Nam Joo-hyuk's comeback work "East Palace" is receiving praise, ranking No. 1 on "Today in Korea's top 10 series."
The Netflix series East Palace has captivated global viewers and become a hot topic.
The Netflix series East Palace, which follows Gu Cheon (Nam Joo-hyuk), who can traverse the world of ghosts (鬼), and court maid Saenggang (Roh Yoon-seo), who keeps a secret, as they answer King (Cho Seung-woo)'s summons and probe the curse that haunts the East Palace, proved its popularity by debuting at No. 1 on "Today in Korea's top 10 series" immediately after its release on Friday the 17th. Interest has focused not only on the intriguing story that follows the palace's mystery and the distinctive worldview, but also on the directing and acting that complete it, earning praise both domestically and abroad.
Foreign media gave enthusiastic responses such as "The intriguing mystery, overwhelming visuals and solid worldbuilding instantly captivate viewers. Roh Yoon-seo conveyed the character's depth with delicate strength and natural charm" (Decider), "Netflix has presented the most enchanting fantasy epic of 2026. 'East Palace' has broad creative potential to realize the visual identity unique to the world of ghosts and the surreal designs of various monsters. Dazzling visuals, star-studded casting and an immersive story make this an unmissable dark fantasy" (Collider), "The distinctive worldview realized in 'East Palace' is unquestionably the show's greatest strength and viewing point" (TIME), and "In addition to lavishly realized sets and costumes, veteran actors who handle the weighty lines characteristic of historical dramas with nuanced performances fill the cast. The designs of various supernatural beings and the visual effects that meticulously render the ghost world Gu Cheon traverses enrich the show's spectacle and deliver overwhelming spectacle" (South China Morning Post).
Viewer interest was also intense. Attention has focused not only on the evolving relationship between Gu Cheon and Saenggang as they approach the palace's secrets, but also on Nam Joo-hyuk's more mature return, Roh Yoon-seo's first historical drama challenge, and the strong performances of reliable actors such as Cho Seung-woo, Kwak Dong- yeon and Jang Young-nam.
Moreover, one of the ghost companions in the work, "kkeomeoksari," has emerged as a scene-stealer under the nickname "companion ghost." Kkeomeoksari is a small ghost companion that follows Gu Cheon; although it has a doll-like cute appearance, it has a habit of preying on human life energy.
Writers Kwon Sora and Seo Jae-won explained, "Kkeomeoksari is a transmitted urban legend: a being with a dark, childlike appearance that supposedly jumped out of the mountains and followed people while chanting 'I am kkeomeoksari, kkeomeoksari, kkeomeoksari.' The name is inferred to combine 'kkeomeok,' meaning pitch-black darkness, and 'sari,' meaning a living being, and we borrowed it while searching for a doglike, cute ghost companion to pair with Gu Cheon," explaining the intent behind designing kkeomeoksari in the drama. Kkeomeoksari drew strong online reactions with its unique visuals and lovable charm, even earning the nickname "Joseon Groot." It has added vitality to the mysterious tone of the work and has become another viewing highlight.
Meanwhile, East Palace rose to No. 4 globally in the TV shows category on OTT ranking site FlixPatrol on the 20th. Expectations are rising to see how high it can climb with continued momentum.<
[Photo] Netflix
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