The Haunted Palace (2025) – A Supernatural Romance of Spirits, Shamans, and Secrets
The Haunted Palace (Korean: 귀궁; Romanized: Gwigung) is a 2025 Korean fantasy-romance drama that weaves together royal intrigue, shamanic mysticism, and an unorthodox love triangle between two bodies and one soul. Airing on SBS from April 18 to June 7, the series has quickly captivated audiences with its richly layered characters and occult themes.
📖 Story Overview
Yeo-ri (Kim Ji-yeon) is a headstrong young shaman who defies the spiritual fate laid before her. She finds herself entangled with Yoon Gap (Yook Sung-jae), a court official who becomes possessed by Gang Cheol—the vengeful spirit of Yeo-ri’s past lover, now reincarnated as a serpent spirit haunting the palace.
Together, they confront the deadly Palcheok-gwi, a malevolent force lurking in the royal grounds. As spiritual possession blurs the line between identities, love and memory are put to the test. What begins as a ghostly mystery evolves into an emotionally charged journey of loss, sacrifice, and awakening.
🎭 Cast & Characters
| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Yook Sung-jae | Yoon Gap / Gang Cheol | A sincere palace officer possessed by the serpent spirit of his past self |
| Kim Ji-yeon | Yeo-ri | A powerful but defiant shaman resisting her destiny |
| Kim Ji-hoon | King Lee Seong | A young monarch caught in palace politics and spiritual warfare |
| Shin Seul-ki, Kim Sang-ho, Son Byong-ho, etc. | Supporting Cast | Complex characters adding depth to the haunted royal court |
🎬 Production Details
- Writer: Yoon Soo-jung
- Directors: Yoon Sung-sik (“Mr. Queen”) & Kim Ji-yeon
- Episodes: 16 (each approx. 70 mins)
- Produced by: iWill Media & Studio S
- Original network: SBS
🔮 Key Themes
- Body and Soul: The drama’s main narrative device involves shared consciousness between Yoon Gap and the spirit Gang Cheol, creating intense internal conflict and romance.
- Occult and Royal Politics: Ghost lore, shamanic rituals, and possession are juxtaposed with secret royal ambitions and betrayals.
- Forbidden Love: Yeo-ri’s emotional tug-of-war between her past and present unfolds in an unearthly but passionate love story.
📈 Audience Reaction
The Haunted Palace opened with strong ratings (9.2% nationwide) and maintained viewer interest across its 8-week run. Its moody atmosphere, beautiful costumes, and unique spirit-world lore drew praise from K-drama fans and critics alike. It was especially popular on forums like Soompi and MyDramaList, where it was described as “a spiritual successor to Mr. Queen and Alchemy of Souls.”
📺 Where to Watch
- Broadcast: SBS TV, Fridays & Saturdays at 21:50 KST
- Streaming: Internationally available on platforms like Viki and Kocowa
📝 One-line Summary
A possessed soul, a rebellious shaman, and a haunted palace—The Haunted Palace is a bold and bewitching tale of love, revenge, and spiritual reckoning.
