Netflix Dog Day 2 Review: What to Expect

The Netflix series "Hunting Dogs" Season 2 has been criticized for dismantling the narrative built in the previous season, with some pointing out that while the action was strong, the story lost its power. Season 1 succeeded by igniting the action with the relationship between the two main characters, but Season 2 is criticized for overlooking their already established bond and overwriting it with more brutal action. Although Season 1 received rave reviews, reaching number one on Netflix's global non-English TV chart within seven days of its release, Season 2, despite returning with such high expectations, is analyzed as having weakened the protagonists' relationship and focused solely on action.

The core of Season 1 was the process of the two men relying on each other, that is, their relationship. The journey of two completely different individuals becoming entangled, bickering, and eventually uniting as a duo of young boxers transcended a simple action film. However, Season 2 seems to have gambled on the legacy of Season 1, apparently deciding that since the relationship was already proven, only the action needed to be amplified. It is pointed out that scenes with the two men in the same frame decreased, and their individual fights and struggles were depicted, preventing emotions from resonating on screen. The humor is also criticized for feeling superficial, delivered without context before a foundation was even built.

Jeong Ji-hoon (as Baek Jeong), who appears as a new villain, displays overwhelming physicality and action, but his forced acting and flaws in character design are considered disappointing. The reason for his obsession with confronting Geon-woo is difficult to comprehend, and his impulsive behavior, despite being portrayed as a born psychopath, and his greed for money, which contradicts his role as a meticulous planner, destabilize the character himself, according to analysis. The detective Lee Woo-jeong (played by Cha Ji-hyeok) character, introduced as a stepping stone for Season 3, is also criticized for feeling like a designed expansion rather than a natural one.

Park Seo-joon, appearing as a scene-stealer, left a definite impact in his short screen time as a mysterious black agent, whose allegiance as a villain or ally was unclear. His performance is credited with generating anticipation for Season 3. The action itself, described as unrealistic boxing reminiscent of the "Tekken" game, created a unique visual thrill for Season 2. The tunnel scene, in particular, received praise for its claustrophobic and intense action performed with bare hands in a confined space. However, there is also criticism that there is too much action, it is excessively violent, and the brutal deaths of characters feel like an attempt to substitute for the narrative.

A review from Sports Seoul evaluated "Hunting Dogs 2" as showing definite evolution in scale and action, but with a weakened narrative compared to its expanded scope. The chemistry between Geon-woo and Woo-jin remains solid, and the "chemistry" of Moon Gwang-mu, played by Park Hoon, served as another point of interest. However, there are criticisms that the "why they fight" is unconvincing, and the explanation for why the villain Baek Jeong's target should be Geon-woo is insufficient. It is also mentioned that with the increase in supporting characters, there are ironic moments where the presence of Geon-woo and Woo-jin relatively diminishes.