WJSN's Bona Takes Center Stage in 'The Haunted Palace': A Mystical Journey of Spirits and Romance
WJSN's Bona Takes Lead Role in Highly Anticipated Fantasy Drama 'The Haunted Palace'
K-pop idol-turned-actress Bona (Kim Ji-yeon) of girl group WJSN is set to captivate viewers in her newest leading role in SBS's upcoming fantasy historical drama 'The Haunted Palace' (귀궁/Gwigung). The series is scheduled to premiere on April 18, 2025, airing every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST. This marks Bona's second venture into historical dramas following her performance in 'Joseon Attorney' (2023), further cementing her position as a versatile actress in the Korean entertainment industry.
The drama brings together a talented cast including BTOB's Yook Sung-jae and actor Kim Ji-hoon, creating what many fans are already calling a visually stunning ensemble. Particularly exciting is the pairing of Bona and Yook Sung-jae, both born in 1995, whose chemistry has been highlighted in recently released teasers and promotional materials.
A Supernatural Tale of Possession and Romance
Set in the Joseon Dynasty, 'The Haunted Palace' tells the story of Yeo-ri (played by Bona), a shaman who rejects her destiny as a medium despite being the only granddaughter of a famous spiritual medium with extraordinary abilities. Her life becomes complicated when she encounters Yoon-gap (Yook Sung-jae), her first love, whose body has been possessed by an imugi (a mythical serpent creature) named Gang-cheol.
The plot thickens as they face a vengeful eight-foot-tall ghost harboring resentment against the royal family. This supernatural encounter leads to a complex entanglement of bodies and souls, creating what the production team describes as a 'body-snatching fantasy romantic comedy.' The series promises to blend elements of horror, fantasy, comedy, and romance in a unique narrative that explores both the spiritual and human worlds.
Bona as Yeo-ri: A Reluctant Shaman with Extraordinary Powers
In the drama, Bona portrays Yeo-ri, a character who possesses remarkable spiritual powers but refuses to follow the path of becoming a shaman. Instead, she chooses to live as a craftsman making spectacles (eyeglasses). Her character is described as having a pure soul that captivates the imugi spirit.
The first character poster released by the production team shows Bona in traditional attire with hints of green, symbolizing her connection to the spiritual realm. Her determined gaze reflects her strong will and the inner conflict of her character. In the poster, she declares, 'My Lord, I will surely save you,' hinting at her commitment to rescuing Yoon-gap from the imugi's possession.
This role allows Bona to showcase her acting range, portraying a character torn between her supernatural abilities and her desire for a normal life, while also navigating a complicated romantic relationship with a man whose body houses another entity.
The Chemistry Between Bona and Yook Sung-jae
One of the most anticipated aspects of 'The Haunted Palace' is the on-screen chemistry between Bona and Yook Sung-jae. Both born in 1995, the same-age actors bring a natural comfort to their interactions. In a recent interview, Yook Sung-jae mentioned that their pre-existing friendship has made their collaboration smoother and more authentic.
'At first, I was worried that it might be awkward since we're the same age, but it actually worked out better,' Yook Sung-jae shared. 'Since we already knew each other, we could communicate comfortably and be considerate of each other during filming, which made the process much smoother.'
Their relationship in the drama is described as a 'hate-to-love romance' (혐관 로맨스), where initial animosity evolves into deeper feelings. This dynamic promises to deliver both comedic moments and heartfelt emotional scenes as Yeo-ri attempts to save her first love while dealing with the mischievous imugi inhabiting his body.
A Star-Studded Production Team
The drama boasts an impressive production team that has fans eagerly anticipating its release. Director Yoon Sung-sik, known for successful dramas like 'The Queen of Office,' 'The Greatest Lee Soon-shin,' 'Bridal Mask,' and 'Emperor of the Sea,' has joined forces with writer Yoon Soo-jung, who penned 'The King's Face' and 'Go Go Waikiki.'
This collaboration between experienced creators and the fresh acting combination of Bona, Yook Sung-jae, and Kim Ji-hoon has generated significant buzz in the Korean entertainment industry. The production quality is expected to be high, with elaborate sets, costumes, and special effects to bring the supernatural elements of the story to life.
The series completed filming between July 31, 2024, and February 28, 2025, after six months of production, and is now in its final stages of post-production before its April premiere.
Bona's Rising Career as an Actress
Bona's casting in 'The Haunted Palace' comes as no surprise to those who have followed her acting career. Since her acting debut in 2017 with 'Hit the Top,' she has steadily built an impressive portfolio of diverse roles. Her breakthrough came with her portrayal of fencer Ko Yu-rim in the critically acclaimed series 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' (2022), which became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas in cable television history.
Following this success, she starred in 'Joseon Attorney' (2023) as Princess Lee Yeon-joo and in 'Pyramid Game' (2024) as Sung Soo-ji. Each role has showcased her growing versatility as an actress, earning her recognition and awards, including Best New Actress at the 2020 KBS Drama Awards and Best Acting Performance at the 2022 Asia Artist Awards.
For her acting career, Bona promotes under her real name, Kim Ji-yeon, and is managed by King Kong by Starship. Her transition from idol to respected actress mirrors the successful career paths of other idol-actors who have managed to establish themselves in both fields.
What to Expect from 'The Haunted Palace'
According to the production team, 'The Haunted Palace' will offer viewers a unique blend of genres. While the supernatural elements and historical setting provide the backdrop, the heart of the story lies in the emotional journey of the characters and their intertwined fates.
Yook Sung-jae has hinted that one of the most entertaining aspects of the drama will be watching his character, the imugi Gang-cheol, adapt to human life and develop emotions through his experiences in a human body. 'The emotional changes that occur as Gang-cheol becomes accustomed to the human body and integrates into relationships with humans will be an interesting point for viewers,' he explained.
Additionally, the drama will feature storylines about vengeful ghosts being guided to the afterlife, adding layers of depth to the supernatural narrative. The combination of romance, comedy, fantasy, and traditional Korean folklore promises to create a viewing experience that stands out in the landscape of Korean dramas.
Community Reactions and Anticipation
Since the announcement of the drama and the release of its first teaser, 'The Haunted Palace' has generated significant buzz among K-drama enthusiasts and fans of both Bona and Yook Sung-jae. Online communities have been particularly excited about the pairing of these two 95-liners, with many commenting on their visual compatibility and acting credentials.
The fantasy elements of the story have also sparked interest, as supernatural historical dramas continue to be popular among international audiences. The unique concept of a body-snatching imugi and a reluctant shaman offers a fresh take on the genre.
To further promote the drama, Bona and Yook Sung-jae recently participated in a filming for SBS's variety show 'Running Man,' scheduled to air on March 30, 2025. This appearance is expected to increase anticipation for the drama's premiere in April.
Mark Your Calendars for April 18, 2025
As the premiere date approaches, fans of Korean dramas, especially those who enjoy supernatural elements and historical settings, have much to look forward to with 'The Haunted Palace.' The series will follow the conclusion of SBS's current Friday-Saturday drama 'Treasure Island.'
With its compelling storyline, talented cast, and experienced production team, 'The Haunted Palace' is positioned to be one of the standout dramas of 2025. Whether you're a fan of Bona, Yook Sung-jae, or simply enjoy well-crafted fantasy dramas, this series promises to deliver entertainment that spans across genres and emotions.
Don't miss the premiere on April 18, 2025, at 9:50 PM KST on SBS, as Bona takes on this challenging and multifaceted role that could further elevate her status as one of Korea's most promising actresses.