The Red Sleeve (옷소매 붉은 끝동) Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Cast | Lee Jun-ho (as Yi San), Lee Se-young (as Sung Deok-im), Kang Hoon (as Hong Deok-ro), Lee Deok-hwa (as King Yeongjo), etc. |
| Broadcast | Nov 12, 2021 – Jan 1, 2022 (MBC, 17 episodes). Available on Wavve, Coupangplay, Viki |
| Genre | Historical, Romance |
| Synopsis | A poignant royal romance between a court lady determined to live life by her own choices and a king who places his nation above his love. |
| Rating | ⭐9/10⭐ "A world of elegance and passionate emotions" |
- Yi San
King Jeongjo: Remembered as Joseon's Romantic King
King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon dynasty, is often remembered by many as a romantic figure, primarily due to his profound love for Royal Noble Consort Uibin Seong. Jeongjo deeply cherished Consort Seong, even writing a heartfelt elegy on her tombstone after her passing—a highly unusual act in the Joseon era, where such honor was typically reserved for queens alone.
Additionally, Jeongjo frequently expressed his private emotions through poetry and letters, eloquently capturing themes of love and sorrow. These expressive writings reveal him as more than just a king; they showcase his depth of feeling and capacity for love.
Unlike other Joseon kings who typically kept numerous concubines, Jeongjo's devotion to Consort Seong stood out as notably unique. This dedication has led people to remember Jeongjo as a deeply romantic monarch who genuinely loved one woman above all others.
Character Introductions
Yi San – Lee Junho
Yi San is a meticulous and perfectionist Crown Prince, rigorously trained by his grandfather, King Yeongjo, following the tragic death of his father. Beneath his stern, rational exterior lies a passionate heart torn between protecting those he loves and his heavy royal responsibilities. Although strict with the palace maids, Yi San reveals a softer, heartfelt side when dealing with Deok-im, adding depth and emotional intensity to the story.
A court maid serving directly in the East Palace, Deok-im is intelligent, lively, and confidently outspoken. Content with her life as a palace maid, she fiercely values her autonomy and resists becoming a royal concubine. Beneath her playful demeanor lies inner strength, driven by her determination to reunite with her brother, falsely accused and exiled as a traitor. Loyal friendships with fellow maids and her boldness to even challenge royalty highlight her courageous nature.
Hong Deok-ro – Kang Hoon
Renowned for his handsome looks and gentle charm, Hong Deok-ro is Crown Prince Yi San’s loyal confidant. Beneath his pleasant exterior, he harbors calculated ambitions, devoting himself entirely to Yi San's ascension to the throne.
King Yeongjo, Yi San’s grandfather, is a seasoned monarch with exceptional political savvy and insight. While occasionally showing warmth to young court maids, he remains ruthlessly authoritative regarding succession matters. Haunted by the sorrow of his illegitimate birth and guilt over the tragic death of his son, Crown Prince Sado, Yeongjo’s complex emotions and struggles are profoundly portrayed.
The carefully crafted characters and emotional performances in The Red Sleeve captivate viewers, transforming this drama from a simple historical romance into a deep exploration of intricate human relationships and inner struggles.
Plot Summary
The Red Sleeve revolves around the fateful encounter between Yi San and Seong Deok-im, beginning with their unexpected childhood meeting. Yi San, enduring the disciplined life of a Crown Prince, is irresistibly drawn to Deok-im’s spirited independence. However, Deok-im consistently rejects his advances, determined to preserve her autonomy rather than be bound by royal favor. Their relationship deepens amidst misunderstandings and conflicts, further complicated by political intrigues and power struggles within the palace.
Their hidden affections and painful misunderstandings form the emotional core of the drama. Despite repeated rejections, Yi San’s unwavering devotion to Deok-im continues. Eventually, they confess their feelings and fall deeply in love. Yet, their union is continuously overshadowed by social hierarchy and Deok-im’s yearning for personal freedom.
Even after Yi San ascends the throne, he longs for Deok-im’s happiness and hopes to keep her by his side. Torn between her heart and her desire to maintain her identity as a court maid, Deok-im initially resists becoming his concubine. She eventually accepts his heartfelt proposal, but their joy is fleeting. Tragic events unfold, ultimately leading to Deok-im's untimely death and leaving Yi San in profound grief, ending the drama on a heart-rending, unforgettable note.
Deeply Resonant Scenes in 'The Red Sleeve'
The following scenes and dialogues left a lasting impression, effectively capturing the profound emotional conflicts within the drama.
One particularly poignant scene is when Deok-im, aware of her predetermined fate as a court lady, earnestly expresses her desire to choose her own path. This moment beautifully reveals her inner conflict: her longing for the king’s love yet her unwillingness to relinquish her freedom.
Another memorable moment occurs when Deok-im recites verses from the 'Book of Odes' (Shi Jing) to Yi San. Through this poetic gesture, she subtly conveys her deep affection, symbolizing the delicate and tender emotions between them.
In contrast, Yi San's cold and authoritative words, asserting his royal power in an attempt to possess Deok-im, starkly highlight their significant status differences and the resulting emotional turmoil. This interaction vividly portrays the harsh realities of their positions within the palace hierarchy.
