This K-Drama Hit 10% Ratings in Just 3 Episodes — Here’s Why Fans Are Obsessed

There’s a Korean drama that broke its own ratings record just three episodes into its run. As a stunning plot twist ending left viewers in awe, the full-scale exorcism action has officially begun.

The drama in question is SBS’s Friday-Saturday series The Haunted Palace (written by Yoon Soo-jung, directed by Yoon Sung-sik). According to ratings agency Nielsen Korea on April 26, the third episode of The Haunted Palace recorded a nationwide rating of 9.3%, a Seoul metropolitan area rating of 9.0%, and a peak rating of 10.4%. It ranked #1 in its time slot and secured the top spot among all weekly mini-series, cementing its growing popularity.

The Haunted Palace follows Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon), a shaman who rejects her spiritual destiny, and Kang Cheol (played by Yook Sung-jae), a dragon spirit trapped inside the body of Yoon Gap. Together, they battle the vengeful spirit known as the "Eight-Foot Ghost," who bears a grudge against the royal family, in a fantastical fight involving possession and romance.

In the latest episode, Kang Cheol, inhabiting Yoon Gap’s body, and Yeori face the Eight-Foot Ghost within the royal palace for the first time. Yeori desperately searches for Yoon Gap’s soul within the palace, her deep yearning unsettling the ghost. The spirit of Yoon Gap, which had been swallowed by the ghost, briefly returns to the living world. Although Yeori sees the spirit being dragged away, she is forced to watch helplessly, restrained by Kang Cheol.

The episode also reveals human greed surrounding the ghost. Pungsan (played by Kim Sang-ho) and the Queen Dowager (Han Soo-yeon) are exposed as the ones who orchestrated the Eight-Foot Ghost’s possession of the young prince (Park Jae-joon). The Queen Dowager acted to protect her son, Prince Yeongin (Kim Sun-bin). Although Pungsan initially feels satisfaction, he begins to harbor doubts as the ghost starts behaving strangely.

Yeori is devastated when Kang Cheol reveals that Yoon Gap's true intention for bringing her to the palace was to exorcise the ghost — meaning she had been deceived. Though she tries to deny it, the pain is evident.

Determined, Yeori returns to the palace and makes a pact with Ok-im (Song Soo-i), the spirit of a vengeful court lady. In exchange for helping to release Ok-im’s lingering grudge, Yeori seeks her assistance in rescuing Yoon Gap’s soul. Yeori later learns that Prince Yeongin had caused Ok-im’s death and summons Ok-im's spirit to terrify him.

After partially resolving her grudge, Ok-im reveals the location of a cursed garment tied to the young prince. Yeori sternly warns Prince Yeongin not to harm others again.

Meanwhile, Kang Cheol grows increasingly anxious for Yeori’s safety. Finding her at last, he rushes to her like an eager puppy, creating a humorous and touching moment. When Yeori checks his condition, he blushes in embarrassment, though Yeori is more concerned with finding a way to distance herself from him.

The king, meanwhile, begins suspecting Kwak Sang-chung (Yoon Seung) as being behind Yoon Gap’s attack. Although Kang Cheol faces him, he pretends not to recognize him, avoiding the king’s suspicion. However, when the king tests him by presenting a political reform proposal, Kang Cheol boldly dismisses it as:

"just chasing clouds,"

revealing unexpected nerve.

Yeori prepares an exorcism ritual, using the cursed garment and the mystical "Gyeonggwiseok" stone retrieved from the king’s consort. She offers herself as bait to lure the Eight-Foot Ghost out. Realizing her dangerous plan, Kang Cheol races to her aid.

Attracted by the sound of Yeori’s bell, the Eight-Foot Ghost escapes the palace. Yeori tricks the ghost by offering to become its apprentice but fails to trap it, leading the ghost to attack in fury. Kang Cheol arrives just in time to save her.

The king and palace guards appear and raise their swords at Kang Cheol and Yeori. In the battle, Kang Cheol subdues the prince's possessed body, while Yeori begins an exorcism ritual using the mystical stone. Kang Cheol shields Yeori from flying arrows, and the prince vomits out the ghost.

Just as it seems over, a shocking twist occurs:

The Eight-Foot Ghost escapes the sacred trap, burns the rope, and possesses the king himself. The episode ends with Kang Cheol and the possessed king facing off at swordpoint, setting the stage for an even fiercer battle.

After the broadcast, online communities and social media exploded with praise:

"The Haunted Palace is amazing,"

"I can’t wait for Episode 4,"

"The genre blend and story setup are fantastic,"

"I normally can’t watch ghost dramas, but this is different,"

"The fast-paced plot is thrilling,"

"The ending gave me goosebumps,"

"Even the comedy is naturally hilarious,"

"I’m curious how it will unfold."

The Haunted Palace Episode 4 airs on April 26 at 9:55 PM KST on SBS.

Ratings Summary (Nielsen Korea, Nationwide):

Episode 1: 9.2%

Episode 2: 8.3%

Episode 3: 9.3% (Peak 10.4%)

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