INTERVIEW: Yook Sung Jae Reflects on the End of “The Haunted Palace” and His Journey as an Actor – kdramadiary

After wrapping up his dual role in the hit SBS drama The Haunted Palace, Yook Sung-jae opens up about his experience, the challenges of playing two contrasting characters, and the impact the drama had on his growth as an actor.

In The Haunted Palace, Yook Sung Jae captivated audiences with his portrayal of both Yoon Gap, a prosecutor, and the malevolent spirit Kang Cheol-i. As the series concluded on July 7th, Sung-jae’s powerful performance earned widespread praise, with many lauding his ability to shift seamlessly between humor and deep emotion.

The Haunted Palace not only dominated local viewership ratings, claiming first place even before its premiere and continuing to lead the miniseries ratings for nine consecutive weeks, but it also became a global sensation, topping charts in 89 countries, including the US, the UK, and France.

Having earned the title of ‘possessed actor’ from his previous fantasy roles in dramas like Goblin, The Golden Spoon, and Mystic Pop-Up Bar, Yook Sungjae once again showcased his remarkable versatility in The Haunted Palace.

K-DRAMA REVIEW: “The Haunted Palace” Enchants With Absorbing Fantasy Tale

Through an insightful Q&A session, he shared his thoughts on the drama’s conclusion, behind-the-scenes moments, and his evolving approach to acting. Below is an excerpt from his conversation.

Q. The Haunted Palace has ended. How do you feel about its conclusion?

“I’m really sad, and it still doesn’t feel real that it’s over. The Haunted Palace was such a meaningful project for me. It gave me confidence in my acting abilities and reinforced my determination to be more proactive in my career. I’m so grateful to everyone who supported and loved the show.”

Q. You received much praise for your dual roles as the possessed Kang Cheol-i and the human Yoon Gap. Were there any aspects of these roles that were particularly challenging or rewarding?

“It was definitely challenging to play two distinct roles without relying on any special effects. But I tackled the task step-by-step, focusing on each scene as a ‘mission’ that I had to complete. I became increasingly fascinated with the subtle art of acting, especially how facial expressions, speech, and small details could distinguish one character from the other. When I saw the final product, I felt a sense of pride in the work we all created.”

Q. The Haunted Palace received tremendous attention, surpassing 10% in viewership ratings and ranking number one for nine consecutive weeks. Did you expect it to be such a big hit? What has the reaction been like from those around you?

“I’m incredibly thankful for the attention we received, starting from the very first episode. More people are recognizing me now, and while I personally feel there are areas I could improve, I am truly grateful for all the love and positive feedback. It’s humbling to know that people have supported us so much.”

Q. Can you share any memorable moments or the overall atmosphere on set?

“The director and the entire staff really cared about the characters and the story. Thanks to their dedication, Kang Cheol’s character was able to shine even brighter. I especially enjoyed working closely with actors Kim Ji-yeon and Kim Ji-hoon, who helped make our scenes even more compelling. The energy on set was infectious, and everyone’s passion for The Haunted Palace motivated me to give my best performance throughout the filming process.”

Q. This is your first historical drama. How has it influenced your growth as an actor?

“This experience has completely removed my fear of exploring different genres. Since The Haunted Palace blends so many styles—historical, fantasy, and more—I was able to experiment with various acting techniques. I learned to appreciate the unique elements of each genre and now feel more confident that I can tackle diverse roles in the future.”

Q. How was your experience working with the other actors in the drama?

“Kim Ji-yeon is such a talented actress. She analyzes the script in such detail, always pointing out little things I may have missed and making sure we never skipped over any nuance. Kim Ji-hoon, too, was incredibly dedicated to the drama and his character. He gave me lots of valuable feedback and really helped me immerse myself in the scenes. He was a fantastic co-actor, and I’m grateful for the chemistry we shared.“

Q. Looking ahead, are there any genres or roles you’d like to explore?

“I want to try everything! After diving into the fantasy genre, I’d love to take on roles in more grounded, everyday stories—maybe playing an ordinary country boy or starring in a more simple, heartfelt human drama. I’m open to all kinds of acting challenges.”

Q. Lastly, any words for the fans who supported The Haunted Palace?

“Thank you so much for loving The Haunted Palace and for supporting us all the way to the end. I hope that Kang Cheol and Yeo-ri were able to drive away all the negativity in your lives. May you all be blessed with happiness from here on out. Evil spirits, go away!”

In addition to his successful role in The Haunted Palace, Yook Sung-jae is preparing to meet fans with his first mini album, All About Blue. The album, which features his signature boyish charm, will be released online at 6 PM KST on July 19th. He will also hold his solo fan concert, THE BLUE JOURNEY, on July 21st and 22nd, offering fans a chance to connect with him in person.