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The Haunted Palace, starring Yook Sungjae of BTOB and Kim Ji-yeon, aka Bona of WJSN, concluded on June 7, 2025, with the release of episode 16. The drama follows terrifying ghosts and creatures who haunt the royal palace and hold deep grudges against the royal family.
Yook Sung-jae portrayed Yun Gab, a government officer working at the palace. Yun Gab is possessed by a shape-shifting creature named Gang-cheol, a low-level spirit (Imugi). Meanwhile, Bona played Yeo-ri, a young woman from the house of shamans. Yeo-ri, different from her family profession, works as a glasses and eyewear craftswoman and is distant from shamanism practices.
King Lee Sung, played by Lee Ji-hoon, also experienced scary incidents and feared what might come next. Yeo-ri, with no other option, went to the palace to save Yoon Gab—her first love—and the royal family. In the final episode of The Haunted Palace, Gang-cheol used his full power to take down Palcheokhwi but did not survive.
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Three days before his burial, Gang-cheol returned. He revealed that the Jade Emperor gave him two options: ascend as a dragon or return as a human. Gang-cheol decided to come as a human being.
With the finale of The Haunted Palace, the story concluded, answering all major queries regarding the characters. This indicates that the sageuk fantasy drama may not have another season in the making.
The Haunted Palace finale explained: Gang-cheol, Yeo-ri, and Ga-won
In episode 16 of The Haunting Palace, Gang-cheol promised the crown prince that he would save his father—the king—possessed by Palcheokhwi. However, Yeo-ri did not wish to go to the palace, as she was aware Gang-cheol would use his full potential through Yangwangju, which would lead him to his death.
She asked him to run away with her along with Yun Gab's mother. Gang-cheol agreed, as Yeo-ri wanted to share peaceful moments with him even if they were short-lived, knowing Palcheokhwi would come for them.
While Gang-cheol brought Yun Gab's mother with him, Yeo-ri went to the palace to take down Palcheokhwi by summoning the Fire Spirit Reaper. However, despite her efforts, the Fire Spirit Reaper's power did not work on Palcheokhwi, as Pung-san helped Palcheokhwi using his powers.
It was revealed that during Gang-cheol's ascension, Cheon Geum-hwi and the people of his village were looking for help. Despite having divine powers, Gang-cheol did not save them and continued with his mission. This deepened Cheon Geum-hwi's grudges toward him. Ultimately, Gang-cheol decided to use Yangwangju to save the king and release Palcheokhwi, dying in the process.
After Gang-cheol's death, Yeo-ri performed a ritual to guide Cheon Geum-hwi toward peace. The people of Yongdam Village and Cheon Geum-hwi were summoned, and Yeo-ri informed the king about it. The king knelt and sought forgiveness, admitting the fault of the royal family for not protecting them. He took an oath to take responsibility and work hard so that the common people do not suffer such a painful tragedy again.
As The Haunted Palace's final episode progressed, Gang-cheol returned and married Yeo-ri. The story took a leap of a few years, and they now have a daughter of two years named Ga-won. As the family was having lunch, Gang-cheol received a new mission from the palace to send away another ghost.
In the final scene of the drama, Gang-cheol demanded a high charge for the services, but Yeo-ri was ready with her case to go on to the new mission, ignoring Gang-cheol’s negotiations.
The Haunted Palace season 2 renewal possibilities explored
In the final episode of The Haunted Palace, the late Queen wished King Lee Sung happiness and recognized his efforts all this while. Meanwhile, the late Nap-deok appeared before Yeo-ri, telling her she had worked hard. Nap-deok said she would always watch over her, and she should rest now.
Elsewhere, Pung-sun and Se-won were on the run. Pung-sun tricked Se-won into taking the blame and tried to escape. However, he could not go far and got struck by the lightning and died.
Yeo-ri gave Choi In-seon a talisman to find a good match. Gang-cheol continued to work for the king in his usual style, getting into silly arguments. Yeo-ri also followed her profession as a craftswoman.
The drama provided a conclusion to each character, leaving no unresolved questions. This lowers the chances of a second season. However, SBS or the production is yet to confirm the same.
The Haunted Palace, starring Yook Sungjae and Bona, is streaming on Rakuten Viki.
