Up to its 10th episode, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'The Haunted Palace' (written by Yoon Soo-jung, directed by Yoon Sung-sik) features Kim Ji-hoon as King Lee Jeong, who is at the heart of an enthralling storyline. Dreaming of reform, King Lee Jeong's strong and steadfast nature, combined with Kim Ji-hoon's unique charisma, wit, and ease, has introduced a fresh charm to the audience.
In particular, the tension escalates as King Lee Jeong, along with Kang Cheol (played by Yook Sung-jae) and Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon), start to work together to defeat the Eight-Foot-Tall Ghost that has threatened the royal family for centuries. With each episode, Lee Jeong's 'king moments' have captivated viewers with his commanding presence and fiery performance.
◆ A Monarch Fighting Adversity: A Strong Desire for Reform and the Dilemma of an Absolute Ruler
King Lee Jeong's firm resolve to abolish the slave system and build a strong nation for his people has been consistently thwarted by the court's senior officials. Despite numerous obstacles, he never gave up and actively sought out Choi Won-woo (played by Ahn Nae-sang) to lay the groundwork for radical reforms.
The scenes where Lee Jeong attempts to punish the evil sorcerer Maeng Cheong, only to face opposition from his officials, and his dilemma of trusting Yeori while having to distance himself from witchcraft, have tugged at the viewers' heartstrings. Kim Ji-hoon has masterfully conveyed the trustworthy image of King Lee Jeong, who becomes more resilient through adversity, captivating the audience with his expressive eyes and facial expressions.
◆ King Lee Jeong: A Hopeless Romantic Who Stops at Nothing for His Loved Ones
In front of his ailing son, Lee Jeong becomes a vulnerable father, and when his wife faces danger, he becomes a husband who fearlessly jumps into the fire without a second thought. Kim Ji-hoon skillfully transitions between a cautious, emotionally restrained ruler and a bulldozer who cares little for public opinion once his loved ones are safe, showcasing the character's multifaceted nature.
Especially, the scene where he agrees to become bait for the Eight-Foot-Tall Ghost upon Kang Cheol's suggestion, asking "The queen is in danger. What do we need?" was enough to confirm Lee Jeong's deep and passionate love.
◆ Dazzling Martial Arts and Sharp Gaze: The Core of the 'Demon-Slaying Trio'
As the main force of the demon-slaying trio, Kim Ji-hoon has added depth to the drama with his action scenes, born out of relentless effort. When Kang Cheol, attempting to save him, falls into danger, Lee Jeong's quick thinking and archery skills save the day, embodying the genius of a hardworking monarch. Moreover, his bittersweet feelings about his cherished official Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sung-jae) while getting closer to Kang Cheol and tracking down the Eight-Cheok-Tall Ghost have piqued curiosity about how their relationships will evolve.
Kim Ji-hoon's nuanced portrayal of King Lee Jeong, experiencing a complex mix of emotions including a strong will to exorcise demons, a sense of responsibility towards the royal family, and a tender camaraderie with Kang Cheol, has shone brightly.
Thus, Kim Ji-hoon is redefining his career with his role as the charismatic King Lee Jeong in 'The Haunted Palace', successfully expressing the wide emotional spectrum of his character through deep understanding and visual impact.
Meanwhile, 'The Haunted Palace', featuring Kim Ji-hoon, airs every Friday night at 10 PM and Saturday night at 9:50 PM.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)