The Haunted Palace Episode 16: A Bittersweet Finale of Redemption, Closure, and Family

The Haunted Palace Episode 16 opens with a tense clash between Gangcheori and the possessed King, now under the control of the powerful 8-foot ghost. In a desperate attempt to weaken the possessed monarch, Gangcheori uses talismans and manages to drive him off temporarily. He flees the palace to regroup with allies at a hidden safe house. The Crown Prince is visibly anxious, but Gangcheori reassures him with a bold promise—he will rescue the King personally. This declaration visibly unsettles Yeo-ri, who knows too well what such a vow might cost. Her dream is painfully simple: to live an ordinary life with Gangcheori, even just for a few fleeting days. Moved by her quiet yearning, Gangcheori agrees, and she asks him to bring Mrs. Yoon to them.

But it’s all a ruse. As soon as Gangcheori leaves, Yeo-ri is smuggled into the palace by Head Eunuch Kim with help from Royal Guard Kim. Mrs. Yoon, sensing something is amiss, pleads with Gangcheori to come back safe. In the palace, Yeo-ri and Kim’s forces subdue the possessed King’s guards, including the assassin Jung.

Then, a spiritual showdown begins. Yeo-ri, now possessed by the fire grim reaper, confronts the 8-foot ghost. The two spirits clash, as the ghost stubbornly refuses to cross over. Pung-san steps in, offering his own power to bolster Yeo-ri. Fueled by this, the ghost finally expels the reaper from Yeo-ri.

But peace is short-lived. As the ghost prepares to strike Yeo-ri, Gangcheori bursts in. A furious argument erupts, revealing the ghost’s true grudge: on the night of Cheon’s death, Gangcheori could have intervened but didn’t, choosing instead to focus on his heavenly ascension. Now face to face with the consequences of that choice, Gangcheori is badly wounded and forced to watch helplessly as the ghost strangles Yeo-ri. In a final act of contrition, he activates his pearl and unleashes its full power. He apologizes for his failure and vows to save the dead. The ghost vanishes. The King and Yeo-ri regain consciousness—but Gangcheori does not.

In the aftermath, Yeo-ri conducts the last rites for the dead of Yongdam. The souls appear one last time, now led by the ghost who has returned to his original form, Cheon. The King bows deeply, acknowledging his own guilt and ignorance. His apology, though belated, is sincere—enough to give Cheon the closure he needs. All the souls finally cross over into the afterlife.

As grief lingers, Ga-seop reflects that Gangcheori was always meant to save the nation. But Mrs. Yoon is inconsolable, mourning her son for the second time. Even the King expresses his sorrow, realizing Gangcheori was his truest companion. Yeo-ri bitterly chastises the imugi for breaking his promise to never leave her side.

Then, just as they prepare for his burial, Gangcheori stirs. Alive again, he joyfully embraces Yeo-ri and Mrs. Yoon. He explains that he met the Heavenly Sovereign in the afterlife, who offered him a choice: ascend to heaven or return to Earth. Gangcheori chose Earth, he says with a smirk—”just for Yeo-ri.”

With the threat of the 8-foot ghost now gone, all devoured souls are freed. The Queen briefly reappears to the King, bidding a heartfelt farewell before crossing over. Neop-deok hugs Yeo-ri and urges her to stay strong before disappearing. Pung-san and Se-won attempt to escape together, but when cornered, Se-won is arrested after being guilt-tripped into acting as bait. Pung-san escapes only to be fatally struck by lightning—Gangcheori’s divine punishment.

Meanwhile, the King appoints Choi Won-u as Chief State Councillor, and with the Crown Prince, they begin reforming outdated slave laws. The Queen Mother privately atones to Ok-im, though the drowned ghost refuses to leave, having grown attached to Yeo-ri.

Yeo-ri’s optician shop prospers, fitting both the King and Choi Won-u with custom glasses and sunglasses. In-seon makes a tentative effort to reconnect, still visibly jealous upon learning Yeo-ri is now engaged to Gangcheori. Yeo-ri gives her a love talisman as a parting gift.

Gangcheori and the King return to their usual antics, bantering while discussing how to serve the people better. Years pass, and the story finds Yeo-ri and Gangcheori happily raising their daughter, Ga-won—who has inherited her father’s lightning powers. Mrs. Yoon alone can tame the chaos when the father-daughter duo argue.

The series ends on a light-hearted yet promising note: Head Eunuch Kim rushes in with news of a new supernatural incident. Gangcheori demands payment, while Kim hesitates—only agreeing when Ga-won is mentioned. Yeo-ri and Mrs. Yoon cut the haggling short as Gangcheori and Yeo-ri prepare to confront the next spiritual disturbance.

The Haunted Palace Episode 16 delivers an emotionally satisfying finale, blending heartbreak, redemption, and hope, while setting the stage for future adventures with a warm, lived-in world that fans won’t want to leave. For the full recap, check out the link below.

Alternatively, watch the full series here: