Netflix has released several K-Dramas with standout storylines this year, but the frightening plot of The East Palace will be one that fans will keep eagerly watching. The binge-worthy horror aspects, combined with the acting skills of Nam Joo Hyuk, will please those in need of something outside the romance realm.
With its unforgettable specters, interesting look at Korea’s paranormal culture blended with periodic timelines, the transitions between the restless spirit world and shaken reality are smooth and immersive. The East Palace stars Nam Joo Hyuk as Gu Cheon, a somewhat derelict man who is captured by the King (Cho Seung Woo) in order to save his family from the spirits haunting and terrorizing them. He is then aided by the court lady Saeng Gang (Roh Yoon Seo), who can hear the dead but seems comically skeptical of the paranormal, only to become further immersed in it.
The first episode has a classic K-Drama formula of enticing the viewer with bits and pieces of thrills before going all out with the final scene that hooks you in and keeps you watching (similar to Sweet Home). The drama does well with painting the story and introducing the characters’ dynamic personalities off the bat. Both Gu Cheon and Saeng Gang seem rowdy, outspoken and at times reluctant to be obedient despite their positions. This adds to the comical sense of the period piece since, historically, people wouldn’t risk behaving outlandishly– especially in the palace.
Despite being an outsider, Gu Cheon stays at the palace and the story bounces between both the lavish but strict life of royalty and the darkness of the spirit world. As time progresses, more of the spirit world seeps into reality and Saeng Gang continues to be the eyes and ears witnessing it all. She shows signs of disdain towards Gu Cheon but knows he is needed to survive and uncover the curse.
Gu Cheon is a strong man who can walk the spirit world and, with his powers, take out the demons and ghosts that run amok in the palace walls. Despite refusing to use his powers to serve the king, he becomes deeply interested in unraveling the dark secrets of the palace. The story exposes a new rule or method of cleansing the palace with each spirit he faces, keeping the drama feeling fresh with each episode. The CGI effects are also masterfully done and create an evident split between the two worlds. While Gu Cheon may be walking the same path as others, the familiar but cold, dark halls of the palace become eerily warm-toned, desolate, and transform into a hellscape battlefield only he can traverse.
The monsters Gu Cheon faces are just as grueling and frightening as he can be at times. Without fail, he confidently fights and takes out the evil spirits with his sheer willpower. The fights are energetic and cinematic, with jump scares keeping viewers shaken up, but not the only fear factor to watch out for. The various spirit designs are also creepy, despite some being uncanny yet similar to ghouls in other horror series.
The drama does an excellent job of inviting viewers into the world of Korea’s early history that historians and culture enthusiasts will undoubtedly enjoy. From the common belief of supernatural phenomena being the blame of death, misfortune, or plagues of people and land to the ancient ceremonial burial rights of putting rice in one’s mouth to serve as their last meal before entering the afterlife. All of these small touches regarding superstitions show the production team dedicated time to research and carefully detailed these moments to complement the story while transporting the audience.
The main plot of what happened 30 years ago and the reason why the palace dwellers are possessed and dying continues to be the highlight of the story. The resentful and grudge-ridden spirits won’t rest until their story is told and their unfinished business is completed. Like the hit series Kingdom, Netflix’s The East Palace is a wonderful blend of horror, Korean history, and fantastic storytelling. Fans of action will enjoy the dose of horror elements added to the series, and fans of the supernatural will enjoy the scenarios Gu Cheon faces throughout each episode. It is a series that will have you loving and waiting to be scared– but not so scary that you’ll turn off your TV. (8.5/10)
>> ‘The East Palace’ Unveils Main Poster and Trailer Ahead of July 17 Netflix Premiere
Be sure to tune into the series on July 17th and watch more trending K-dramas for FREE on Amasian TV.
