Sin Stealer Kkeomeok-sal Sparks Buzz! ‘The East Palace’ Rises to No. 2 Among Non-English Shows in Global TOP 10 Just 3 Days After Release

The Netflix series 〈The East Palace〉, a story about Gu Cheon (Nam Ju-hyuk), a man who can move between the world of spirits, and Saeng Gang (No Yoon-seo), a palace maid who guards a secret, as they receive a summons from the king (Cho Seung-woo) and dig into the curse that has taken hold in the East Palace, was released on Friday, the 17th, and within just three days it logged 4.9 million (4,900,000) views — calculated by dividing view time by the work’s total running time — placing it at No. 2 on the global TOP 10 list of non-English shows. And from immediately after the release through today, it not only grabbed No. 1 in the “Today’s TOP 10 Series in South Korea” ranking, but also proved its global popularity by entering the TOP 10 lists across a total of 27 countries, including Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines, and India, as well as South Korea. 

〈The East Palace〉 is drawing praise from overseas media from the start, thanks to its distinctive concept and mysterious plot. “An intriguing mystery, overwhelming visual splendor, and a solid world-building storyline instantly captivate viewers. No Yoon-seo expressed the character’s depth in an outstanding way through delicacy, toughness, and naturally appealing charm” (Decider) 

“Netflix unveiled the most captivating fantasy blockbuster of 2026. 〈The East Palace〉​ offered wide creative possibilities to bring to life, in an original way, a visual identity unique to the world of spirits and the surreal designs of a variety of monsters. With dazzling visuals, a glamorous cast, and an immersive story, this dark fantasy is a must-see that you can’t afford to miss” (Collider) 

“The unparalleled world-building realized by 〈The East Palace〉 is unquestionably the show’s biggest strength and a key reason to watch” (TIME) “As for the lavish sets and costumes, as well as the veteran actors who bring to life the heavy lines characteristic of a period drama through deep, meaningful performances, the work is filled with standout talent. The production’s visual effects, which meticulously recreate the world of spirits as it intertwines with Gu Cheon, complete the viewing experience even further and deliver an overwhelming spectacle” (South China Morning Post), among other enthusiastic reactions.

Fueled by its scorching popularity, the previously unreleased stills feature reversal moments from 〈The East Palace〉, sparking curiosity. As the palace secrets are unveiled one by one, Gu Cheon and Saeng Gang’s performances in the whirlwind of developments instantly draw attention. Coordinating the drama’s tension through a special kind of teamwork in two different spaces — the world of spirits and the real world — Gu Cheon and Saeng Gang bring viewers deeper into the story as they rely on one another and change together the closer they get to the truth. 

Nam Ju-hyuk standing in front of a huge jar hints at Gu Cheon’s psychological shift as he steps into the world of spirits, and No Yoon-seo’s intense gaze as she confronts the king also captures Saeng Gang’s emotional arc with careful precision, enthralling viewers as she digs for the truth. Above all, attention is also drawn to Cho Seung-woo, who expresses the king’s complicated inner world with density simply through his appearances, putting on what amounts to an “acting wizardry show.”

 ​

 ​

Praise is also continuing for Kwak Dong-yeon, who holds the key to the twists and reveals a heavy, commanding presence, and Jang Young-nam, who steadies the center of the drama with explosive acting. In particular, Kwak Dong-yeon leaves a powerful impact with a dark, resentful appearance, evoking the movements of the Crown Prince’s ghost that pull up viewer immersion in the latter half of the series. The action scenes featuring Nam Ju-hyuk and Kwak Dong-yeon, too, keep the spotlight by cutting between the world of spirits and the real world, and the scenes where Cho Seung-woo and Kwak Dong-yeon share a one-on-one moment have also drawn attention for their outstanding performances. 

On top of that, the production clearly showcases its distinctly Korean appeal, captivating viewers. Focused attention is being directed not only to the contrast between the world of spirits and the real world, but also to the art and sets that fully convey the intimidating presence of the palace packed with secrets, the music that heightens the mysterious atmosphere, and the costumes that firmly bring the series’ concept to life.