Kim Jiyeon Faces Dual Reactions in Her Role in 'The Shaman’s Palace'
In the fantasy romantic comedy series 'The Shaman’s Palace', Kim Jiyeon—more widely recognized as Bona from the K-pop group WJSN—takes on the role of Yeo-ri, a young shaman who defies her fate as a spirit medium. Her performance has become a milestone in her transition from idol to serious actress.
'The Shaman’s Palace': Where Fantasy Meets Comedy—But Does It Work?
Why Some Viewers Are Applauding
The drama combines fantasy with light-hearted romance, crafting a premise that stands out in a market saturated with typical love stories and supernatural thrillers. Kim Jiyeon has been praised for embracing the complexity of the shaman character—not only emotionally, but physically, having been involved in wardrobe choices to capture a nuanced, androgynous essence.
Fans of her earlier work in Twenty-Five Twenty-One may also appreciate her continued growth. Kim has openly expressed admiration for her fellow actress Kim Taeri and cited her as a major influence on her craft—a sign of both humility and a hunger to improve.
In many successful shows, it’s not just the script but the lead’s dedication that carries the narrative. Audiences often remember the commitment of an actor long after the plot fades.
Why Others Found It Disappointing
Yet not all reviews of 'The Shaman’s Palace' have been glowing. Critics argue the plot occasionally veers into confusing territory, with fantasy and comedic elements clashing more often than blending. Some viewers found it difficult to connect emotionally with the characters amid the tonal shifts.
Additionally, supporting characters like Yoon-gap and Yeo-ri’s spiritual rival were underdeveloped, weakening the dramatic stakes. Without clear character arcs or compelling motivations, certain storylines lost their momentum quickly.
There’s also the issue of originality versus accessibility. While pushing boundaries can spark buzz, it can also alienate mainstream audiences who prefer something more familiar. For every fan who praises innovation, there’s another who might check out after an episode or two.
Final Reflections: Growth for the Actress, Room for More in the Series
'The Shaman’s Palace' spotlights Kim Jiyeon’s ambition and willingness to shape her craft—mentally, emotionally, and aesthetically. It’s hard not to admire the effort she poured into this unconventional role, from character study to costume design.
But even a standout performance can't fully rescue a series that stumbles in character development and coherent story flow. While Kim Jiyeon delivers, the drama overall doesn't always follow through.
Going forward, production teams might consider balancing artistic creativity with character-driven storytelling more carefully. This doesn’t just serve the audience—it makes the actors’ hard work shine even brighter. And if Kim Jiyeon continues on this route, with the same drive and reflection she’s displayed, her next project could be the one to truly solidify her as a top-tier drama lead.
