The Haunted Palace

Between Shadows and Desire: A Journey Through the Haunted Palace

I just finished watching The Haunted Palace, and I have to say — it was surprisingly fun at times, though not without its flaws. For me, the male lead (ML) absolutely stole the show. He delivered his role with so much depth and charisma that it felt like he put far more into his performance than most of the other actors. Every scene with him had an extra spark — you could tell he fully embodied his character.

The drama itself was good overall, but it dragged on a little too long before finally revealing the truth behind the main spirit causing chaos within the royal family. The pacing could’ve been tighter; I think they could have started resolving things as early as episode 10 instead of rushing the ending into the last two episodes. Still, despite the slow build-up, the final reveal was satisfying enough.

What really kept me watching was the relationship between the ML and FL. Their chemistry was lively, fun, and refreshing — a nice balance to all the darker supernatural themes. Those lighter moments made the show more enjoyable and kept it from feeling too heavy.

Overall, The Haunted Palace mixes historical fantasy, romance, and supernatural suspense beautifully — even if the pacing falters at times. If you enjoy palace intrigue, tragic ghosts, and a touch of forbidden romance, it’s worth watching. Just be prepared for a slow burn… and an ending that might leave you wishing for a little more breathing room.

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10/10: comedy, romance and happy ending.

Such a nice and easy going King. I have watched a few dramas with Kim Ji Hoon and to be honest, I didn't know he played Yi Seong (no I didn't watch any trailers or anything) I loved his very mature character and voice in this one.
Okay!!! This is one of the funniest historical fantasy Kdrama I have seen in 2025. Gang Cheol is such a character LOL oh my gosh. Like it's so funny to see him enjoying some things for the first time being in a human body.
I really love how Yeo Ri and Gang Cheo relationship developed from being enemies to friends to lovers. At one point, I thought she was going to end up with Yun Gap but ummmm well that story ended way too soon. I really didn't expect him to "go" like that.
I won't talk much on Pung San the character because he was like pain in everyone's life.....
I gave this a 10/10 because I got what I was looking for: comedy, romance and happy ending.

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A Must-Watch Mix of Mystery, Bromance, and Fun

Among all the currently airing dramas of 2025, this one easily stands out as one of the best. The Haunted Palace offers a strong, engaging storyline packed with a perfect blend of mystery, emotional depth, and well-timed comedy. The writing keeps you curious, and the pacing—while occasionally dragging around a few episodes—is mostly solid and builds toward a satisfying overall arc.

The acting is another major highlight. The cast delivers impressive performances, and the bromance between the male leads feels genuine and heartwarming. Their dynamic brings both humor and emotional weight, making their bond one of the drama’s biggest strengths.

However, the only area where the show slightly falters is the romantic chemistry between the leads. While both actors are individually strong, their romantic connection lacks that extra spark or intensity, which might leave viewers wanting more from those moments.

Still, despite minor flaws, this drama is absolutely worth your time. If you're into a well-written supernatural tale with great acting, strong characters, and some genuine laughs, this one should be high on your watchlist. No spoilers—but you’re in for a ride!

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This review will be more about emotions than the movie itself.

I looked at this drama with different eyes after reading the article in which some statements by actor Kim Ji Hoon were captured.

Although actor Kim Young Kwang only appeared in episode 1 and very briefly in the second episode, I loved his role as Gang Cheol. Despite the fact that he didn't seem like a positive character, I just couldn't see him as bad one. I loved him and I enjoyed every second of the scenes he appeared in.

Gang Cheol's transition into Yun Gap's body, actor Yook Sung Jae did an excellent job. Things have changed along the way and therefore the acting has also changed from the initial one. Gang Cheol became softer, more clumsy, more human.
Gang Cheol lost more and more of his identity as a deity, in front of the human one, which he increasingly adopted. From here, I loved Gang Cheol for his struggle between the desire to be with his loved one and the goal he actually had initially.

The king, portrayed by actor Kim Ji Hoon, I watched closely to feel the actor's efforts, being put in the shoes of a king who had to shoulder the burdens of king, father and husband, responsible for the people, while also being caught up in supernatural chaos.
I watched the efforts he put into the intensity of his voice, to give weight to his emotions. Actually this is due to the article I read, where the actor talked about this.
I liked the king and I adored Kim Ji Hoon.

The actress in the main role, whom I have never seen in a series before (or maybe I just didn't notice her), gives value to the character and dresses it with a lot of wisdom, skill and dedication.
I like Yeo Ri's character because, despite her prejudices, she succumbs to the love that vibrates strongly towards the one she thought she hated and, although at first she is confused, believing that everything is due to the body that the deity is using, she realizes that her feelings are actually for Gang Cheol. I liked this and I'm curious what the ending will be, since I'm on episode 11.

Actor Kim Sang Ho puts on a wonderful performance, with as much vocal effort as the king. Although his role is a supporting character, as a blind fortune-teller, he captured quite a bit of attention through the authenticity he offered to the character, an opportunist, seeking only his own good - to gain power - betraying absolutely everyone.

Although I like historical films, I'm not really into fantasy ones. I've enjoyed this drama so far, although I wouldn't necessarily watch it again, and I hope the ending is a good one.

For the interpretation of the roles, for the respect I have for these actors who work harder than we can imagine, I will rate the film 8,5/10.

EDIT: I saw negative reviews and I really don't know why, because the idea was very good. I really liked the idea that the accumulated grudges of those who died turned them into evil spirits who couldn't leave the earth, and forgiveness set them free. And Yun Gap highlighted this by resisting the resentment that was beginning to accumulate in his soul, saying: "By accumulating resentment, I allowed my heart to become contemptuous." It seemed profound to me.

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uneventful

another "too slow" plot that doesn't really need 12eps

The scene where she was a kid and the dragon was a man is indeed super creepy...
Atleast he could’ve fallen as a boy

for a story about ghosts, dragons, snakes wanting to be dragons, 8ft long ghosts, and grudges, it's so dull
Anyway so the queen mama is killing his offsprings cuz her kids didn’t become kings ?
And she’s jealous he actually loves his first wife, we don’t know if he has side chicks
and queens dad is also involved

honestly the ghosts are all so mellow, and they don't leave but they don't do anything much too

That was underwhelming, I’ve said it since ep2, this didn’t need this many eps, 4eps max


There are also two things I hate, everyone getting unfortunate events but everything else works out just fine even after 10eps of “dread”
The second thing I hate is the fl wanting to sacrifice herself to stop the guy from sacrificing himself for her, when the two idiots could’ve just used their two powers together and finished it off
“I can’t live without you”😴 how dare you sacrifice yourself and want to leave me in a world without you”


Even my mom was like just marry the king and move on and we were waiting for atleast the old guys daughter to marry the king

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Why should The Haunted Palace be your must watch?

Yeo Ri’s life has been a living hell since childhood, as Gang Cheol has been after her. In the process of driving the emoji away, her shaman grandmother lost her life. After growing up, she decides to follow Yun Gap to the palace. But the imugi possesses his body on the way, and the soul of Yun Gap gets taken away by an eight-foot spirit.

Haunted stories have a separate fan base. People expect romance, thrill, and ghosts in one frame. The Haunted Palace is a well-crafted tale of ghosts, while sketching a poignant story against the backdrop. Bona is becoming a more layered actress with each of her performances. After delivering a poignant performance in last year’s Pyramid Game, she has again donned a powerful performance in this supernatural, vengeful drama. Yook Sung Jae always adds elements of surprise in his performance. From Goblin to melancholic, Who Are You, she always delivered unforgettable performances. His dual role in The Haunted Palace again marked his ability as a performer.

The story has been helmed neatly. Twists often appeared known, but the plot made it intriguing.

Its an enjoyable story blended with right dose of humour, fear and love.

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Another series I had no idea about!

No real spoilers ahead that would make you feel like you know the entire story so no need to worry or stress about anything being ruined beyond repair.

So...

This drama is mainly about a woman that works as a Glass Artisan due to turning her back on Shamanism even though she still has the ability to see apparitions, ghosts and all that. Actually, about her and a Lord that was a boy she grew up with from the same village.

Joseon era feel so historical.

Two episodes in and am enjoying it except for the part where she screams like a hyena when the Deity decides to not appear, in episode 1.

Loud screaming people seem to irritate me no end.

Have to say, the main male actor does a fantastic job of switching over from a charming misleading on a mission Lord to a Lord taken over by a no good conniving mischief Deity with the traits of that Deity.

There is a little bit of kick ass fighting shown, good humour and a deity that is actually quite cool in his own way even though he is shown to have an agenda.

Both the Lord and Deity are likeable.

I can't really say much more except that it is fine so far and I am hoping the story continues to stay interesting.

This seems to have villains and heroes whether real people or supernatural so it isn't just about people only.

As for romance I think there is romance in the making, but am not sure if it will be fleshed out, in the background only or if it will be pure romance or a rom-com romance with a bit of attitude.

Looking forward to seeing how this unfolds further...

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