Yook Sungjae Faces a Shocking Possession Twist in SBS’s Thrilling Fantasy Drama “The Haunted Palace”

SBS’s weekend fantasy drama “The Haunted Palace” (Korean title: 귀궁) continues to captivate viewers as episode 10 aired on June 17th, featuring spine-chilling plot turns and intensified romance. The latest episode unveiled the identity of the shaman ‘Aguchi’, who manipulates the evil spirit Palcheokgwi — none other than Pungsan (played by Kim Sang-ho). This revelation leads to a dramatic encounter where Pungsan, now possessed, attacks the protagonist Kang Cheol (portrayed by Yook Sungjae), taking the series’ tension to a new height.

As Kang Cheol and Yeori (Kim Ji-yeon) declare their feelings for each other with a heart-fluttering first kiss, their relationship becomes more public while facing disapproval from Vivi (Jo Han-gyeol), who fears for Kang Cheol’s safety. Despite warnings, Kang Cheol remains enamored, displaying romantic gestures like summoning premature spring blossoms on the streets for Yeori — melting viewers’ hearts.

The episode also peaked in suspense as the pair resumed collaboration with King Lee Jeong (Kim Ji-hoon), aiming to unveil the true nature of Palcheokgwi. Yeori emphasized that the entity is a spirit of vengeful sorrow rather than pure evil, urging insight into its backstory to resolve the haunting mystery.

Kim Geun-hoo (Kim Dong-hyuk), a royal guard, speculated that Palcheokgwi might have once been a martial soul due to its skilled swordsmanship when it possessed the King. Meanwhile, a new conspiracy brews as Grand Councillor Kim Bong-in (Son Byung-ho) and Pungsan recruit Lee Hwa-seong (Choi Kyu-jin) into palace intrigue, planting him into Queen Dowager’s line of sight as a potential adopted heir.

The plot thickens with Kang Cheol taking revenge on War Minister Gwak Sang-chung (Yoon Seung) by rendering his protective talisman useless and feeding him to Vivi — an event satisfying fans awaiting justice. Further revelations from a monk reveal Yeori’s grandmother once battled Palcheokgwi, intensifying Yeori’s resolve.

Just as things seem to be aligning, Yeori is abducted by Se-won (Han Seung-bin), Pungsan’s servant. Kang Cheol discovers her jade relic at the palace wall and, piecing together clues, locates the secret shrine of Palcheokgwi. However, in a sudden twist, Pungsan, now fully possessed, attacks him, claiming, “Your enemy isn’t me — it’s the royal bloodline you serve.”

With suspicions of a blood feud targeting the royal family, and Yeori and Kang Cheol’s lives hanging by a thread, “The Haunted Palace” continues to prove its excellence, dominating its time slot for the fifth straight week with a nationwide viewership rating of 9.8% and a peak of 11.6% according to Nielsen Korea.

Don’t miss the next episodes airing Friday at 10 PM and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST.