the political and fantastical events of the era.
Hong-joo, the troublesome and cunning character from before, also returns, now as the owner of the renowned restaurant Myoyeongak in the capital city of Gyeongseong. Rang, Lee Yeon's half-brother, is present as well, harboring a desire to kill Yeon without realizing that the 1938 version of the mountain god is incapacitated due to opium use.
The narrative unfolds through a combination of long-form storytelling and episodic encounters.
The former involves Japanese officials and the sinister Kato, accompanied by his group of henchmen. Interwoven within this storyline is a rebellion subplot and Rang's efforts to reconcile with Yeon.
The episodic storytelling, reminiscent of the first season, presents various spirits and demons who challenge Yeon and his companions. Some of these confrontations carry an anime-like quality, especially when the Shinigami Mercenaries enter the picture.
With the absence of focus on the romance between Yeon and Ji-ah, Tale of the Nine Tailed gains strength and cohesion, centering instead on the brotherly bond between Yeon and Rang. Hong-joo's role and her dynamic with the other characters add another layer of intrigue.
The show excels in character development, with the introduction of new characters like Moo-yeong, Kato, Hong-joo, and newcomer Yeo-hee, providing depth and intrigue to the ensemble cast.
The blend of fantasy, drama, horror, and comedy is better balanced in this season. The 12 episodes showcase well-written segments with creative twists.
The humor is well-timed, and although there are instances of deus ex machina and last-minute surprises, the overall enjoyment of the show compensates for these minor shortcomings.
Ultimately, the second season of Tale of the Nine Tailed is a fun and enjoyable watch. It successfully sheds the somber tone of its predecessor, making it one of the best K-dramas of the year. Considering the disappointment of the first season, this is quite an achievement.
If you enjoyed the show, we recommend purchasing the book or novel adaptation to delve even deeper into the world of Tale of the Nine Tailed.