Okay, K-drama fam, if you’ve been itching for something spooky and hilarious with a historical twist, then you’re in for a treat. The Haunted Palace kdrama has dropped, and let me tell you, it’s unlike any sageuk (historical drama) you’ve seen before. Think creepy ghosts, old palace secrets, unexpected laughs, and yes… a little romance bubbling beneath all the chaos. It’s got vibes.
And guess what? With Yook Sungjae and Kim Ji Yeon (yes, Bona from WJSN!) leading the charge, this drama hits all the right notes, thrilling, emotional, and just weird enough to keep you glued.
So What’s The Haunted Palace All About?
Set in the Joseon era, the drama follows Yoon Gab (played by Yook Sungjae), a royal librarian who accidentally gets possessed by an ancient spirit named Gang Cheol. And not just any spirit, this one’s out for revenge and has serious baggage.
Enter Yeo Ri (played by Kim Ji Yeon), a reluctant shaman who wants to live a peaceful, ghost-free life. Too bad the haunted palace has other plans. When these two cross paths, sparks fly, sometimes literally, and chaos ensues.
It’s a mix of supernatural mystery, traditional folklore, and quirky moments that totally break the tension. I found myself spooked one minute and laughing the next, and honestly? I loved every second of it.
Yook Sungjae Is Doing That Again
If you’re familiar with the Yook Sung Jae drama list, then you already know the guy’s got range. From Mystic Pop-Up Bar to Goblin and School 2015, he can do funny, heartfelt, and eerie, and The Haunted Palace lets him do all three in one role.
Watching him switch from the soft-spoken Yoon Gab to the intense, vengeful Gang Cheol is honestly so satisfying. You believe him in every scene, whether he’s being adorably confused by ghost stuff or giving us full-on scary spirit realness.
Kim Ji Yeon Is Here to Steal the Spotlight
Let’s talk about Kim Ji Yeon, a.k.a. Bona from WJSN. She’s killing it as Yeo Ri. This role is a bit of a shift from her previous dramas like Twenty-Five Twenty-One, but wow, she absolutely nails the part.
She plays Yeo Ri with this perfect blend of sass, vulnerability, and reluctant bravery. You can see she doesn’t want to be the “chosen shaman,” but she’s also not about to let ghosts mess with her or the people she cares about. Total main-character energy.
If you’re just discovering her now, definitely check out more from her. She’s been on a steady rise, and this role just proves she’s got leading lady status written all over her.
The Haunted Palace Isn’t Just Scary, It’s Funny Too
This is what really sets the drama apart. Most sageuks tend to be heavy with court politics and tragic love stories (don’t get me wrong, I still binge them). But The Haunted Palace takes that formula and gives it a fun little twist.
You’ve got ghost sightings, magical relics, a serpent spirit trying to become a dragon (yes, there’s some cool Korean mythology tied in), and characters who actually react like real people. There’s sarcasm. There’s awkward banter. There’s comedy in the middle of chaos.
And somehow, it all works.
Let’s Not Forget the King…
Kim Ji-hoon plays King Yi Jeong, and let’s just say, he’s mysterious AF. There’s something off about him, but you can’t quite pin it. He supports reforms and acts like the perfect king on the outside, but behind the scenes, he’s clearly hiding something about the palace’s cursed past.
The tension between him and our main leads? It’s slowly building, and I have a feeling it’s going to explode in the best way possible.
The Romance Is Brewing Slowly… But It’s There
Let’s be real, we’re all here for the spooky vibes and the slow-burn romance. Yoon Gab and Yeo Ri aren’t a couple yet, but their connection is strong. There’s a tenderness to their scenes, even when they’re being chased by spirits or arguing about exorcisms.
The way they’re starting to understand each other, despite all the supernatural chaos, gives me hope for a beautiful, emotional payoff later. And trust me, I’ll be ugly crying when it happens.
The Recent Still That Has Everyone Talking
So, SBS recently dropped some brand-new stills from the show, and the internet went nuts. In one image, Yook Sungjae’s character is covering Yeo Ri’s mouth while they both freeze in pure fear. The lighting? Eerie. The atmosphere? Tense. You can practically feel something, or someone, approaching them in the shadows.
There’s another close-up where he’s holding her shoulders, staring at her like he’s trying to say, “Don’t move, or we’re both toast.” No words needed, their expressions say it all. The chemistry between Yook and Ji Yeon is just chef’s kiss.
If you weren’t already watching, those stills might just reel you in.
Why You Should Start Watching The Haunted Palace Now
If you’re looking for something fresh, fun, and just the right amount of freaky, The Haunted Palace is for you. The production quality is top-tier, the storyline is unique, and the characters are just… so good.
Here’s what you’re signing up for:
- Creepy ghosts (but not too creepy)
- Historical drama with a fantasy twist
- Great character development
- Laugh-out-loud moments you don’t expect
- A potential love story that might make you melt
Whether you’re a longtime fan working your way through the Yook Sung Jae’s drama list or you’re here to support Kim Ji Yeon’s breakout lead role, this drama checks all the boxes.
Final Thoughts
It’s only been a few episodes, and The Haunted Palace already feels like one of those dramas we’ll be talking about all year. It’s got the charm, the chills, and the heart. I honestly can’t wait to see where it goes next.
So, if you’re into ghosts, giggles, and a touch of Joseon-era chaos, give this one a shot. And then come scream (or laugh) about it with me online because this show deserves a fandom.
Your Turn!
Have you watched The Haunted Palace yet?
Who’s your favorite character so far, Yoon Gap or Yeo Ri?
Seen those stills? What do you think they were hiding from?
Don’t forget to share this with your fellow K-drama besties. Let’s make The Haunted Palace the spooky hit it deserves to be.