K-Fantasy Breakout Hit ‘Gwi-gung’ Humanizes Ghosts and Captivates Viewers
One of the most talked-about Korean dramas of 2024, ‘Gwi-gung’ (SBS), continues its meteoric rise in popularity by providing an unexpected emotional layer to traditional ghost stories. With a highest rating of 11.3% according to Nielsen Korea and consistently placing first in its time slot for four consecutive weeks, this Friday-Saturday drama is redefining genre expectations.
‘Gwi-gung’ tells the story of Yeori, a shaman who refuses her fate, and Kang Cheol, a mystical serpent spirit (Imoogi) trapped in the body of Yeori’s first love, Yoon Gap. Alongside a formidable ghost, Pal Cheok-gwi, who holds a centuries-old grudge against the royal family, the fantasy-romance unfolds with both body and spirit entanglements.
More than just a ratings juggernaut, ‘Gwi-gung’ also topped the second week of May’s integrated content rankings on Keyno Rights, outperforming other dramas, films, and entertainment shows. Notably, its appeal comes not only from its gripping plotline and chemistry between leads Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon, but also from its refreshingly nuanced portrayal of ghosts or ‘gwi’ in Korean folklore.
In contrast to typical horror tropes, ‘Gwi-gung’ gives spiritual beings a human backstory filled with sorrow, longing, and redemption. Examples include the tragic tale of ghost Su-sal-gwi Ok-im (played by Song Su-yi), a spirit who ends her life after an encounter with the unruly prince Yongin Daegun (Kim Seon-bin). Ok-im slowly regains her serene beauty as her resentment fades with Yeori’s help – earning her the beloved nickname “Su-sal-gwi Unnie” among fans.
Meanwhile, the glow-in-the-dark ghost Ya-gwang-gwi (Park Da-on) charms with its adorable childlike appearance despite attempting to be fierce, creating legions of “uncle and auntie” fans. Another tearjerking moment comes from the backstory of Makdol (Kim Jun-won), a father who drowned while trying to save his daughter, stirring the emotions of viewers with his display of paternal love.
Director Yoon Seong-sik shared before the series aired that his goal was to portray ghosts not as figures of fear, but as beings deserving empathy. “Ghosts had lives before death, filled with stories and emotions. I wanted the audience to emotionally connect with them,” he explained. His use of live-action visuals further humanizes the gwi, distinguishing the series from past occult-themed dramas.
This unique perspective—ghosts imbued with humanity—has made ‘Gwi-gung’ a trendsetter in the ‘spirit fantasy’ genre. As the series continues its record-breaking run, fans eagerly await how the story will unfold, particularly for the fate of its now-beloved spectral characters.
‘Gwi-gung’ airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:55 PM KST on SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System). Prepare to be thrilled, touched, and possibly haunted—in the best way possible.
