Get ready to see actor Kim Ji Hoon like never before — wearing the crown and wielding royal authority in his very first king role since debut!

Kim Ji Hoon is taking on the throne in The Haunted Palace, MBC’s upcoming fantasy-historical drama premiering April 18, and he’s not just ruling a kingdom — he’s battling evil spirits, harboring secrets, and giving us all the drama, action, and heart we could ask for.

Set in a Joseon-era world where supernatural forces clash with human fate, The Haunted Palace follows Yeo Ri (played by Bona), a determined young shaman who refuses to accept her destiny, and Yoon Gap (Yook Sung Jae), a loyal palace official who becomes possessed by an imugi — a mythical serpent-like creature. Together, they join forces with King Lee Jeong (Kim Ji Hoon) to face off against a terrifying spirit with deep grudges against the royal family.

For Kim Ji Hoon, this marks a thrilling return to historical dramas after 15 years. “I had great trust in director Yoon Sung Shik because of our work on Tower of Babel,” he shared. “And I really wanted to challenge myself — not just with another historical drama, but by playing a king for the very first time.”

But Lee Jeong isn’t your typical sageuk monarch. According to Kim, this ruler is anything but one-note. “He’s a righteous king, but also incredibly human — sometimes funny, sometimes broken, and often caught in emotional turmoil,” he explained. “From comedy to action to melodrama, he’s a dynamic character I put my whole heart into.”

And it shows — Kim revealed that he went through intense acting and vocal training to master the regal tone required, while also avoiding the stiff, formulaic delivery often seen in traditional period dramas.

Fans can also expect high-stakes action. “There’s a key fight scene later in the drama that completely wiped me out,” he admitted. “I was sore for a whole month afterward!”

As for on-screen chemistry? Kim had nothing but praise for his co-stars. “Watching Yook Sung Jae and Bona work together brought a huge smile to my face,” he said, while describing his bromance with Yook Sung Jae’s character as “spontaneous and full of fun improvisation.”

The Haunted Palace promises a genre mashup that’s got it all — creepy exorcisms, unexpected laughs, tender character growth, and explosive action. Kim Ji Hoon hopes viewers will feel it all. “From the king’s emotional journey to the rich layers of fantasy and heart, we poured everything into this series. I hope people love it as much as we loved making it.”

Mark your calendars: The Haunted Palace premieres April 18, and Kim Ji Hoon is ready to rule. 👑