This review may contain spoilers
I wasn't expecting The East Palace to be THIS good
I finished this drama in just 2 days because I seriously couldn't stop watching. I only started it because this is Nam Joohyuk's comeback drama after military service. His last drama was back in 2023, and finally seeing him back in 2026 already made me excited. Turns out I got way more than I expected.
I honestly thought I was just going to enjoy it because of the cast, but this drama ended up being so much better than I imagined. I knew it was directed by the same director as Bulgasal, but I still wasn't expecting it to be this good. The whole evil spirit hunting inside the palace was done so well, every episode kept the tension high and I could never predict what would happen next. The cinematography was absolutely insane too. It honestly reminded me of Sweet Home, but somehow even more beautiful.
What I loved the most was how the story kept tricking me. I was so convinced the Queen Dowager was the real villain because of everything surrounding the pond spirit. Then they dropped another twist with the King and the Crown Prince and I genuinely didn't see that coming at all. Every time I thought I had figured things out, the drama proved me wrong.
In the middle of all that darkness, Ggeomoksali ended up being one of my favorite characters. Even though he survives by absorbing Yang energy from humans, he was honestly so adorable. Seeing him always sticking close to Gucheon added just enough cute moments without ruining the serious atmosphere.
I also spent the whole drama preparing myself for a sad ending because this kind of story usually ends that way. Instead, they gave us an open ending that clearly leans toward a happy one. Watching Gucheon and Saeng Gang begin their journey together to break the ancient chain connecting Gucheon with Gwimae actually left me smiling instead of heartbroken.
Now the only thing I'm upset about is the fact that it's only 8 episodes. This world and these characters deserve so much more. I really hope they give us a season 2 because I'm already missing this drama. And shout out to Nam Joohyuk for such a great comeback. Waiting three years was completely worth it, and I honestly couldn't have asked for a better drama to welcome him back.
I honestly thought I was just going to enjoy it because of the cast, but this drama ended up being so much better than I imagined. I knew it was directed by the same director as Bulgasal, but I still wasn't expecting it to be this good. The whole evil spirit hunting inside the palace was done so well, every episode kept the tension high and I could never predict what would happen next. The cinematography was absolutely insane too. It honestly reminded me of Sweet Home, but somehow even more beautiful.
What I loved the most was how the story kept tricking me. I was so convinced the Queen Dowager was the real villain because of everything surrounding the pond spirit. Then they dropped another twist with the King and the Crown Prince and I genuinely didn't see that coming at all. Every time I thought I had figured things out, the drama proved me wrong.
In the middle of all that darkness, Ggeomoksali ended up being one of my favorite characters. Even though he survives by absorbing Yang energy from humans, he was honestly so adorable. Seeing him always sticking close to Gucheon added just enough cute moments without ruining the serious atmosphere.
I also spent the whole drama preparing myself for a sad ending because this kind of story usually ends that way. Instead, they gave us an open ending that clearly leans toward a happy one. Watching Gucheon and Saeng Gang begin their journey together to break the ancient chain connecting Gucheon with Gwimae actually left me smiling instead of heartbroken.
Now the only thing I'm upset about is the fact that it's only 8 episodes. This world and these characters deserve so much more. I really hope they give us a season 2 because I'm already missing this drama. And shout out to Nam Joohyuk for such a great comeback. Waiting three years was completely worth it, and I honestly couldn't have asked for a better drama to welcome him back.
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