The Haunted Palace

“The Haunted Palace” (Korean: “귀궁”) is a South Korean fantasy historical drama that aired on SBS from April 18 to June 7, 2025. Blending elements of romance, comedy, and supernatural intrigue, the series captivated audiences with its unique storyline and compelling performances.

Plot Synopsis

Set during the Joseon Dynasty, “The Haunted Palace” follows Yeo-ri (Kim Ji-yeon), a modern-day shaman who rejects her inherited spiritual destiny. Instead, she works as a glasses craftswoman. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her first love, Yoon Gap (Yook Sung-jae), a respected government official, becomes possessed by Gang Cheol, a thousand-year-old serpent spirit (Imoogi) seeking to ascend to Heaven. The Imoogi needs Yeo-ri's body to achieve this, but she refuses to comply.

As Yeo-ri enters the haunted royal palace to confront the vengeful spirit, she teams up with King Lee Seong (Kim Ji-hoon), a reformist monarch determined to strengthen the Joseon nation. Together, they face powerful female ghosts and uncover dark secrets threatening the royal family.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Yook Sung-jae portrays both Yoon Gap, a scholarly royal librarian and Yeo-ri’s first love, and the evil god Imoogi, Gang Cheol / Kang Chul. His performance showcases a dramatic transformation from a kind and intelligent nobleman to a powerful and captivating villain.
• Kim Ji-yeon (Bona) plays Yeo-ri, a shaman who refuses to accept her supernatural destiny. She becomes entangled with Kang Cheol, an Imoogi trapped in the body of her first love, Yoon Gap.
• Kim Ji-hoon portrays King Lee Seong, a reformist monarch who dreams of a strong Joseon nation. He teams up with Yoon Gap and Yeo-ri to confront the vengeful spirit haunting the royal palace.

Reception

“The Haunted Palace” concluded its 16-episode run on June 7, 2025, with a finale that brought in the show's highest viewership rating of 11%, topping its time slot.

The series has been praised for its unique take on Korean folklore and shamanism, its well-crafted character arcs, and its engaging storyline.

Final Thoughts

For those interested in exploring Korean folklore, supernatural themes, and a blend of historical and modern elements, “The Haunted Palace” offers a captivating and entertaining experience.

Where to Watch

Broadcast Schedule

Aired on SBS.

Streaming Access

• South Korea: Netflix.
• Japan: Lemino.
• Taiwan: Hami Video.
• Globally: Netflix, Rakuten Viki, Viu.

Main Role

Yook Sung-Jae Kim Ji-Hoon Bo Na

Supporting Cast

Cha Chung-Hwa Kim Sang-Ho Kim In-Kwon Son Byung-Ho

Guest Role

Kim Young-Kwang Kil Hae-Yeon

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