BTOB’s Yook Sungjae, WJSN’s Bona, Kim Ji Hoon, And More Immerse Into Their Roles At Script Reading For New Drama “The Haunted Palace”

SBS’s upcoming drama “The Haunted Palace” has shared a sneak peek of its first script reading!

“The Haunted Palace” is a fantasy historical romantic comedy that delves into the tale of the Eight Feet Tall spirit that bears a grudge against the king, a female shaman who opposes it, and an Imugi. In Korean folklore, an Imugi is an imaginary creature that spends a millennium in water and is able to transform into a dragon upon acquiring Yeouiju (magical jewel).

The script reading was attended by director Yoon Sung Sik, writer Yoon Soo Jung, and the cast, including BTOB’s Yook Sungjae, WJSN’s Bona, Kim Ji Hoon, Gil Hae Yeon, Kim In Kwon, Son Byung Ho, Han Soo Yeon, Han So Eun, Shin Seul Ki, Lee Won Jong, and Cho Han Gyul.

Yook Sungjae impressed with his dual role as Yoon Gap, a royal inspector, and Gang Cheol Yi, an evil Imugi spirit that possesses him. Seamlessly shifting between the two contrasting characters, he brought energy and depth to his performance. Despite the drama being his first historical drama, Yook Sungjae effortlessly embodied Yoon Gap’s warmhearted charm and striking looks while also portraying the Imugi’s godlike arrogance, sharp wit, and immense power. His smooth depiction of an Imugi trapped in a human body heightened anticipation for his take on the fantasy romantic comedy genre.

Bona brought Yeo Ri to life with expressive eyes and nuanced delivery. As a shaman chosen by the evil Imugi, she skillfully conveyed Yeo Ri’s complex emotions toward her first love, Yoon Gap, and the spirit that possesses him. She also captured Yeo Ri’s strong-willed nature, rejecting her fate as a spirit medium and forging her own path. Additionally, as a pure-hearted healer who soothes vengeful spirits—making her a target even for the Imugi— Bona’s performance further heightened excitement for her role.

Yook Sungjae and Bona perfectly balanced playful comedy with an enigmatic, otherworldly romance that shakes the human realm, making their dynamic even more captivating. Their bittersweet first love, intertwined with fate and misfortune, created an engaging tension for the love-hate relationship as an Imugi and a shaman.

Kim Ji Hoon captivated audiences as King Yi Sung, a visionary ruler returning with a commanding presence. He portrayed a leader who fearlessly navigates political power struggles while fiercely protecting his family from the royal family’s long-buried secrets.

His dynamic with Yoon Gap—once a loyal subject but now an Imugi defying his authority—blended tension with humor. Meanwhile, the unlikely alliance between the Imugi, the shaman, and the king in their battle against a vengeful spirit deepened curiosity about their supernatural mission.

Additionally, seasoned actors like Gil Hae Yeon, Kim In Kwon, Son Byung Ho, Han Soo Yeon, Han So Eun, Shin Seul Ki, Lee Won Jong, and Cho Han Gyul delivered standout performances. Their sharp dialogue and compelling acting instantly drew audiences into the story.

The entire cast brought the genre to life, seamlessly blending the lighthearted charm of a fantasy rom-com with the suspense of palace intrigue, further enhancing the drama’s appeal.

“The Haunted Palace” is scheduled to premiere in April. Stay tuned for more updates, and check out a teaser for the drama here!

In the meantime, watch Yook Sungjae in “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God”:

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Also watch Bona in “Joseon Attorney: A Morality” below:

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