MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'Red Sleeves' (directed by Jung Ji-in, Song Yeon-hwa, written by Jeong Hae-ri, produced by Wemad, Npio Entertainment/Youngje, The Red Sleeve, hereinafter, 'The Red Sleeve') broke the double-digit viewership ratings and reached 1st in the same time slot. Once again added momentum to the unstoppable upward trend.

According to Nielsen Korea, a ratings research company, the 7th episode of 'Red Sleeves' broke its own highest ratings, recording 10.7% nationwide and 10.5% in the metropolitan area, taking first place in the same time slot.

In addition, the audience rating of 2049, which is used as a major indicator for advertisers, also rose to 3.4% compared to the previous episode, and the highest rating also soared to 11.6%. Above all, this trend in viewership has nearly doubled compared to the first episode, proving the success of 'Red Sleeves'.

In the 7th episode of 'Red Sleeves', which was broadcast on December 3rd (Friday), Lee San (Lee Jun-ho), who grew bigger as her feelings for Seong Deok-im (Lee Se-young) grew, eventually confessed her love, but wanted to protect her life as a court lady, not a concubine. Han Deok-im's rejection of San's heart was portrayed, leaving a heartbreaking aftertaste. In addition, it aroused curiosity about the direction in which the romance of the two intertwined people would go.

Meanwhile, MBC's 'Red Sleeves' is a fictional retelling of the well-known historical romance between King Jeongjo of Joseon and his royal concubine, Uibin Sung. 2PM's Junho plays the role of King Jeongjo, and actress Lee Se Young plays the role of Uibin Sung, or Sung Duk Im. Many drama fans have praised the series for its classic historical drama style, at the same time challenging various K-drama tropes. 

Source[1]

Lee Jun Young recently opened up about the emotional toll of playing a villain—and how one powerful scene made him break down in tears behind the scenes.

On the May 1st episode of KBS 2TV’s variety show Problem Child in House, Lee Jun Young appeared alongside co-star Jung Eun Ji to promote their new KBS drama Pump Up the Healthy Love.

During the show, Lee Jun Young was asked about the most unforgettable villain he’s played. He chose his role as Han Su Gang in the film Brave Citizen.

He explained, “It was really tough to film. I had to act like I was leading school violence, and there was even a scene where I bullied a grandmother.”

The hosts were surprised, pointing out how kind and gentle he seems in real life. Lee Jun Young shared how he transforms for such roles.

“I try to act as bad as I can, but sometimes the director says, ‘You still look too nice.’ Then I focus even harder and adjust right away.”

He also revealed that filming one particular scene hit him hard emotionally. “My real grandmother was sick at the time,” he said.

“In one scene, there’s a grandma selling gimbap, and I ad-libbed by stubbing a cigarette out on the gimbap. I was really into character, but after filming, I just broke down. So many thoughts came to me and I started crying.”

Fans praised his dedication to acting but also felt moved by how deeply the role affected him. Lee Jun Young’s honesty gave a raw look at how even fictional roles can hit close to home.

Source: [1]