Ghosts, Demons, and Forbidden Love: A Deep Dive into 'Guigung' Episode 2

The Terrifying Debut of the 8-Foot Ghost

Episode 2 of SBS's fantasy romance drama 'Guigung' (The Haunted Palace) has captivated viewers with its perfect blend of horror, fantasy, and budding romance. Airing on April 19, 2025, the episode marked a significant turning point in the storyline as it introduced the terrifying antagonist - the 8-foot ghost (Palcheokgwi).

The 8-foot ghost, literally measuring about 2.4 meters (8 feet) tall, made its bone-chilling debut in the royal palace, sending shivers down viewers' spines. This malevolent spirit harbors deep resentment toward the royal family and has already consumed the soul of Yun-gap, Yeo-ri's first love whose body is now inhabited by the serpent spirit Gangcheol (played brilliantly by Yook Sungjae).

The episode revealed that the Crown Prince's mysterious illness and erratic behavior were actually caused by this vengeful spirit, setting up a central conflict that will drive the narrative forward. The visual representation of the ghost was particularly praised for creating genuine fear without relying on cheap jump scares.

Yeo-ri's Desperate Soul-Searching Mission

Kim Ji-yeon's portrayal of Yeo-ri, a reluctant shaman who enters the palace as an eyeglass craftsman (Aechejang-in), continues to impress viewers and critics alike. In episode 2, we witness her desperate attempts to find Yun-gap's soul, unaware that it has already been consumed by the 8-foot ghost.

The episode showcased Yeo-ri's determination as she performed a dangerous ritual to communicate with spirits inside the palace. Unlike the controlled ceremony conducted by the blind fortune teller Pungsan (who works with the Queen Dowager), Yeo-ri's ritual was raw and perilous - essentially a solo exorcism within the palace walls. Without protective salt or red beans, she put herself in grave danger, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to finding Yun-gap.

This ritual sequence was particularly praised for its intensity and atmospheric direction, creating a genuine sense of dread as Yeo-ri confronted supernatural forces far beyond her control. The scene culminated in the awakening of the 8-foot ghost, which possessed the Crown Prince, removing all traces of humanity from his eyes.

Gangcheol's Emotional Awakening

One of the most compelling aspects of episode 2 was the character development of Gangcheol, the serpent spirit (imugi) trapped in Yun-gap's body. Yook Sungjae's dual performance as both the cold, calculating imugi and the possessed human body continues to earn widespread acclaim.

Throughout the episode, we see Gangcheol struggling to adapt to human life after a thousand years of existence as a spirit. His confusion about human emotions and social norms creates moments of both comedy and unexpected poignancy. Most significantly, we begin to see the first signs of genuine concern for Yeo-ri developing within him - an unfamiliar feeling for the typically cold-blooded spirit.

The episode hints at a complex emotional journey ahead for Gangcheol, as he realizes he may be developing feelings for Yeo-ri. His internal monologue reveals his growing confusion: 'I now understand. I don't want to consume this girl like Bibi (another spirit). So what choice do I have? I can neither defeat the 8-foot ghost as promised, nor can I abandon this body and leave your side. All I can do is lie and extend my time by your side.' This emotional vulnerability adds depth to what could otherwise be a one-dimensional antagonist.

The Queen Dowager's Sinister Plot

Episode 2 also began to unravel the political intrigue within the palace, particularly surrounding the Queen Dowager and her mysterious relationship with Pungsan, the blind fortune teller. It becomes increasingly clear that the Queen Dowager is not merely a victim of supernatural events but may be actively orchestrating them.

Her conversation with Pungsan reveals her ambition to place her son, Prince Youngin (played by Kim Sun-bin), on the throne - even if it means unleashing dangerous spirits within the palace. When Pungsan expresses concern about whether the young prince's body can withstand possession, the Queen Dowager coldly responds, 'That doesn't matter. What matters is becoming king.'

This revelation adds a human dimension to the supernatural threat, suggesting that the 8-foot ghost's presence in the palace may be part of a calculated political scheme rather than a random haunting. The Queen Dowager's willingness to sacrifice even her own son for power creates a compelling villain whose ambition rivals the malevolence of the supernatural entities.

Visual Storytelling and Atmosphere

Beyond the plot developments, episode 2 of 'Guigung' received particular praise for its visual storytelling and atmospheric direction. The palace settings are rendered with both historical accuracy and an underlying sense of dread, with careful lighting and camera work transforming beautiful royal chambers into spaces of lurking danger.

The contrast between the ornate, sunlit palace exteriors and the shadowy, oppressive interiors creates a visual metaphor for the show's themes of hidden dangers beneath beautiful facades. The episode's climactic ritual scene was especially noted for its effective use of sound design and practical effects to create a genuinely unsettling atmosphere.

The makeup and special effects for the supernatural entities, particularly the 8-foot ghost, struck a balance between traditional Korean ghost imagery and modern horror aesthetics, creating something both culturally specific and universally frightening. This attention to visual detail has helped establish 'Guigung' as a standout in the increasingly popular Korean supernatural drama genre.

Audience Reception and Ratings Success

Episode 2 of 'Guigung' not only continued but strengthened the show's impressive debut performance. According to Nielsen Korea, the episode achieved a nationwide viewership rating of approximately 10%, an exceptional figure for a new drama and the highest rating for any SBS drama premiere in 2025.

The show has also dominated streaming platforms, reaching #1 on Netflix in South Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand immediately after its release. On domestic OTT platforms, 'Guigung' topped all ranking charts, outperforming both films and other television series.

Viewer reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with particular praise for Yook Sungjae's versatile performance switching between the human Yun-gap and the serpent spirit Gangcheol. The chemistry between the lead characters, the effective horror elements, and the intriguing palace politics have all contributed to the show's strong word-of-mouth popularity.

Setting the Stage for Future Conflicts

As episode 2 concluded, viewers were left with several compelling questions that promise to drive the narrative forward. The revelation that Yun-gap's soul has already been consumed by the 8-foot ghost complicates Yeo-ri's mission significantly. Will she continue to search for a soul that no longer exists, or will her focus shift to defeating the malevolent spirit?

The episode also hinted at a possible past connection between Gangcheol and the 8-foot ghost, with Gangcheol's recognition of the name suggesting they may have encountered each other before. This potential history between supernatural entities adds another layer of complexity to the story.

With the Queen Dowager's political machinations now revealed, the human and supernatural conflicts are set to intertwine even more closely. The palace is becoming a battleground where spirits, humans, and those caught between worlds must navigate increasingly dangerous circumstances.

As episode 3 approaches, 'Guigung' has established itself as much more than a standard fantasy romance. It's a complex narrative about power, vengeance, unexpected connections, and the blurry line between human and supernatural evil - all wrapped in a visually stunning package that continues to captivate viewers across Asia.