K-Drama Recommendation of the Week – ‘The Haunted Palace’: A Tale Of Spirits And Destiny In The Joseon Era

“If people knew that the consequences of the choices they make in life did not end with their deaths but that their children inherit the vicious cycle of retribution, would the world look a little different?” – Yeori (‘The Haunted Palace’)

Set against the grandeur of the Korean Joseon Dynasty, ‘The Haunted Palace’, a 2025 series, blends period drama with horror, comedy, fantasy and romance. Starring, Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon (Bona), Kim Ji-hun and Kim Young-kwang, the series delivers a well-plotted and well-paced tale of a shaman named Yeo-ri who refuses to be a medium for Gangcheori, an Imoogi spirit (mythical serpent) who ends up possessing the body of the king’s most loyal official, who is also Yeo-ri’s first love, Yoon Gap.

Series : The Haunted Palace

Where to watch : Netflix, Viki, Viu

Cast : Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon (Bona), Kim Ji-hun and Kim Young-kwang

Written by :  Yoon Soo-jung

Directed by : Yoon Sung-sik

The Plot

The series revolves around Yeo-ri (played by Kim Ji-yeon), who is the only granddaughter of a famous shaman. She has a divine gift to be a spirit medium, but she refuses to accept it and works instead as a glass artisan. One day, she encounters Gangcheori (played by Kim Young-kwang), an Imoogi who needs her body to ascend to heaven, but Yeo-ri denies him. Meanwhile, Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sung-jae), a reputed and handsome government official in the palace, becomes possessed by Gangcheori. After his possession, Yeo-ri enters the palace, haunted by powerful female ghosts who hold grudges against the royal family, as well as other evil spirits.

On the other hand, King Lee Seong (played by Kim Ji-hun), a reformist monarch who doesn’t believe in supernatural beings, dreams of building a powerful and strong Joseon nation. To get rid of the ghosts, he orders his officials and royals to uncover the secrets behind the spirits. Their investigation ultimately leads them to confront the most dangerous of them all—the vengeful spirit Palcheok-gwi.

The Characters

Yeo-ri (played by Kim Ji-yeon)

A glass artisan who is inherently a shaman and has the divine gift of being a medium for spirits. She initially rejects this role but later fights the vengeful spirits when her first love is possessed by Gangcheori.

Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sung-jae)

A well-mannered and intellectual government official, he is the King’s most loyal servant as well as Yeo-ri’s first love. He becomes possessed by Gangcheori.

King Lee Seong (played by Kim Ji-hun)

A reformist ruler who wants to build a strong nation, eliminate all corruption, and refuses to believe in supernatural beings.

Gangcheori  (played by Kim Young-kwang)

An Imoogi who possesses Yoon Gap and seeks Yeo-ri’s help to ascend to heaven.

Why should you watch ‘The Haunted Palace’ ? 

• Fusion of Genres: The blend of historical drama, supernatural mystery, romance, and lighthearted humor offers a unique and refreshing viewing experience for audiences.
• Intriguing Storyline: The narrative, which includes political intrigue, ghostly revenge, and a group struggling to protect the palace from evil spirits, provides a unique twist on typical ghost-hunting stories. The balance between eerie supernatural tension and moments of comedic relief keeps the storyline moving briskly without losing emotional depth.
• Strong and Impactful Performances: The dynamic between the leads is captivating, with Bona shining as the shaman with divine abilities and Yook Sung-jae impressively portraying two contrasting characters. Finally, Kim Ji-hoon earns praise for his versatile acting as the nuanced and authoritative ruler.
• International Popularity: Although rooted in the Korean historical period, the drama’s themes of romance, horror, empathy, corruption, riveting palace mysteries, chilling K-occult elements, and the lavishly detailed Joseon palace settings and cultural nuances have attracted both domestic and international viewers.

With its captivating blend of palace intrigue, otherworldly mysteries, and unforgettable characters, the series leaves viewers satisfied yet yearning for more supernatural adventures. Whether drawn by the thrills of horror, the laughs, or the romance, this supernatural Joseon-era tale leaves a haunting presence long after the final episode.

Written by – MANSHA CHAUHAN

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