"The Wish of a Spirit, the Rejection of a Shaman, and an Uncertain Fate"
I've been watching *The Haunted Palace* since it first aired, and I have to say, it's one of the most original dramas of 2025 so far. It blends historical elements with the supernatural, while also adding touches of humor and romance. The result is a truly enjoyable series with a unique atmosphere.
The story takes place during the Joseon era. We follow Yoon Gab, a serious young government official whose body is suddenly possessed by a mythical spirit — an Imoogi. This spirit wants to ascend to the heavens, but to do so, it must take control of Yeo-ri, a young shaman. However, Yeo-ri completely rejects her spiritual destiny and just wants to live a normal life. Of course, things don't go as planned, and the two characters end up having to work together despite their differences.
What I really loved was the main duo. Yook Sung-jae is excellent in his dual role as Yoon Gab and Kang Cheol-yi (the spirit). He shifts effortlessly from a serious, slightly awkward man to a powerful, cunning spirit without it ever feeling unnatural. Bona, who plays Yeo-ri, is very natural and moving in her performance. You can really feel the inner conflict in her character. Their chemistry is great, and their scenes together are both funny and intense.
Visually, the drama is stunning. The historical sets are beautifully done, the special effects are convincing without being over-the-top, and the overall atmosphere really feels like a fantasy tale. The music also supports the emotional and key moments very well.
The story progresses nicely, though some episodes (especially in the middle) feel a bit slower. Still, it never gets boring because each episode brings something new, whether in the plot or the characters' development. The supernatural elements are well-balanced and not overused, and the humor adds a light touch without ruining the mood.
(The rating I’m giving to The Haunted Palace is not final, as the series is still ongoing. The plot and characters are promising, but I’ll reserve my final rating for later, depending on how the story and characters develop in the upcoming episodes.)
The story takes place during the Joseon era. We follow Yoon Gab, a serious young government official whose body is suddenly possessed by a mythical spirit — an Imoogi. This spirit wants to ascend to the heavens, but to do so, it must take control of Yeo-ri, a young shaman. However, Yeo-ri completely rejects her spiritual destiny and just wants to live a normal life. Of course, things don't go as planned, and the two characters end up having to work together despite their differences.
What I really loved was the main duo. Yook Sung-jae is excellent in his dual role as Yoon Gab and Kang Cheol-yi (the spirit). He shifts effortlessly from a serious, slightly awkward man to a powerful, cunning spirit without it ever feeling unnatural. Bona, who plays Yeo-ri, is very natural and moving in her performance. You can really feel the inner conflict in her character. Their chemistry is great, and their scenes together are both funny and intense.
Visually, the drama is stunning. The historical sets are beautifully done, the special effects are convincing without being over-the-top, and the overall atmosphere really feels like a fantasy tale. The music also supports the emotional and key moments very well.
The story progresses nicely, though some episodes (especially in the middle) feel a bit slower. Still, it never gets boring because each episode brings something new, whether in the plot or the characters' development. The supernatural elements are well-balanced and not overused, and the humor adds a light touch without ruining the mood.
(The rating I’m giving to The Haunted Palace is not final, as the series is still ongoing. The plot and characters are promising, but I’ll reserve my final rating for later, depending on how the story and characters develop in the upcoming episodes.)
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