In a year filled with multiple historical dramas – from romcom to pure drama – The Red Sleeve flies high among them all.
According to Nielsen Korea, The Red Sleeve’s episode 11, which aired on December 17, recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 12.8% and 12.7% in Seoul. This achievement makes the series the highest-rated sageuk drama of 2021.
Since its premiere on November 12, the show rating has only been on the rise with each episode. In only three exceptions, the ratings dipped between 0.2 to 0.6%.
However, in just six episodes, The Red Sleeve broke the double-digit ratings barrier. Due to the immense popularity and love from the fans, MBC has also extended the 16-episode K-drama to 17 episodes.
This year also saw an abundance of sageuk K-dramas. Some of the top series The Red Sleeves beat are Lovers of the Red Sky, River Where the Moon Rises, The King’s Affection, and Bossam: Steal the Fate.
The show’s past and current contenders include Jun Ji-hyun’s Jirisan, Park Hyung-shik’s comeback thriller Happiness, and Song Hye Kyo, and Jang Ki-yong’s Now, We Are Breaking Up, among others.
Meanwhile, episode 11 of The Red Sleeve ended on a thrilling cliffhanger as Crown Prince Yi San’s (Lee Jun-ho) grandfather King Yeongjo (Lee Deok-hwa), yielded his sword in front of the Crown Prince, accusing him of treason.
It also saw Seong Deok-im trying to save the Crown Prince from dethronement while being rock-solid in her decision to not limit her life (or love) by being his royal concubine.
Deok-im’s wit and skills shine brightly once again as she convinces Queen Jungsoon to save the Crown Prince.
Episode 12 will see how things settle a bit and Crown Prince Yi San finally taking the throne. His love for Deok-im will also grow more passionate as now; he wields the ultimate power in the Kingdom.
As tensions rise with Crown Prince Yi becoming the King, Deok-im’s resolution to stay a free-spirited court lady and not a concubine will also rise.
The Red Sleeve episode 12 is available to watch on Rakuten Viki, with $4.99 per month Standard Pass only.
About The Red Sleeve
The Red Sleeve is a South Korean historical drama created by Kim Ho-young of MBC Drama. The screenplay is written by Jung Hae-ri, and directed by Jung Ji-in along with Song Yeon-hwa.
The “sageuk” K-drama is based on a novel titled The Red Sleeve Cuff by Kang Mi-kang. It stars 2PM’s Lee Jun-ho, Lee Se-young and Kang Hoon as the main characters.
The fictional story depicts the re-telling of real-life love story of the King of Joseon, Yi San/King Jeongjo and his beloved concubine, court lady Seong Deok-im/Royal Noble Consort Ui-bin Seong.
Source: Joy News
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