The latest Korean drama entitled The Haunted Palace officially premiered on SBS on Friday night, April 18, 2025. According to Nielsen Korea data, the first episode of this drama immediately recorded a national rating of 9.2% and even peaked at 10.7%. This achievement has made The Haunted Palace successful in occupying the top position in its airing slot and becoming a hot topic among K-drama enthusiasts.
Not only dominating television, but this drama also managed to reach the number one spot on the Netflix Korea platform shortly after its release. The rapid surge in popularity marks a significant success both on TV broadcasts and streaming services.
Directed by Yoon Sung Shik known for his tension-packed works, and starring A-list actors, The Haunted Palace offers a blend of thriller, horror, and mystery in a strong historical drama (sageuk) package. The touch of romance and comedy also adds to the allure of this unique story.
The drama tells the story of Yoon Gab (played by Yook Sungjae), a royal official who is suddenly possessed by a mythological creature named Imoogi – a giant snake that failed to become a dragon. The Imoogi figure named Kang Chul, an evil creature with a dark past shared with Yeo Ri (played by Bona), the granddaughter of a legendary shaman with extraordinary spiritual powers. Yoon Gab, who is Yeo Ri’s first love, becomes the starting point of a complex conflict involving curses, restless spirits, and a battle between good and evil. Yeo Ri, who initially refused her fate as the successor of the shaman, must now face reality to save the person she loves.
Reasons Why ‘The Haunted Palace’ Should Be on Your Watchlist:
1. Acting Comeback of Yook Sungjae After Three Years
Actor and BTOB member, Yook Sungjae, finally returns to the acting world after a three-year hiatus. He portrays two characters in this drama: the calm and intelligent Yoon Gab, and Kang Chul, an evil spirit with a complex background. In an interview with Soompi, Yook Sungjae expressed his interest in the fantasy and historical elements in the script, which made him determined to choose this project as his comeback platform.
2. Anti-Mainstream Storyline
Different from most Korean dramas that focus on modern romance, The Haunted Palace offers an original story set in the Joseon Dynasty. The intrigue in the haunted palace that holds dark secrets and the plot twist surprises in each episode make this drama hard to miss.
3. Atmospheric Locations and Visuals
The drama’s production design deserves applause for creating a strong historical atmosphere combined with subtle horror elements. From dim lighting, mysterious fog, to the eerie palace interior, everything feels very real and adds tension. Viewers will feel as if they are truly in the middle of the haunted palace.
4. Experienced Director and Screenwriter Duo
This drama is the result of collaboration between director Yoon Sung Shik (Mr. Queen, Bridal Mask) and screenwriter Yoon Soo Jung (Cheer Up!, The King’s Face). This collaboration ensures quality in terms of visuals and storyline.
5. Emotional Performances from the Cast
In addition to Yook Sungjae and Bona, the drama is also strengthened by a talented cast who can portray characters with deep and authentic emotions. The chemistry between the characters feels natural and supports the intensity of the story. Each character plays a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries of the puzzle-filled palace.
With all these advantages, it’s no wonder that The Haunted Palace immediately captivated viewers and became one of the most promising Korean dramas of the year. For fans of historical horror dramas with a touch of romance and spiritual conflict, this drama is a must-watch!