The situation
The East Palace, a Netflix original series, has been making waves with its blend of palace succession and dark supernatural fantasy. The show boasts a talented cast, including Nam Joo Hyuk, Roh Yoon Seo, and Cho Seung Woo, and has been praised for its gripping story and stellar performances. With its unique blend of genres, The East Palace has become a must-watch for fans of K-dramas.
What the internet did with it
- Netizens have been praising Nam Joo Hyuk's performance as Gu-cheon, noting that his character's emotional depth and internal struggle make him a sympathetic and relatable protagonist.
- Roh Yoon Seo's portrayal of Saeng-gang has also been well-received, with many commenting on the strong agency and narrative journey given to her character, which avoids reducing her to a damsel in distress archetype.
- On Theqoo, the vibe is generally positive, with many users discussing the show's pacing and how it balances historical drama, supernatural horror, and Korean folklore, although some have noted that the story can be a little too invested in introducing new twists and layers.
The open question
The biggest question on everyone's mind is whether The East Palace will get a second season, given the ominous ending of the first season, which suggests that Gu-cheon's services in the palace may still be needed. The show's creators have not yet confirmed any plans for a second season, leaving fans wondering what's next for the characters and the story.