One of the Best Korean Historical Dramas of All Time

This drama became my favorite drama of 2021. Initially, I didn't have much expectation because I didn't read the novel and did not really know too much about the leads (I've seen them in some dramas); however, after the drama, I became a fan of both Lee Junho and Lee Seyoung! I think the leads had amazing chemistry both on-screen and off-screen. I think they are my favorite drama couple after Hyun Bin and Son Yejin from CLOY. This drama was supposed to be a heart-throbbing palace romance drama and it fulfilled its purpose because I was sobbing so much by the end. While watching this drama, I found out that the love story between Sung Deokim and King Jeongjo was actually based on a true story, which led me to research more about them. I was intrigued by Jeongjo's love for Deokim, which was quite uncommon during that time period and Deokim's bravery of rejecting a king's proposal twice (she was the only royal concubine during Joseon Dynasty to reject a king). It was fascinating to learn that a king waited 15 years for a court lady to accept his proposal of becoming his consort. Although the drama did not include all the details of King Jeongjo's love for Deokim, it still did a good job in portraying the king's love because there were some moments when I was frustrated with Deokim for her continued rejection (I understood her though). I think all the actors: main and supporting, were amazing. Everyone played their part so well. All of the ost and background music were phenomenal. The drama had beautiful cinematography and so much symbolism. Although the drama was about the romance between Jeongjo and Deokim, I think the drama focused more on the lives of the court ladies and women of the palace. The drama explained that no women living in the palace were free, whether a court lady or the Queen Dowager (the most powerful women in the palace). Although Deokim knew that she had limited freedom as a court lady, she still wanted to make choices for herself. However, as her love for the king grew, her desire of wanting to make choices was hindered because her only choice was to become his royal consort and she definitely did not want to be one of the king's women. Even as she dies, she does not reveal her love towards the king because that was the only choice she was able to make, which left many viewers wonder whether Deokim actually loved the king. I think the writer and director did a good job in leading viewers wonder about Deokim's love for the king because the actual history according to the records we have right now and the original novel, the question that we, audience, had to figure out was "did Deokim love the king?" I think many people, including myself, watches kdramas to see the heart fluttering romance between the two main leads; however, this drama does stick to the reality of that time period (18th century Joseon when there was such a huge power imbalance between men and women, especially between the king and court lady), which might turn off some viewers. There will be frustrating and confusing moments, but the overall plot, acting, music, and cinematography grabbed my attention for all 17 episodes and "The Red Sleeve" will remain one of my favorite sageuks and definitely my favorite kdrama of 2021. I definitely recommend this drama!

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