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THE RED SLEEVE – A JOURNEY I DIDN’T PLAN FOR BUT NOW I CAN’T FORGET
So… I recently decided that maybe I’ve been unfairly ignoring historical dramas all these years. I used to look at them the way I look at tax season — important but deeply unappealing. But then came K-dramas, and The Red Sleeve walked in like, “Hi, you called?”
I’ll admit it — Lee Junho lured me in. I showed up for him and ended up staying for heartbreak, royal drama, and some of the most beautiful palace shots I’ve ever seen. I almost binged it in one sitting, but had to pace myself to avoid alarming my loved ones (or looking like I’ve absolutely abandoned all life responsibilities).
I wasn’t even planning to write about it — this is the kind of drama that camps out in your brain for weeks, quietly haunting you every time you hear a flute. But I need to get this out of my system, so here goes:
1. The production? Chef’s kiss.
The cinematography, the OST, the palace shots — it’s all so good that I kept pausing just to stare. Even the stills look like oil paintings. Jeoseon has never looked this dreamy and politically terrifying at the same time.
2. The acting? Emotionally illegal.
I don’t know what was in the water during filming, but the entire cast was acting like the Baeksang were being handed out on set. Everyone brought their A-game, and then Junho came in and casually redefined emotional range. Prince Yi San / King Jeongjo was written beautifully, but Junho became him. There are no words — just go watch it. Trust me.
3. The story? Soft and sharp.
It’s romantic, but also painful. Beautiful, but gut-wrenching. I went in thinking I’d just enjoy some historical fluff and came out emotionally kneecapped. The female lead — listen, I had my moments of wanting to throw something at her, but I held back. She’s based on a real historical figure, so we had to respect the source and pump our brakes (with great difficulty, I might add).
And now, let’s address the royal elephant in the room: that episode. If you’ve seen it, you know. If you haven’t — well, many brave souls before you tried to warn us not to wade into those tragic waters. But of course, curiosity got the best of me, and now I’m emotionally deceased. No spoilers here, but I will say this: maybe do a quick Google search before watching historical dramas. Just to emotionally prepare yourself. Or write a will. Whichever works.
Final thoughts?
This is hands down one of the best historical dramas of 2021. Now I fully understand the hype. It made me curious about Korean history in a way school never did. I even found myself reading up on King Jeongjo after I finished the series. Was it for closure? Or more emotional damage? Still not sure.
Either way — The Red Sleeve has ruined me in the best way. 10/10 would recommend. Just… hydrate, pace yourself, and keep tissues nearby. You’ve been warned.
I’ll admit it — Lee Junho lured me in. I showed up for him and ended up staying for heartbreak, royal drama, and some of the most beautiful palace shots I’ve ever seen. I almost binged it in one sitting, but had to pace myself to avoid alarming my loved ones (or looking like I’ve absolutely abandoned all life responsibilities).
I wasn’t even planning to write about it — this is the kind of drama that camps out in your brain for weeks, quietly haunting you every time you hear a flute. But I need to get this out of my system, so here goes:
1. The production? Chef’s kiss.
The cinematography, the OST, the palace shots — it’s all so good that I kept pausing just to stare. Even the stills look like oil paintings. Jeoseon has never looked this dreamy and politically terrifying at the same time.
2. The acting? Emotionally illegal.
I don’t know what was in the water during filming, but the entire cast was acting like the Baeksang were being handed out on set. Everyone brought their A-game, and then Junho came in and casually redefined emotional range. Prince Yi San / King Jeongjo was written beautifully, but Junho became him. There are no words — just go watch it. Trust me.
3. The story? Soft and sharp.
It’s romantic, but also painful. Beautiful, but gut-wrenching. I went in thinking I’d just enjoy some historical fluff and came out emotionally kneecapped. The female lead — listen, I had my moments of wanting to throw something at her, but I held back. She’s based on a real historical figure, so we had to respect the source and pump our brakes (with great difficulty, I might add).
And now, let’s address the royal elephant in the room: that episode. If you’ve seen it, you know. If you haven’t — well, many brave souls before you tried to warn us not to wade into those tragic waters. But of course, curiosity got the best of me, and now I’m emotionally deceased. No spoilers here, but I will say this: maybe do a quick Google search before watching historical dramas. Just to emotionally prepare yourself. Or write a will. Whichever works.
Final thoughts?
This is hands down one of the best historical dramas of 2021. Now I fully understand the hype. It made me curious about Korean history in a way school never did. I even found myself reading up on King Jeongjo after I finished the series. Was it for closure? Or more emotional damage? Still not sure.
Either way — The Red Sleeve has ruined me in the best way. 10/10 would recommend. Just… hydrate, pace yourself, and keep tissues nearby. You’ve been warned.
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