After sixteen thrilling and emotionally charged episodes, The Haunted Palace closes its curtain with a bittersweet yet deeply satisfying finale. The final episode delivers resolution to long-standing mysteries, closure to deeply rooted trauma, and a sense of hopeful continuity, both for its characters and its viewers. Here’s a breakdown of how the series wrapped up, what it all means, and how the ending sets the stage for a meaningful legacy.
The Haunted Palace Ending Explained: Eight-Feet Spirit’s End
The heart of the final conflict lies in the showdown between Yeo-ri and the spirit of the vengeful 8-foot ghost, later revealed to be Cheon, the child whose tragic death triggered a generational curse and the possession of the King. But even before the battle begins, the stakes are high: Yeo-ri is smuggled into the palace by Head Eunuch Kim, and with the help of Royal Guard Kim, she confronts a palace crawling with possessed loyalists. Together, they subdue key enemies like Assassin Jung, clearing the path for the ultimate confrontation.
Yeo-ri faces off against the possessed King, and for the first time, she reveals her own possession by the fire Grim Reaper. As the two spirits clash, it becomes clear that Cheon, the ghost, is not just driven by vengeance but by a deep sense of betrayal. Pung-san sacrifices his powers to help, and with a burst of strength, the 8-foot ghost banishes the Grim Reaper. But the ghost remains a threat, unwilling to let go of his pain. Just as he’s about to kill Yeo-ri, Gangcheol intervenes.
Their confrontation is raw and brutal. Cheon blames Gangcheol for ignoring his cries the night of his death, prioritising his own ascension over saving innocent lives. Deeply ashamed, Gangcheol unleashes his divine pearl—a final act of redemption. He promises to no longer ignore suffering and pledges to save the dead. His full power releases Cheon, who disappears. The King and Yeo-ri awaken—but Gangcheol doesn’t.
Farewell and Resurrection: Gangcheori’s Final Choice
As Yeo-ri performs the final rites for the Yongdam villagers, a beautiful vision unfolds. The souls, led by the spirit of Cheon, now at peace, emerge and cross into the afterlife. The King kneels in remorse, vowing never again to let such cruelty befall his people. Cheon, who had longed for vengeance, admits that all he needed was a sincere apology. With that, he and the villagers vanish, finally at peace.
Back in the mortal realm, the grief runs deep. Ga-seop reflects that Gangcheol’s true purpose was always to save the nation, though this does little to console Mrs. Yoon, who breaks down at losing her son again. Yeo-ri, devastated, calls out the imugi for breaking his promise to never leave her side. Even the King mourns, admitting that Gangcheol was his only real friend.
Just when the loss seems final, a miracle occurs—Gangcheol wakes up. His return brings immeasurable joy, as he embraces both Yeo-ri and his mother. He later reveals that after death, he met the Heavenly Sovereign, who offered him a choice: to ascend to heaven or return to Earth. Naturally, he chose Earth—though he cheekily claims it was all for Yeo-ri.
Closure and Consequences: From Ghosts to Governance
With the curse lifted and the palace restored, closure sweeps across the story like a healing wind. The devoured souls are freed, and even the Queen’s spirit visits the King, leaving behind a soft blessing of peace before crossing over. Neop-deok, ever the faithful friend, urges Yeo-ri to stay strong before passing on.
Not everyone is granted a peaceful ending, however. As Se-won and Pung-san attempt to escape, their criminal paths catch up with them. Se-won is arrested after being used as bait by Pung-san. The latter may think he’s home free, but fate—or rather, Gangcheol’s divine curse—strikes him down with lightning. It’s poetic justice for a trickster who had always dodged accountability.
Meanwhile, real reform begins to take root. Choi Won-woo is promoted to Chief State Councillor and partners with the King and Crown Prince to initiate anti-slavery reforms. The Queen Mother apologises to Ok-im, though the drowned ghost refuses to cross over, having grown fond of Yeo-ri’s company—a touch of humour amidst the emotional farewells.
A New Life for Yeo-ri and Gangcheol
Post-palace life for Yeo-ri is quietly joyful. Her optician business flourishes, creating glasses and even sunglasses for dignitaries like Choi Won-woo and the King. In-seon tries to reconcile, only to feel a tinge of jealousy upon learning that Yeo-ri is now engaged to Gangcheol. Ever gracious, Yeo-ri gifts her a love talisman, signalling that she’s moved on with peace in her heart.
The dynamic between Gangcheol and the King remains delightfully unchanged, they continue to bicker and debate over how to improve the kingdom. It’s a refreshing reminder that despite supernatural drama and brushes with death, some things like friendship and rivalry remain constant.
Years pass, and the epilogue brings a heartwarming glimpse of the future. Yeo-ri and Gangcheol now have a daughter, Ga-won, who has inherited her father’s lightning powers and her mother’s fierce determination. Mrs. Yoon, of course, rules the household with the same authority as ever, the only one capable of controlling the two stormy personalities when they clash.
In the final scene, Head Eunuch Kim bursts in with reports of another supernatural incident. Gangcheol demands payment for his services, and Kim reluctantly agrees for Ga-won’s sake. Yeo-ri and Mrs. Yoon interrupt the squabble, grounding the situation with their unshakable presence. With a smile, Yeo-ri steps out alongside Gangcheol, hinting that their story, though complete, still continues in spirit.
Final Thoughts
The Haunted Palace ends not just with spectacle, but with meaning. It’s a story about how silence and indifference can destroy, and how courage, honesty, and a simple apology can heal what seemed impossible. Gangcheol’s arc—from selfish demigod to self-sacrificing protector, is a powerful metaphor for growth. Yeo-ri, whose journey began in shadows, emerges as a light not just to the living, but also to the lost.
Though full of ghosts and gods, the show’s final message is deeply human: people want to be seen, heard, and acknowledged. Injustice festers when we ignore pain, but healing begins when we listen. The Haunted Palace may have concluded, but its message lingers long after the credits roll.
Also read: The Haunted Palace Episode 16 Review: Deity and His Disciple Have a Happy Ending
