The Red Sleeve
Drama guideEnded

The Red Sleeve

옷소매 붉은 끝동

Were you swayed by me or was I swayed by you?

Air date: 2021-11-12
Episodes: 17 ep
Network: MBC
Rating: 7.6 / 10
Cast entries
21
Episodes
17
Locations
4
Food stops
1
Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

Based on a novel, The Red Sleeve unfolds a poignant royal court romance set in the Joseon era. It centers on a king who prioritizes his duty to the country over love and a court lady determined to protect the life she has chosen for herself.

The story begins with a chance encounter between the spirited court lady, Seong Deok-im, and the young crown prince, Yi San, who later becomes King Jeongjo. Despite their initial connection, Deok-im finds herself torn between her feelings for Yi San and her belief that a king's love cannot bring her happiness. As they navigate the complexities of court life, their relationship faces numerous challenges, including political threats and personal sacrifices.

Filming locations

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

  1. 01

    Yeolhwajeong

    열화정
    230 Obong-ri, Deugnyang-myeon, Boseong-gun, Gwangju, Jeollanam-do전남광주통합특별시 보성군 득량면 오봉리 230

    Yeolhwajeong is a filming location for the drama 'The Red Sleeve'. It features a beautiful pavilion and a small pond, creating a serene atmosphere that was popular among scholars during the Joseon Dynasty.

    Particularly, Yeolhwa-jeong has started to gain attention as the filming location for the popular drama 'Hong Soo-mee's Red Sleeve' from a few years ago, leading to a significant increase in visitors to this place.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02

    Mungyeong Saejae Open Set

    문경새재 오픈세트장
    1037 Saejae-ro, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do경북 문경시 문경읍 새재로 1037

    The Mungyeong Saejae Open Set is a major filming site for historical dramas, including 'The Red Sleeve'. Visitors can experience the set and its historical context.

    The Mungyeongsaejae Open Set is a major filming location for representative historical dramas in Korea! It has been used for productions from Taejo Wang Geon to the recently aired Okssi's Lady. Additionally, it was also the filming site for Kingdom and Red Sleeve.
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03

    Hwaseong Haenggung

    화성행궁
    Jeongjo-ro 825, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do경기 수원시 팔달구 정조로 825

    Do you remember the story of Jeongjo Lee San and Uibin Seong from "The Red Sleeve"? The serene palace atmosphere of a quiet night in the drama is recreated at Hwaseong Haenggung, illuminated by soft lighting.

    Do you remember the story of Jeongjo Yi San and Uibin Seongssi in <The Red Sleeve>? The serene palace atmosphere of the drama is recreated at Hwaseong Haenggung, illuminated by soft lighting.
    blog.naver.com
  4. 04

    Gwanghallu Garden

    광한루원
    1447 Yocheon-ro, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province전북특별자치도 남원시 요천로 1447

    This location features scenes from the drama where Lee San rushes to Deok-im after being surprised by her hairstyle. It is known for its beautiful scenery and historical significance.

    The filming location of the scene where Lee San is startled to see Deok-im with her hair up in episode 5 of "Red Sleeve" is Gwanghanruwon in Namwon.
    blog.naver.com
Food guide

Food & places

Restaurants, cafes, markets, and dishes tied to the drama or the reader's visit path.

  1. 01Restaurant

    Gildong Udon

    23 Kyunghee-daero, Dongdaemun-gu, Dongdaemun, Seoul, Seoul서울 동대문구 경희대로 23

    A popular udon restaurant known for its hygiene and friendly service, visited during the trip.

    When I travel, I usually try to avoid chain restaurants, but considering hygiene, affordability, and friendliness, I have no choice.
    blog.naver.com
Discovery

More to explore

Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.

Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country
South Korea
Original language
Korean
Episode runtime
74 min
Spoken languages
Korean
Production companies
  • npio Entertainmentnpio Entertainment
  • WEMADWEMAD
Creators
Jung Hae-ri
Directors
Song Yeon-hwa
Jung Ji-in
Writers
Jung Hae-ri

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Lee Jun-ho

Lee Jun-hoas Yi San / King Jeongjo

이준호
1990-01-25 · Goyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea

Lee Jun-ho, commonly known as Junho, is a prominent South Korean singer-songwriter and actor born on January 25, 1990. He first gained recognition as a member of the popular boy band 2PM, where his musical talents and charismatic performances captivated fans. Transitioning into acting, he made his debut in the film "Cold Eyes" in 2013, which marked the beginning of a successful film and television career. Over the years, Junho has starred in various notable projects, including the films "Twenty" (2015) and the television dramas "Good Manager" (2017), "Rain or Shine" (2017–2018), "Confession" (2019), and the much-anticipated series "King the Land" (2023). His outstanding performance in "The Red Sleeve" (2021) earned him the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor, solidifying his status in the industry. In addition to acting, Junho has also enjoyed a successful solo music career, releasing two studio albums, a compilation album, and eight extended plays, with significant acclaim in Japan.

Lee Se-young

Lee Se-youngas Sung Deok-im

이세영
1992-12-20 · Seoul, South Korea

Lee Se-young is a prominent South Korean actress known for her versatile performances across various genres. Born on December 20, 1992, she embarked on her acting career as a child, making her debut in 1997. Lee gained early recognition through her roles in acclaimed series such as "Dae Jang Geum" (2003), "When I Turned Nine" (2004), "Lovely Rivals" (2004), and "The Wonder Years" (2007). Her breakout role came in 2016 with the family series "The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop," earning her the "Best New Actress" award at the Baeksang Arts Awards. Lee's career continued to flourish with leading roles in successful dramas like "The Crowned Clown" (2019) and "The Red Sleeve" (2021), for which she won the Top Excellence Actress award. In 2022, she showcased her talents in the romantic comedy "The Law Cafe," further solidifying her status in the industry. With her captivating performances and a growing list of accolades, Lee Se-young has become known as a "Historical Drama Queen," recognized for her significant contributions to the genre. Her recent work includes roles in "The Story of Park's Marriage Contract" (2023) and the upcoming "What Comes After Love" (2024), highlighting her continued prominence in the Korean entertainment landscape.

Notable credits on this site
Lee Duck-hwa

Lee Duck-hwaas King Youngjo

이덕화
1952-05-08 · Seoul, South Korea

Lee Duck-hwa is a prominent South Korean actor, born on May 8, 1952. Recognized for his versatile acting skills, he has made significant contributions to the South Korean entertainment industry over the years. His career spans several decades, during which he has appeared in various television dramas and films that have garnered acclaim from audiences and critics alike. With a rich body of work, Lee Duck-hwa has established himself as a respected figure in the acting community. His performances often showcase a deep understanding of character dynamics, contributing to the emotional depth of the stories he portrays. As he continues to engage with new projects, Lee remains a beloved and influential presence in the world of K-drama and cinema.

Notable credits on this site
Park Ji-young

Park Ji-youngas Head Court Lady Jo

박지영
1968-12-08 · Jeonju, South Korea

Park Ji-young is a prominent South Korean actress, born on January 25, 1969. With a career spanning over a decade, she has made significant contributions to the Korean entertainment industry through her diverse roles in various television dramas. Park gained widespread recognition for her performances in series such as "The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry" (2010) and "Romance Town" (2011), where her acting skills shone through compelling narratives. Her career continued to flourish with notable appearances in "The Fugitive of Joseon" (2013), "Tears of Heaven" (2014), and "Don't Dare to Dream" (2016). Park's versatility was further highlighted in the historical drama "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo" (2016) and the suspenseful series "Save Me" (2017). With each role, she has captivated audiences, establishing herself as a respected figure in the K-drama landscape.

Notable credits on this site
Streaming

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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Episode stills, air dates, runtimes, and summaries.

  1. The Crown Prince Is My Master
    Ep 1The Crown Prince Is My Master
    2021-11-12 · 73 min

    A young maid Duk Im is ordered to visit the late Royal Noble Consort Yeong’s funeral. There she meets the Crown Prince who also secretly came to say goodbye to his grandmother. Duk Im learns about the forbidden book which King Yeongjo despises because of a certain phrase, and is warned that she’ll be losing her head if she is to read it. One day, she hears that the book is kept in the Crown Prince’s library, which makes her worried.

  2. Lee San’s Scheme
    Ep 2Lee San’s Scheme
    2021-11-13 · 73 min

    The tiger is on a killing spree within the palace. Unlike any other animal, it is smart. It knows exactly when to run, stop, and hunt. Although Lee San struggles with hunting this tiger, he unintentionally gets help from Duk Im as he was fooling around with her by pretending not to be the Crown Prince. To stop further casualties, this horrid tiger must be stopped.

  3. The Tiger And The Dragon
    Ep 3The Tiger And The Dragon
    2021-11-19 · 72 min

    All the young maids start to panic when they see the tiger. Duk Im comes up with a way to help the maids escape safely. San saves Duk Im, who’s in danger, but for mobilizing the military in the palace without the King’s permission, San almost receives punishment. And those who want to dethrone the Crown Prince are about to use this incident to their advantage.

  4. Princess Hwawan’s Punishment
    Ep 4Princess Hwawan’s Punishment
    2021-11-20 · 73 min

    Duk Im is shocked to find out San’s true identity. She gets upset as she thinks he fooled her on purpose, and therefore, she tries her best to stay away from him. However, with her outstanding skills and cleverness, she gets chosen to be his personal maid. Meanwhile, Princess Hwawan is not fond of Duk Im and finds a way to frame her and punish her.

  5. Coming-of-Age Ceremony
    Ep 5Coming-of-Age Ceremony
    2021-11-26 · 72 min

    Just as the Prince’s Lecturer orders to kill Duk Im, San appears to save her. Claiming that he was clearly mistaken, the Lecturer begs forgiveness and San lets this incident slide for now. Today is the day of the coming-of-age ceremony for the court maids. Duk Im is also very excited to celebrate this special day. However, the Queen does not make the day enjoyable for both San and Duk Im.

  6. Duk Im’s Wisdom
    Ep 6Duk Im’s Wisdom
    2021-11-27 · 72 min

    Lee San’s confinement still takes place. Despite the long boring time without books, Duk Im’s company helps him to stay sane. Lee San needs an ally who can closely advise the King. As Duk Im has sworn an oath to serve San, she volunteers to persuade Queen Kim. She comes up with a plan to make it possible, but whether it will actually work still remains a question.

  7. The Affection of a King
    Ep 7The Affection of a King
    2021-12-03 · 68 min

    After the incident at the bathtub, San happens to eavesdrop on the conversation of the court maids. From that conversation, he learns something that truly makes him happy. Meanwhile, something is not well with the King. Despite his great age, he maintains good health and a clear mind. However, some symptoms show that he is now not as healthy as he always used to be.

  8. Memories of the King
    Ep 8Memories of the King
    2021-12-04 · 68 min

    After an inspection of the court maids, a royal book that belongs to Consort Yeong has emerged from Duk Im’s belongings. Although it is a gift from the King himself, she is suspected of theft and undergoes questioning. Meanwhile, Hong Duk Ro eventually disobeys the Crown Prince and recruits a royal physician to the Dongdukhoe meeting. The reason is yet to find out.

  9. The Red Sleeve
    Ep 9The Red Sleeve
    2021-12-10 · 68 min

    The King orders San to go on a trip to visit the royal tomb on his behalf. When the court ladies from Gwanghan Palace hear this news, they realize they have to get rid of San as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Duk Im and Court Lady Seo leave to get ingredients for Royal Kitchen and see a bunch of gunpowder bags that belong to East Palace thrown out at the river.

  10. The Secret Gate
    Ep 10The Secret Gate
    2021-12-11 · 69 min

    The King suspects that San is plotting treason for bringing the soldiers to Royal Temporary Palace when he was the one who had been attacked. Now that Duk Im knows Lady Seo was forced to join Gwanghan Palace by Head Lady Cho, she tries to save her by stealing the list of signers at Head Lady Cho’s residence.

  11. Secret Document
    Ep 11Secret Document
    2021-12-17 · 69 min

    King Yeongjo orders to confine San in his chambers. Duk Im desperately wants to help San get out of the trouble and starts to think hard to come up with an idea. Duk Im happens to learn about a secret document that the promise between His Majesty and the late Crown Prince is written on. Meanwhile, San is framed for high treason and questioned by King Yeongj in front of the high officials.

  12. The New King
    Ep 12The New King
    2021-12-18 · 70 min

    The dispute over the throne finally comes to an end. Aware of his current weakness, the King admits that his current status is no longer fit to rule a country. With the help of Duk Im, the King remembers the promise he has with his late son. A promise that he will make San the next king of Joseon. Now, a new sky has risen, and San prepares to become what he has been trained for his whole life.

  13. The Weight Of The Crown
    Ep 13The Weight Of The Crown
    2021-12-24 · 69 min

    Not everyone is happy with San becoming King. Late night, an attack is made on San’s life. Although San survives thanks to his Royal guard, he finds out that his stepbrother is a part of the treason. Regardless of the rebel, San is in deep grief of having to kill a family member. Meanwhile, Duk Im seems to be constantly drifting away from San due to various events. Their love just seems impossible in any way.

  14. The Missing Maids
    Ep 14The Missing Maids
    2021-12-25 · 88 min

    Wonbin suddenly falls into critical condition. Although she has absolutely no problems with her health, she suddenly meets her death at a young age. Despite Duk Ro’s great grief for losing his younger sister, he still must fulfill his task in finding the court maids who suddenly went missing. As Kyung Hee is also one of the missing maids, Duk Im sets out on her own to find her close friend.

  15. New Royal Concubine
    Ep 15New Royal Concubine
    2021-12-25 · 71 min

    San orders Duk Im to leave the palace. After one year, Duk Ro and Duk Im run into each other at the street market, and Duk Ro suggests to her that she should run away with him. Meanwhile, San happens to stay the night at Princess Cheongyeon’s place and sees Duk Im after a long time. However, San decides to put the past behind and selects a new royal concubine.

  16. To Consort Hwa’s Chambers
    Ep 16To Consort Hwa’s Chambers
    2022-01-01 · 86 min

    Consort Hwa is infuriated with jealousy, and she tries to sabotage Duk Im with the help of Queen Dowager. Consort Hwa frames Duk Im for having relations with a man and makes Queen Dowager interrogate her. Therefore, all four of them, including San, gather at Consort Hwa’s chambers, and San makes his final decision.

  17. The Moment of Forever
    Ep 17The Moment of Forever
    2022-01-01 · 100 min

    The Crown Prince did not manage to survive the sickness. Although Duk Im and San fall into great grief, they regain their strength quickly for the sake of the country and their unborn baby. However, due to the plague and other events, close people around them pass away. Despite the numerous incidents, San remembers his duty as king and stands firmly to put the country on the path to peace.

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

Trailers, OST, interviews, making clips, reviews, and recommendations.

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube