The East Palace is a Korean drama that seamlessly blends Korean folklore, palace intrigue, and supernatural horror, setting it apart from other shows in the same genre. The series follows Gu-cheon, a man who walks the spirit world, and Saeng-gang, a court lady who hears the dead, as they enter the East Palace by the king's orders and unravel its dark secrets.
The show's unique approach lies in the way both leads are treated with equal footing, with Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang saving each other as often as they are saved. This dynamic creates a sense of trust and intimacy between the two characters, which is further accentuated by their dependence on each other's energy. Gu-cheon relies on Saeng-gang's "Yang" energy to compensate for his own deficiencies, highlighting the complex web of relationships within the palace.
The East Palace is one of Netflix's most visually striking Korean dramas of the year, with breathtaking cinematography and period detail that brings the royal palace to life. The show's use of Korean folklore adds a unique twist to the supernatural creatures, drawing on entities such as gwi-ma and ak-gwi to create a sense of unease and dread. Each threat is carefully designed to be creepy and unsettling, twisting traditional Korean folklore and attire into something monstrous.
The visuals are opulent and cinematic, with sunlight capturing every intricacy of each beautifully woven costume and the special effects shining in darker moments. The show's use of location, filming in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province, adds to the sense of realism and immersion, making the viewer feel like they are part of the royal court.
The cast delivers impressive performances, with Nam bringing a world-weary charm to his role, while Roh plays off that irritation with a bristly exterior that belies a warmth underneath. Cho and Jang Young-nam's Queen Dowager adds gravitas to the show, but is undercut by a cutesy spirit who feels completely out of place.
Despite some minor issues with pacing and the inclusion of an unnecessary character, The East Palace is a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The material has the potential to unnerve and unsettle, but it's the show's visuals and period detail that truly make it stand out. If you're a fan of Korean horror or supernatural dramas, The East Palace is a must-watch.
