Honestly, I'm not gonna compare it with the first season cause it's been so long I don't even remember. But I truly enjoyed this one nonetheless.

But I'll say truly, Song Kang is not even a main cast here, for most of the drama I even forgot he was there. The soldiers carried the season for me.
I don't even know why Sangwook is listed as a main character if he doesn't even have ten minutes of screen time, similarly having Min Seojin as a guest role is unfair, he was on screen for longer than Cha Hyunsoo, Like, even Kang Seokchan has more lines. And Jisu dies in like episode three...

Anyway, cast list rant aside, I truly enjoyed the season.
As I said, the soldiers did it for me, their story was the most interesting, especially when, in the last two episodes, they go looking for their missing friend I was so invested in it, when Jonghyun and Seokchan were killed ( I still have hopes for them) I was devastated. Amazing job from Kim Muyol (Sergeant Kim) and Yoo Ohsung (Sergeant Tak)

What more to say? Eunyoo, amazing as expected.
Hyunsoo, forgot about him, and how does he un-stone himself or whatever? Idk And now, he's a full monster I guess
Eunhyuk is king of monsters now, interesting character setting for next season.

Lastly, I have to appreciate Kim Shiah's job here, I just saw See You in my 19th life, and comparing both her works I can see she has a promising future ahead, nailed both.
Choi Go as Youngsoo also did amazing, truly felt his rage.

This season fulfilled my expectations and set a good precedent for the next one, I'm so looking forward next summer.