A haunted royal palace, restless spirits and a decades-old curse take center stage in The East Palace, a new Korean period mystery that premiered on 17 July.

Set against the backdrop of Korea’s royal court, the series follows an unlikely trio brought together by a dark mystery that has lingered for 30 years. Nam Joo-hyuk stars as Gu-cheon, a spirit-catcher capable of crossing between the human world and the Realm of Gwi, while Roh Yoon-seo plays Saeng-gang, a court lady gifted with the ability to hear the voices of spirits. Together, they are secretly tasked by King Yi Jeong, portrayed by Cho Seung-woo, to uncover the truth behind a deadly curse threatening the royal family.

As their investigation unfolds, Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang navigate both the palace and the supernatural realm, uncovering long-buried secrets tied to the monarchy’s past. Each encounter with vengeful spirits draws them deeper into a mystery that blurs the line between history and the afterlife.

Directed by Choi Jung-kyu and written by Kwon So-ra and Seo Jea-won, The East Palace combines historical drama with supernatural suspense. Upon watching it, you’ll immediately sense the eerie atmosphere surrounding the palace, where an ancient curse resurfaces and throws the kingdom into turmoil.

Choi said he immediately saw Nam Joo-hyuk as the right actor to lead the series.

“From the first time I saw Nam Joo-hyuk, I was convinced he was the one who would choose to step into the Realm of Gwi and face his destiny. The East Palace is a story he had to lead, and I felt he had a huge passion for acting and a strong sense of responsibility.”

The director also praised Roh Yoon-seo’s performance, saying, “Whenever I watched her previous work, I felt she always found her way through. I was sure her natural charm and strengths aligned perfectly with the role of Saeng-gang. While working with her, I realized she is a truly bold actress, and I was moved by how she carved a path forward with raw, straightforward and authentic performance.”

On reuniting with Cho Seung-woo, Choi said, “Ever since we worked together long ago, I dreamed of collaborating with Cho Seung-woo again, and The East Palace fulfilled that dream. He examines every tiny detail in building his character, and once the camera rolls, that preparation transforms into immensely powerful acting. Witnessing that transformation gave me enormous catharsis.”

Blending palace intrigue, folklore and supernatural mystery, The East Palace introduces a new fantasy thriller where ancient secrets refuse to stay buried.