This review may contain spoilers
We need a second season!
Great casting, acting and writing makes The Haunted Palace a bingefest for the fantasy fans.
Kim Ji-yeon's soulful eyes really expresses the sorrow Yeo-ri's lived with all her life. Her serious demeanor and firm attitude is a great responsible-adult contrast to the ever playful and childish Gangcheori.
Having veterans Kim In-kwon and Cha Chung hwa as part of this project guaranteed the watchability and they didn't fail. KIK's voice change for his eunuch character is an appreciated attention to detail that should be an obvious physical attribute of eunuchs but is often neglected by other actors' depictions. His comedic timing and deadpan delivery is flawless. CCH is steadfast in her portrayal of a grieving mother whom viewers never really know whether she knows who's who in Yun Gap's body. She shows glimpses of insight in different interactions with Gangcheori and her final realisation that her son is truly gone was profound. Like the fantastical elements and gifts of the female lead, Yung Geum also displays her own gifts in the ever mystical "motherly instinct" she displays.
The story weaves through many myths and fables and leaves one hungry for more. Perhaps it's human nature but final seems so FINAL—is there no way to revive Bibi? Can there not be a second season that explores this and also the different elemental reapers? The fire reaper arc was too rushed and could have used with exploration. This story could've easily gone onto 20 episodes. There was no clarity on the warrior deity's witnessing of Gangcheori's downfall. Did Gangcheori really cause young Yoon Gap's fall from the tree? Could Yoon Gap not have spent more time with his mother who have waited for his return for so long?!? And was Yung Geum able to sense or hear imugis, perhaps, as hinted by her reaction to Bibi's personal musing.
16 episodes is too short, imho. I hope the producers and directors will make up for this disappointment with a second season.
The Korean market doesn't pump out a lot of fantasy stuff, but when they do they really hit the ball out of the park. Really hope to see more soon.
If you like creativity and fantastic acting you can't go past The Haunted Palace.
Kim Ji-yeon's soulful eyes really expresses the sorrow Yeo-ri's lived with all her life. Her serious demeanor and firm attitude is a great responsible-adult contrast to the ever playful and childish Gangcheori.
Having veterans Kim In-kwon and Cha Chung hwa as part of this project guaranteed the watchability and they didn't fail. KIK's voice change for his eunuch character is an appreciated attention to detail that should be an obvious physical attribute of eunuchs but is often neglected by other actors' depictions. His comedic timing and deadpan delivery is flawless. CCH is steadfast in her portrayal of a grieving mother whom viewers never really know whether she knows who's who in Yun Gap's body. She shows glimpses of insight in different interactions with Gangcheori and her final realisation that her son is truly gone was profound. Like the fantastical elements and gifts of the female lead, Yung Geum also displays her own gifts in the ever mystical "motherly instinct" she displays.
The story weaves through many myths and fables and leaves one hungry for more. Perhaps it's human nature but final seems so FINAL—is there no way to revive Bibi? Can there not be a second season that explores this and also the different elemental reapers? The fire reaper arc was too rushed and could have used with exploration. This story could've easily gone onto 20 episodes. There was no clarity on the warrior deity's witnessing of Gangcheori's downfall. Did Gangcheori really cause young Yoon Gap's fall from the tree? Could Yoon Gap not have spent more time with his mother who have waited for his return for so long?!? And was Yung Geum able to sense or hear imugis, perhaps, as hinted by her reaction to Bibi's personal musing.
16 episodes is too short, imho. I hope the producers and directors will make up for this disappointment with a second season.
The Korean market doesn't pump out a lot of fantasy stuff, but when they do they really hit the ball out of the park. Really hope to see more soon.
If you like creativity and fantastic acting you can't go past The Haunted Palace.
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