The East Palace review
동궁Checked and re-read
Joseon horror with a spirit realm that is openly the Upside Down in hanbok, and for four episodes that is a great trade. The premise is wicked, the production is expensive, and the gore is real: this is a royal bloodbath, not a ghost story with atmosphere. Two problems. The horror stops being frightening once the VFX explains itself, and Nam Joo Hyuk is billed as the lead while the plot belongs almost entirely to Roh Yoon Seo, which is fine as a choice and dishonest as marketing. Eight episodes, strong first half, thin second. Worth it if you want spectacle rather than a mystery that closes.
A man who walks the spirit world and a court lady who hears the dead enter the East Palace by the king's orders — can they unravel its dark secrets?
Hooks early Episode 1. Crown princes start dying before anyone is introduced, which is the most efficient opening of the year.
Where we recommend it
On 2 lists- Dramas like If Wishes Could KillStrong thread
- Dramas like Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart RyeoSame feeling
Recommended alongside
All dramas →Taken from our own list for The East Palace, in the order we ranked it.
