Archive · 21 Jul 2026
The East Palace Review: Nam Joo-hyuk's Triumphant Return
The East Palace is a dark fantasy drama on Netflix that follows Gu-cheon, a ghost-slayer, and Saeng-gang, a court lady who can communicate with the dead.
They investigate supernatural occurrences in the East Palace, uncovering secrets within the royal household.
The show is praised for its thrilling plot, strong performances by Nam Joo-hyuk, Cho Seung-woo, and Roh Yoon-seo, and its ability to balance different genres.
However, it is criticized for its choppy visual effects and uneven pacing.
Despite these flaws, the show is entertaining and easy to binge.
The East Palace is a dark fantasy drama set in a fictional historical era, revolving around ghosts and royal secrets.
Nam Joo-hyuk returns to acting with a strong performance as Gu-cheon, a ghost-slayer with charisma and vulnerability.
Cho Seung-woo plays the King with controlled menace, while Roh Yoon-seo holds her own as Saeng-gang, a court lady who can communicate with the dead.
The show is praised for its thrilling plot and strong performances but criticized for choppy visual effects and uneven pacing.
Despite its flaws, The East Palace is entertaining and easy to binge, balancing mystery, fantasy, and character drama.
- Who
- Nam Joo-hyuk, Roh Yoon-seo, Cho Seung-woo
- What
- A dark fantasy drama about ghosts, royal secrets, and a cursed palace
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Fictional historical era
- Why
- To entertain and engage viewers with a mix of mystery, fantasy, and character drama
Positive Reception
Critiques on Visual Effects
Character Performances
Positive Reception
Nam Joo-hyuk's charismatic and vulnerable portrayal of Gu-cheon is praised, as is Cho Seung-woo's controlled menace as the King. Roh Yoon-seo's performance is also highlighted for its quiet strength and emotional presence.
Critiques on Visual Effects
The visual effects are criticized for being choppy and less polished, which occasionally detracts from the show's fantastical elements.
- Main Cast
- Nam Joo-hyuk, Roh Yoon-seo, Cho Seung-woo
- Genre
- Dark Fantasy Drama
- Number of Episodes
- 8
- Setting
- Fictional Historical Era
- Streaming Platform
- Netflix