Get ready for a mystical blend of folklore, fantasy, romance, and revenge — because SBS’s upcoming drama The Haunted Palace is about to take viewers on a hauntingly beautiful journey through Korean mythology and spiritual realms.
Premiering on April 18 at 9:50 p.m. KST and available on Viki, the series is drawing massive attention, especially with the news that Kim Young Kwang will make a special but pivotal appearance as the serpent-like mythical creature known as an Imugi.
Drama Overview: What Is “The Haunted Palace”?
The Haunted Palace is a fantasy historical rom-com that blends traditional Korean folklore with rich storytelling, suspense, and romance.
The drama explores the mysterious legend of the “Eight Feet Tall” spirit — a chilling entity known for holding a centuries-old grudge against the royal family.
This dark force sets the plot in motion by threatening both the kingdom and the supernatural balance.
The story centers around Yeo Ri (played by Kim Ji Yeon, also known as Bona from WJSN), a female shaman gifted with powerful spiritual abilities.
She becomes the last line of defense between the mortal world and the encroaching threat of dark spirits.
Among those spirits is Gang Cheol, an Imugi — a serpent-like creature from Korean mythology believed to be a dragon in waiting.
These mythical beings live for centuries in the hope of one day ascending to dragonhood by acquiring a magical jewel, but not all Imugis succeed. Gang Cheol didn’t.
Kim Young Kwang as Gang Cheol: The Vengeful Spirit Who Failed to Ascend
Kim Young Kwang plays Gang Cheol, the original serpent form of the Imugi before it possesses a human body.
His appearance may only be a special guest role, but it is critically important. Gang Cheol’s tragic backstory and bitter emotions are the driving force behind the supernatural chaos that unfolds.
Having failed in his attempt to ascend to dragonhood, Gang Cheol is now consumed by resentment and hatred — not just toward the heavens, but especially toward humankind, whom he blames for his misfortune.
His obsession with becoming a divine being leads him to Yeo Ri, the shaman whose spiritual power might just be the key to his long-desired transformation.
However, things don’t go as planned. In a surprising twist of fate, Gang Cheol ends up trapped in the body of Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sungjae from BTOB) — a royal archivist and, more importantly, Yeo Ri’s first love.
This sets up a rich emotional conflict, as Yeo Ri begins interacting with her former love, unaware that his body now houses the vengeful serpent spirit.
First Look: Stunning Visuals and Character Chemistry
To tease Kim Young Kwang’s performance, the production released stunning stills that immediately captured fans’ attention.
In the released photos:
- Kim Young Kwang is seen wearing a flowing black robe with shimmering serpent-scale patterns, evoking both divine majesty and sinister intent.
- His eyes are intense and filled with a thousand years of rage, reflecting the emotional complexity of a creature that was never meant to walk among humans.
- One particular still shows an emotionally charged moment where Gang Cheol and Yeo Ri lock eyes — hinting at a twisted, spiritual connection that challenges their roles as enemy and protector.
Even though Kim Young Kwang’s role is short-lived on screen, it is foundational to the drama’s mythology and emotional stakes. His commanding performance is expected to leave a lasting impression and possibly set up future supernatural developments within the story.
Myth, Romance, and Possession
The real intrigue lies in the emotional entanglement that forms once Gang Cheol takes over Yoon Gap’s body. This sets off a heart-wrenching narrative where:
Yeo Ri must navigate her lingering feelings for Yoon Gap, all while unknowingly growing closer to a spirit driven by revenge, who is also using her for his own selfish ambitions.
Their bond blurs the lines between love, deception, and fate. Is Gang Cheol truly evil? Or is he simply a broken being who never had a chance to become what he was meant to be? That’s the question the series seems to pose.
When and Where to Watch?
- “The Haunted Palace” premieres April 18 at 9:50 p.m. KST on SBS.
- The series will be available to stream internationally on Viki with subtitles.
- Teasers have already been released to build excitement — and they hint at a visually stunning, emotionally rich story with high fantasy and strong performances.
Cast Line-Up
- Kim Ji Yeon (Bona) as Yeo Ri, the shaman heroine
- Yook Sungjae (BTOB) as Yoon Gap, possessed by Gang Cheol
- Kim Ji Hun and a supporting cast featuring beloved veterans and rising stars
- Special appearance by Kim Young Kwang as Gang Cheol, the original Imugi
