Drama 'The Haunted Palace' Reaches New Heights with Shocking Celestial Ritual Episode

The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'The Haunted Palace' has left viewers in shock as characters Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon, and Kim Ji-hoon face a tragic event during a celestial ritual.

In the 14th episode aired on the 31st, Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sung-jae) regains his physical form and crosses the river of the dead by his own will. Meanwhile, during the celestial ritual for Palcheokgui (played by Seo Do-young), the Queen (played by Han So-eun) is shockingly attacked along with her unborn child. The episode achieved a peak viewership rating of 11.1%, with nationwide ratings at 9.5% and metropolitan ratings at 9.1%, securing the top spot in its time slot and among Saturday mini-series. It also ranked first in the 2049 demographic, according to Nielsen Korea.

Despite Yoon Gap's return, Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon) couldn't fully rejoice as Kang Cheol (also played by Yook Sung-jae) vanished without a trace. Yoon Gap apologizes to Yeori, expressing his regret for putting her in danger due to Palcheokgui. However, he senses that Yeori's heart already belongs to Kang Cheol. Lee Jeong (played by Kim Ji-hoon) is also pleased with Yoon Gap's return but feels a void due to Kang Cheol's absence, adding to Yoon Gap's melancholy.

Meanwhile, Pungsan (played by Kim Sang-ho) reveals his sinister intentions, sending chills down viewers' spines. He offers Yoon Gap a complete return to his physical form in exchange for incapacitating Lee Jeong's protective stone by pouring alcohol over it. Although Yoon Gap refuses, he struggles to hide his wavering heart upon seeing his mother Yeong-geum (played by Cha Cheong-hwa) happy about his return.

At the same time, Yeori longs for the missing Kang Cheol, recalling the moment he placed a jade ring on her finger and praying fervently. Miraculously, Kang Cheol awakens within Yoon Gap's body, leading to a brief power struggle between the two. However, Pungsan uses Palcheokgui's energy to suppress Kang Cheol, intensifying the tension.

The next day, fearing that Kang Cheol could take over his body at any moment, Yoon Gap decides to follow Pungsan's orders. As he attempts to pour alcohol over the protective stone, he experiences a separation of soul and body, stopping himself from committing the act. He collapses, and the ashes of Palcheokgui leave his ear, freeing his soul from his body. Yoon Gap, now aware of his actions, pleads with Yeori to help him move on.

Yoon Gap's final farewell, choosing to cross the river of the dead, leaves viewers in tears. With the help of Yeori and Monk Gaseop (played by Lee Won-jong), Yoon Gap's spirit cleanses his karma, comforting Yeori by saying, "My death is not your fault. Though it's sad, I have no regrets in my life." He also bids a heartfelt farewell to his mother, saying, "Thank you for giving birth to me. I was truly happy to live as your son." Lee Jeong, too, sends off his loyal servant with tears, burning a memorial letter for Yoon Gap. Meanwhile, Pungsan conspires with Jeong Sa-soon (played by Park Joo-hyung) to hatch a new scheme, heightening the suspense.

As the celestial ritual for Palcheokgui approaches, Kang Cheol confides in Yeori. Unable to stay by Yeong-geum's side after losing her child, Kang Cheol and Yeori leave home to spend the night together at an inn. Kang Cheol, pulling Yeori close, suggests, "What if we just run away together, leaving everything behind? What if we become ordinary humans and live together for a hundred years?" However, he quickly retracts his words, acknowledging the unfinished business with Palcheokgui.

The day of reckoning arrives. Lee Jeong, concerned for the Queen and her unborn child, gives her his protective stone as a precaution. Kang Cheol prepares by drinking an infusion of golden bellflower petals to deplete his spiritual energy. However, as the celestial ritual begins, an unexpected event shocks viewers. Flames erupt from Yeori's ceremonial robe, and Jeong Sa-soon, possessed by Palcheokgui, starts wielding a sword. Contrary to expectations, Palcheokgui targets the Queen, slashing her and her unborn child, leaving the ritual in chaos. The episode ends with Kang Cheol, Yeori, and Lee Jeong in panic, leaving viewers eager to see how the final battle with Palcheokgui unfolds in the remaining two episodes.

'The Haunted Palace' is a fantasy romance drama about Yeori, a shaman who rejects her fate, and Kang Cheol, a dragon trapped in the body of Yeori's first love, Yoon Gap. Together, they face Palcheokgui, who harbors a grudge against the royal family, leading to a tangled battle of body and soul. The drama airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.

Reporter: Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr