SBS's new drama "The Haunted Palace" has made a remarkable entrance into the Friday-Saturday time slot, achieving an impressive average nationwide viewership rating of 9.2% for its premiere episode, which aired on April 18, 2025. This figure marks the highest debut rating for any SBS drama this year, surpassing expectations and setting a new benchmark for the network.
The drama, which stars BTOB's Yook Sungjae and WJSN's Kim Ji Yeon (Bona), follows the intertwined destinies of a shaman girl and an ancient serpent spirit known as an imoogi. The show's unique blend of fantasy, romance, and comedy has captured the attention of viewers, especially following the successful conclusion of its predecessor, "Buried Hearts," which wrapped up with a commendable average viewership rating of 15.4% on April 12, 2025.
According to Nielsen Korea, "The Haunted Palace" not only took the top spot in its time slot but also emerged as the most-watched miniseries of the week. In contrast, "Buried Hearts" had debuted with a lower rating of 6.1% back in February, highlighting the significant leap in viewer interest for the new series.
The narrative centers around Yeori, played by Kim Ji Yeon, who is a reluctant shaman grappling with her supernatural calling. She is joined by Kang Cheol Yi, portrayed by Yook Sungjae, who is an imoogi trapped in the body of Yeori's first love, Yoon Gap. The premiere episode introduces viewers to the backstory of Kang Cheol Yi, who is initially depicted as a dangerous entity feared in the human realm. His character, portrayed in a special appearance by actor Kim Young Kwang, adds layers of complexity and intrigue to the storyline.
As the plot unfolds, Yeori and Kang Cheol Yi confront a powerful spirit with a deep-seated grudge against the royal family, leading to dramatic encounters and unexpected twists. The chemistry between the two leads and the show's rich visual storytelling have been praised, with many viewers expressing excitement for the upcoming episodes.
Meanwhile, the competition in the Friday-Saturday drama landscape remains fierce. MBC's "Crushology 101" managed to garner an average nationwide rating of 1.5% for its third episode, marking a small increase from its previous outings. Despite this growth, it pales in comparison to the soaring ratings of "The Haunted Palace." Additionally, new dramas from JTBC and tvN, including "Heavenly Ever After" and "Resident Playbook," are also vying for viewer attention. "Resident Playbook" kicked off with ratings of 3.7% and 4.0% for its first two episodes, indicating a solid start for the cable network.
With its captivating premise and strong opening, "The Haunted Palace" is already being hailed as a potential hit. The early viewer response suggests that this series could maintain or even enhance its momentum as it progresses. Fans of K-dramas are eagerly watching to see how the story will evolve and whether it can hold onto its viewers in the weeks to come.
As the drama landscape continues to evolve, the success of "The Haunted Palace" serves as a reminder of the power of engaging storytelling and the impact of strong lead performances. The show's ability to blend elements of fantasy with relatable human emotions has resonated with audiences, paving the way for what could be a memorable series.
In summary, as "The Haunted Palace" embarks on its journey, it not only marks a significant achievement for SBS but also sets a high bar for its competitors. Viewers are left wondering how the story will unfold and what new surprises await in the episodes to come.
