Top Actor Returns After 15 Years—New K-Drama Blows Up Even Before Premiere

SBS is set to launch its new Friday-Saturday drama ‘Haunted Palace’ this April, and anticipation is soaring as new stills of its cast have been released ahead of its premiere.

‘Haunted Palace’ is a fantasy romantic comedy that follows Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon), a shaman who refuses her fate as a spiritual medium. She becomes entangled in a chaotic body-swapping ordeal when Kang Chul-i, an ancient serpent spirit (imugi), possesses the body of her first love Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sung-jae). Their fates intertwine with that of Paltcheok-gwi, a vengeful ghost haunting the royal family.

The cast includes Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon, and Kim Ji-hoon—all celebrated for their acting range and on-screen charisma.

Actor Kim Ji-hoon makes a dramatic return to historical dramas after 15 years, taking on the role of King 'Lee Jeong', a fictional monarch harboring deep resentment against the ghost Paltcheok-gwi. Lee Jeong is portrayed as a righteous and stoic ruler who strictly upholds the law and forbids shamans from entering the palace.

However, a series of mysterious incidents forces him to join forces with his loyal subject Yoon Gap (Yook Sung-jae) and Yeori (Kim Ji-yeon) to confront the ghostly threat.

Recently released stills show Kim Ji-hoon exuding royal charisma in a crimson robe, commanding attention with a piercing gaze. From solemn expressions on the throne to scenes surrounded by guards and courtiers, he captures the gravitas of a king confronting palace conspiracies. Viewers are eager to see what choices Lee Jeong will make and what secrets lie behind the vengeful spirit he must face.

According to the production team, “Kim Ji-hoon brings to life a king with both a fierce charisma and deep paternal warmth. His chemistry with Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon will be something to look forward to.”

Yook Sung-jae Plays Dual Roles—From Gentle Scholar to Possessed Trickster

Yook Sung-jae takes on a challenging dual role as Yoon Gap, a kind and intelligent royal scholar, and the mischievous serpent spirit Kang Chul-i who possesses him.

In stills released on March 18, Yook shows two starkly different personas: the warm and noble Yoon Gap, and the powerful imugi with scales on his neck and a cold, god-like aura in his eyes.

Other images reveal the possessed Yoon Gap displaying bizarre and unpredictable behavior—lounging in full royal attire or perching on a palace rooftop while surveying the human world. His arrogance and eccentricity add a fresh twist, raising expectations for Yook’s transformation and how the imugi will shake up palace life.

Kim Ji-yeon Shines as Yeori, a Reluctant Shaman with a Destiny She Can’t Escape

Kim Ji-yeon plays Yeori, the granddaughter of a renowned shaman, born with exceptional spiritual powers but determined to live a quiet life as an artisan optician. Her fate takes a dark turn when the imugi tries to ascend to the heavens by possessing her body.

She is soon swept into a dangerous spiritual vortex when her first love Yoon Gap becomes the host for the very spirit she’s meant to avoid.

In the newly revealed stills, Kim Ji-yeon stuns in elegant hanbok, radiating mystery and quiet strength. Her resolute expression hints at the inner turmoil she faces, while another scene—where she’s bound in cloth and holding a bamboo staff—suggests an exorcism ritual to calm tormented spirits. Viewers are curious to see how Yeori’s powers will manifest and what role she’ll play between the imugi and Paltcheok-gwi.

Fans are buzzing over the previously released teaser trailer, leaving enthusiastic comments such as, “Yook Sung-jae + historical drama + rom-com + fantasy...? Instant win 😭,” “His sageuk voice is amazing,” “This better be EPIC,” “It’s a drama, not a movie?? It looks incredible,” “The concept is SO my taste,” “Best casting line-up in ages,” “April, hurry up already,” and “If it’s Yook Sung-jae, I’m watching.”

‘Haunted Palace’ is set to premiere sometime in April 2025.