The Red Sleeve: Review, Story, Cast, Episodes, Release Date, Budget & More

“The Red Sleeve” is a 2021 South Korean historical drama starring Lee Jun-ho and Lee Se-young, based on the novel by Kang Mi-kang. The series aired on MBC from November 12, 2021, to January 1, 2022, originally planned for 16 episodes but extended to 17 due to overwhelming popularity. This breathtaking period piece tells the true story of King Jeongjo and his royal concubine Uibin Sung, set during 18th-century Joseon Dynasty. Available on Viki and various streaming platforms, the drama swept multiple awards including honors at the MBC Drama Awards 2021 and Baeksang Arts Awards 2022. What makes this series extraordinary is how it portrays the “red sleeve”, the crimson-colored sleeve worn by court ladies as a symbol of their bound status and restricted freedom. With stunning cinematography filmed across historic Korean locations, gorgeous period costumes, and an achingly beautiful OST, this romance explores the heartbreaking tension between duty and desire, freedom and love, creating television that feels both intimate and epic.

The Red Sleeve: Release Date, Story, Plot, Episodes, Cast, Actors Salary, Actors Net Worth, Budget, OTT Response, Trailer, Songs, Awards, Review, Ratings & More

The Red Sleeve Storyline

Prince Yi San is a perfectionist haunted by his father’s brutal murder, determined to become a benevolent monarch despite his cruel grandfather King Yeongjo’s oppressive reign. He falls deeply for Sung Deok-im, an intelligent and spirited palace maid who treasures her independence. Yi San pursues her relentlessly, hoping to make her his royal concubine, but Deok-im understands that accepting such a prestigious position means surrendering the freedom she cherishes, becoming forever trapped within palace walls wearing the red sleeve that symbolizes her captivity. As their romance unfolds against deadly palace politics, assassination plots, and rigid Confucian traditions, both must decide whether love is worth sacrificing everything they hold dear, knowing their relationship can never exist as equals.

The Red Sleeve Cast, Crew, Role, Salary, Remuneration & Net Worth

Here are the complete details of actors and actresses names in the Web Series.

1.Lee Jun-ho as Yi San, later King Jeongjo

2.Lee Se-young as Seong Deok-im

3.Kang Hoon as Hong Deok-ro

4.Lee Deok-hwa as King Yeongjo

5.Jang Hee-jin as Queen Kim

6.Kang Mal-geum as Hong Hye-bin

7.Kim I-on as Princess Cheongyeon

8.Jo Seung-hee as Princess Cheongseon

9.Park Seo-kyung as Hong Dan

10.Go Ha as Royal Consort Suk-ui Moon

The Red Sleeve Web Series Awards

The Red Sleeve Review

“The Red Sleeve” is an absolute masterpiece that deserves its reputation as one of the greatest historical K-dramas ever made. Lee Jun-ho delivers a career-defining performance as Yi San vulnerable, passionate, yet burdened by duty, while Lee Se-young shines as the fiercely independent Deok-im who refuses to simply surrender her autonomy for love. Their chemistry is electric, conveying profound emotion through lingering glances and restrained touches that feel more intimate than any kiss scene. The cinematography rivals theatrical films with breathtaking visuals, while the OST enhances every emotional beat perfectly. Episode 17 sparked intense debate, some viewers felt episode 16’s bittersweet ending was perfect, while others needed the tragic historical closure. Yes, the final episode absolutely devastates, but that’s precisely the point. This isn’t escapist fantasy, it’s a painfully authentic exploration of how love confronts duty, patriarchy, and the impossible choices women faced. Prepare for emotional devastation, but know it’s absolutely worth experiencing this beautifully told tragedy.

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