Netflix K-Drama "The Haunted Palace" (귀궁) Episodes 1–2 Review｜A Thrilling Start for 2025
Hello everyone! Today, I'm excited to share my first impressions of the new SBS Friday-Saturday drama, "The Haunted Palace" (귀궁), now also streaming on Netflix!
As someone who usually steers clear of horror dramas, I was a bit hesitant. But after hearing all the buzz, I finally gave it a try — and here’s what I thought!
Spoiler alert:
There are definitely some creepy moments and jump scares (ghost close-ups included 😱), but overall, it’s not overwhelmingly terrifying.
If you enjoy a bit of thrill and suspense, you'll definitely be able to stick with it!
Main Cast
- Yook Sung-jae as Yoon Gap
- Kim Ji-yeon (Bona) as Yeori
- Kim Young-kwang as Kang Cheol (special appearance)
You might recognize Kim Ji-yeon from her role as Go Yurim in Twenty-Five Twenty-One and as a member of the K-pop group WJSN (Cosmic Girls).
Quick Recap of Episodes 1–2
The Haunted Palace follows Yeori, a young woman who inherits the bloodline of a shaman and faces sinister forces hidden within the palace walls.
Early on, Yoon Gap (Yook Sung-jae) meets a sudden death, and Kang Cheol (Kim Young-kwang) possesses his body, leading to an intense and unexpected twist.
The "Well Ghost" scene in Episodes 1–2 was particularly chilling — I literally had to peek through my fingers! 😂
And it looks like even scarier spirits, like the legendary "Eight-Foot Ghost," are set to appear later. Get ready for more heart-pounding moments!
Romance Predictions?
- Yeori and possessed Yoon Gap (Kang Cheol’s spirit)?
- It seems unlikely considering their dark past, but if Kang Cheol’s true motives were misunderstood, there might be a surprising love story!
- Yeori and the real Yoon Gap after saving his soul?
- If Yoon Gap’s secrets come to light and trust is broken, their romance could face some serious obstacles. I'm curious to see how it unfolds.
Surprise Appearance: Seulgi Shin from "Single's Inferno"!
Fans of Single's Inferno will recognize Seulgi Shin, who makes a surprise appearance in The Haunted Palace!
She previously impressed viewers with her acting in Pyramid Game, and once again delivers a striking performance — especially during her ghost possession scenes.
Although her acting style feels slightly off for a historical drama at times (particularly her eye expressions), it’s exciting to see her taking on more challenging roles.
Where to Watch The Haunted Palace
- Airs every Friday and Saturday at 10 PM KST on SBS
- Streaming globally on Netflix