Netflix fans are urged to cancel weekend plans for a binge-watch of the supernatural Korean horror series The East Palace. The show, blending recognizable elements from other Netflix hits, offers a bloody and engaging experience.
Plot and Characters
Gu-cheon (Nam Joo-hyuk), a feng shui master who can see spirits, is kidnapped by the King (Cho Seung-woo) to investigate why all his heirs are dying in bizarre circumstances. Forced to stay in the palace, Gu-cheon works reluctantly with court lady Saeng-gang (Roh Yoon-seo), who can also see and hear the dead. Their initial friction blossoms into trust, with both leads treated as equals.
Korean Folklore and Visuals
The show is riddled with ghouls based on Korean folklore, such as gwi-ma and ak-gwi, each with unique looks and motivations. The concept of energy binds Gu-cheon to Saeng-gang, as he relies on her “Yang” energy. The visuals are opulent, filmed in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province, with breathtaking architecture and scenery that contrasts with the rotting dead.
Performance and Comparisons
Nam Joo-hyuk delivers a tormented charm in his first role since military service, while Roh Yoon-seo plays off irritation with warmth. Cho Seung-woo and Jang Young-nam’s Queen Dowager add gravitas. The show is compared to Korean horror outings like Kingdom and Sweet Home, though a cutesy spirit character feels out of place. According to the review, the show is a royal treat that viewers will fly through.
Availability
The East Palace is available to stream on Netflix.
