Set to premiere on Friday, the 18th, 'The Haunted Palace' (written by Yoon Soo-jung, directed by Yoon Sung-sik) is a fantasy romantic comedy drama. It follows the story of a shaman named Yeori, who rejects her fate, and her first love, Yoon Gap, whose body is possessed by a dragon spirit named Kang Cheol. Together, they face off against a vengeful spirit haunting the royal family, leading to a tangled web of body and soul. Director Yoon Sung-sik, known for 'Mr. Queen' and 'You Are the Best!,' teams up with writer Yoon Soo-jung, who penned 'The King's Face' and 'Cheer Up!' The fresh combination of actors like Yook Sung-jae (as Yoon Gap/Kang Cheol), Kim Ji-yeon (as Yeori), and Kim Ji-hoon (as Lee Jeong) promises an exciting synergy.
On the 10th, the production team of 'The Haunted Palace' released the first stills of Kim Sang-ho (as Pungsan), Ahn Nae-sang (as Choi Won-woo), Kil Hae-yeon (as Neopdeok), Kim In-kwon (as Kim Eung-soon), Cha Chung-hwa (as Young-geum), Son Byung-ho (as Kim Bong-in), and Lee Won-jong (as Gaseop Monk), who will enrich the K-fantasy world of the drama.
Kim Sang-ho takes on the role of Pungsan, a blind fortune teller, bringing a chilling presence to the screen. Originally a lowly street sorcerer, Pungsan gains power by serving the vengeful spirit as a deity, living a life of luxury among the blind community. Kim Sang-ho's seasoned acting skills add an extra layer of suspense to the palace mystery. Viewers are eager to see how the battle involving Pungsan, Kang Cheol, Yeori, and Lee Jeong unfolds, and what kind of eerie presence Kim Sang-ho will bring to the table.
Ahn Nae-sang plays Choi Won-woo, a former high-ranking official and the queen's distant relative. Despite retiring to the countryside, he remains influential and is someone the king, Lee Jeong, is keen to win over. Ahn Nae-sang's gentle charisma and excellent pacing are expected to shine in 'The Haunted Palace,' building anticipation for his performance.
Kil Hae-yeon portrays Neopdeok, a powerful shaman and Yeori's grandmother. Despite being marginalized, Neopdeok has dedicated her life to her duties and raised her granddaughter, who shares her shamanic fate, with care. Kil Hae-yeon's intense portrayal of the shaman is highly anticipated, as she consistently delivers an irreplaceable aura in her roles.
Kim In-kwon plays Kim Eung-soon, a loyal royal servant, adding a touch of humor to the drama. His interactions with Yoon Gap, a servant who acts overly familiar with the king, are expected to provide unexpected laughs. Kim In-kwon's unique comedic timing and seasoned acting are set to create a delightful character.
Cha Chung-hwa takes on the role of Young-geum, Yoon Gap's mother, who balances humor and emotion. After her husband's death, she becomes a determined woman to raise her son well, exuding a simple yet cheerful presence while adding emotional depth with her strong maternal instincts. Known for her relatable performances, Cha Chung-hwa is expected to captivate viewers once again.
Son Byung-ho plays Kim Bong-in, the king's grandfather and a seasoned politician. As a supportive political figure for King Lee Jeong, he appears kind but is a shrewd strategist. Son Byung-ho's commanding presence and skillful acting promise to make the political intrigue in 'The Haunted Palace' captivating.
Finally, Lee Won-jong portrays Gaseop Monk, a master of Buddhist exorcism rituals who aids Yeori in her battle against the vengeful spirit. Known for his seasoned acting, Lee Won-jong perfectly embodies the role of Gaseop Monk, with a warm and kind demeanor hiding a strong charisma, anchoring the fantasy world of 'The Haunted Palace.'
The production team of 'The Haunted Palace' stated, "With Kim Sang-ho, Ahn Nae-sang, Kil Hae-yeon, Kim In-kwon, Cha Chung-hwa, Son Byung-ho, and Lee Won-jong, we've assembled a 'must-watch' lineup. These veteran actors, known for their impeccable acting skills, seamlessly blend humor and fantasy, bringing their characters to life. We hope viewers will look forward to the first episode of 'The Haunted Palace' and enjoy the flawless character portrayals by these exceptional actors."
'The Haunted Palace' is set to premiere on Friday, the 18th, at 9:50 PM, following the conclusion of 'Buried Hearts.'
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)