The Red Sleeve
옷소매 붉은 끝동
“A palace Romeo and Juliet rooted in real Joseon history”
Based on a novel of the same name, it tells the record of a royal court romance between the King of Joseon who believes his duty is to his country first above love, and a court lady who wants to protect the life she has chosen.
Lee Jun-ho
as Yi San / King Jeongjo · LEAD
Lee Jun-ho
Yi San / King Jeongjo
Lee Se-young
as Sung Deok-im · LEAD
Lee Se-young
Sung Deok-im
Kang Hoon
as Hong Deok-ro · SUPPORTING
Kang Hoon
Hong Deok-ro
Lee Duck-hwa
as King Youngjo · SUPPORTING
Lee Duck-hwa
King Youngjo
Park Ji-young
as Head Court Lady Jo · SUPPORTING
Park Ji-young
Head Court Lady Jo
Jang Hee-jin
as Queen Jeong-sun · SUPPORTING
Jang Hee-jin
Queen Jeong-sun
Ahn Se-min
as Seong Guk-min · SUPPORTING
Ahn Se-min
Seong Guk-min
Jang Hye-jin
as Court Lady Seo · SUPPORTING
Jang Hye-jin
Court Lady Seo
Streaming
Where to watch
Availability varies by region · Data by JustWatch via TMDB
Quick verdict
Should you watch?
A beautifully restrained sageuk romance that revived MBC's fortunes.
✓Fans of historical romance, slow-burn devotion, and richly produced sageuk
✗You prefer happy endings — the real history makes this bittersweet
Story
What is it really about
A self-possessed court maid who guards her independence and the crown prince who falls for her navigate a love hemmed in by rank and duty. A historical romance drawn from the real bond between King Jeongjo and his concubine.
Did you know
Trivia & facts
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