Why "The East Palace" on Netflix still deserves a spot on your watchlist?

Nam Joo-hyuk stars in this latest Netflix dark-fantasy series.

Photo from Netflix

Ghosts, secrets, and Joseon intrigue

Looking for a new series to binge this weekend? This K-drama from online streaming giant Netflix might be worth adding to your list.

Photo from Netflix

"The East Palace" is a dark-fantasy series starring Nam Joo-hyuk, Roh Yoon-seo, and Cho Seung-woo. It follows Gu-cheon, a man able to move between the world of the living and the realm of ghosts, and Saeng-gang, a court lady harboring a secret of her own, as the King summons them to uncover the truth behind the palace's curse.

Directed by Choi Jung-kyu, the series premiered on July 17.

Nam Joo-hyuk marks his return to the screen with a compelling turn as Gu-cheon, a spirit-slayer who ventures into the Realm of Gwi alongside Court Lady Saeng-gang (Roh Yoon-seo) to investigate the deaths of the King's (Cho Seung-woo) sons. Rounding out the cast are Kwak Dong-yeon and Jang Young-nam as the Crown Prince and Lady Dowager, respectively—two characters whose arcs are worth keeping an eye on.

Told across eight episodes, the series brings viewers back to the Joseon Dynasty through a tightly woven plot packed with twists and eerie spirit encounters. Each episode peels back another layer of the characters' backstories, building momentum that keeps viewers watching through to the finale.

The show draws heavily from Korean folklore, introducing audiences to various spirits — the gwi-mae, won-gwi, and ak-gwi—that Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang cross paths with along their journey, each carrying its own story. Among them is the ggeomeoksali, a spirit that feeds on "Yang" energy but takes the form of an endearing little gremlin that eventually becomes Gu-cheon's companion.

Visually, the series stands out for its striking cinematography—from intense close-ups of the spirits to deliberate lighting choices and dynamic action sequences that enhance both the storytelling and the world it builds. Watching it feels like shuttling between the chilly human world and the shadowy Realm of Gwi.

Beyond its dark-fantasy core, "The East Palace" also weaves in historical elements, supernatural horror, and layered mysteries with unexpected twists—making it a fit for both thrill-seekers and casual viewers. There are even quieter, slow-burn moments and touches of warmth scattered throughout.

What do you think?