Set to premiere in April, SBS' new Friday-Saturday drama 'The Haunted Palace' (written by Yoon Soo-jung, directed by Yoon Sung-sik) is a fantasy romantic comedy. It follows the story of a shaman named Yeori, who rejects her fate as a medium, and Kang Cheol-yi, an Imoogi trapped in the body of Yeori's first love, Yoon Gap. They encounter a vengeful spirit, Palcheokgui, leading to a tangled mess of body and soul. The drama is directed by Yoon Sung-sik, known for 'Mr. Queen', 'You Are the Best!', 'Bridal Mask', and 'Dae Jo-yeong', and written by Yoon Soo-jung, who penned 'The King's Face' and 'Cheer Up!'. The cast includes Yook Sung-jae (as Yoon Gap/Kang Cheol-yi), Kim Ji-yeon (as Yeori), and Kim Ji-hoon (as Lee Jeong), creating a fresh and exciting ensemble.
Among them, Kim Ji-hoon takes on the role of the fictional king 'Lee Jeong', who faces off against the vengeful spirit Palcheokgui, marking his return to historical dramas after 15 years. 'Lee Jeong' is a wise king who prioritizes the nation and its people above all else and is a ruler with a firm belief in upholding the law, which prohibits shamans from entering the palace. However, as mysterious incidents continue to occur within the palace, he joins forces with his favored subject Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sung-jae) and Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon), whom Yoon Gap brings along, to battle Palcheokgui in a fight that determines the fate of the nation.
On the 20th, the 'The Haunted Palace' team released the first stills of Kim Ji-hoon as the charismatic king. In the released stills, Kim Ji-hoon captivates with his intense gaze that commands the room.
Kim Ji-hoon perfectly embodies the weight of the red royal robes, showcasing the steadfast demeanor of a king who has survived palace intrigues. His presence, surrounded by guards and attendants, exudes the aura of a dignified monarch, sparking curiosity about the strong leadership he will portray.
Additionally, Kim Ji-hoon's intriguing expression on the throne heightens interest. In the drama, Kim Ji-hoon collaborates with 'Imoogi' Yook Sung-jae and 'Shaman' Kim Ji-yeon due to mysterious incidents within the palace. The anticipation builds around the identity of Palcheokgui, who even instills fear in the strong monarch, and the unprecedented alliance between the king, the supernatural Imoogi, and the shaman chosen by the Imoogi, and what feats they will accomplish.
'The Haunted Palace' production team stated, "Kim Ji-hoon, who has emerged as an irreplaceable actor with a unique aura in his previous works, shines once again as the charismatic monarch 'Lee Jeong' in 'The Haunted Palace'. From his intense presence that subdues treacherous officials to his tender paternal love for his family, and his seamless chemistry with Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon, Kim Ji-hoon's diverse charms are set to redefine his career. Please look forward to his performance."
'The Haunted Palace' will premiere in April, following the currently airing 'Buried Hearts'.
Reporter Kang Sun-ae sakang@sbs.co.kr
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)