'The Haunted Palace' Ends; Yook Sung-jae Shares How the Series Gave Him Confidence [Q&A]

Singer and actor Yook Sung-jae shared his thoughts on the conclusion of "The Haunted Palace".

Yook Sung-jae played the dual role of Yoon Gap, a royal archivist possessed by the evil spirit Imugi Gangcheol, in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama "The Haunted Palace" that ended on the 7th. He was praised for his wide range of acting skills, from comedic to deeply emotional performances.

"The Haunted Palace" is a fantasy romance comedy that intertwines the fate of a shaman, Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon), who refuses her destiny as a medium, and Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sung-jae), the first love of Yeori, who is trapped in the body of Imugi Gangcheol, as they face off against a vengeful eight-foot-tall ghost entangling both body and soul.

Before its airing, the show maintained its position as the number one rated show in its time slot and the number one rated miniseries of the week (according to Nielsen Korea), sweeping the home theater scene with a "The Haunted Palace" craze. Moreover, it achieved global success, ranking first in 89 countries, including major nations like the USA, UK, and France.

Following his roles in fantasy dramas like "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God", "The Golden Spoon", and "Mystic Pop-up Bar", and earning the title of a 'possession-specialist actor', Yook Sung-jae once again showcased his intense charm in "The Haunted Palace". Through a Q&A, he shared his thoughts on the drama's conclusion, behind-the-scenes stories, and his honest feelings about acting.

Here's the Q&A with Yook Sung-jae:

Q. "The Haunted Palace" has concluded. How do you feel?

It's bittersweet, and the end hasn't quite sunk in yet. "The Haunted Palace" has been a very meaningful project for me, giving me confidence in my acting and a more proactive attitude. I sincerely thank everyone who loved "The Haunted Palace".

Q. You received high praise for your dual role as Imugi Gangcheol and human Yoon Gap. What were the challenges and highlights?

Playing two roles without special effects was daunting, but I approached each scene as if overcoming a major mission, which helped me push my limits. I became increasingly fascinated with the detailed work of differentiating expressions, tones, and even speech patterns, and felt proud of the finished product.

Q. "The Haunted Palace" broke a 10% viewership rating and maintained the top spot for nine consecutive weeks. Did you anticipate its success, and how was the reaction around you?

I'm truly grateful for the attention from the very first episode. More people recognize me now, and despite my personal feelings of inadequacy, I'm deeply thankful for the positive reception.

Q. How was the atmosphere on set? Any memorable episodes?

The director and staff had a special affection for the characters, which I think helped highlight Gangcheol's charm. Working closely with actors Kim Ji-yeon and Kim Ji-hoon, we supported each other to bring out the best in our performances. The collective love and dedication to "The Haunted Palace" kept us energized till the end.

Q. This was your first historical drama. How has this experience changed or grown you as an actor?

I've lost my fear of different genres. Being part of such a genre-blending project allowed me to explore various acting styles and find joy in each. It's given me confidence to tackle more diverse roles in the future.

Q. How was your chemistry with the other actors?

Kim Ji-yeon was incredibly detailed in her script analysis, pointing out nuances I missed and maintaining focus until the very end. Kim Ji-hoon showed immense love for the drama and our characters, providing feedback that helped deepen our on-screen relationships. Working with them felt like collaborating with true masters of the craft.

Q. Are there any genres or roles you'd like to try in the future?

I'm open to anything. After experiencing fantasy, I'm now curious about playing an ordinary country boy or diving into a monochrome human drama that tells the stories of everyday people.

Q. Lastly, a message for the fans and viewers of "The Haunted Palace"?

Thank you sincerely for your love and support for "The Haunted Palace". May you all be filled with happiness, and let Yeori and Gangcheol take away any misfortunes! Spirits, be gone!

Meanwhile, Yook Sung-jae recently unveiled concept photos for his mini-album "All About Blue" through official social media on the 7th and 8th. "All About Blue" will be released on the 19th at 6 PM on various online music sites, followed by a solo fan concert "THE BLUE JOURNEY" on the 21st and 22nd, where he will meet with fans.

[Photo provided by iWill Media]

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)