Netflix has announced the arrival of a new dark fantasy period K-drama on July 17, 2026. Titled "The East Palace", the highly anticipated series breaks away from traditional palace politics to explore a supernatural world traversed by vengeful spirits and ancient curses.
As per the official logline, the show is set in a fictional historical era. The story revolves around the East Palace, a royal residence plagued by a terrifying curse and a sinister presence. Upon realising that an ancient calamity is repeating itself, the King issues a secret royal command. He calls upon a formidable ghost-slayer and a unique court lady to infiltrate the darkest depths of the royal grounds to uncover its long-buried secrets.
The eight-episode series — all releasing at once — is led by actor Nam Joo-hyuk (known for "Twenty-Five Twenty-One" and "Start-Up") as an arrogant ghost-hunter named Gu-cheon. The character’s abilities include going between the living and dead realms and vanquishing spirits with a magical blade. This marks his highly anticipated return to the screen following his discharge from mandatory military service.
The other lead cast members: Roh Yoon-seo ("Crash Course in Romance", "Our Blues") as Saeng-gang, a court lady with secrets of her own and the rare ability to hear and communicate with the dead; Cho Seung-woo ("Stranger", "Sisyphus") plays the conflicted King who orchestrates the ghost-hunting mission.
The series comes from people with considerable experience in the genre, generally in the Korean occult and thriller areas. Director Choi Jung-kyu previously directed the intense dystopian drama "The Devil Judge". The script comes from Kwon So-ra and Seo Jae-won, the acclaimed duo behind the hit supernatural thrillers "The Guest" and "Bulgasal: Immortal Souls".
