The new SBS drama 'The Haunted Palace' continues to top charts with high viewer ratings.

After breaking into double-digit viewership ratings with its very first episode, 'The Haunted Palace' has swiftly taken the No. 1 spot on Netflix Korea, gaining immense popularity in both broadcast and streaming markets. This new weekend drama from a major Korean network is shaking up the 2025 first-half ratings competition.

SBS’s new Friday-Saturday series 'The Haunted Palace' (written by Yoon Soo Jung / directed by Yoon Sung Shik), which follows the hit show 'Buried Hearts,' premiered on April 18. According to Nielsen Korea, it debuted with a nationwide rating of 9.2%, peaking at 10.7%, and sweeping the top spot in its time slot. It also surpassed the first-episode ratings of previous SBS dramas, such as 'Love Scout' and 'Buried Hearts,' setting a new high for SBS dramas in 2025. In the coveted 2049 demographic, which measures viewership among younger audiences, it recorded a strong 2.5% in the Seoul metro area, confirming its broad appeal.

Episode 2 continued the momentum, achieving an 8.3% nationwide household rating and maintaining its dominance in the time slot. From April 14 to April 20, during the 16th week of TV ratings, the series added over 510,000 viewers compared to the previous week, drawing in a total of 1.66 million viewers. With an 8.7% weekly rating, this is an exceptional feat for a brand-new 16-episode drama in its premiere week — a clear indicator that the story has gripped audiences early on.

In the OTT platforms, 'The Haunted Palace' is also making waves. Shortly after its release, the show shot to No. 1 on Netflix Korea’s “Top 10 Series in Korea Today,” outperforming strong contenders like 'Resident Playbook,' 'Karma,' 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' and 'Weak Hero Class 1.' 

'The Haunted Palace' is a supernatural fantasy rom-com centered on Yeori, a shaman who rejects her destiny as a spirit medium, and Kang Chul, an ancient imugi (serpent-like creature) trapped in the body of Yeori’s first love, Yoon Gap. Their lives intertwine when they face off against a vengeful ghost named Palcheokgui who haunts the royal family. Combining themes of reincarnation, possession, spirits, and palace intrigue, the series delivers a rich, genre-blending experience. The tense dynamic between Yeori and Kang Chul balances romance and suspense, keeping viewers on edge.

What sets the drama apart is how it explores the relationship between the imugi and the shaman, not just as a good vs. evil conflict but as an emotionally layered narrative. The mysterious palace backdrop and the chilling presence of malevolent spirits create a unique K-fantasy world. The show brings fresh tension and immersion to the weekend slot, standing apart from conventional historical dramas and rom-coms.

The directing and writing are key to the show’s polish. Director Yoon Sung Shik, known for 'Mr. Queen,' 'Bridal Mask,' 'Dae Jo Yeong,' and 'You’re the Best!,' teams up for the first time with writer Yoon Soo Jung, who penned 'The King's Face' and 'Cheer Up!.' Their collaboration strikes a bold yet balanced tone that blends tradition and innovation.

The main cast also shines with standout performances. Yook Sung Jae returns to solidify his title as a fantasy drama favorite, playing both the kind palace inspector Yoon Gap and the imugi spirit Kang Chul. His seamless transitions between charm and raw emotion have been widely praised. Kim Ji Yeon embodies the powerful and resolute shaman Yeori with strength and depth. Kim Ji Hoon made a strong impression despite limited screen time, hinting at a greater role in the story to come. With Kim Young Kwang also joining the ensemble, the character chemistry across the board is clear and compelling.

SBS’s 'The Haunted Palace' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST and is available for replay on Wavve and Netflix. With a fast-paced narrative already taking shape, the series is on track to redefine the K-fantasy historical drama genre.

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