Haunted Palace: Cast & Character Relationships Explained
The highly anticipated SBS drama “Haunted Palace” (Korean title: Gwigung) has captured viewers’ attention with its unique fantasy romance plot and dynamic characters. As the successor to the drama ‘Treasure Island’, it premiered on April 18, 2025 and airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST.
“Haunted Palace” is a supernatural body-swap fantasy rom-com that centers around Yeori, a shaman who refuses her fate as a spirit medium, and Kang Cheol-i, a vengeful serpent spirit trapped in the body of Yeori’s first love, Yoon Gap. Their lives entangle further when they face off against the eight-foot-tall demon Palcheok-gwi, who seeks revenge against the royal family.
🌀 Main Characters
Yook Sung-jae plays dual roles: the loyal subject Yoon Gap and the ancient serpent spirit Kang Cheol-i who possesses his body. This dual performance delivers a compelling contrast between human and divine, and his transformation is central to the series’ emotional arc.
Kim Ji-yeon portrays Yeori, a strong-willed woman who defies her fate as a spirit shaman. Known for her craft as an eyeglass artisan, she becomes emotionally torn between her long-lost love Yoon Gap and the soul of Kang Cheol-i residing within him. She also serves as a gentle “healer,” helping restless spirits find peace.
Kim Ji-hoon plays King Lee Jeong, a charismatic and principled monarch who faces off against Palcheok-gwi, a demon with a grudge against the royal bloodline. His strength and leadership serve as a backbone to the fantasy-political tension in the series.
👑 Supporting Cast
The drama boasts a rich ensemble, including Kim Sang-ho, Ahn Nae-sang, Kil Hae-yeon, Kim In-kwon, Cha Jung-hwa, Son Byung-ho, Han Soo-yeon, Han So-eun, Shin Seul-gi, and Lee Won-jong. Their distinctive characters deepen the lore and emotional resonance of the show.
The official character map reveals complex relationships filled with secrets, past lives, spiritual battles, and royal conspiracies — all intertwined in a lush mythical setting.
“Haunted Palace” is a 16-episode series airing twice a week, every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST on SBS.
