The Haunted Palace (2025): A Spellbinding Blend of Fantasy, Romance, and Horror
The Haunted Palace (귀궁), a 2025 South Korean drama, has taken the K-drama world by storm with its unique mix of historical fantasy, romance, comedy, and just the right amount of spooky thrills. Premiering on SBS TV on April 18, 2025, and streaming on platforms like Netflix, Viki, and Viu, this 16-episode series has captivated audiences with its fresh take on the Joseon-era sageuk genre. Directed by Yoon Seong-sik (Mr. Queen) and written by Yoon Soo-jung (The King's Face), the show stars Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon (Bona), and Kim Ji-hoon, delivering a tale of love, possession, and vengeful spirits that’s both gripping and entertaining. Here’s why The Haunted Palace is a must-watch for K-drama fans in 2025.
A Captivating Storyline That Hooks You from Episode 1
Set in the mystical and intrigue-filled Joseon era, The Haunted Palace follows Yeo-ri (Kim Ji-yeon), a reluctant shaman who rejects her spiritual destiny as a medium, choosing instead to live as a glass craftswoman. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her first love, Yoon Gab (Yook Sung-jae), a respected government official, becomes possessed by an Imoogi—a mythical serpent-like creature named Kang Cheol (also played by Yook Sung-jae). The Imoogi seeks to use Yeo-ri’s body to ascend to heaven, but she fiercely resists. As Yeo-ri enters the palace to save Yoon Gab, she confronts powerful female ghosts and evil spirits, including the vengeful Palcheok-gwi, who harbors a deep grudge against the royal family. Meanwhile, reformist King Yi Seong (Kim Ji-hoon) grapples with strange and terrifying events threatening his vision for a stronger Joseon.
The drama masterfully weaves palace politics, supernatural horror, and a poignant love story. The push-and-pull dynamic between Yeo-ri and the Imoogi-possessed Yoon Gab creates a rollercoaster of emotions, blending romance, suspense, and humor. Fans on X have praised the show’s “rare combination of fantasy, historical, horror, romance, and comedy” with a storyline that “keeps you hooked” from the start. The series’ ability to balance spooky elements with lighthearted moments ensures it appeals to a wide audience, from horror enthusiasts to rom-com lovers.
Standout Performances and Chemistry
The cast of The Haunted Palace is a major reason for its success. Yook Sung-jae shines in his dual role as the earnest Yoon Gab and the mischievous, complex Imoogi Kang Cheol. Reviewers have lauded his ability to seamlessly switch between the charming court official and the cunning deity, bringing both humor and depth to the role. Fans have noted that “Bona is becoming a more layered actress with each performance,” especially after her standout role in Pyramid Game. The chemistry between Sung-jae and Bona is a highlight, described as “out of the roofs” by viewers, with their scenes oscillating between funny, intense, and heartfelt.
Kim Ji-hoon as King Yi Seong and supporting actors like Kim Young-kwang and Cha Joo-young add further depth to the ensemble, with their performances hinting at larger roles as the story unfolds. The bromance between Sung-jae’s and Ji-hoon’s characters has also sparked interest, with some fans finding it even more compelling than the main romance.
A Visual and Atmospheric Triumph
Visually, The Haunted Palace is a feast. The special effects, particularly for the supernatural elements like the Imoogi and ghostly apparitions, are convincing without feeling overdone, creating a “fantasy tale” atmosphere that’s both eerie and enchanting. The music complements the drama’s emotional highs and lows, enhancing key moments without overpowering the narrative. Reviewers have praised the show’s ability to maintain a “unique atmosphere” that blends historical authenticity with supernatural intrigue.
Why It Stands Out
The Haunted Palace distinguishes itself in the crowded K-drama landscape with its genre-blending approach. Unlike typical sageuks, it leans heavily into fantasy and horror, offering a fresh take on the historical drama format. The show’s premiere garnered a strong 9.2% nationwide viewership rating, peaking at 10.7%, and quickly claimed the No. 1 spot on Netflix Korea’s “Top 10 Series in Korea Today,” outperforming other popular titles. Its ability to mix humor with horror—without letting either dominate—has resonated with viewers, who describe it as “fun, intriguing, and just a little spooky.”
However, the drama isn’t without flaws. Some reviewers have noted that the pacing slows in the middle episodes, and a few have criticized certain plot points, like the Imoogi’s motivations or the Queen Dowager’s arc, as feeling underdeveloped. Despite these critiques, the consensus is that the show’s engaging characters and unpredictable plot keep it from becoming dull. Fans on X have called it “the best drama of 2025 so far,” citing its captivating story and strong leads.
Should You Watch It?
If you’re a fan of historical dramas with a twist, The Haunted Palace is a must-watch. Its blend of romance, fantasy, and horror, coupled with stellar performances and a visually stunning presentation, makes it one of the standout K-dramas of 2025. Whether you’re drawn to the intense chemistry between Yeo-ri and Yoon Gab, the spooky palace hauntings, or the comedic undertones, there’s something for everyone. With episodes airing every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST on SBS and available for streaming on Netflix, Viki, and Viu, it’s easy to dive into this enchanting world.
Have you started The Haunted Palace yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and join the conversation about this thrilling K-drama!