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| Actors Lee Se-young, left, and Lee Jun-ho pose for pictures during an online press conference of MBC's new series, "The Red Sleeve," Friday. Courtesy of MBC |
By Lee Gyu-lee
Actor Lee Jun-ho has returned to the small screen with MBC's new historical romance series, "The Red Sleeve." Lee went on hiatus due to his mandatory military service starting in 2019.
Following his discharge from the military in March, the actor took on the lead role in his first period drama, portraying King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty (1392―1910).
"It wasn't easy to take on the role of a king, especially since he is an actual historical figure who has been loved by many people," the actor said during an online press conference for the series, Friday. "But I did try to portray the character in my own color. At the same time, I tried to draw my attention towards the small details (of the king's gestures) like using chopsticks."
Based on the romance novel of the same name by Kang Mi-kang, the series follows a love story between crown prince Yi San, who later becomes King Jeongjo, and a court lady named Sung Deok-im (Lee Se-young).
Yi San is a scrupulous prince who inherits the throne from his grandfather after his father's death. But when he meets Deok-im, a free-spirited, strong-willed woman, Yi San struggles to make choices between his duty and his love.
The series is directed by Jung Ji-in, who led the romantic comedy, "Radiant Office," and is scripted by Jung Hae-ri, who wrote the period drama, "The Emperor: Owner of the Mask."
The first episode kicked off on Friday with a 5.7-percent viewership rating, nationwide.
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| A scene from the series / Courtesy of MBC |
The actor said he enjoyed the original novel so he decided to get on board with his first period series.
"I loved how the king was depicted in the original novel. And when I read the series' script, I also liked how it was brought into life. It was very colorful," he said. "With the novel, it doesn't go too deep into each character's mind. But I liked how the script delves deeper into those parts to tell more about what kind of people they are."
The love story was inspired by historical records about King Jeongjo and a court lady, who became concubine Uibin Sung after turning down the king's offer twice.
Jung, the director, noted that this series stands out from other period series currently airing, such as "The King's Affection" and "Secret Royal Inspector Joy," because it tells the story of actual historical figures.
"This series is definitely different from 'fusion' period series, as the characters are based on real people. We did adapt the story, but we still had to base the overall picture on the real events," she said.
Lee Se-young's character, Deok-im, is an unorthodox person who firmly believes in making her own choices in life, despite living as a court lady. Her peaceful life in the palace turns upside down when she encounters the crown prince.
The actress said that she was very touched when she read the novel and hoped to deliver the same emotion to viewers.
"When I read the novel, I cried my heart out. It was such a heartbreaking story and the emotions lingered on for a few days," she said. "Whether the audiences have read the book or not, I wanted to deliver the heartfelt story that would make them feel the same emotions and lingering feelings that I got from the book."
"The Red Sleeve" airs on MBC Fridays and Saturdays at 9:50 p.m.
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