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SBS drama 'The Haunted Palace' tops content rankings again with record ratings

AKP STAFF

Posted by Sophie-Ha 5 hours ago 2,079

www.wikitree.co.kr

SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Haunted Palace' has reclaimed the No. 1 spot on the integrated content rankings, achieving its highest viewership rating yet.

According to the second-week May rankings (May 5–11) released by the OTT integrated search platform Kinolights on May 13, 'The Haunted Palace' secured first place, further proving the strength of the K-fantasy genre.

'The Haunted Palace,' the follow-up to last month's successful drama 'Buried Hearts,' is a fantasy, romantic comedy set in an alternate historical setting. The story revolves around Yeori, a shamaness who rejects her fate as a spirit medium, and Kang Cheol, an imugi (mythical serpent) trapped in the body of Yeori’s first love, Yoon Gap. The two get entangled with Palcheok-Gwi, a vengeful spirit targeting the royal family, leading to a supernatural body-stealing romance.

The lead roles are played by Yuk Sung Jae as Yoon Gap and Kim Ji Yeon as Yeori, with supporting roles by Kim Ji Hoon, Cha Chung Hwa, Ahn Nae Sang, and Shin Seul Ki.

At the press conference on April 17, director Yoon Sung Sik shared his thoughts on the show, saying, “Fantasy shows can feel off-putting if they seem even slightly unconvincing. The most important thing was to make it feel natural, so we based it on live-action. That said, we didn’t exclude fantasy elements, but we minimized them. We aimed for believable, natural action, avoiding anything too exaggerated.”

Indeed, 'The Haunted Palace' has drawn viewers in with its mysterious, chilling atmosphere, stylish mise-en-scène, and refined yet natural CGI. Its unique blend of traditional Korean folklore and modern emotional sensibilities has made it popular not only in Korea but also on global OTT platforms.

After debuting with a strong 9.2% viewership rating, the drama hit a new peak of 10.9% during its seventh episode, aired on May 9. It also topped Netflix’s "Top 10 Series in Korea Today" and ranked No. 1 in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, signaling its global popularity.

In the latest episode (Episode 8), Yeori (Kim Ji Yeon) is shocked to learn that her grandmother Neopdeok (Gil Hae Yeon) was killed not by Kang Cheol (Yuk Sung Jae) but by Palcheok-Gwi. Kang Cheol and Lee Jung (Kim Mihun) join forces to defeat the water spirit Sugal-Gwi, and Yeori tries to soothe the spirit’s anguish.

Sugal-Gwi turns out to be Park Makdol, a servant who died in a flood ten years ago. His only wish was to deliver his remains to his daughter. Yeori and Kang Cheol grant his wish and gain a crucial clue. Sugal-Gwi reveals that the blind man who controlled him was called “Aguji,” who had promised him a reunion with his daughter in exchange for bringing royal blood.

The blind watchman Poongsan (Kim Sang Ho), fearing Sugal-Gwi might have spoken, orders an investigation of the entire blind community. But Aguji’s identity remains a mystery. Meanwhile, Yeori hears through Nightlight-Gwi that Palcheok-Gwi was responsible for Neopdeok’s death and begins tracing its origin.

Lee Jung confesses that Palcheok-Gwi attacked his father in the past. After being released, Poongsan vows to Kim Bongin (Son Byungho) that he will kill the heir. Kim Bongin warns him that if he fails, he must take his own life. Poongsan suggests that the root of the incidents may lie in Yeori’s bloodline.

The preview teased heightened tension as threats loom over Yeori, and Kang Cheol appears to be losing his power.

Other Top-Ranked Content:

2nd Place: Film 'Yadang: The Snitch'
A crime action film centered on a three-way clash between a broker, a prosecutor, and a detective over a drug crime. With strong performances from Kang Ha Neul, Yoo Hae Jin, and Park Hae Joon, the film continues to perform well since its April release, nearing 3 million cumulative viewers and topping the box office for four consecutive weeks.
3rd Place: JTBC Drama 'Heavenly Ever After'
This weekend drama tells a transcendent love story about Hae Sook, who arrives in heaven at age 80 and reunites with her young husband, Nak Joon. With stars like Kim Hye Ja, Son Suk Ku, and Han Ji Min, the series gained attention for its unique afterlife setting, reaching a 6.9% national rating and 7.6% in the Seoul metro area with its latest episode.
4th Place: Action Film' The Old Woman With The Knife'
This film depicts a dramatic showdown between legendary assassin "Sculptor" and longtime pursuer "Bullfighter." Featuring intense action and emotional depth, it stars Lee Hye Young and Kim Sung Cheol under director Min Kyu Dong. Despite fierce competition, the film continues to maintain popularity.
5th Place: tvN 'Hospital Playlist' spin-off 'Resident Playbook'
A spin-off of the 'Hospital Playlist' series, this drama explores the lives of young doctors during their residency. Depicting their trials and growth, the series resonated with viewers and hit a personal best 9.2% rating with its 10th episode.