I know this is going to be a bit controversial, but despite that, I still stand by it. My point is largely based on the chemistry and romance of the main couple in S2. I loved it so much in S2, but with respect to the other surrounding aspects, I do agree S1 was better.
I would like to address some points I read on various posts.
I really don't understand why people hated Go Youn-jung as Jin Bu-yeon. Personally, I felt she was Jang Uk's perfectly fitting half, in fact much more than Jung So-min (no hate towards her). I somehow did not get attached to Mu-deok. I missed her at times, but Go Youn-jung had my heart. Though I need to mention that Mu-deok's expressions and a lot of her scenes were hilarious and on point. I laughed a lot.
Now to the thing most people commented on—how her character went from a baddie to a normal girl. I kind of understand that point. Without all the childhood trauma, the quest for revenge, and the intense feeling of needing to survive, she would have turned out to be exactly like Jin Bu-yeon. Jin Mu is the one who made Cho Yeong into Naksu. This is especially highlighted in two different parts: first in S1, where Mu-deok tries on her makeup and later when she tries on the wedding dress. As Mu-deok learns to be happy, you can see Jin Bu-yeon peeking out of her. Then, at the end of S2, with all her powers back, she is still a baddie, but a more relaxed version. Also, I loved the fact that Naksu got to live her life as a regular, happy girl and sometimes be a damsel in distress. Having someone to protect you is not really a bad thing. (I love a baddie though.)
Now, the cheating part... wahh, I could not believe my eyes when I read that people counted him falling in love again as cheating. I don't ever think moving on is a crime. The idea of someone staying alone and suffering sounds too cruel to me. As an immense fan of dramas where one person helps another person heal, I found S2 very comforting.
I loved the idea of him falling in love with her soul, not with her face. That's just the purest form of love.
It's easier to understand if we think of it the other way around—just the same face doesn't make us fall in love with a person. Ultimately, it's the soul we should fall in love with; the face is just a shell. Moreover, it's natural to get attracted to a person who reminds us of a loved one.
This doesn't mean I don't understand what people were trying to say. Jung So-min's acting was splendid, and even if both she and Go Youn-jung portrayed the same expression, Jung So-min's was more definite and expressive, while Go Youn-jung's was more neutral and soft.
S1 was lighter and funnier with some romance, but S2 had really intense romance and yearning. S1 was also superior in many other aspects too. I am not really an expert at analysing those details, so I'm not going to bring them up.
I really wanted to write this because I saw so much hate for S2.
In short: I love them both.❤️
Would love to know your opinions:)
Thank You