Unmatched Acting Skills + Dazzling Looks; Kim Ji-hoon Redefines 'The King's Standard' in 'The Haunted Palace'

May 28, 2025

Unmatched Acting Skills + Dazzling Looks; Kim Ji-hoon Redefines 'The King's Standard' in 'The Haunted Palace'
Kim Ji-hoonActor Kim Ji-hoon is soaring as the driving force behind the high ratings of 'The Haunted Palace'.

In the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'The Haunted Palace' (written by Yoon Soo-jung, directed by Yoon Sung-sik), Kim Ji-hoon plays King Lee Jung, proving his ever-growing presence and playing a pivotal role in the drama's success.

Let's dive into the key aspects of Lee Jung, a character that captivates the audience with his unique charm in every episode, and Kim Ji-hoon, the actor who has seamlessly become one with his role.

#ModernKing #CoolOutsideWarmInside #NewGenerationMonarch

In the drama, Lee Jung is a multi-dimensional character that flips the traditional, solemn image of kings in historical dramas on its head. Kim Ji-hoon is beloved for portraying a character who, despite his firm beliefs, embodies flexibility. His special bromance with Kangcheol (played by Yook Sung-jae), based on a love-hate relationship, and their constant clashes highlight Lee Jung's 'cool outside, warm inside' personality.

Moreover, his efforts to uproot corrupt systems and dream of reform, even going as far as to personally exorcise demons to protect the royal family, strike a chord with the trendy charm that perfectly targets the tastes of Gen Z and Millennials. Kim Ji-hoon, with his unique blend of sly charm, maximizes the duality of his character, standing tall as the epitome of the 'modern king'.

#LifeRole #TrustedActor #Engagement

In 'The Haunted Palace', Lee Jung is portrayed as a hardworking, genius monarch who excels in both literary and martial arts, commanding respect with his restrained charisma yet also embodying humanity. From the get-go, Kim Ji-hoon captured the audience's attention with his undeniable presence, and his portrayal of being possessed by an eight-foot-tall ghost in the ending scene of episode 3 sent chills down viewers' spines. His refined action scenes and astonishing facial expressions have transformed him into the embodiment of evil, leaving viewers in shock and earning high praise such as "If Lee Jung were a one-dimensional king, it would be a waste of Kim Ji-hoon's talent."

Furthermore, Kim Ji-hoon proves himself as a 'trusted actor' by seamlessly navigating through romance, bromance, and even paternal love, showcasing a wide range of emotions. As someone who consistently surprises with unexpected transformations, anticipation for his trademark 'Lee Jung ending' grows with each episode.

#SceneStealer #VisualShock #ExplodingBeauty

Despite it being 15 years since his last historical drama, Kim Ji-hoon's visuals are more radiant than ever, becoming a focal point of interest. His dazzling appearance, perfected through consistent exercise, and his stunning beauty have captivated audiences from his very first scene. Even in intense possession scenes and action sequences, Kim Ji-hoon's 'flower beauty' shines through, captivating hearts with his intense gaze and commanding presence.

Unreleased stills from the show continue to stir up excitement among 'The Haunted Palace' viewers, offering another layer of enjoyment. With his beauty reaching new heights and now equipped with the aura of a veteran, Kim Ji-hoon is writing a new history as the 'handsome king', promising a visual shock in every episode.

Thus, Kim Ji-hoon, with his well-rounded skill set, adds depth to his character, and the charismatic King Lee Jung is leading 'The Haunted Palace' to its high ratings. With only four episodes left until the finale, all eyes are on Lee Jung, the cornerstone of the demon-hunting trio, and what moves he will make next.

Catch Kim Ji-hoon in 'The Haunted Palace', airing every Friday and Saturday night at 9:50 PM.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)