The Netflix series "The East Palace" has reached its conclusion, offering a supernatural resolution to the intertwined fates of its mortal and spirit characters. The story, set in a fictionalized version of Korea’s Joseon dynasty where the veil between worlds is thin, sees protagonist Gu-cheon achieve a significant victory.
Gu-cheon successfully returns Saeng-gang to the mortal realm. However, his efforts come at a personal cost, as he falls into a coma shortly after. He remains unconscious for several days, during which Saeng-gang dedicates herself to his recovery. Gu-cheon eventually awakens, and King Ju-sang grants him freedom from the palace.
With his newfound liberty, Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang depart together, accompanied by their ggeomeoksali companion. Despite their apparent freedom, Gu-cheon remains bound to the Realm of the Gwi due to a prior pact with the Primordial Gwi-mae. This connection means he can move through the mortal world, but a tether to the spirit realm persists.
Speaking to Netflix, the creators hinted at the potential implications of Gu-cheon's lingering connection. One noted the possibility that Gu-cheon alone might be pulled back to the spirit realm one day. However, a fellow creator added that since the three characters are a unit, they would likely be drawn back together if such an event occurred. For the present, all three characters could benefit from a respite from their recent adventures.
There is a possibility for future exploration of this world. The series finale aimed to "leave a little bit of hope at the very end." While the immediate dangers may have been resolved, the observation was made that "nothing much has changed at the palace," and the king remains in his position, suggesting that underlying power structures persist.