‘The East Palace’ Review: Kwak Dong Yeon Steals The Show in Nam Joo Hyuk’s Ghost-Slaying Story

A palace ridden with untold secrets, a King cowering under pressure, and an evil spirit on the loose, “The East Palace” brings forth a royal tale of a spiritual curse that must be controlled. Nam Joo Hyuk plays Gu Cheon, a skilled ghost-slayer who embarks on a journey to take down the ghost latching onto the palace. The actor marks his return to the OTT space after his military service, taking on a fierce, sword-wielding role that puts him in the spotlight.

Roh Yoon Seo joins as Saeng Gang, a lady in the court who can speak with the dead. She aids his entry into the Realm of Gwi and tries to help him back whenever he’s stuck. The eight-episode series opens with the death of the Crown Prince, a recurring occurrence in the show in which royals fall one after another to an infamous pond spirit. Right from the beginning, there’s an eerie setting which only intensifies as the two-member team embarks on its mission.

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Gu Cheon and Saeng Gang emerge as the show’s most formidable presence, confronting each curse with the calm assurance of experts, highlighting just how inexperienced their younger counterparts still are. To their credit, the actors approach each of their takedowns with a fierceness that the storyline demands. They keep raising the bar with every case. Nam Joo Hyuk anchors the series with quiet intensity, while the vivid crimson hues of the Gwi Realm heighten the menace and emotional weight of his character’s journey. 

The storyline moves ahead with a mysterious vibe, suggesting it’s withholding more than it lets on and keeping the suspense alive to the end. The VFX in “The East Palace” deserve a special mention for bringing its ghosts, spirits and monsters to life with remarkable detail. The Ggeomoksali (a leeching spirit) is one of its best creations.

Nam Joo Hyuk marks his return with a measured and assured performance, while Roh Yoon Seo struggles to leave a lasting impression for much of the series, only coming into her own towards the last episode. Kwak Dong Yeon delivers an unforgettable performance, reminiscent of his praiseworthy portrayal in the K-drama "Vincenzo". He steals every scene he’s in, giving the protagonist tough competition. Cho Seung Woo, meanwhile, stays true to his character, making the most of a role that doesn’t demand a grand presence. 

With twists and turns across each episode, “The East Palace” leaves no room for doubt that there’s always more to come. The depth of the royal house’s secrets keeps you on the edge of your seat without coming across as excessive. A final showdown between Gu Cheon and the Crown Prince offers the much-needed closure to the story that keeps entertaining throughout.