The new SBS drama The Haunted Palace has taken South Korea and global streaming platforms by storm, securing the No. 1 spot on Netflix Korea and earning impressive TV ratings with its debut on April 18, 2025. Starring Yook Sung Jae, Kim Ji Yeon (Bona), and Kim Ji Hoon, this fantasy historical rom-com blends Korean folklore, romance, and supernatural intrigue, captivating audiences with its fresh storytelling and strong performances.
Strong Start with Record-Breaking Ratings
The Haunted Palace premiered on SBS on April 18, 2025, in the Friday-Saturday 9:50 PM KST slot, following the successful drama Buried Hearts. According to Nielsen Korea, the first episode scored a nationwide rating of 9.2%, peaking at 10.7%, making it the highest-rated premiere for an SBS drama in 2025. It outperformed its predecessor Buried Hearts, which debuted at 6.1%, and topped all shows in its time slot, including MBC’s Crushology 101, which earned 1.5% for its third episode.
The second episode, aired on April 19, saw a slight dip to 8.3% but maintained strong viewership, adding over 510,000 viewers from the previous week, totaling 1.66 million viewers. The drama also led as the most-watched miniseries of the week, signaling its early grip on audiences.
Netflix Korea Triumph
On the streaming front, The Haunted Palace quickly claimed the No. 1 position on Netflix Korea’s “Top 10 Series in Korea Today” as of April 21, 2025, surpassing popular titles like Resident Playbook, Karma, When Life Gives You Tangerines, and Weak Hero Class 1. Its global appeal is evident, with availability on Viki, Viu, and Wavve, making it accessible to international viewers. The show’s fast-paced narrative and compelling characters have fueled its streaming success, drawing praise for its unique blend of genres.
A Unique Fantasy Rom-Com Story
The Haunted Palace is a 16-episode historical fantasy rom-com set in the Joseon era, directed by Yoon Sung Shik (known for Mr. Queen) and written by Yoon Soo Jung (known for The King’s Face). The story follows Yeori (Kim Ji Yeon), a reluctant shaman who rejects her destiny as a spirit medium, and Yoon Gap (Yook Sung Jae), a palace official possessed by Kang Chul, an ancient imugi (a mythical serpent-like creature). Their lives intertwine as they confront Palcheokgui, a vengeful ghost haunting the royal family, led by King Lee Sung (Kim Ji Hoon).
The drama explores themes of reincarnation, possession, and palace intrigue, weaving romance and suspense. Yeori’s emotional journey is central, as she navigates her feelings for Yoon Gap while facing Kang Chul’s motives. The imugi’s possession of Yoon Gap creates a complex love triangle, deepened by Kang Chul’s backstory as a serpent who failed to ascend to dragonhood after a millennium of cultivation. The chilling “Eight Feet Tall” spirit adds a supernatural layer, setting the drama apart from traditional sageuks.
Stellar Cast and Performances
The cast has been a major draw, with standout performances earning widespread praise. Yook Sung Jae, a member of BTOB, plays dual roles as the charming Yoon Gap and the intense Kang Chul, seamlessly switching between warmth and menace. Fans have lauded his chemistry with Kim Ji Yeon, also known as Bona of WJSN, who portrays Yeori with strength and vulnerability. Kim Ji Hoon shines as the reformist King Lee Sung, whose enigmatic presence hints at deeper storylines. Kim Young Kwang makes a pivotal special appearance as the vengeful Kang Chul in the premiere, setting the emotional stakes.
Supporting actors, including Shin Seul Ki, Kim Sang Ho, Son Byong Ho, and Gil Hae Yeon, add depth to the palace narrative. Shin Seul Ki, known from Singles Inferno 2, has garnered attention for her intense character arc, with fans on platforms like Reddit noting her promising role.
Production and Mythology
The drama’s polished production is a highlight, rooted in Korean shamanism and folklore like Eou Yadam and Cheonnyeoyok. Yoon Sung Shik’s direction emphasizes practical effects over heavy CGI, creating a grounded yet mystical aesthetic. Yoon Soo Jung’s script draws from extensive research, crafting Yeori’s character with authenticity. The mythology of the imugi, a creature that transforms into a dragon upon acquiring the Yeouiju (a magical jewel), adds richness to the story, blending suspense with emotional depth.
The premiere episode introduces Kang Chul’s tragic backstory, showing his failure to ascend and his possession of Yoon Gap after a political ambush by rival Kwak Sang Chung (Yoon Seung). Yeori’s devastation upon witnessing Yoon Gap’s ghost beside Kang Chul sets up a heart-wrenching narrative, ending with a dramatic cliff fall.
Viewer and Netizen Reactions
Fans and netizens have shared enthusiastic responses across platforms. On AsianWiki, viewers expressed excitement:
“I’m vibing with this drama a lot!! It’s fun, spooky, and interesting to watch. The chemistry between Sungjae and Bona is so natural!”
“Wow, I love this drama. It’s really good.”
“2 episodes and I’m already loving it!”
On Reddit, fans praised Shin Seul Ki’s role:
“Seulki’s character progression is more intense than the original description. This looks promising. Go Seulki go!”
X posts echoed the excitement:
“First episode and it’s already 🔥 9.5% rating for a reason 💪🏼 #HauntedPalace”
“Kim Jiyeon x Yook Sungjae’s Fantasy Historical Drama, The Haunted Palace, Achieves a Peak Viewership of 10.7% on First Broadcast”
Some viewers expressed caution about the horror elements, with one Reddit user noting:
“I’m wary of watching this, because Horror and I are not good companions… but initial reviews are positive, and now I’m tempted.”
Competing in a Crowded Slot
The Haunted Palace faces competition from other Friday-Saturday dramas, including JTBC’s Heavenly Ever After, tvN’s Resident Playbook (with ratings of 3.7% and 4.0% for its first two episodes), and MBC’s Crushology 101. Despite the crowded slot, The Haunted Palace’s strong premiere and Netflix dominance suggest it has carved out a significant audience. Its ability to outperform Resident Playbook, a Hospital Playlist spinoff, underscores its appeal.
Why It Stands Out
The drama’s unique blend of historical fantasy, romance, and comedy sets it apart from conventional K-dramas. Unlike typical sageuks, it leans into supernatural elements, offering a fresh take on the genre. The emotional complexity of Yeori and Kang Chul’s relationship, combined with the palace’s eerie backdrop, keeps viewers engaged. The production team’s focus on authentic folklore and practical effects enhances its immersive quality, while the cast’s chemistry drives the story forward.
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As of April 23, 2025, The Haunted Palace continues to lead Netflix Korea’s charts and maintain strong TV ratings. Episode 3 airwill air on April 25, with anticipation building for whether it will sustain its double-digit ratings. The drama is available on SBS every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST, with streaming on Netflix, Viki, Viu, and Wavve. Fans are eagerly awaiting deeper exploration of King Lee Sung’s role and the unfolding mystery of the Palcheokgui spirit.
CREDITS: SBS, Nielsen Korea, FlixPatrol
