"16-year friends" Yook Sungjae ♥ WJSN's Bona finally did it… Ranked No.1 in viewership ratings for 6 consecutive weeks ("The Haunted Palace")

The SBS drama 'The Haunted Palace,' featuring longtime friends and co-stars Yook Sung-jae and Bona (Kim Ji-yeon), is gaining popularity. The two have known each other for 16 years, having met as idol trainees.

In the 12th episode, which aired on Saturday, the characters Kang Chul-yi (played by Yook Sung-jae), Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon), and Lee Jung (played by Kim Ji-hoon) uncover the 'Gwangam Manuscript,' a record of a war from 100 years ago, bringing them closer to the truth about the vengeful spirit Palcheokgui. The episode ended with a shocking scene where Palcheokgui expels the spirit of Yoon Gap (also played by Yook Sung-jae).

'The Haunted Palace' has achieved a peak viewership rating of 10.6% nationwide, 9.7% in the capital area, and 2.5% among viewers aged 20-49, maintaining its top position in its time slot and among mini-series aired during the week.

Kang Chul-yi is deeply affected by the death of his dragon brother Bibi (played by Jo Han-gyeol), who sacrificed himself to save him. His heart-wrenching monologue, "Yeori, I'm in pain. My heart, my chest hurts so much. Would tearing out my heart stop the pain?" conveyed his sorrow, leaving viewers moved. His grief-stricken state worries those around him, including Yeori, Lee Jung, and Eun-sun (played by Kim In-kwon).

Pungsan (played by Kim Sang-ho) reveals to Kim Bong-in (played by Son Byung-ho) that Palcheokgui has ascended to the status of a true god, displaying his twisted madness. Meanwhile, Lee Jung remains loyal to his grandfather, despite Yeori's suspicions about Kim Bong-in's involvement with Palcheokgui and Pungsan.

The Queen Mother (played by Han Soo-yeon) reveals that it was Kim Bong-in who recommended Pungsan to her. Even Seo Jae-il (played by Han Min), a royal guard, witnesses Kim Bong-in's bodyguard colluding with Pungsan's servant, forcing Lee Jung to confront the truth about his grandfather.

Lee Jung confronts Kim Bong-in in the royal chamber, demanding answers. Kim Bong-in, believing they are alone, shamelessly justifies his actions, shocking both Lee Jung and the audience. However, Lee Jung had set a trap, and Kim Bong-in's confession is overheard by all the officials waiting outside. Despite punishing his grandfather, Lee Jung is devastated by the betrayal.

Kim Bong-in escapes during his exile and orders Pungsan to eliminate the royal bloodline. However, Pungsan, possessed by Palcheokgui, kills Kim Bong-in, delivering a shocking twist.

Kang Chul-yi, Yeori, and Lee Jung visit Yongdamgol and inquire about a book written by Choi Gil-sang, an ancestor of Choi Won-woo (played by Ahn Nae-sang). Choi Won-woo denies its existence, but Eun-sun discovers a story about King Yeonjong seeking refuge in Yongdamgol during a war 100 years ago, raising further suspicions.

Choi Won-woo's daughter, Choi In-seon (played by Shin Seul-gi), becomes possessed by Oedari-gwi (played by Lee Tae-gum), causing chaos. Choi Won-woo confesses that he tried to punish a book broker who stole family heirlooms five years ago, leading to a tragedy. Kang Chul-yi remains suspicious of Choi Won-woo's secrets.

As the drama unfolds, Yeori performs a ritual to summon Oedari-gwi to save In-seon, learning that Choi Won-woo fears the existence of a book containing a significant royal secret. Despite her attempts, Choi Won-woo remains silent.

Late at night, Choi Won-woo is caught searching the warehouse, revealing that he was blackmailed by a book broker with the 'Gwangam Manuscript' and committed murder in the warehouse. Kang Chul-yi stops Choi Won-woo from burning the manuscript, obtaining it and handing it to Lee Jung, saying, "Everything is in this book. How Palcheokgui was born."

At the same time, Palcheokgui expels Yoon Gap's spirit, leaving viewers shocked. The scene ends with Pungsan paying homage to Palcheokgui, Yoon Gap's confused expression, and Palcheokgui's determined face, raising questions about Palcheokgui's next move. With Yoon Gap's spirit returned, the fate of Kang Chul-yi, Yeori, and Lee Jung, and the truth of the 'Gwangam Manuscript' remain uncertain, heightening anticipation.