The Haunted Palace’s Tragic Turn: Brother’s Death Shocks Audiences
The latest episode of The Haunted Palace, the SBS Friday–Saturday Drama, took viewers on an emotional rollercoaster that is still reverberating across online communities. Airing on the 23rd, episode 11 recorded peak ratings of 9.5%, leading its time slot for the sixth consecutive week and solidifying its place as the top mini-series of the week.
In this gripping installment, Kang Chul, played by Yook Sung-jae, rescues Yeori (Kim Ji-yeon) from the shrine after confronting the possessed Pungsan. As he, Yeori, and Lee Jung (Kim Ji-hoon) uncover clues about the demonic Palcheokgwi, tensions rise, especially with Chul’s brother, the Imoogi, played by Jo Han-kyul (character Bibi), edging closer to his breaking point.
The drama intensifies when Bibi, manipulated by the sinister Pungsan, fatally betrays Kang Chul in a sacrificial scheme that ends with Bibi fatally wounded and the mighty Palcheokgwi absorbing his mystical fox orb, the yakwangju. Before dissolving into nothingness, Bibi’s final words to his brother highlighted his fear and longing, “I just wanted to protect you.” His tragic demise left viewers and Kang Chul devastated.
As secrets unravel, Yeori remembers being called “bait” by Pungsan and starts to understand the deity’s plan. Elsewhere, Lee Jung tracks down the true identity of Palcheokgwi, revealing that the being might have ties to Yeon-jong, the king from over a century ago, who ruled during a tumultuous wartime period. Suspicions rise around Choi Won-woo, a descendant of royal allies, signaling that answers may lie in Yongdam Valley.
Yeori and Kang Chul share a tender moment as she definitively expresses trust in his identity, saying, “You are my gemstone,” resulting in a long-awaited kiss. Meanwhile, Bibi’s jealousy festers, leading him into Pungsan’s trap. The episode ends in tragedy as Pungsan’s scheme culminates in forcing a deadly clash between the brothers, with viewers left breathless as one life ends and another is broken.
The storyline promises even more dramatic turns as Kang Chul, now without the yakwangju, faces off against an increasingly powerful Palcheokgwi. Audiences are eagerly awaiting the next episode to see what fate awaits their beloved heroes and how the story of revenge, mysticism, and broken brotherhood will unfold next.
Fans flooded SNS with reactions like “Bibi, don’t die!”, “What a heart-shattering ending!”, and “The cast’s performances were chillingly good.” With its intricate plot and emotional depth, The Haunted Palace continues to captivate viewers worldwide.
