Episode 9 of "The Haunted Palace" kicks off with a haunting flashback. A youthful and princely King Lee Sung witnesses an ominous scene: his esteemed grandfather, Minister Kim Bong-in, disciplining Pung-san for indulging in forbidden shamanic practices. The shaman, his eyes filled with dread, catches sight of an 8-foot-tall specter trailing the prince and hastily warns Kim of impending doom. Undeterred, Kim insists that Pung-san conjure the apparition.
In the present day, Pung-san relates to Kim how Yeo-ri has orchestrated their recent misfortunes, shielded by the formidable powers of an Imugi. Furthermore, it is revealed that on Kim's orders, Pung-san aided the malevolent 8-foot ghost in slaying and consuming Neop-deok. The King, burdened by the weight of his denial, unburdens himself to Yeo-ri, recounting how Neop-deok had momentarily restored sanity to his possessed father. He now pleads for her assistance in confronting the spectral menace, unaware of the shockwaves her grandmother's truth has sent through Yeo-ri's heart.
Elsewhere, Gangcheori, wracked with guilt, confesses to Bibi his aborted attempt to forewarn Neop-deok of the 8-foot ghost's arrival in Yongdam Village. His silence, born of bitterness over Yeo-ri's rejection, now gnaws at his conscience. The encounter with Yeo-ri that follows places him under her scathing scrutiny as she confronts him over his deceit. His lie, intended to keep her from harm's way, reduces her to tears of surprise and confusion. Concerned for her wellbeing, Gangcheori enlists Bibi's help in watching over her, an offer the younger Imugi reluctantly accepts, harboring designs to turn Yeo-ri against Gangcheori.
Yet, Yeo-ri finds herself unable to shake Gangcheori from her thoughts. She pours her turmoil to Ok-im, confessing her bewilderment at the storm of emotions stirring within her—years of hate for a crime Gangcheori did not commit now tangled with feelings she can't comprehend. Ok-im teases her, hinting at her unexpected infatuation with the Imugi. Bibi, eavesdropping, grows irritated, his aspirations for his brother's ascension sidetracked by romantic entanglements.
Delving into the intricacies of court politics, we uncover that the late monarch harbored ambitions to enact anti-slavery reforms alongside Choi Won-u. King Lee Sung, with a heartfelt plea, beseeches Choi to honor his father's dying wish, and the former minister, swayed by the king's sincerity, reluctantly agrees.
In a private moment, the king confides in his grandfather, announcing his decision to appoint Choi as the Left State Councillor. Minister Kim, visibly opposed, vocalizes his disdain for the choice, yet the king remains steadfast. Kim, recognizing the king's determination, feigns agreement as he departs, only to witness Gangcheori storming in, railing against Yeo-ri's presence.
In solitude, the Imugi lambastes the king for disclosing the truth behind Neop-deok's demise. The king counters that Yeo-ri had already pieced it together. Gangcheori's ramblings invite the king's teasing remark about his hidden affection for her. Gangcheori protests, claiming ignorance in dealing with a weeping woman, to which the king suggests a simple solution: offering comfort in the form of hugs and an attentive ear.
Back at his abode, Gangcheori's discomfort around Yeo-ri is palpable, a sentiment not lost on Bibi and Mrs. Yoon. Bibi attempts to orchestrate a separation between the two, but Yeo-ri's perceptiveness sees right through his scheme. Frustrated, Bibi ventures out seeking retribution and stumbles upon talismans meant to ward off the Imugi. He informs Gangcheori that all nobles over sixty possess such charms.
Elsewhere, Minister Kim conspires with Kwak, revealing that they once orchestrated a rebellion against the former king to thwart the anti-slave reforms. Kwak's infatuation with Yoon Gap is evident, while Kim subtly hints that Mrs. Yoon holds the key to his vulnerability. Leveraging Gangcheori's affection for Yeo-ri, Kim plots to exploit his distraction in rescuing Mrs. Yoon by seizing Yeo-ri while his guard is down.
Regarding Choi Won-u, Kim cunningly orchestrates Pung-san to weave a tale for the Queen Mother, painting a picture where the King's invincibility hinges upon Choi's presence at his side, thereby dashes her hopes of avenging Prince Yeong-in's demise. It transpires that Choi is, in fact, her uncle, whom she coerces into staying away from the King, leveraging his familial ties as leverage. Terrified for his kin's safety, Choi caves in and declines the King's offer through a written message.
The subsequent day unfolds in a whirlwind of chaos. Mrs. Yoon finds herself abducted amidst the turmoil. Meanwhile, In-seon arrives bearing sweets, intending to bid Gangcheori farewell but displaying a distinct disdain towards Yeo-ri. This sparks jealousy in Yeo-ri, leading her to snub Gangcheori. Annoyed by her behavior, Gangcheori plays along with In-seon's antics, only to be interrupted by Minister Kim, who summons Yeo-ri for her optician skills. Scarcely has she left, assassins emerge, targeting her for abduction. Bibi, initially hesitant, ultimately succumbs to her instincts and aids Yeo-ri in her escape.
Returning home, Gangcheori receives a note detailing Mrs. Yoon's plight. Missing her culinary prowess, he resolves to embark on a rescue mission. In-seon attempts to seduce him, but Gangcheori curtly dismisses her advances, calling her out on her rude demeanor towards Yeo-ri.
During the rescue attempt, Gangcheori's patience with Kwak's manipulative tactics wears thin, prompting him to reveal his true identity as the infamous Imugi. However, upon witnessing Mrs. Yoon's tears of desperation for his help, his resolve softens, and he focuses solely on rescuing her. Unfortunately, Kwak's talisman saps his strength, rendering him unable to summon his wind powers. Mrs. Yoon, in a brave attempt to assist, is knocked unconscious by Kwak. It is then that Bibi arrives, donning her Imugi grandeur, causing Kwak to flee in terror.
Elsewhere, Yeo-ri falls prey to the assassins. As the King returns from his fruitless search for Choi Won-u, he catches sight of her peril and leaps into action, rescuing her from harm.
Yeo-ri returns home to find Gangcheori and Mrs. Yoon in a battered state. She is disoriented as Gangcheori retrieves her lost optician kit and attempts to nurture her wounds. Perplexed by his unexpected kindness, Yeo-ri lashes out, accusing him of ignoring her grandmother's plight. Paradoxically, she feels a sense of relief, freed from the guilt of harboring feelings for him. He gently wipes away her tears, culminating in a tender kiss at the conclusion of The Haunted Palace Episode 9.
