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| yna@yna.co.kr 2026-07-23 12:37:36
SEOUL, July 23 (Yonhap) -- Seven years after demonstrating the global appeal of Korean content with the zombie historical thriller "Kingdom," Netflix has returned with another fantasy period drama rooted in Korean folklore.
This time, the streaming giant is betting on a "K-occult" series that blends the universally familiar horror element of ghosts with distinctly Korean imagery, including hanbok and royal palaces, in a bid to captivate global audiences once again.
According to Netflix's official Tudum top 10 rankings, "The East Palace," which premiered last Friday, climbed to No. 2 on the platform's non-English TV chart within three days of its release.
Set in the royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty, "The East Palace" follows Gucheon (Nam Joo-hyuk), who can see ghosts, and Princess Saenggang (Roh Yoon-seo), who can hear them, as they investigate the mystery behind a series of crown princes' deaths under orders from the enigmatic king (Cho Seung-woo).
Gucheon travels between the human world and the spirit realm, wielding a sword made from peach wood and lightning-struck jujube wood to slay ghosts. Saenggang listens to the sorrowful voices of restless spirits and uncovers the grudges that bind them to the living.
Working together, the pair gradually uncover the truth behind the "pond ghost" that has haunted and killed crown princes for 30 years, along with long-buried secrets of the royal family.
The series immediately draws viewers in with its distinctive mythology, built around the coexistence of the real world and the spirit realm, and its striking visual contrast between the two. Cool blue tones define the human world, while the ghostly realm is drenched in blood-red hues, heightening the show's visual impact.
The parallel structure of the two worlds may also feel familiar to Western audiences, recalling the "Upside Down" in Netflix's hit series "Stranger Things." Gucheon's near-death journeys into the spirit realm to battle ghosts also evoke comparisons to the 2005 Hollywood film "Constantine."
At the same time, "The East Palace" grounds its fantasy in Korean occult traditions.
Writers Kwon So-ra and Seo Jae-won, known for Korean occult dramas such as "The Guest" and "Bulgasal," teamed up with director Choi Jung-kyu, whose previous historical dramas include "Horse Doctor" and "The Flower in Prison." Together, they combine the grandeur of Joseon palaces, elegant hanbok and traditional Korean calligraphy with indigenous shamanistic beliefs to create an atmosphere rarely seen in Western supernatural dramas.
Imaginary beings such as vengeful spirits and corrupted supernatural entities were also inspired by Korean folklore.
Among them, the creature Kkeomeoksari, which follows Gucheon throughout the series, has become a fan favorite. Resembling a small clay doll with oversized black eyes, it has been nicknamed the "Joseon Groot" and a "pet spirit" by viewers. Although it feeds on Gucheon's life force, it transforms into a fearsome monster to protect him from evil spirits when he is in danger. Fans have compared it to Groot from Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy" and Derpy from "KPop Demon Hunters," with many calling for official merchandise.
Director Choi said he viewed the supernatural world as "a concept that has existed throughout human history" and sought to give it a distinctly Korean identity by drawing on traditional folktales and early modern ghost stories.
Critics say the series strikes a balance between familiarity and novelty for international audiences.
"Historical dramas with occult or fantasy elements allow viewers from different cultures to immerse themselves in the story without needing extensive historical knowledge," drama critic Gong Hee-jung said. "By dressing a universal concept like ghosts in uniquely Korean folklore, the series sparks curiosity among global audiences."
Still, opinions have been divided over the story's overall cohesion.
Some viewers praised its unpredictable twists, while others felt the latter half became difficult to follow because of its increasingly complex mythology and lack of explanation for certain plot elements.
Responding to such criticism, Choi said he carefully considered "how much to explain within a limited format" and stressed that the unanswered questions were "not intentional setups for a second season."
The performances have also drawn mixed reactions. Veteran actors such as Cho Seung-woo, who portrays the enigmatic king, and Jang Young-nam, who plays the queen dowager, have been praised for adding emotional depth and gravitas, while some viewers found several younger actors less convincing in the formal style and emotional nuances of historical dramas.
Despite those criticisms, "The East Palace" has largely succeeded in capturing viewers' attention at home and abroad with its visually rich production, traditional Korean music and fresh fusion of historical drama and occult fantasy.
"Korean historical dramas will continue to broaden their genre spectrum," Gong said. "That diversity will give global audiences even more reasons to explore Korean storytelling."
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