In the Haunted Palace episode 9, Yeo-ri, played by Kim Ji-yeon, finally learns the real story behind her grandmother’s death. For twenty years, she believed Kang Cheol was the one to blame. But that belief is shattered when Lee Jung, played by Kim Ji-hoon, reveals the truth. The real culprit was Palchukgwi.
This moment hits hard. Yeo-ri is shocked. She asks Lee Jung why he waited so long to tell her. He answers with regret, saying he hoped her suspicions were wrong. He also explains that her grandmother, Neup-deok, was the only one who could ease the madness that haunted the king.
Yeo-ri then confronts Kang Cheol. Her question is direct—why didn’t he tell her earlier? Kang Cheol explains it would have only put her in more danger. She was just thirteen at the time. If she had tried to fight Palchukgwi back then, she could have died too. His words make sense, but they still hurt. She breaks down in tears.
Meanwhile, the story doesn’t slow down. Tensions rise all around. Kang Cheol gets angry at Lee Jung for revealing the truth. But Lee Jung notices something. He teases Kang Cheol, saying he must have feelings for Yeo-ri. It’s lighthearted, but it hits a nerve.
Elsewhere, new plots unfold. Poongsan informs the queen dowager that Lee Jung is working to bring Choi Won-woo into the palace. The queen dowager isn’t happy. She calls Choi and threatens him, using a secret book from a century ago as leverage.
At the same time, trouble finds Yeong-geum. She’s kidnapped. Kang Cheol searches for her while Yeo-ri goes to Kim Bong-in’s house. It turns out to be a trap. Yeo-ri is threatened, and Yeong-geum remains locked away.
Kwak Sang-chung, who suspects Kang Cheol, tries to uncover Yoon Gap’s identity. But Yoon Gap doesn’t give in. They clash, but he can’t fight back well due to a talisman. Just then, Bibi appears. He saves the situation but keeps his true identity hidden.
Revealed Feelings and Rising Threats
Yeo-ri returns and finds out what happened to Yeong-geum. Her leg is injured. Kang Cheol tends to her wound with care. This quiet moment shows his growing concern. It’s a big change from their past tension.
But the calm doesn’t last. Poongsan warns Prime Minister Kim Bong-in about Yeo-ri. He explains she’s the descendant of a powerful shaman. Kim Bong-in sees her as a threat. He even considers killing her, just like her grandmother. But he’s cautious. There’s an Imoogi spirit inside Yoon Gap, and that makes things complicated.
To get to Yeo-ri, Kim Bong-in tricks her. He uses her mother as bait, leaving a message for Kang Cheol. The letter leads him to a dangerous place—an old house near Seosomun. Kang Cheol senses something is off, but still goes.
Just when Yeo-ri thinks she’s safe, another assassin shows up. Luckily, Lee Jung sees it and steps in. He saves her again. He also warns her. Someone out there has discovered her identity. She’s no longer just a young woman—she’s part of a bigger plan, and now, she’s a target.
Back at home, Yeo-ri finally lets her emotions out. She talks to Kang Cheol about her grandmother again. Her feelings are complicated. She’s sad, but also thankful. She doesn’t have to carry guilt anymore. And she’s free to feel something for him. It’s tender and honest.
Kang Cheol listens. He wipes away her tears. And again, he kisses her.
This episode showed the real start of their relationship. But it also made one thing clear—danger is getting closer. They’re running out of time.
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
