In The Haunted Palace Episode 13 recap, the drama plunges into a dark and tragic 100-year-old flashback. As enemy forces close in, King Yeon-jong flees with his loyal Escort Officer Cheon Geum-hwi, seeking shelter in the latter’s hometown of Yongdam Village. Fearing pursuit, the king uses a decoy to mislead the attackers—yet when Cheon pleads to evacuate the villagers, the king refuses, prioritizing secrecy. Choi Gil-song signals for Cheon to be restrained, and the soldiers abandon him. The result is a massacre, leaving the village drenched in blood. Now, in the present, King Lee Sung reels with guilt over his ancestor’s betrayal, while Cheon—now the vengeful 8-foot ghost—carries the burden of his failure and the villagers’ rage.

Yeo-ri senses the depth of Cheon’s grief, realizing he has become a vessel for the villagers’ wrath. Gangcheori, too, exposes the aftermath: those few who survived grew twisted and hateful, fueling his belief that mortals are inherently loathsome. Meanwhile, the ghost attacks the Crown Prince but is repelled by the protective ghostbane stone, and Ga-seop comforts the shaken royal.

Back in the village, Yeo-ri notices Yoon Gap’s wandering soul. Gangcheori suspects something sinister, but Yeo-ri’s mind is on what will happen once Yoon Gap reclaims his body. Gangcheori flirts with her, watched quietly by a brooding Gap. In-seon, ever the observer, picks up on their chemistry. When Yeo-ri playfully claims her bond with Gangcheori, the blooming of a caragana plant catches everyone off guard. A flashback to Ga-seop reveals that caragana flowers, infused with water energy, might be key to empowering Gangcheori against the ghost, especially as the Imugi’s strength wanes.

Meanwhile, King Lee Sung is devastated upon learning of Kim Bong-in’s death. Already burdened by his royal lineage’s disgrace, he finds solace in performing the ritual for the one-legged ghost. Choi Won-u hesitates but ultimately expresses heartfelt remorse, enabling the spirit to cross over. As consequence, the King punishes Choi with a fine and fifty lashings.

Back en route to the capital, Pung-san targets Minister Ahn—the very official responsible for the talismans. The blind shaman lures him with promises of power, aiming to advance his twisted plan. Meanwhile, Yoon Gap continues to suffer in silence as Gangcheori seems to eclipse him—winning over the King and even Mrs. Yoon. Gap’s growing resentment becomes a key component in Pung-san’s larger scheme to cultivate a powerful grudge.

Preparing for a final confrontation, King Lee Sung presents Cheon Geum-hwi’s identification tablet, hoping that an apology will soothe the 8-foot ghost. Inspired by the earlier ritual’s success, he plans another one for Cheon’s 100th death anniversary, ten days away. Though Yeo-ri wishes to shield Gangcheori from danger, he insists on being part of the ritual.

Meanwhile, the Queen Mother seeks closure. When Yeo-ri gently lies that Prince Yeong-in can be freed through prayer, the Queen clings to hope. The kid ghost questions her deceit, but Yeo-ri defends the strength of a mother’s prayer and helps the ghost boy pass peacefully into the afterlife.

In the final act of The Haunted Palace Episode 13, Pung-san springs his next trap. Minister Ahn invites Gangcheori to a meal, but the Imugi senses danger too late. He collapses and is brought back unconscious. In a chilling twist, Yoon Gap awakens in his own body while Gangcheori has vanished. Mrs. Yoon is overjoyed to have her son back, but Yeo-ri is left shaken, unsure of Gangcheori’s fate. For more about The Haunted Palace, do check out the link below.

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