Haunted Palace (gwigung): Drama Introduction and Lead Cast

What to expect from this post: This article introduces the 2025 Korean historical fantasy drama The Haunted Palace and highlights the three main lead actors. Dive into their careers, filmographies, and a heartwarming (and hilarious!) real-life friendship episode between Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon.

📌 Table of Contents

• 1. What is 'The Haunted Palace'?
• 2. Broadcast Details
• 3. Synopsis
• 4. Main Cast Introduction

🎇 1. What is 'The Haunted Palace'?

《The Haunted Palace (gwigung,귀궁)》 is a 2025 mystery sageuk (historical K-drama) set in a royal palace haunted by spiritual forces. It weaves together themes of love, revenge, and supernatural politics in late-Joseon Korea.

Unlike traditional historical dramas, it centers around possession and mystical revenge, exploring how unseen forces can shape history and power.

📺 2. Broadcast Details

Title	The Haunted Palace (gwigung,귀궁)
Genre	Fantasy, Supernatural, Historical, Romance
Network	SBS (South Korea)
Streaming	Netflix (Global), Wavve (Korea)
Release Date	April 18, 2025
Episodes	16
Language	Korean (English subtitles available)
Directors	Yoon Sung-shik, Kim Ji-yeon
Writer	Yoon Soo-jung
Production	Studio S, IWill Media

💡 Global availability: Streaming in over 50 countries including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

📖 3. Synopsis

The Haunted Palace begins with a mysterious return—scholar Yoon Gab, presumed dead, reappears possessed by a mythical vengeful spirit named Kang Cheol-i. The palace begins to fall into spiritual chaos, and Yeori, a former shaman who now lives a quiet life as an optician, is drawn back into the supernatural realm she tried to escape.

The drama intertwines political schemes, cursed love, and ancient ghosts, raising the question: what happens when destiny is hijacked by something not entirely human?

🎭 4. Main Cast Introduction

1. Yook Sung-jae – Yoon Gab / Kang Cheol-i

A beloved member of K-pop group BTOB and a well-rounded actor, Yook Sung-jae takes on a dual role as a kind-hearted scholar and a centuries-old vengeful spirit in one body.

Notable Works: Goblin, Mystic Pop-Up Bar, Who Are You – School 2015

Trivia: Known for his easygoing and humorous personality on variety shows.

2. Kim Ji-yeon (Bona) – Yeori

WJSN member turned actress Kim Ji-yeon plays Yeori, a former child shaman trying to live a peaceful life. Her acting in the 2024 hit Pyramid Game received wide acclaim for intensity and nuance.

Notable Works: Pyramid Game, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Joseon Attorney

Trivia: Despite her idol roots, she has established herself as a serious and expressive actress.

3. Kim Ji-hoon – King Lee Seong

Kim Ji-hoon plays the reformist king who faces inner and external turmoil. His commanding presence balances charisma and vulnerability.

Notable Works: Flower of Evil, Ballerina, Rich Man

Trivia: He enjoys painting and is known for his artistic and witty nature off-screen.

🌟 Behind-the-Scenes Friendship: Yook Sung-jae & Kim Ji-yeon

Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon are long-time friends, having trained together since their teens—over 16 years ago. They even auditioned for JYP together (and were both rejected!).

Kim Ji-yeon endured 7 years as a trainee and counted Yook as one of her closest supporters. Working together on a drama was a surprise to both.

Yook’s Comment: “She’s like a desiccant packet in an old coat’s pocket—life goes on without her, but finding her again brings warmth.”

Kim’s Reaction: “I never imagined doing a show with him… let alone kissing him!”

During a hard time in Kim Ji-yeon’s agency conflict, Yook offered advice:

Public version: “Everyone's the same. Work with people who truly know you.”

Real version: “This industry’s full of bastards. So if you must, work with the bastard who knows you best.” 😂

 

 

👉 "Meet every character from The Haunted Palace—plus a full character relationship map!"

 

Meet the Cast of The Haunted Palace (Gwigung): 2025 K-Drama Character Guide & Netflix Info