The Haunted Palace (2025)

*The Haunted Palace* (The Sorcerer and the Evil God)**

Directed by the talented Yoon Sung-sik, the Korean historical drama *The Haunted Palace* (original title: *Hyeongga*) broke mini-series records in 2025, drawing attention with an impressive 9.2% viewership rating from its very first episode. Seamlessly blending elements of mystery, romance, humor, and action, the film captivates viewers not only with its grand and immersive setting but also with the unique love story between the shaman Yeori and the evil god Gang Cheol, who resides within the body of Yoon Gap.

Backed by a gifted cast and a profound script, *The Haunted Palace* promises an unforgettable emotional journey.
The "human-lover" relationship is creatively constructed.

The "human-lover" relationship is creatively constructed.
The biggest highlight of *The Haunted Palace* is the complex relationship between the shaman Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon) and the evil spirit Kang Cheol-i (played by Yook Sung-jae). This relationship is not a simple romantic love story, but one built on resentment, fate, and supernatural mystery.

The talented shaman Yeori chooses a life of seclusion and ends up in conflict with Kang Cheol-i, a vengeful spirit who failed to transform into a dragon. He dreams of revenge. Entangled in pain from both the past and present, the two characters are enemies and spiritual companions at the same time. Kim Ji-yeon delivers a powerful yet emotionally resonant performance as Yeori, while Yook Sung-jae skillfully portrays both the gentle inspector Yoon Gap and the calculating villain Kang Cheol-i.

A well-balanced combination of fantasy elements and historical setting.

A Well-Balanced Mix of Fantasy Elements and Historical Setting
The film masterfully utilizes the somber backdrop of a Joseon-era palace, blending it with ghostly visuals to create an unforgettable atmosphere. From vengeful spirits to dramatic magic, *The Haunted Palace* succeeds in crafting a supernatural world that is both hauntingly beautiful and terrifying.

Director Yoon Sung-sik, who rose to fame with *The Queen*, once again proves his talent in balancing comedy and drama. While the film contains intense, suspenseful moments, it also features humorous details that help diffuse the tension, resulting in a well-paced rhythm.

A diverse and outstanding cast.

**Diverse and Outstanding Cast**
In addition to Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon, the film features Kim Ji-hoon as King Lee Seong, an intellectual figure with a vision for reform—a refreshing role for an actor typically cast as a villain.

However, a minor shortcoming of the film lies in some details that may feel familiar to viewers accustomed to the "evil spirit vs. sorcerer" genre. Compared to previous works with similar themes, these aspects may not feel particularly groundbreaking. That said, the character portrayals and performances do a good job of compensating for this.

**Review of the First Two Episodes of *The Haunted Palace***
*The Haunted Palace* debuted impressively with ratings of 9.2% and 9.5%, presenting a mysterious historical tale blended with humor, romance, and drama. Episode 1 introduces reluctant shaman Yeori (played by Bona) and the evil Imoogi spirit, Gangcheol-i (Yook Sung-jae), who possesses the body of her secret love, Yoon-gap, after he is assassinated. The fast-paced visuals, the lavish yet melancholic palace setting, and a major twist at the end of the episode make for an enthralling start.

Episode 2 strikes a balance between humor (as Gangcheol-i explores human senses) and deeper emotion, revealing more of Gangcheol-i’s complex inner world. The chemistry between Bona and Yook Sung-jae is electric, with Yook’s dual role performance standing out. However, King Lee Seong’s (Kim Ji-hoon) character has yet to be fully explored, and some supernatural elements remain mysterious.

This series promises a dramatic journey that’s a must-watch for fans of historical and romantic fantasy dramas.

*The Haunted Palace* is a mysterious historical drama that perfectly blends horror, romance, and humor. With direction by Yoon Sung-sik, impressive performances from Bona, Yook Sung-jae, and Kim Ji-hoon, and a captivating storyline, the drama had a powerful start and is expected to continue its explosive growth in the episodes to come. While there are still a few aspects that need improvement—particularly in clarifying character relationships and the mystical elements—this is still a must-watch for fans of Korean historical dramas.

If you're looking for a film that’s chilling yet touching, with laugh-out-loud moments and a dramatic love story, *The Haunted Palace* deserves a spot on your must-watch list. It’s not just an adventure into a supernatural world, but a journey of discovering love, courage, and sacrifice.