The new SBS drama 'The Haunted Palace' has quickly gained immense popularity since its premiere, surpassing other shows in both broadcast and streaming markets in Korea. With its debut episode achieving high ratings, the drama has become the top-ranked show on Netflix Korea, shaking up the first-half ratings competition for 2025.
'The Haunted Palace,' airing on Fridays and Saturdays, follows the success of 'Buried Hearts.' The series debuted strongly with a nationwide rating of 9.2%, peaking at 10.7%, and claiming the top spot in its time slot. Moreover, it has exceeded the ratings of previous SBS dramas and set a new benchmark for SBS productions in 2025. The show has also garnered significant viewership among younger audiences, with a 2.5% rating in the Seoul metro area.
In its second episode, the drama maintained its momentum with an 8.3% nationwide household rating, continuing to dominate its time slot. The following week saw a significant increase in viewership, attracting over 510,000 more viewers, with a total of 1.66 million tuning in. Achieving an 8.7% weekly rating during its premiere week for a 16-episode drama is remarkable, indicating strong audience engagement.
'The Haunted Palace' has also made an impact on OTT platforms, claiming the top spot on Netflix Korea's “Top 10 Series in Korea Today,” surpassing other popular shows.
The drama weaves a captivating supernatural fantasy rom-com narrative, focusing on the relationship between Yeori, a shaman, and Kang Chul, an ancient imugi trapped in the body of Yeori’s first love. The story follows their encounters with a vengeful ghost haunting the royal family, incorporating themes of reincarnation, possession, and palace intrigue. The dynamic between the characters balances romance and suspense, adding to the show's appeal.
The unique exploration of the imugi and shaman's relationship, along with the eerie palace setting and malevolent spirits, sets 'The Haunted Palace' apart in the K-fantasy genre. The collaboration between director Yoon Sung Shik and writer Yoon Soo Jung strikes a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation.
The performances of the main cast, including Yook Sung Jae, Kim Ji Yeon, and Kim Ji Hoon, have been praised for their depth and chemistry. The drama airs weekly and is available for replay on various streaming platforms, promising to redefine the K-fantasy historical drama genre with its fast-paced narrative.