Netflix’s New Fantasy Series Is Constantine Meets KPop Demon Hunters

Netflix’s newest release may be one of the best dark fantasy stories of the year. Without a doubt, the fantasy genre at large is more popular than ever before, with romantasy novels dominating the literary market year after year. In the television landscape, this has translated to both an increase in production and a return to form for established fantasy favorites and underrated classics like Constantine. The DC antihero has starred in numerous television series, film adaptations, video games, and comic books, but Constantine’s legacy as an occult detective only gets better with time, regardless of which form he takes.

Yet, Netflix has gradually established itself as a leading purveyor of fantasy content throughout the past decade. Even Netflix’s biggest original movie of all time— 2025’s KPop Demon Hunters— is a wildly successful musical fantasy infused with Korean culture, folklore, and mythical creatures to be slain by the eponymous K-pop idols of girl group Huntrix. As KPop Demon Hunters fans eagerly await the sequel and Constantine lovers lie in wait to see if their favorite character will appear in James Gunn’s DC universe, however, Netflix has provided the perfect replacement series: The East Palace, a historical dark fantasy K-drama masterpiece.

The East Palace Is A Different Type Of Ghost-Hunting Story

The hype surrounding The East Palace began as soon as Netflix revealed its 2026 K-drama content plan, confirming the supernatural period piece would mark the return of Nam Joo-hyuk. The beloved South Korean actor portrays protagonist Gu-cheon, a man with the uncanny ability to travel between the real world and the spirit realm— also known as the World of Gwi. As a mysterious, malevolent spirit threatens to kill every heir of the royal family, the King of Joseon gives Gu-cheon an ultimatum: vanquish whatever is possessing the Crown Prince or face a deadly punishment.

As he attempts to navigate the ample skeletons in the palace’s closet amidst a grand political conspiracy, the ghost hunter has only one true ally: Saeng-gang (Roh Yoon-seo), the ostracized princess who can hear and communicate with spirits. Nevertheless, Gu-cheon isn’t simply traversing to Hell and slaying demons left and right. Rather, the main character tackles the royal curse with merciful professionalism. When he functionally becomes a specter himself to battle those haunting the palace, Gu-cheon doesn’t just kill the spirits; he sets them free of their anguish, hoping to guide them to a more peaceful afterlife.

Similarly, Saeng-gang does everything she can in the real world to uncover the truth behind the phantoms’ deaths, their unfinished business, and the key to reminding them of their former humanity. Unlike dark fantasy dramas of years past— wherein ghosts are unilaterally considered nothing more than an invasive species— The East Palace adds substance to each spirit, exploring why resentment festers and how anger can be a truly monstrous feeling. Of course, the supernatural Korean drama is still jam-packed with high-stakes, gripping fight scenes, and enough action to spare.

The East Palace Is One Of 2026’s Best Hidden Gems

Though it doesn’t have the immediate pull of a Mike Flanagan project or an addition to the Stranger Things franchise, The East Palace‘s charms are obvious to anyone who gives the series a chance. K-dramas already occupy a seemingly exclusive niche on the streaming service, but the period drama is incredibly accessible and could perhaps make the perfect introduction to the genre. Even as a standalone title, though, The East Palace is well worth the eight-hour investment, whether you’re a horror fanatic, a history buff, or merely an adventurous viewer in need of a good binge.

Unsurprisingly, Netflix has been running the K-drama game recently, distributing countless iconic series this year alone, including sci-fi romantic comedy Boyfriend on Demand, superhero epic The WONDERfools, and action dramedy Teach You a Lesson. As addictive as each of them are, however, The East Palace is nothing short of K-drama excellence. Undoubtedly, it’s one of Netflix’s most refreshing new releases of 2026, and it’s certainly a must-watch for any dark fantasy fan who misses the supernatural showdowns of Constantine or the captivating mythology of KPop Demon Hunters.

Release Date

July 17, 2026

Network

Netflix

Directors

Choi Jung-kyu

Writers

Kwon So-ra, Seo Jae-won

Cast

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