Netflix’s upcoming series “The East Palace” just got a little more intriguing, thanks to a candid new interview from its two leads. Nam Joo Hyuk and Roh Yoon Seo sat down with ELLE Korea following a photoshoot, and what they revealed says a lot about how deeply they connected with this project.
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The East Palace: A Story That Grabbed Them Instantly
“The East Palace” follows Gu Cheon (Nam Joo Hyuk), who can move between the world of the living and the world of ghosts, and Saeng Gang (Roh Yoon Seo), a court lady who can hear spirits. Together, summoned by the King (Cho Seung Woo), they’re tasked with uncovering the truth behind a cursed palace.
Nam Joo Hyuk described getting hooked on the script almost immediately, saying he read through several episodes in a single sitting once he started. Roh Yoon Seo had a similar reaction, comparing the experience to playing a game, with scenes replaying in her head long after she’d finished reading.
Training Like It’s Real
This project marks Nam Joo Hyuk’s first role since finishing his military service, and he threw himself into swordsmanship and action training to prepare. He shared that the physical demands were tough but deeply satisfying after his time away from acting. Roh Yoon Seo went through her own intensive prep, including horseback riding, swordsmanship, and stunt rolling, and even shaped her performance around imagining the camera as the ghosts’ own point of view.

More Than a Ghost Story
Both actors were quick to push back on the idea that this is simply a ghost-hunting drama. Nam Joo Hyuk explained that he never approached his character as someone eliminating spirits, but rather someone helping them find peace. Roh Yoon Seo added that Gu Cheon and Saeng Gang’s bond grows into something that goes beyond typical romance or friendship as they investigate the curse together.
The East Palace: Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | The East Palace |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Lead Cast | Nam Joo Hyuk, Roh Yoon Seo, Cho Seung Woo |
| Interview Feature | ELLE Korea, August Issue |
| Nam Joo Hyuk’s Prep | Swordsmanship, action training |
| Roh Yoon Seo’s Prep | Horseback riding, swordsmanship, stunt rolling |
Both actors also praised Cho Seung Woo’s dedication to character work, saying his approach shaped the entire production. Nam Joo Hyuk, known for roles spanning romance to action since his early career, as noted on Wikipedia, continues to expand his range with this darker, fantasy-driven role.
For more K-drama interviews and Netflix series updates, check out TechnoSports for regular coverage.
FAQs
Q1. What is “The East Palace” about?
It follows Gu Cheon and Saeng Gang as they investigate a cursed palace and the ghosts tied to it.
Q2. How did Nam Joo Hyuk prepare for his role?
He trained extensively in swordsmanship and action choreography after completing his military service.





