The Enchanting Finale of '귀궁' Breaks Viewership Records

SBS's latest fantasy historical drama, 귀궁 (Gwigung), has concluded with a dazzling and emotional happy ending, beautifully wrapping up the unprecedented tale of the mythical Imugi. The final episode achieved a peak viewership rating of 12.3%, with national ratings at 11.0% and 10.1% in the metropolitan area, setting a new record for the series. Additionally, it topped the 2049 demographic ratings with 2.7%, solidifying its position as the number one Saturday mini-series in its time slot (according to Nielsen Korea).

In the finale aired on June 7, the intense showdown unfolded between 강철이 (Kang Cheol, played by 육성재) and 여리 (Yeori, played by 김지연) against 이정 (Lee Jeong, played by 김지훈), who was possessed by the vengeful spirit 팔척귀 (Palcheokwi, played by 서도영). In a gripping climax, Yeori risked her life to summon the '화덕차사' (a grim reaper for fiery spirits), while Kang Cheol consumed the petals of the Goldamcho flower and exhausted all his magical energy to save her. Ultimately, the spirit was released from Lee Jeong's body, resolving its deep-seated grudge through Yeori's heartfelt ritual and Lee Jeong's sincere apology, transforming back into its original form, 천금휘 (Cheon Geum-hwi), and crossing the river of the dead, evoking tears from viewers. In a surprising twist, Kang Cheol, thought to be lost, awakens dramatically, choosing a life with Yeori over ascending as a dragon, leading to a joyful domestic life with children, leaving audiences with a warm afterglow.

As SBS's unique offering in 2025, 귀궁 has made its mark as a successful fantasy historical drama amidst fierce competition, garnering unwavering support from viewers throughout its run. Let's take a look back at the significant impact of this K-fantasy drama.

# A Unique Love Story Between a Human and a Mythical Creature

귀궁 presents a fresh narrative with the romance between a human and an Imugi, showcasing a unique twist on the love-hate trope. The protagonist, being a divine entity, brings forth a rich tapestry of stories and characters that captivate the audience. Kang Cheol's humorous journey of discovering human emotions and the evolving love story between him and Yeori, who is caught in a complex situation, adds depth and charm to the series. The confrontation with the vengeful spirit Palcheokwi adds a thrilling tension, making it a captivating watch.

# Stellar Performances from the Cast

육성재 shines as Kang Cheol, perfectly embodying the duality of a human and a divine being. His portrayal ranges from a naive creature experiencing human emotions for the first time to a charismatic deity, successfully earning him the title of 'fantasy genius.' 김지연, playing Yeori, defies her fate as a shaman and impresses with her nuanced performance, breaking stereotypes associated with shaman characters. Meanwhile, 김지훈 as Lee Jeong showcases a multifaceted character, balancing the charisma of a benevolent king with the innocence of a devoted lover, further enhancing the drama's appeal.

# A New Era for the Occult Genre

귀궁 distinguishes itself from traditional occult dramas by presenting spirits with human-like emotions, focusing on their stories rather than merely portraying them as sources of fear. The series delves into the healing narratives of these spirits, offering a fresh perspective on the genre and creating a new narrative framework for occult dramas.

# Global Impact of K-Fantasy

The success of 귀궁 has transcended borders, captivating audiences not only in South Korea but also internationally. In its first week, it topped the TV series category in five Asian countries on Netflix, signaling a strong global presence. The series also achieved an impressive 9.7 rating on Rakuten Viki, ranking first in 89 countries, including the USA, UK, France, and Australia. Furthermore, it dominated the Southeast Asian market, securing top spots in countries like Hong Kong and Thailand.

International media have praised the series, with the South China Morning Post highlighting its engaging blend of genres and dense plot, while Leisurebyte commended its ability to deliver humor and warmth amidst chaotic plot twists, further elevating the global status of K-fantasy.