A perfect 16-episode-show
The Haunted Palace has become one of my favorite 2025 K-dramas so far. They have it all: story, acting, music, cinematography—everything is being handled very well.
I love the plot overall. How it doesn't shift the focus from the start that their purpose is the 8-ft.-tall ghost, how the characters came and blended together so well with their past history—it's so well-written, and I like how they didn't really drag it out. This drama is perfect as a 16-episode show.
The story also skillfully incorporates a subplot of ghosts, giving them a purpose and significant impact on the main plot. The only subplot that left me feeling a bit "eh" is Bibi's arc. Maybe because it didn't really give me a big impression, as it became forgettable after a few moments.
The casting nailed their characters. My favorites were definitely Sungjae. He suits this kind of character a lot and didn't make the comedic scenes become too cringey. And of course, Jihoon as the king left a strong mark that I don't think this drama will be the same without him.
There might be a little plot armor towards the ending, but since it gives a good happy ending, I'll leave it as it is. And I want to give credit for the OST; those were really some good ones. :)
I love the plot overall. How it doesn't shift the focus from the start that their purpose is the 8-ft.-tall ghost, how the characters came and blended together so well with their past history—it's so well-written, and I like how they didn't really drag it out. This drama is perfect as a 16-episode show.
The story also skillfully incorporates a subplot of ghosts, giving them a purpose and significant impact on the main plot. The only subplot that left me feeling a bit "eh" is Bibi's arc. Maybe because it didn't really give me a big impression, as it became forgettable after a few moments.
The casting nailed their characters. My favorites were definitely Sungjae. He suits this kind of character a lot and didn't make the comedic scenes become too cringey. And of course, Jihoon as the king left a strong mark that I don't think this drama will be the same without him.
There might be a little plot armor towards the ending, but since it gives a good happy ending, I'll leave it as it is. And I want to give credit for the OST; those were really some good ones. :)
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