‘The Red Sleeve’ hasn’t even finished airing yet, but I have fallen hard for this swoon worthy and gorgeously directed drama.

Based on the novel by Kang Mi-kang (and true historical events), ‘The Red Sleeve’ tells the story of Crown Prince Yi San (Lee Jun-ho) who falls in love with the free-spirited and strong-willed court lady Seong Deok Im (Lee Se-young).

Here are the top six reasons you need to drop everything you’re doing, and press play on this beautiful love story:

1. THE ROMANCE
Yi San and Deok Im’s love story is one of slow burn and enemies-to-lovers PERFECTION.

Is there anything more satisfying than seeing a powerful man being put in his place by a woman with nothing more to her name except a sense of her own self-worth?

If like me that’s your catnip, no need even to read on - just start watching now.

Hilariously, court lady Deok Im mistakes the Crown Prince for one of his aides at first. This story setup results in several immensely satisfying scenes in which Deok Im fearlessly and unabashedly speaks her mind, much to his amusement (and frustration).

Yi San falls fast and hard, and the way Lee Jun-ho portrays the way Yi San is being stabbed by his love and yearning for her is so good, it will have you scream in a pillow and help you reach your max fangirl potential.

In truth, I never imagined I would find a romance drama again that portrays love in its purest of form the way ‘Crash Landing On You’ did - but here we are.

Like ‘Crash Landing On You’, ‘The Red Sleeve’ unapologetically leans into romantic tropes but knows how to poke fun at them too. The result is a refreshing historical romance that balances heartfelt romance and comedy seamlessly and effortlessly.

2. THE CHEMISTRY
The tension and effortless chemistry between Lee Jun-ho and Lee Se-young is absolutely off the charts and the female director (Jung Ji-in) makes the most of the actors’ compatibility to really sell the growing attraction building up between them under the surface.

Lee Jun-ho and Lee Se-young’s stares and hilarious and endearing banter encapsulate their story beautifully and both actors excel at making every single stare and touch meaningful.

3. A STRONG FEMALE PROTAGONIST

Deok Im is strong, loyal, fearless, funny, endearing, opinionated, and she loves books and reading - is it too early to call her one of my all-time favourite female protagonists?

‘The Red Sleeve’ does not gloss over the power imbalance between Yi San and Deok Im and explores it in a very compelling way.

One of the main conflicts is Deok Im’s struggle to survive within a society and court system that restricts her freedom.

Deok-im has devoted her life as a court lady to protecting the Crown Prince and this is what gives her agency and self-fulfillment.

Lee Se-young proves to be a perfect choice, perfectly embodying Deok Im’s inner conflict of resisting becoming Yi San’s lover and losing her independence as a result.

The way Deok-Im puts her values of freedom and self-fulfillment before becoming Yi San’s lover correspond with feminist ideals of female empowerment.

Deok Im’s refusal to become his lover is also a testimony to her selflessness in wanting to protect him and his position as future king. In addition, her refusal is rooted in the knowledge that his ascent to the throne would ensure her safety and that of the women at the court.

It really makes for a riveting plot.

4. COMPLEX SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
’The Red Sleeve’ is a female-centered drama with complex and ambiguously motivated supporting characters. This drama showcases women’s intelligence and abilities and avoids the boring trap of portraying women as virtuous and righteous.

I love to hate the second male lead who is the embodiment of everything we dislike about the patriarchy (and is not pining for the female lead for a change).

5. THE OST (Original Soundtrack)
The Red Sleeve’s OST is magical and highly emotive – songs like Beautiful, My Wondrous Miracle and Starlight Heart hit right in the feels and complement the story beautifully.

6. LEE JUN-HO’S ABS
All I will say is that ‘The Red Sleeve’ dishes up truly memorable scenes, including an iconic bath scene reminiscent of the lake scene in Pride and Prejudice.

I understand Lee Jun-ho was on a long diet of chicken breasts for this scene and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his service.

In my opinion, ‘The Red Sleeve’ is one of the most addictive, fast-paced and swoon worthiest dramas TV has to offer right now. I couldn’t recommend it more, especially to fans of Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre.

The Red Sleeve is available for streaming on Viki.

— Renske
Find me on Instagram: @twistsandtropes (Romance book blog)
Twitter: @bassempire