The thrilling saga of The Haunted Palace continues with episodes 9 and 10, which aired on May 16 and 17, 2025, on SBS TV. This captivating storyline centers on Yoon-gap, a palace official ensnared by the mystical Imogi, named Gang-cheol. Intriguingly, the Imogi’s fate is entwined with Yeo-ri, a shaman who has turned her back on her ancestral legacy to pursue a career in spectacle-making.
Circumstances thrust Yeo-ri into the heart of the royal palace, notorious for its spectral inhabitants, where she joins forces with Gang-cheol and the progressive King Lee-sung. Their mission? To unravel the mysteries haunting the palace and confront the malevolent spirits lurking within its walls.
Previously, in the unfolding drama of The Haunted Palace, Yeo-ri unearthed the shattering truth surrounding her grandmother’s death, paving the way for the emergence of a concealed villain intent on dismantling the royal family.
In the latest episodes, the shocking revelation surfaces that an eight-foot ghost, a figure from Gang-cheol’s past, was once a child who witnessed Gang-cheol’s ascent to the heavens and subsequently transformed him into an Imoogi.
Episode Recap: Unraveling Agu-ji’s Identity
Episode 9 commences with a foreboding flashback to 13 years prior, depicting King Lee-sung’s grandfather, Kim Bong-in, administering punishment to the blind shaman, Poong-san, while the young prince looks on in horror. The narrative takes a twist when Poong-san hints at the presence of an eight-foot ghost stalking the young prince.
The plot thickens as Minister Kim reveals his sinister aspirations, questioning if the ghost could be controlled, leading Poong-san, also known as Agu-ji, to ally with him against the royal family. In a startling twist, Poong-san divulges that Yeo-ri is the granddaughter of Neop-deok, mentioning that her protection under Gang-cheol may thwart their malicious schemes against her.
While Yeo-ri grapples with her grandmother’s true killer, King Lee-sung seeks her counsel regarding matters involving life and death, illustrating the deepening bond between them.
In a poignant moment, Yeo-ri confronts Gang-cheol about his previous silence regarding the haunting secrets, but he hesitates, believing she was too young to confront the dangers posed by the eight-foot ghost.
As the episode progresses, Yeo-ri, oblivious to the lurking dangers, is captured by masked assailants, but not before a timely intervention from her ally, BiBi, and a rescue mission initiated by the king.
Episode 9 culminates with Gang-cheol’s confrontation with the Minister of War, revealing that he too is bound by a protective talisman that inhibits his powers, but with BiBi’s assistance, he manages to avert another disaster.
In a charged moment, Yeo-ri expresses relief that Gang-cheol refrained from harming his grandmother, leading to a heartfelt kiss that complicates their dynamic further.
Transitioning to Episode 10, Gang-cheol finds himself flustered by the developing relationship, while Yoon-gap’s mother expresses her fears and concerns regarding their safety. Minister of War’s dark intentions are hinted at as he consults with Poong-san about how to thwart Gang-cheol.
Gang-cheol confides in BiBi about his feelings for Yeo-ri but remains reticent about the kidnappers’ identities. He warns her of not only the eight-foot ghost’s menace but also political adversaries within the palace.
In a fascinating turn, King Lee-sung learns from Yeo-ri that the eight-foot ghost might not be inherently malevolent, suggesting that spirits are driven by grudges rather than pure evil. This prompts a unified effort to discern the ghost’s true identity.
Throughout Episode 10, Gang-cheol seizes Myeondu, a powerful object that reflects spirits and nullifies talismanic protections, leading to an intense showdown with the Minister of War.
BiBi ultimately triumphs, consuming the spirit of the Minister of War, leaving the royal court in turmoil over his mysterious demise.
In a revealing moment, a monk discovers the deep historical connections between past events and the current crisis, emphasizing the precarious balance of power and spiritual energies at play.
The episode reaches a critical juncture as Yeo-ri confronts Agu-ji, realizing his true role in the chaos, while Gang-cheol races against time to locate her, ultimately uncovering hidden pathways leading to Agu-ji’s lair.
In a climactic confrontation, the eight-foot ghost possesses Agu-ji, uncovering profound truths about their intertwined fates, deepening the overarching mystery and suspense that defines The Haunted Palace.
As the episode closes, a shocking revelation awaits, shedding light on the ghost’s past and its connection to Gang-cheol precisely 100 years prior.
Don’t miss The Haunted Palace, airing every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM (KST) on SBS TV.