As the mystery of the 'Palchukwi' in SBS's weekend drama 'The Haunted Palace' has finally been unraveled, 'Yoon-gab' (played by Yook Sung-jae) regains his physical form, while the whereabouts of 'Kang-cheol' (also played by Yook Sung-jae) become unclear in a shocking turn of events.

In the 13th episode of SBS's weekend drama 'The Haunted Palace' (written by Yoon Soo-jung and directed by Yoon Sung-sik), which aired on the 30th, 'Kang-cheol' (played by Yook Sung-jae), 'Yeori' (played by Kim Ji-yeon), and 'Lee-jeong' (played by Kim Ji-hoon) uncover the secret of the royal family and the terrifying origins of the vengeful 'Palchukwi' (played by Seo Do-young), preparing a ritual to alleviate the vengeance of the 'Palchukwi'. Meanwhile, the 'Palchukwi' and Poongsan (played by Kim Sang-ho) devise a plot to put 'Kang-cheol' in danger using the spirit of 'Yoon-gab' (also played by Yook Sung-jae), keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Additionally, 'The Haunted Palace' achieved a peak rating of 10.7%, with national ratings at 9.8% and 9.3% in the capital region, reaffirming its dominance as the number one in its time slot and for weekly miniseries ratings.

The episode began with vivid records inside the Gwangam Moonhouse, where the 'Palchukwi' and the secret of the royal family lay dormant. A century ago, King Yeon-jong (played by Lee Gyu-han) abandoned the capital to flee during the war and fell into a precarious situation due to the enemy’s pursuit, which led to the appearance of military officer Cheon Geum-hwi (played by Seo Do-young). After Cheon Geum-hwi proposed, Yeon-jong changed directions after the enemy discovered their path, sacrificing Yondam Valley as a decoy. It was a decision made under the assumption that they would be slaughtered by the enemy. Ultimately, Yondam Valley was engulfed in flames, and Cheon Geum-hwi passed away consumed by guilt over the massacre of his hometown due to his actions. This intertwined resentment with Cheon Geum-hwi’s grudge and that of the Yondam Valley residents ultimately formed the identity of the 'Palchukwi' we see today.

As 'Kang-cheol', 'Yeori', and 'Lee-jeong' confronted this horrific truth, yet another shocking incident occurred. 'Yeori' discovered the spirit of 'Yoon-gab' expelled by the 'Palchukwi'. 'Kang-cheol' speculated that the empowered 'Palchukwi', after swallowing the luminous liquor from 'Bi-bi' (played by Jo Han-gyeol), wouldn’t have accidentally expelled 'Yoon-gab's spirit, triggering his anxiety. Conversely, 'Yeori' prayed earnestly to find the lost spirit of 'Yoon-gab', while struggling to hide her inner turmoil. She believed it was only right to restore his physical form, yet she couldn’t help but be distracted by the sight of 'Kang-cheol' acting innocently before her.

Alongside this, another miraculous event unfolded. The gold-tipped gourd given to 'Kang-cheol' by Monk Gaseop (played by Lee Won-jong) and entrusted to 'In-seon' (played by Shin Seul-gi) bloomed buds for the first time in decades. In fact, the flower of the gold-tipped gourd possesses the ability to help its user withstand powerful vengeful spirits like the 'Palchukwi' without losing the luminous liquor until it is fully consumed. Thus, 'Kang-cheol' could not hide his complicated feelings upon seeing the gourd bloom unexpectedly just as the identity of the 'Palchukwi' was revealed.

Meanwhile, 'Kang-cheol', 'Yeori', and 'Lee-jeong' performed a ritual to pacify the resentment of the one-legged ghost, which had relentlessly tormented the Choi family after killing Jeong Eon-su (played by Lee Tae-geum), the bookkeeper whom Choi Won-woo (played by Ahn Nae-sang) killed to hide the Gwangam Moonhouse. 'Kang-cheol' and 'Yeori' learned from Monk Gaseop that the 'Palchukwi' had become even stronger after consuming the luminous liquor, and the increasingly weakened 'Kang-cheol' feared that he might not be able to protect 'Yeori'. Therefore, 'Kang-cheol' asked 'In-seon' to inform him as soon as the flower of the gold-tipped gourd fully bloomed, leaving everyone anxious.

'Lee-jeong' declared that he would perform a ritual to atone for the sins of the late king and for the 'Palchukwi' Cheon Geum-hwi and the residents of Yondam Valley. Ten days from that day marked exactly 100 years since the death of the 'Palchukwi'. It was decided to hold the ritual under the leadership of Monk Gaseop and 'Yeori' at a temple near the capital. At the same time, 'Yeori' comforted the empress dowager (played by Han Soo-yeon), who was mourning the loss of Prince Yeong-in (played by Kim Seon-bin), while also alleviating the resentment of the luminous ghost (played by Park Da-on), who was wandering the underworld without shoes to follow its mother, accumulating good deeds. 'Kang-cheol', having witnessed the royal family's ugly truths, offered words of comfort to the grieving 'Lee-jeong', saying, "You will surely achieve the noble cause you desire. You are one of the kind of people I encounter occasionally."

However, 'Kang-cheol's peace did not last long. The spirit of 'Yoon-gab', who believed that he had been stripped of his body, life, and relationships, was steeped in vengeance. 'Poongsan' observed the vengeful spirit of 'Yoon-gab' with tears in his eyes and said, "Let your resentment swell further. That way, you will obey my commands," and a cruel smile emerged on his face. Soon after, his vile intentions were revealed. 'Poongsan' lured the Minister of Yejo, An Seok-joo (played by Ko In-beom), with sweet words, persuading him to call 'Kang-cheol' to a brothel. It turned out to be a trap set by the 'Palchukwi'. 'Kang-cheol' realized this but was a step too late, and the deadly poison of the 'Palchukwi' became black ashes, embedding themselves in 'Kang-cheol's ear.

Ultimately, while the 'Palchukwi' suppressed the energy of 'Kang-cheol' embodied within 'Yoon-gab', the wandering spirit of 'Yoon-gab' returned to physical form. 'Yeori', who instantly noticed 'Yoon-gab's return, couldn't hide her surprise. The drama ended on a note of concern as 'Yeori' became engulfed in anxiety over the mysterious whereabouts of 'Kang-cheol', raising questions about 'Yoon-gab's next steps now that he had regained his body, significantly heightening anticipation for the climax of the unfolding story in 'The Haunted Palace'.

[Photo] SBS 'The Haunted Palace' broadcast capture

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