The Haunted Palace Cast Yook Sungjae Yoon Gab, a royal archivist possessed by an Imugi; WJSN’s Bona as Yeo Ri, a reluctant shaman; and Kim Ji Hoon as King Lee Seong, a reformist monarch. Discover their captivating performances in this romantic-comedy filled with mystery and folklore.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Haunted Palace (귀궁) is a 2025 South Korean historical fantasy drama that blends romance, comedy, and the supernatural into a unique and refreshing narrative. Set during the Joseon dynasty, the series follows Yoon Gab (played by Yook Sungjae), a royal archivist who becomes entangled in eerie happenings after being possessed by an Imugi—a mythical serpent creature. Alongside him is Yeo Ri (played by Bona), a young woman with spiritual powers who wants nothing to do with her shamanic heritage, and King Lee Seong (Kim Ji Hoon), a reform-driven monarch navigating palace politics and ancient curses.
The Haunted Palace Cast
Yook Sungjae as Yoon Gab / Gang Cheol Yi
Yook Sungjae portrays Yoon Gab, a royal archivist known for his intelligence and charm. His life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes possessed by Gang Cheol Yi, an Imugi (a mythical serpent spirit). This dual role marks Sungjae’s first historical drama, showcasing his versatility as he transitions from a gentle scholar to a powerful and charismatic antagonist.
Bona (Kim Ji-yeon) as Yeo Ri
Bona plays Yeo Ri, a shaman’s granddaughter who rejects her spiritual heritage to live as a glasses artisan. Despite her reluctance, she becomes entangled in supernatural events when Yoon Gab, her first love, is possessed. Bona’s portrayal captures Yeo Ri’s inner strength and emotional depth, adding complexity to the narrative.
Kim Ji Hoon as King Lee Seong
Kim Ji Hoon takes on the role of King Lee Seong, a reformist monarch dedicated to his nation’s prosperity. Faced with mysterious disturbances within the palace, he allies with Yoon Gab and Yeo Ri to uncover the truth behind vengeful spirits haunting the royal family. Ji Hoon’s performance emphasizes the king’s wisdom and determination.
Supporting Cast
Shin Seul-ki as Choi In-sun
The only daughter of Choi Won-woo, a prominent family in Joseon. Her character adds depth to the royal intrigue and personal dynamics within the palace. Wikipedia
Kim Sang-ho as Pung-san
A character whose role intertwines with the unfolding supernatural events, contributing to the drama’s mystical elements.
Son Byung-ho as Kim Bong-in
A seasoned politician whose experience and wisdom play a crucial role in navigating the palace’s complex political landscape.
Gil Hae-yeon as Neup-deok
A shaman with exceptional spiritual abilities, her character brings a mystical aura to the series.
Han So-eun as Queen Park
The queen consort whose presence adds to the royal court’s dynamics and the overarching narrative.
Han Soo-yeon as Da-bi
A character whose interactions with the main leads contribute to the development of the plot. Wikipedia
Kim In-kwon as Kim Eung-soon
A character whose role adds to the unfolding mysteries within the palace.
Cha Chung-hwa as Yeong-geum
A character whose involvement brings additional layers to the drama’s intricate storyline.
Conclusion
The Haunted Palace (귀궁) is more than just another period drama—it’s a genre-blending tale that delivers emotional depth, supernatural intrigue, and historical elegance all at once. Set against the backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty, the drama skillfully explores the collision between tradition and transformation, spirituality and skepticism, destiny and choice. Through its central storyline—of a mild-mannered royal archivist possessed by a mythical Imugi spirit and the reluctant shaman who must stop him—the show offers a narrative rich with symbolism, character development, and emotional resonance.
Yook Sungjae’s portrayal of Yoon Gab/Gang Cheol Yi is a masterclass in duality, shifting effortlessly between warmth and menace. Bona impresses with her grounded, heartfelt performance as Yeo Ri, embodying a young woman caught between familial duty and personal conviction. Kim Ji Hoon adds gravitas as the reformist King Lee Seong, navigating both political power plays and spiritual unrest. Their chemistry and character arcs provide the emotional core of the series, while the strong supporting cast adds texture and complexity to the palace’s haunted halls.
Visually, the drama excels with its lush cinematography, traditional hanboks, and carefully curated set designs that blend realism with an eerie, otherworldly tone. The use of folklore—particularly the Imugi myth—adds cultural richness and thematic layers, making the supernatural elements feel deeply rooted in Korean tradition rather than simply fantastical.
Ultimately, The Haunted Palace stands out for its bold storytelling and successful fusion of genres. It manages to deliver suspense and humor, romance and horror, all while offering thoughtful reflections on power, identity, and fate. For viewers seeking a drama that is both entertaining and emotionally satisfying, The Haunted Palace is a must-watch and a standout entry in 2025’s K-drama lineup.
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FAQs
Who plays the lead role of Yoon Gab in The Haunted Palace?
Yook Sungjae (of BTOB) plays Yoon Gab, a royal archivist who becomes possessed by an Imugi spirit named Gang Cheol Yi. This marks his first historical fantasy drama and a major comeback role after military service.
Who is the female lead in the drama?
Bona (Kim Ji-yeon of WJSN) stars as Yeo Ri, a reluctant shaman who tries to avoid her spiritual destiny but gets pulled into a dangerous palace mystery. Her performance has been praised for its emotional subtlety and growth.
Who plays King Lee Seong in the series?
Kim Ji Hoon takes on the role of King Lee Seong, a reform-minded monarch facing unrest both within the court and from supernatural forces. He brings a calm strength and intelligence to the role.
Are there any notable special appearances?
Yes! Kim Young-kwang makes a special appearance as the soul of Gangcheori, the mythical Imugi spirit that possesses Yoon Gab. His presence adds depth to the mythological aspect of the series.
Which supporting characters stand out?
Shin Seul-ki plays Choi In-sun, a noblewoman with ties to the palace’s secrets.
Gil Hae-yeon impresses as Neup-deok, a powerful elder shaman.
Cha Chung-hwa, known for scene-stealing roles, appears as Yeong-geum, adding humor and heart.
Are any of the cast members idols or former idols?
Yes, both Yook Sungjae and Bona are active idols. Sungjae is a member of BTOB, while Bona is part of WJSN (Cosmic Girls). Both have transitioned successfully into acting.
What’s the chemistry like among the main trio?
The on-screen chemistry between Yook Sungjae, Bona, and Kim Ji Hoon has been widely praised. Their characters’ emotional entanglement and mutual respect add richness to the drama’s love triangle and teamwork dynamics.