Actor Kim Ji-hoon stunned the home audience with his remarkable performance.
In the episodes 3 and 4 of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Haunted Palace' (scripted by Yoon Su-jeong and directed by Yoon Sung-sik), which aired on the 25th and 26th, King Lee Jeong (played by Kim Ji-hoon) constantly clashed with shaman Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon) and court official Yoon-gap (played by Yook Sung-jae) as he tried to shake off the mania of the original character.
Lee Jeong is an absolute monarch who relentlessly worries about creating a strong nation, but his diverse appearance revealed a heart that cannot hide the feelings of an ordinary father in front of his children. The scene where he tries to hold back tears while walking out after exhausting himself in a fit and the scene of him chasing after news of the disappearance of the original character showed his human side, which appears solid and steadfast but breaks down before a loved one.
Meanwhile, Lee Jeong's keen observation of the changes in Yoon-gap, whom he trusted and cherished, caught attention more than anyone else. Lee Jeong first faced the changed Yoon-gap after the evil spirit 'Gang-cheol' occupied his body instead of the original character, detecting that Yoon-gap's condition was not merely a loss of memory. Furthermore, he expressed doubt about Yeori's actions in stealing the glasses lens, hinting that there is more significant backstory hidden.
In particular, Lee Jeong's possession scene, which froze the home audience in an instant, was undoubtedly regarded as the best moment of episodes 3 and 4. Lee Jeong was possessed by the eight-legged demon that escaped from the original character's body and fiercely confronted Yoon-gap while briefly possessed. His appearance, which has changed 180 degrees with murderous intent in his eyes, a mad expression, and rough gestures, was shocking. Coupled with dazzling martial arts action scenes, it kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Kim Ji-hoon captivated audiences by showing a completely new face that did not resemble the calm charisma of Lee Jeong at all.
On the other hand, King Lee Jeong's internal conflict, grounded in his own solid principles, is expected to be a major point of interest in the upcoming developments. Lee Jeong expelled Yeori and Yoon-gap according to his principle of distancing himself from shamans and prohibiting evocation, but he could not shake off the fear of the eight-legged demon that had occupied both the original character and now his own body. It remains to be seen how the king's changes will impact the flow of the story and what developments may arise from that brief yet fatal possession.
Immediately after the broadcast, viewers expressed their admiration for Kim Ji-hoon's performance, saying, "The ending of episode 3 with possession sent chills down my spine. Please take it easy on the acting, Kim Ji-hoon," "A whirlwind of acting in a stormy plot, a spectacle of acting prowess," "The more I see 'these days, King Ji-hoon,' the more fitting it seems," "I understood what Kim Ji-hoon meant by saying he acted with sincerity," "Your Highness, you are incredibly handsome. The historical drama tone, from your beard to everything, really suits you," "The possession by the eight-legged demon was thrilling. It would be a waste of acting skills only to portray a righteous king."
The activities of actor Kim Ji-hoon, who is showcasing a diverse range of performances as a strong and upright monarch, a deeply affectionate father, and a manic evil spirit, can be seen in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Haunted Palace,' which airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m.
[Photo] SBS 'Haunted Palace' broadcast capture
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