SBS’s fantasy drama The Haunted Palace has reclaimed the top spot in Korea’s integrated content rankings, achieving its highest viewership rating yet. The show, which blends supernatural folklore with romance, recorded a peak rating of 10.9% for its seventh episode, solidifying its dominance in the K-drama scene.
According to data from Kinolights, an OTT integrated search platform, The Haunted Palace ranked first in the second week of May (May 5–11). The drama’s unique mix of historical fantasy and emotional storytelling has captivated audiences both in Korea and internationally, topping Netflix charts in multiple Asian countries.
The story follows Yeori (Kim Ji Yeon), a shamaness rejecting her spiritual destiny, and Kang Cheol (Yuk Sung Jae), a mythical serpent trapped in human form. Their lives intertwine with Palcheok-Gwi, a vengeful spirit targeting the royal family, leading to a supernatural conflict filled with mystery and romance.
Director Yoon Sung Sik emphasized the importance of balancing fantasy with realism.
“Fantasy shows can feel off-putting if they seem even slightly unconvincing. We focused on making the action and CGI feel natural while keeping the supernatural elements engaging,” he explained during the drama’s press conference.
The drama’s success is also attributed to its strong cast, including Kim Ji Hoon, Cha Chung Hwa, Ahn Nae Sang, and Shin Seul Ki. Their performances, combined with high-quality production, have made the show a standout in the competitive K-drama market.
In the latest episode (Episode 8), Yeori discovers her grandmother’s killer was not Kang Cheol but Palcheok-Gwi, deepening the mystery. Kang Cheol teams up with Lee Jung (Kim Mihun) to defeat a water spirit, Sugal-Gwi, while uncovering clues about a shadowy figure called Aguji.
The drama’s global appeal is evident as it topped Netflix’s “Top 10 Series in Korea Today” and ranked first in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Its blend of traditional Korean mythology and modern storytelling has resonated widely, making it a key export in the Hallyu wave.
Other Top-Ranked Content
Yadang: The Snitch (Film) – A crime thriller starring Kang Ha Neul, Yoo Hae Jin, and Park Hae Joon, maintaining strong box office performance with nearly 3 million viewers.
Heavenly Ever After (JTBC Drama) – A fantasy romance about an 80-year-old woman reuniting with her young husband in the afterlife, starring Kim Hye Ja and Han Ji Min.
The Old Woman With The Knife (Film) – An action-packed thriller featuring Lee Hye Young as a retired assassin facing her past.
Resident Playbook (tvN Drama) – A Hospital Playlist spin-off following young doctors, hitting a 9.2% rating.
The preview for Episode 9 hints at escalating danger for Yeori as Kang Cheol’s powers weaken. With Palcheok-Gwi’s origins still unclear and political conspiracies unfolding, the drama promises more twists in upcoming episodes.
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