The Haunted Palace Rises as Top K-Mystery Hit in Southeast Asia

The Haunted Palace, an SBS Friday-Saturday drama, is emerging as a smash hit across Southeast Asia. According to Viu’s weekly chart for the first week of May (April 28 to May 4), the series ranked #2 in both Hong Kong and Thailand, #3 in Indonesia, and #4 in Singapore and Malaysia, landing in the Top 4 across five Asian countries.

This K-mystery period drama blends supernatural horror with royal intrigue and a touch of fantasy romance. The plot follows Yeori (played by Kim Jiyeon), a shaman rejecting her psychic fate, and Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sungjae of BTOB), her first love whose body becomes possessed by a resentful mythical serpent known as a ‘Imoogi’. Together, they confront ancient spirits threatening the palace.

The series stands out for its unique mix of Korean folklore-inspired fantasy, historical aesthetic, and mystery-thriller elements. With a richly woven narrative and captivating performances, The Haunted Palace is gaining traction as a stellar representation of K-drama innovation.

Adding to the drama’s allure is its star-studded cast. Kim Jiyeon, also known as a member of girl group WJSN, and Yook Sungjae, a member of BTOB and seasoned actor, are both part of a new wave of ‘acting idols’ with dedicated international fanbases. Their involvement has played a key role in boosting the show’s visibility overseas.

Notably, Kim Jiyeon had previously achieved high rankings with another Viu-distributed drama titled Pyramid Game, further solidifying her global appeal.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong-based streaming giant Viu continues to expand its Korean content offerings with dramas like 24시 헬스클럽, 바니와 오빠들, and 독수리 5형제를 부탁해! already broadcasting. Their upcoming launch of the anticipated youth drama My Youth also has fans on high alert.

With engaging storytelling and a strategic global platform, The Haunted Palace exemplifies the power of K-dramas in captivating audiences well beyond Korea.