‘The Haunted Palace’ Delivers Emotional Finale
SBS’s fantasy drama ‘The Haunted Palace’ wrapped things up in tears and triumph on June 7. The final episode saw Kang Cheol-i, played by Yook Sung-jae (육성재), and Yeori, portrayed by Kim Ji-yeon (김지연), guiding the vengeful spirit Palcheok-gwi to peace. The couple’s journey culminated in a stunning marriage and the arrival of a daughter.
The climax featured an intense showdown against Palcheok-gwi, formerly Cheon Geum-hwi (서도영). In a sacrificing move, Kang Cheol-i consumed the sacred Gol Damcho flower and used his last Yagwangju bead to protect Yeori, knowing it could mean his demise. Yeori soothed Palcheok-gwi’s grudge with a heartfelt soul dance.
With the spirit calm, the villagers’ souls appeared. King Lee Jeong (김지훈) knelt in apology for the royal family’s sins.
Yeori broke down over Kang Cheol-i’s lifeless form, questioning, “Without the Yagwangju, the Imoogi no longer exists… does he?”
Then came a pivotal moment. In the afterlife, Kang Cheol-i faced the Jade Emperor and chose to return as a human for Yeori. The emotional punch hit hard as he opened his eyes inside the coffin.
The storyline didn’t end there. The couple tied the knot, and a flash-forward revealed them raising their daughter. A playful moment had Cheol-i scolding her, causing lightning to strike outside, hinting at his lingering powers.
Meanwhile, Kim Eung-soon (김인권) announced new palace troubles, summoning the couple back. “They better pay me for ten pairs of glasses,” Cheol-i joked, teasing viewers about a potential next chapter.
‘The Haunted Palace’ closed with strong audience support, balancing supernatural conflicts and heartfelt romance in a resonant finale.
