Audiences are buzzing with excitement following the release of the first teaser for the upcoming SBS Friday-Saturday drama, The Haunted Palace, set to premiere on March 22, 2025. This new series promises to blend elements of fantasy and romance in a comedic format. The talented Yook Sung-jae takes the lead role as Imoogi, while Kim Ji-yeon portrays Yeo-ri, a shaman confronting her destiny amidst a whirlwind of supernatural events.
Scheduled to air in April, The Haunted Palace marks the first Friday-Saturday drama following the previous series, Treasure Island. The series is helmed by director Yoon Sung-sik, known for acclaimed projects like Mr. Queen and Gaksital, with a script penned by Yoon Soo-jung, celebrated for her work on The Face of the King and Cheerful Go Go, as reported by Xsports News.
Overview of The Haunted Palace: Plot Insights
In this intriguing narrative, Yoon Gab (played by Yook Sung-jae) is a respected palace official whose life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes possessed by an Imoogi. This possession raises eyebrows about his mental stability, prompting rumors of erratic behavior. The Imoogi’s path intertwines with Yeo-ri (Bona), a talented shaman who defies her preordained fate by leading a life as a craftswoman specializing in glasses.
The overarching goal of the Imoogi is to utilize Yeo-ri’s body for its ascension, compelling her to enter a royal palace already fraught with the anger of vengeful spirits connected to the royal lineage. Meanwhile, reformist King Lee Sung (portrayed by Kim Ji-hoon) faces the daunting challenge of maintaining order in a palace overrun by supernatural elements as he combats both internal and external turmoil.
As Yoon Gab, Yeo-ri, and the King collaborate, they slowly unveil dark secrets that will help cleanse the palace of its haunting inhabitants.
The teaser introduces fans to Kang Cheol’s struggles as an Imoogi, juxtaposing this with Yeo-ri’s nostalgic attachment to the warm smile of her first love, Yoon Gab. The visuals showcase moments of irreverent boldness as Kang Cheol challenges traditional hierarchies, while Yeo-ri strives to restore order amidst the chaos.
As humorous situations unfold, romantic tension simmers beneath the surface, with Kang Cheol observing Yeo-ri from a distance, embodying both a sense of longing and melancholy. Yeo-ri’s character navigates a complex emotional landscape, further complicated by Kang Cheol’s resemblance to Yoon Gab.
Cast Overview and Background
Yook Sung-jae, widely recognized as a member of the boy group BtoB and its sub-unit BtoB Blue, has made a name for himself in the acting world with notable performances in series such as Reply 1994, Goblin, and Mystic Pop-up Bar. In addition to his acting career, he has participated in various reality television shows, including We Got Married and Master in the House.
On the other hand, Kim Ji-yeon belongs to the girl group WJSN and its unit WJSN The Black. She made her acting debut in the drama Hit the Top and gained further recognition for her role in Twenty-Five Twenty-One as champion fencer Ko Yu-rim. Her recent performances include roles in Joseon Attorney and Pyramid Game.