“The Haunted Palace” (written by Yoon Soo-jung, directed by Yoon Sung-sik) is a fantasy rom-com that follows Yeori, a shaman who refuses her spiritual destiny, and Kang Cheol, an ancient serpent spirit (Imoogi) who becomes trapped in the body of Yeori’s first love, Yoon Gap. As they cross paths with a vengeful spirit haunting the royal family, their lives―and souls―become hopelessly entangled. Director Yoon Sung-sik, known for hits like “Mr. Queen” and “Bridal Mask,” teams up with writer Yoon Soo-jung (“The King’s Face,” “Cheer Up!”) to deliver a fresh take on love, possession, and Korean folklore.
Ahead of tonight’s premiere, here’s what to look out for in “The Haunted Palace.”
# 1. Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon, and Kim Ji-hoon’s Spellbinding Performances
Yook Sung-jae takes on a challenging dual role as Yoon Gap, Yeori’s first love and a loyal subject of the king, whose life is turned upside down when he’s possessed by the Imoogi, Kang Cheol. Yook’s portrayal of a half-human, half-spirit being promises to be a highlight of the series.
Kim Ji-yeon stars as Yeori, a shaman who tries to escape her fate by working as a master optician. Her world is thrown into chaos when her sworn enemy, the Imoogi, takes over the body of her beloved first love. Kim brings both strength and warmth to the role, especially as Yeori helps restless spirits find peace.
Rounding out the main cast, Kim Ji-hoon plays King Lee Jeong, a fictional monarch facing off against the vengeful spirit plaguing the royal family. With these dynamic characters colliding, viewers can expect plenty of chemistry and dramatic tension.
# 2. A Supernatural Love-Hate Relationship Like No Other
At the heart of “The Haunted Palace” is a unique romance: a shaman whose first love’s body is possessed by her greatest enemy. As Kang Cheol, the Imoogi, experiences human emotions for the first time, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to Yeori. Meanwhile, Yeori is torn between the familiar face of her first love and the knowledge that his body is now inhabited by the spirit she despises. The result? A love-hate relationship that’s as sweet as it is chaotic―expect sparks to fly in every episode.
# 3. The Mystery of the Vengeful Spirit Haunting the Royal Family
When a terrifying spirit known as the “Eight-Foot Ghost” awakens in the royal palace, the stakes are raised for everyone involved. “The Haunted Palace” weaves together romance, palace intrigue, and a gripping supernatural mystery as Yeori, Kang Cheol, and King Lee Jeong join forces to battle the ghost and protect the kingdom. With high-stakes exorcisms and action-packed showdowns, the series promises a thrilling ride that’s equal parts sweet, suspenseful, and spine-tingling.
# 4. A Rich World of Korean Folklore and Ghostly Legends
From the Imoogi (a serpent spirit that failed to become a dragon) to the Eight-Foot Ghost, Water Ghost, One-Legged Ghost, and Luminous Ghost, “The Haunted Palace” brings a host of traditional Korean spirits to life. The show’s stunning visuals and creative use of folklore offer a fresh perspective on classic tales, while also exploring the rituals and traditions that help spirits find peace.
Writer Yoon Soo-jung shared, “I drew inspiration from countless books and films, especially Korean classics like ‘Eou Yadam,’ ‘Seongho Saseol,’ and ‘Cheonyeorok.’ Documentaries such as ‘Shaman: The Reconciliation of the Living and the Dead,’ ‘Between,’ and ‘Manshin,’ as well as the autobiography of shaman Kim Geum-hwa, helped me understand the world of shamans and shape Yeori’s character. I also found inspiration in works like Lauren Kendall’s ‘Shamans, Women, and Spirits’ and through traditional culture classes.”
Director Yoon Sung-sik added, “Our top priority was to make the supernatural elements feel as natural as possible. We avoided excessive visual effects, relying instead on practical effects, thorough research, and detailed concept design. Viewers can look forward to a wide variety of unique spirits brought to life with high-quality computer graphics and special makeup.”
Set to become the next big thing in fantasy rom-coms, “The Haunted Palace” premieres tonight (April 18) at 9:50 p.m. KST, following the conclusion of “Buried Hearts.”
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)