"The Red Sleeves" depicts the love story between King Jeongjo (Yi San) and his wife, Lady Seong (Seong Deok-im), two historical figures from the Joseon Dynasty. Based on the novel of the same name by Kang Mi-kang, the drama resonated deeply with viewers with its historical accuracy while incorporating delicate emotional lines and dramatic elements. Its harmonious blend of court romance and political conflict heightened the drama's immersion, and its striking balance between historical fact and fiction garnered acclaim. The drama achieved phenomenal popularity in Korea, achieving a viewership rating of 17%, a rare feat these days.
1. "The Red Sleeves" Drama Summary and Plot
Drama Summary
This drama centers on the romance between court lady Seong Deok-im and Crown Prince Yi San (later King Jeongjo). Beyond a simple romantic relationship, it portrays Yi San's struggle to balance his life as a woman struggling to survive in the palace with his responsibilities as a king.
- Title: Red Sleeves
- Broadcaster: MBC
- Air Period: November 12, 2021 - January 1, 2022
- Original: Novel of the same name by Kang Mi-kang
- Genre:Historical, Romance, Drama
- Directors: Jung Ji-in, Song Yeon-hwa
- Screenplay: Jung Hae-ri
Main Characters
- Yi San (Jeongjo) - Lee Jun-ho
Jeongjo, the 22nd king of Joseon. He has loved Seong Deok-im since his days as crown prince, but is torn between his duties as king and his personal feelings. - Seong Deok-im (Uibin Seong) - Lee Se-young
A former court lady who becomes the king's concubine, Seong Deok-im possesses a strong will to uphold her beliefs. Despite desiring a free life, she falls in love with Yi San. - Yeongjo - Lee Deok-hwa
The 21st king of Joseon and Yi San's grandfather. With a cold and strict personality, she has a profound influence on Yi San. - Hyegyeonggung Hong - Kang Mal-geum
Yi San's mother, she supports her son's path to becoming king. However, under political pressure, she harbors complex emotions. - Hong Deok-ro - Kang Hoon
Yi San's close friend and loyal subject.
Plot
The story begins when Crown Prince Yi San meets court lady Seong Deok-im during his childhood. Despite their different social standings, they are drawn to each other and form a special bond. As time passes, Yi San ascends to the throne, and Seong Deok-im begins to carve out her own life as a court lady. After becoming king, Yi San asks Seong Deok-im to stay by his side, but Seong Deok-im refuses, desiring a life of freedom. Ultimately, however, the two reaffirm their mutual feelings and choose to be together. However, as historically true, Seong Deok-im dies young, and Yi San continues to live as king, grieving the loss of his beloved.
2. Differences between the Original Novel and the Drama
Characteristics of the Original Novel
- The story unfolds from Seong Deok-im's perspective, allowing for a deeper exploration of her inner self.
- The lives of court ladies and the intrigues within the palace are explored in greater detail, highlighting the difficulties Seong Deok-im faced as a court lady.
- The focus is on Seong Deok-im's independent life rather than romantic elements, further exploring why she was reluctant to accept Yi San.
Changes in the Drama
- The drama also emphasizes Yi San's (Jeongjo) perspective, highlighting not only his relationship with Seong Deok-im but also his struggles as a king.
- Emotions are expressed more dramatically, and melodramatic elements are enhanced.
- The roles of some historical figures have been adapted, and supporting characters have been portrayed more three-dimensionally.
- The drama visually captures the profound narrative of the original novel, while making several changes to enhance emotional immersion. However, the basic message and atmosphere are maintained, and it has been highly praised by fans of the original novel.
3. Real Historical Background and Meaning
The True Story of King Jeongjo and Lady Seong
Jeongjo (Yi San) and Lady Seong (Seong Deok-im) are actual historical figures. Love stories between kings and court ladies were rare during the Joseon Dynasty, but King Jeongjo and Seong Deok-im developed a special relationship. Records show that King Jeongjo favored Seong Deok-im and even wanted to make her his official queen. However, Seong Deok-im did not wish to become queen and never ascended to the throne. Seong Deok-im passed away in 1786, and it is said that King Jeongjo missed her dearly. Her tomb, Uibinmyo, still exists, and the epitaph written by Jeongjo himself remains.
Differences Between the Drama and Real History
- Historically, Seong Deok-im did not desire the title of queen and never actually became queen.
- Historically, Seong Deok-im is said to have been upright and prudent, a trait that mirrors the character portrayed in the drama.
- Jeongjo cherished Seong Deok-im, but unlike his other concubines, he did not honor her with any special honors after her untimely death.
- While the drama emphasizes King Jeongjo's profound grief following Seong Deok-im's death, historical records offer little detail about this.
Based on these historical facts, "The Red End of the Sleeve" is a reimagined work, characterized by its dramatic portrayal of the emotions and conflicts of real characters.
4. Review
This drama isn't simply a bright and beautiful court romance; it also delves into the dark underbelly of the palace, revealing the intrigues, power struggles, secret organizations, and politics that make it all the more compelling. Most importantly, in other historical dramas, female characters are often passive, protected, and manipulated. However, in this drama, the main character, Seong Deok-im, possesses a clear sense of values and, despite her lowly social standing, speaks logically to the king. While such a level of detail might not have been possible in real life, I believe it was an appropriate setting to maximize the character's impact. The diverse storylines, including Seong Deok-im's friendship with her friends and Hong Deok-ro's betrayal of the king, are captivating and accessible even to those unfamiliar with the historical context, making it a beloved drama for Korean drama fans abroad.
"The Red Sleeves" goes beyond a simple court romance; it delicately portrays a woman's life and choices, as well as the anguish of a Joseon Dynasty monarch. Compared to the original novel, the drama received widespread acclaim for its profound narrative and moving directing. While grounded in historical fact, it also incorporated dramatic elements to enhance the drama. This drama is more than just a simple love story; it resonates deeply with modern audiences through its portrayal of Seong Deok-im, who strives to live her own life, and Jeongjo, who carries the weight of a king. The vivid portrayal of the emotions of historical figures, with its red sleeves, will remain a memorable masterpiece for generations to come.
