Released July 17th The East Palace follows Gucheon (Nam Joo Hyuk), a man with the ability to travel between the human and spirit worlds, and Saenggang (Roh Yoon Seo), a palace maid hiding a secret. Together, they are summoned by the king, played by Cho Seung Woo, to uncover the mysterious curse haunting the world. East Palace.
Built around an original fantasy universe, The East Palace attracted attention for its ambitious scale and unique blend of Korean occult elements. Although opinions remain divided on the storytelling and direction, the series quickly rose to No. 1 on Netflix’s Top 10 Korean TV chart following its release, demonstrating strong interest from audiences.
Among the most debated aspects of the show, however, is Roh Yoon Seo’s performance. She takes on the role of Saenggang, a royal inspector and palace maid who possesses the rare ability to hear the voices of spirits, making her one of the drama’s central characters.
As this marks his first leading role in a historical drama, many viewers felt that he had difficulty capturing the characteristic speech patterns and rhythm associated with the genre. Critics argued that his delivery often resembled that of a modern drama, making it difficult for audiences to fully immerse themselves in the historical setting.
Saenggang is portrayed as someone who grew up within the royal palace, a background that naturally requires the refined speaking and atmosphere expected from traditional historical dramas. However, some viewers felt that Roh’s performance lacked the authenticity needed to make the character fully convincing.
His facial expressions also attracted criticism, with some viewers noting that they showed limited variation over the course of the series. Even during emotionally intense scenes, similar expressions and vocalizations were repeated, leading some viewers to feel that the emotional tension of the drama was weakened.
Despite the criticism, Roh Yoon Seo’s strengths have not gone unnoticed. Many viewers agree that her fresh and graceful image suits the determined and intelligent Saenggang. Her elegant appearance also fits well with the character’s hidden identity as a princess who lives in disguise as a palace maid.
Director Choi Jung Kyu had previously praised the actress during the drama’s production press conference. “On the set I often said that Saenggang was responsible for the elegance The East Palace“,” he noted.
In many ways, Roh fulfilled that vision. Her refined screen presence successfully conveyed Saenggang’s graceful and dignified image. However, for many viewers, his performance ultimately fell short of expectations in conveying the emotional depth and distinctive tone that historical dramas require, leaving acting as an area of ​​growth despite his undeniable on-screen appeal.
Sources: Nate
