Yook Sungjae Shines in SBS Fantasy Drama ‘The Haunted Palace’

Fantasy-driven K-drama hysteria continues with SBS’s latest hit, The Haunted Palace (original title: Gwigung), as it dominated Korean weekend prime time for the second consecutive week, marking an impressive 9.3% nationwide viewership rating according to Nielsen Korea.

The series, which revolves around a mystical spirit possession and tangled royal secrets, builds on the momentum of recent SBS megahits like My Perfect Secretary (Unofficial: Nawanbi) and Treasure Island, pushing SBS to sustain its fantasy drama winning streak into 2025.

‘The Haunted Palace’ tells the tale of a shaman named Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon), who defies her fate. The story escalates when her first love, loyal subject Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sungjae), becomes possessed by an evil mystical serpent god named Gangcheol. The complex narrative intertwines royalty, revenge, and the supernatural in a fast-paced, suspenseful fantasy-romcom hybrid.

Audiences have been captivated by the show’s fresh blend of mysticism and court intrigue, and the show’s central cast is receiving particular praise. Yook Sungjae’s dual role—switching between faithful Yoon Gap and the arrogant, ancient serpent god—demonstrates his growing prowess as an actor in the fantasy genre. His transformation between comedic, ominous, and emotionally touching moments cements his reputation as Korea’s “unbeatable fantasy actor.”

As the story nears its fifth episode, anticipation heightens around Yook’s evolving on-screen chemistry with Kim Ji-yeon. Gangcheol’s slow realization of his human emotions and budding affection for Yeori has fans swooning over Yook’s soft-hearted, otherworldly romance.

With consistently strong ratings despite fierce competition, SBS’s The Haunted Palace proves the enduring appeal of unique K-webtoon-inspired storylines, vibrant world-building, and versatile performance art. The drama continues airing Fridays and Saturdays at 9:55 PM KST on SBS, with Episode 5 set for May 2.