The Haunted Palace Episode 3: A Shocking Confrontation with the Eight-Legged Spirit

The Haunted Palace Episode 3: A Game-Changing Confrontation

Episode 3 of SBS's hit fantasy drama 'The Haunted Palace' (귀궁) has taken viewers by storm with its shocking developments and unexpected twists. Airing on April 25, 2025, this episode marked a significant turning point in the storyline, introducing the terrifying eight-legged spirit and deepening the connection between our main characters. The episode achieved impressive ratings, reaching a peak of 10.4% nationwide, making it the highest-rated miniseries drama of the week and cementing its status as one of 2025's most talked-about shows.

Let's dive into the captivating events of this game-changing episode that has viewers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

The Sacrifice and Awakening: Yeo-ri's Bold Decision

Episode 3 opens with Yeo-ri (played by Kim Ji-yeon) engaged in a desperate ritual under the moonlight, attempting to connect with Yoon Gap's trapped spirit. Her determination to save him leads her to make increasingly dangerous decisions throughout the episode.

In a heart-wrenching scene, Yeo-ri briefly succeeds in making contact with Yoon Gap's soul, only to watch helplessly as the monstrous eight-legged spirit drags him back into darkness. This moment establishes the true horror of their situation and the formidable nature of their supernatural enemy.

Meanwhile, Gangcheol (Yook Sungjae), who has possessed Yoon Gap's body, begins to reveal more about his knowledge of the eight-legged spirit. His confession that he knew about the entity long before Yeo-ri's arrival at the palace creates tension between the two protagonists, as Yeo-ri struggles with feelings of betrayal regarding Yoon Gap's true intentions in bringing her to the palace.

The Drowned Spirit's Revenge and Revelation

One of the most chilling sequences in the episode involves Yeo-ri's interaction with a vengeful drowned spirit. Seeking information that could help save Prince Gwang, Yeo-ri makes a dangerous bargain with this restless ghost.

The scene where Yeo-ri uses a water-filled jar to help the drowned spirit make contact with Royal Prince Yeongin reveals a dark history of abuse within the palace walls. When confronted with his past victim, Prince Yeongin's panic and the spirit's fury create a tense, supernatural confrontation that Yeo-ri must mediate.

This subplot not only adds depth to the palace's haunted atmosphere but also showcases Yeo-ri's compassionate yet firm approach to dealing with vengeful spirits. Her ability to convince the drowned spirit to let go of its vengeance in exchange for vital information demonstrates her growing power as a shaman, despite her initial reluctance to embrace this role.

The Exorcism Gone Wrong: A Royal Possession

The episode builds to a climactic exorcism sequence where Yeo-ri attempts to free Prince Gwang from the eight-legged spirit's possession. Using knowledge gained from the drowned spirit, she prepares an elaborate ritual, offering herself as bait to lure out the malevolent entity.

The exorcism scene is masterfully crafted, blending traditional Korean shamanic practices with heart-pounding suspense. As Prince Gwang, fully possessed, is drawn to Yeo-ri's trap, the initial moments of their supernatural dance create a false sense of success before everything spirals into chaos.

When Gangcheol intervenes to protect Yeo-ri, and the King arrives with his archers, the standoff creates multiple layers of tension. The moment when Gangcheol places a blade at Prince Gwang's throat, threatening the King not to interfere, showcases the complex moral dilemmas at the heart of the story.

The Shocking Twist: A New Host

Perhaps the most talked-about moment of Episode 3 comes in its final minutes. Just when viewers believe the exorcism has succeeded and Prince Gwang is freed, the camera reveals the horrifying truth: the eight-legged spirit has merely changed hosts, slithering unseen into the King himself.

This twist completely reshapes the power dynamics of the story. With the malevolent entity now controlling the highest authority in the land, our protagonists face an even more impossible situation. Gangcheol's realization that the spiritual rope has been severed, signaling the spirit's escape, creates the perfect cliffhanger ending that left viewers gasping and immediately taking to social media to discuss the implications.

The direction and cinematography in this final sequence deserve special mention, with subtle visual cues hinting at the possession before the explicit reveal, rewarding attentive viewers while shocking everyone with the boldness of this plot development.

Yook Sungjae's Dual Performance: A Critical Highlight

One of the most praised aspects of Episode 3 is Yook Sungjae's remarkable performance as both Yoon Gap and the dragon spirit Gangcheol. His ability to portray the arrogant, otherworldly nature of Gangcheol while occasionally letting glimpses of the trapped Yoon Gap shine through has earned him widespread acclaim.

Particularly noteworthy is the scene where Gangcheol begins to recognize his growing feelings for Yeo-ri, creating an emotional complexity that adds depth to what could have been a straightforward fantasy narrative. His internal monologue, where he acknowledges that his feelings are not simply predatory but something more profound, sets up the romantic development that viewers are eagerly anticipating.

Yook Sungjae's versatility shines in scenes that require him to rapidly shift between Gangcheol's supernatural arrogance and his bewildered reactions to human emotions. This dual performance is especially impressive considering that Yook is simultaneously pursuing his musical career, having released a new single titled "Lie" on May 6, 2025, showcasing his talents as a multi-faceted entertainer.

Viewer Reactions: Overwhelming Enthusiasm

The audience response to Episode 3 has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers flooding social media platforms and online communities with praise for the episode's perfect balance of horror, romance, and comedy.

Comments across various platforms highlight the episode's ability to seamlessly blend genres while maintaining a coherent narrative. Many viewers expressed particular appreciation for the fast-paced storytelling, with one fan noting, "The Haunted Palace gets more exciting with each episode. Time flies by too quickly!"

Others praised the show's unique approach to traditional Korean folklore, with comments like "I usually can't watch ghost stories, but The Haunted Palace feels different. The spirits almost feel like friends now" and "The blend of exorcism, romance, and comedy is perfect."

The shocking ending generated particular buzz, with viewers commenting, "That ending was perfectly executed. My dopamine levels exploded!" The anticipation for Episode 4 was palpable across all platforms, with many fans expressing impatience for the next installment.

Cultural Context: Traditional Elements in Modern Storytelling

For international viewers, Episode 3 offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Korean spiritual beliefs and practices. The shamanic rituals performed by Yeo-ri are based on actual historical practices, though stylized for dramatic effect.

The concept of the eight-legged spirit draws from Korean folklore about malevolent entities that can possess humans and manipulate their actions. Similarly, the dragon spirit or "imugi" (이무기) that Gangcheol represents is a significant figure in Korean mythology-a serpent that aspires to become a full dragon but has not yet completed its transformation.

These traditional elements are seamlessly integrated into a compelling modern narrative, creating a show that honors Korean cultural heritage while delivering the excitement and emotional engagement that contemporary viewers expect. The palace setting further enhances this cultural richness, with meticulous attention to historical details in costumes, architecture, and court protocols.

Technical Excellence: Production Values and Direction

Beyond its narrative strengths, Episode 3 showcases the impressive production values that have become a hallmark of high-end Korean dramas. The visual effects used to depict the eight-legged spirit's possession and Gangcheol's supernatural nature are particularly noteworthy, blending seamlessly with practical effects to create a convincing fantasy world.

Director Yoon Sung-shik demonstrates masterful control of tone, allowing scenes to shift from terrifying to touching to humorous without creating tonal whiplash. The exorcism sequence, in particular, showcases his ability to build and sustain tension while incorporating visually striking imagery that lingers in viewers' minds.

The cinematography deserves special mention, with thoughtful framing and lighting choices that enhance the storytelling. Dark, shadow-filled scenes in the palace contrast effectively with brighter moments, visually representing the battle between light and darkness at the heart of the narrative.

Looking Ahead: What Episode 3 Sets Up for the Future

As a pivotal installment in the series, Episode 3 establishes several key developments that will drive the remainder of the 16-episode run. The King's possession by the eight-legged spirit creates an immediate threat that will force Yeo-ri and Gangcheol to work together more closely, likely accelerating their romantic connection.

The revelation about Yoon Gap's true intentions in bringing Yeo-ri to the palace raises questions about his character that future episodes will need to address. Was he complicit in a dangerous ritual, or was he also a victim of manipulation?

Additionally, the drowned spirit's story hints at deeper corruption within the palace, suggesting that the supernatural threats may be intertwined with very human villainy. This adds a layer of political intrigue to the fantasy elements, enriching the storytelling possibilities.

With ratings continuing to climb and social media buzz intensifying, The Haunted Palace has positioned itself as the breakout hit of the season. Episode 3's perfect blend of shocking twists, character development, and cultural richness has set a high bar for the remaining episodes to clear.