Fantasy Romance Drama ‘The Ghost’s Palace’ Hits Ratings High with Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon’s Fateful Bond

The fantasy-romantic K-drama The Ghost’s Palace (original title: 귀궁), aired on SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System), is proving to be a breakout hit. In its second week, the series achieved a new milestone by reaching a nationwide rating of 9.3% according to Nielsen Korea, outperforming all other mini-series aired that week and maintaining its number one position for two consecutive weeks.

The Ghost’s Palace follows Yeori, a young shaman who rejects her inherited spiritual powers, and Kang Cheol, a mythical Imoogi trapped in the body of Yeori’s first love, Yoon Gap. Together, they face supernatural threats, particularly from the vengeful creature Palcheok-gwi, set against a backdrop of palace intrigue and mystical traditions, creating a compelling blend of romance, mystery, and otherworldly suspense.

As anticipation grows for Episode 5, SBS has released striking stills from a pivotal scene between Kang Cheol (played by Yook Sung-jae) and Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon). Captured under a moonlit sky by a flowing stream, the two perform a sacred shamanic ritual. Kang Cheol’s solemn gaze toward Yeori reveals a tense intensity, suggesting his deep emotions as he officially accepts her as his spiritual apprentice after 13 long years of waiting.

The ceremonial setup—complete with a symbolic altar of offerings and candlelight—offers a romantic, almost matrimonial ambiance. In a touching gesture, Kang Cheol gently slides a jade ring onto Yeori’s finger, a stark contrast to their previous confrontational relationship. The blush on Yeori’s face marks a tender shift in their evolving bond, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for these two intertwined souls.

This powerful moment signals not just a turning point in their relationship but also deepens the spiritual lore embedded within the show’s central narrative. With its fresh take on K-mythology, tightly paced storytelling, and cinematic visuals, The Ghost’s Palace continues to enchant audiences both domestically and abroad.

Episode 5 of The Ghost’s Palace airs on SBS tonight at 9:55 PM KST, promising more mysticism, emotional depth, and heart-racing developments in the story of a reluctant shaman and her mystical protector.