Editorials 
Absolutely loved it
It is a gripping story with no boring parts to it. Everything was so well done, from the acting to the visuals. The cast nailed it.I don't like horror shows, but this wasn't your typical horror story. As the tale unfolds you go from one guess to another because the story has many twists.
I really enjoyed it. It is very well done. Kudos to all involved in making this drama
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Beautifully Shot, Worth the Watch
The East Palace — 9/10The East Palace was honestly a really good watch. I wouldnt say the story was the strongest part for me, but the cinematography was beautiful and probably what i enjoyed the most. The whole drama had such a good visual style, especially the palace scenes, costumes and overall atmosphere. Every scene looked so well made and there were many moments where i was more focused on how beautiful the scene looked than what was actually happening.
The story was good enough to keep me watching, but there were some slow parts and i didnt feel that attached to every plot point. Still, the characters and their relationships made it interesting enough to continue. The chemistry between the leads was also pretty good and some of their scenes were definitely memorable.
I also liked the darker and emotional atmosphere of the drama. It had a nice balance of romance, drama and palace politics without feeling too overwhelming. Some parts could have been better written, but overall it was still enjoyable.
For me, the cinematography really carried the drama. The visuals, costumes, sets and overall aesthetic were just beautiful and gave the drama its own feel. Even when the story got a little slow, the visuals kept me interested.
Overall, The East Palace is not a drama i would say has the best story ever, but its definitely worth watching. I enjoyed the experience, especially because of how good it looked. It has its flaws, but i still had a good time watching it.
9/10 — mainly for the cinematography and overall vibe.
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A Gripping, Cursed Palace Mystery That Stands Entirely on Its Own
I actually got into this drama purely because I love fantasy thrillers, not because of the cast or anything. I ended up binge-watching the entire thing in one go! It's genuinely good, and I highly recommend giving it a try.The Cast & Acting:
Honestly, every single actor did a great job bringing their characters to life. The two main leads especially had awesome chemistry and did a fantastic job carrying the story.
The Story & Romance:
The plot is really unique. It has a great mix of curses, TWO different worlds, suspense, and action. While the action scenes are on the shorter side, they are well done, and the twists hit perfectly.
Just a heads-up on the romance: if you are looking for a heavy romance drama, this isn't it. There is only a tiny bit of romance, but for me, it was done so well and felt perfect for the story.
Overall Verdict:
It’s a really unique story with great plot twists. If you are a fan of fantasy thrillers, you will definitely enjoy this one.
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This review may contain spoilers
When the Real Monsters Wear Crowns
A tightly written supernatural mystery that blends Korean folklore, court politics, revenge, and human greed into one incredibly entertaining story. At only eight episodes, the drama wastes no time. Every episode moves the story forward, answers previous questions while creating new ones, and ends with enough intrigue that I ended up finishing the entire series in one sitting.One of the biggest surprises for me was how naturally the supernatural elements fit into the political story. The ghosts, curses, and folklore never exist simply to scare the audience. Instead, they become another layer of the palace's corruption, reminding us that the true monsters are often the people chasing power rather than the spirits themselves. The drama constantly explores how ambition, betrayal, and guilt can haunt people long before any ghost ever appears.
The pacing deserves a lot of praise. Many fantasy dramas spend several episodes explaining their world before the story truly begins, but The East Palace immediately throws you into the mystery while revealing its mythology piece by piece. Although the opening can feel slightly confusing because of the amount of information introduced, everything gradually falls into place. Every revelation feels earned, and the writers trust the audience to connect the pieces instead of overexplaining everything.
The relationship between the two leads was another highlight. I appreciated that the drama never forced romance simply because it had a male and female lead. Their bond develops through trust, shared danger, quiet understanding, and mutual respect. Both characters have been abandoned and hurt in different ways, making their growing companionship feel much more meaningful than a typical love story. Sometimes the smallest gestures between them carried more emotional weight than grand romantic scenes ever could.
Nam Joo Hyuk delivers excellent performance, balancing confidence, vulnerability, and emotional restraint throughout the series. However, Roh Yoon Seo was equally impressive and often stole the spotlight for me. She brought so much depth and quiet strength to her character that she never once felt overshadowed. Together, they created a partnership that felt believable from beginning to end.
The villains were genuinely memorable. None of them were evil simply for the sake of it. Their cruelty came from greed, fear, obsession with power, and years of accumulated resentment. The royal family, in particular, was deeply dysfunctional, constantly sacrificing loyalty and even family for political survival. It really makes you question whether fighting for the throne is worth the loneliness and misery that ultimately comes with it. I found myself genuinely hoping each antagonist would face the consequences of their actions.
Visually, this drama is one of the strongest productions I've seen this year. The cinematography feels cinematic rather than television-like. The palace sets are grand without feeling artificial, while the supernatural world has its own distinct visual identity through its lighting, color palette, and atmosphere. I especially loved the contrast between the cold elegance of the royal palace and the eerie spirit realm filled with haunting reds and supernatural lighting. The CGI is remarkably polished and never once pulled me out of the experience, something that is surprisingly rare in fantasy dramas. Even the creature designs looked detailed instead of cartoonish, and the little spirit companion managed to become one of my favorite characters.
The sound design and music also deserve recognition. Instead of relying on constant jump scares, the drama builds tension through its soundtrack and atmosphere. It creates suspense without trying too hard to frighten the audience. Despite being labeled as horror, I would personally describe it more as a supernatural mystery with fantasy and political elements. It focuses far more on solving mysteries than trying to scare viewers.
For such a short series, I was impressed by how much story it managed to tell. Palace intrigue, political conspiracies, Korean mythology, revenge, murder investigations, family tragedy, and supernatural mysteries are all woven together without ever feeling overcrowded. The writers clearly knew exactly what story they wanted to tell, and every scene serves a purpose.
My only real complaint is the ending. While it resolves the central mystery, it also leaves enough unanswered questions that it feels like this world still has more stories to tell. Rather than feeling incomplete, it left me wanting another season simply because I wasn't ready to leave these characters behind.
Overall, The East Palace is one of the most entertaining Korean dramas I've watched this year. It combines historical politics, Korean mythology, supernatural mystery, and emotionally compelling characters into a fast-paced story that never loses momentum. The production quality is outstanding, the performances are excellent across the board, and every episode keeps you invested until the very end. If you enjoy historical fantasy with strong world-building, political intrigue, and supernatural mysteries, this is absolutely worth watching.
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Supernatural but not cheesy
I’m not a fan of horror or jump-scare movies. Being startled for the sake of a cheap thrill has never appealed to me. However, a dark, mysterious occult series with high production values and outstanding performances is a completely different story.East Palace proves that eight episodes are more than enough to tell a complex and compelling tale. It masterfully weaves together palace intrigue, murder, political conspiracies, and the supernatural without ever feeling rushed or bloated.
Nam Joo Hyuk delivers another excellent performance in the lead role, which comes as no surprise. The real standout for me, however, was Roh Yoon Seo. She brought remarkable depth and conviction to her character, making her every bit as captivating as the protagonist.
The CGI is first-rate, polished, immersive, and refreshingly free of the cartoonish effects that often plague fantasy dramas. The story unfolds at a steady, confident pace, revealing just enough with each episode while introducing twists that keep you guessing until the very end. Although it deals with spirits and the occult, this is less a horror series than a well-crafted supernatural mystery.
More than anything, East Palace demonstrates that a drama doesn’t need 40 episodes to tell a rich, engaging story. By avoiding unnecessary subplots, disposable characters, and overblown visual effects, it delivers a tightly written, visually impressive, and thoroughly satisfying experience.
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this f up greed for the throne is so accurate. it makes you do filthy things for power. i love f up characters like everyones crazy. thank god saeng gang was thrown out of the palace honestly.
cinematography ate so bad. the color grading left me in awe. cgi is so good. hopefully, there was no AI. ghost/monster designs felt eerie like in video games.
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Frist Korean Traditional Drama
it's first Korean traditional drama that I finish it's masterpiece so unique story the bonding between leads is awesome I really like male lead meanie behavior it's something different and I also that little teddy bear like spirit is so cute and also I female lead character she didn't depends on male lead she also try to save him and plot twist of this drama is so good it's cinematography is also good overall it's marvellous but music sometimes is higher I like this project I hope season 2 of this drama also happen and also I hope they show ml and ml story also in romantic perspective also I thought palace arc is not end yet because prince Iksang father is still alive .Was this review helpful to you?
finally some good food in the supernatural "horror" department
Didn't expect this to be good, but I ended up binge watching all the episodes in one night (currently it's 4am lol).It's very entertaining and the acting is top-notch, literally stellar performances from everyone, especially the senior cast. The plot is constructed quite nicely for a supernatural horror (even if a bit predictable) and the special effects are pretty good, I even liked the stylistic choices (more roughed up costumes and realistic make-up, dirt and blood if needed in the scenes). The camera work also wasn't bad (used a few smart tricks to cover sensitive issues) even if the route they took to adjust the action/fights scenes was a bit questionable at times.
Have to say I loved the main characters and got invested in their gruff friendship immediately. I may be the odd one out, but I was glad there's was no romance, since I prefer them as platonic soulmates; their relationship was definitely build up on the trust and care they have for each other (but if you wanna ship them, the chemistry is there so dw).
Strongly recommend to give this drama a try if you like The Guest or Kingdom. Solid 8.5/10 for me.
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A reluctant hero trapped in the palace’s deadly secrets
The East Palace immediately captured my attention with a plot filled with palace secrets, suspicious deaths and growing opposition to the current king. The deeper the story goes, the clearer it becomes that almost everyone within the palace is hiding something and uncovering the truth always comes at a dangerous price.What fascinates me most is Gu Cheon. I admire how he is forced to sacrifice himself countless times in his pursuit of the truth, despite never choosing to become involved in the royal family’s deadly affairs. He does not blindly respect authority or treat the royal family as untouchable simply because of their status. Instead, he remains cold, realistic, sharp-tongued and wonderfully sarcastic.
His detached attitude makes perfect sense: he was dragged into a mess that was never his responsibility, yet he repeatedly risks everything to expose what is hidden beneath the palace’s polished surface. Beneath his sarcasm and apparent indifference, there is a man carrying far more responsibility and pain than he ever asked for. That contrast makes him an especially compelling character and one I cannot stop rooting for.
Saeng Gang’s character was well balanced. Although she could be selfish and manipulative when using Gu Cheon’s abilities to uncover the palace’s secrets, her vulnerability as an abandoned princess made her actions understandable. This contrast gave her depth and made the bond she developed with Gu Cheon feel even more meaningful.
The visual side of this drama is equally impressive. The cinematography is beautifully executed, with every frame feeling carefully composed to strengthen the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the palace. The makeup is also on an exceptionally high level, not only making the characters look striking but actively helping to tell the story. Every wound, exhausted expression, and unsettling detail adds to the tension and makes the danger surrounding the characters feel even more real.
Most viewers will probably adore the creepily cute Ggeomeoksali, who brings some much-needed humour and lightness to an otherwise dark and bloody story.
Overall, this horror drama is filled with creepy, impressively designed creatures that lead to plenty of tense, frightening and excellently choreographed fight scenes. As someone who is usually a complete chicken when it comes to horror, I was surprised by how much joy this drama still brought me.
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This review may contain spoilers
East Palace – A Masterpiece of Destiny, Sacrifice, and Love
East Palace is one of those rare dramas that completely draws you into its world. From the very first episode to the final scene, it balances political intrigue, heartfelt romance, unforgettable characters, and emotional storytelling with remarkable confidence. It never relies on spectacle alone—the true strength of this drama lies in its people and the choices they make.The story unfolds at a carefully measured pace, allowing every relationship to develop naturally. Friendships feel genuine, rivalries carry real weight, and the romance grows through trust, loyalty, and shared hardship rather than simple attraction. Every victory feels earned, and every loss leaves its mark.
What truly elevates East Palace is its cast. The performances are exceptional across the board, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their character. Even the supporting cast shines, making the palace feel alive with people whose stories matter. There were very few one-dimensional characters—everyone had motivations, strengths, and flaws that made them believable.
Visually, the drama is stunning. The costumes, cinematography, and palace settings create an elegant atmosphere without overshadowing the story itself. Every scene feels thoughtfully composed, enhancing both the quieter emotional moments and the larger political conflicts.
One of the greatest strengths of East Palace is how emotionally rewarding it is. It made me smile, laugh, worry, and occasionally break my heart. The drama understands that the most memorable moments are often the quiet conversations, acts of sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty between people.
By the end, I wasn’t just watching a historical drama—I felt as though I had lived alongside these characters. Long after the final episode, they stayed with me, and that’s the mark of truly exceptional storytelling.
If you enjoy historical dramas with intelligent political intrigue, beautifully developed relationships, outstanding performances, and genuine emotional depth, East Palace is an easy recommendation.
A drama that reminded me why I fell in love with historical series in the first place.
⭐ Rating: 10/10 – An unforgettable journey that deserves a place among the very best historical dramas.
And we want a season 2 ☺️
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A really good quick watch for when you’re bored
8 episode kdramas truly never miss! I expected a lot from Nam Joohyuk and he always delivers with his amazing acting skills and honestly he always chooses the best shows to star in.This was so entertaining from start to finish, if you have an entire free day- you could definitely finish this in one sitting. That is if you enjoy supernatural/joseon era kdramas. This type of genre reminded me a lot of Alchemy of Souls, although I never finished that show, this one was a bit more better (in my opinion) it wasn’t focused on romance at all and only the plotline- they gave us two main characters who have an incredible chemistry together, it made me wish it would have romance! But I digress because not adding romance was truly the right call and it made them have a better stronger bond with one another.
The cute little monster that follows Gucheon around is an added bonus.
Amazing acting, and a really interesting plot that had me hooked. The ending made it seem like there will be another season, which I truly hope happens. I will be tuning into season 2 should there be one!
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Chaotic But Enjoyable Supernatural Thriller
Loved this. At times I couldn't keep up with the supernatural rules or constraints governing matters but with all the action and these characters I didn't mind.Several mysterious deaths among royal princes in line for the throne lead the King to bring in a young shaman. The King attaches his daughter, someone tainted by the supernatural, to the shaman to observe and report. There are layers of intrigue as the dynamic duo uncover puzzles within puzzles as they contrive to solve and at times force their way through those layers, and grow closer too.
The young female lead, the King's daughter, was in particular a fascinating character given her estranged relationship with her father which in turn created interesting opportunities for her relationship with the male lead. Likely the actress' career got a big boost from her performance here and will command enhanced compensation.
Anyone who's seen Stranger Things will recognize some inspiration borrowed making for some striking visual representations of the supernatural world the duo move through.
I thoroughly enjoyed the episodes and was pleasantly surprised with an ending deliberately and shamelessly leaving an opening for a sequel.
I hope the Korean entertainment industry has learned from Hollywood how to inexpensively hook actors for future seasons of a hit series. Instead of signing a contract for one series/one year, Hollywood requires minimum three year contracts (so I've read). Most series fail, but when there's a success those three year contracts remove negotiations over commitment and compensation (until the fourth year). Let's hope that everyone commits to the second season.
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