In ‘Gwigung’, Kim Ji-hoon was consumed by the bloodthirsty Palcheokgui, unleashing a frenzied rampage that threatened the lives of Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon.
In the 15th episode of SBS's Friday-Saturday drama ‘Gwigung’ (written by Yoon Soo-jung, directed by Yoon Sung-sik), aired on the 6th, the journey of Kang Cheol (played by Yook Sung-jae) and Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon) preparing for a final showdown after failing to exorcise Palcheokgui (played by Seo Do-young) was depicted, alongside the shocking sight of Lee Jeong (played by Kim Ji-hoon) being possessed by Palcheokgui and displaying signs of madness.
‘Gwigung’ maintained its position as the No. 1 drama in its time slot for eight consecutive weeks, recording a peak viewership rating of 10.5%, a national rating of 9.4%, and a metropolitan area rating of 9.0%. This marked the highest viewership for all programs aired on Friday, continuing its explosive success until the end. (Based on Nielsen Korea)
Kang Cheol and Yeori belatedly realized that their attendant Sang-deuk (played by Kim Chan-oh) had neutralized the power of the Gyeonggwisuk (a stone that drives away ghosts) that Lee Jeong possessed due to the threats from Poongsan (played by Kim Sang-ho), and that Palcheokgui had attacked the Queen (played by Han So-eun). However, the already gravely injured Queen ultimately passed away, and a devastated Lee Jeong ordered the beheading of Poongsan and his gang, demanding bloody retribution. Kang Cheol also erupted in anger, confronting Poongsan with, “Aren't you afraid of divine punishment?” but Poongsan ominously warned that Yeori would soon meet her death, igniting the viewers' fury.
Poongsan's ominous warning lingered in Kang Cheol's mind, and Yeori fell into deep contemplation, realizing that the only way to exorcise Palcheokgui without exhausting Kang Cheol's Gwangju was to risk her life to summon the ‘Hwadeokchasa’ (a grim reaper who takes away the souls of the dead).
Meanwhile, Kang Cheol, feeling guilty towards his son Yoon-gap (played by Yook Sung-jae), distanced himself but quietly comforted Yeong-geum (played by Cha Cheong-hwa), who cherished the gift he had given her, saying, “Humans are insignificant beings and sometimes do disgusting things, but occasionally they have beautiful aspects. That’s because mothers like you cherish their children.” This moved the viewers' hearts.
At that moment, Yeori discovered traces of the Goldamcho flower that Kang Cheol had brewed and learned from Monk Gaseop (played by Lee Won-jong) that Kang Cheol had decided to exhaust his Gwangju to fight Palcheokgui, plunging her into deep shock.
At that time, a shocking twist unfolded as Lee Jeong, who was in shock, became possessed by Palcheokgui. Palcheokgui, binding Lee Jeong's consciousness, cruelly warned that just as he had to witness the horrific deaths of the people of Yongdamgol a hundred years ago, Lee Jeong would also be forced to witness the death of his loved ones.
Kang Cheol and Yeori shared a brief but happy moment before the final battle, evoking deep emotions. Kang Cheol gifted Yeori a Bolki and said, “You are still the most beautiful human I know. Therefore, my heart aches.” Yeori revealed her true feelings, saying, “I was so tired of being alone that I desperately wished for someone to share meals and warmth with,” touching the hearts of the viewers.
The moment of warmth was short-lived as Palcheokgui, possessing Lee Jeong, finally revealed his madness, raising the tension to its peak. Just before the beheading by Poongsan's gang, Lee Jeong stopped it and falsely accused Kang Cheol and Yeori of causing the Queen's death, ordering their execution. However, the royal guard Seo Jae-il (played by Han Min) noticed that Lee Jeong was possessed by Palcheokgui and began to seek ways to save Kang Cheol, Yeori, and Won-ja (played by Park Jae-jun). Upon hearing this news, the Empress Dowager (played by Han Soo-yeon) immediately went to find Lee Jeong and instinctively sensed that he was possessed by Palcheokgui due to his foul appearance and life-threatening demeanor.
Kang Cheol and Yeori fled to the house of Choi Won-woo (played by Ahn Nae-sang) to escape the menacing Lee Jeong. Kang Cheol, avoiding Yeori's gaze, asked In-seon (played by Shin Seul-ki) to give him Goldamcho flowers, saying, “I need that flower to protect the one I want to keep safe,” evoking sympathy. Yeori, who overheard this, asked Mak-geum (played by Ki Eun-soo), In-seon's maid, to fetch yellow earth and salt, amplifying curiosity about what Yeori was preparing.
At the end of the episode, Lee Jeong, possessed by Palcheokgui, reached the peak of his rampage. He stormed Won-ja's residence, attempting to eliminate his own son with his own hands. However, Won-ja, using the Empress Dowager's wits, escaped to Choi Won-woo's house with Seo Jae-il and Oh Sang-gung (played by Choi Jeong-in). But Lee Jeong chased after Won-ja and broke into Choi Won-woo's house, while Kang Cheol drew his sword against the possessed Lee Jeong to buy time for Yeori and Won-ja to escape.
Finally, the ending foreshadowed the inevitable final battle between the two beings, providing a breathless tension. As Kang Cheol and Yeori risk their lives, will they be able to protect each other? What conclusion will their poignant love reach? Anticipation for the unmissable finale of ‘Gwigung’ rises sharply.
‘Gwigung’ will air its final episode today (7th) at 9:50 PM.
