Historical Period Viki Original K-drama Series: The Red Sleeve (2021-2022); 17 episodes

The Red Sleeve Cuff (2021-2022); 17 episodes

This historical K-drama is a Viki Original series based on a novel of the same name. It's a fictionalized account of the love story of King Jeongjo and his royal consort Ui-bin Seong, but they are real historical figures. King Jeongjo is the 22nd monarch of the Joseon dynasty, and Ui-bin Seong (real name Seong Deok-im) was his royal consort. There were several pregnancies that resulted in miscarriages, one son lived, Crown Prince Munhyo.

This series focuses on the life of Seong Deok-im. She entered the palace at the age of ten (10) as a maid servant. Whereas all of the court ladies probably dreamed of being bedded by the king, Seong Deok-im rejected his advances. She did not want to become a concubine because she said she would no longer be able to have her own life. In other words, she would lose herself and only live for him.

Nevertheless, she fell in love with the king and became his favorite concubine, known as Royal Consort Sung Ui Bin. The series showed that she did give up her own life. When she was an ordinary court lady she could go out with friends, visit family, and enjoy the freedoms commoners enjoy. Once she became the king's concubine, her life was restricted to the palace. She spent the entire day just waiting for him to come to her chambers and rest his head in her lap. It was a life choice she made. Although she did not regret loving the king, she always knew she made a great sacrifice to live as the king's woman. She died in her early 30s and the king wrote on her epitaph about how much he had loved her.

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The Red Sleeve no.1, Korean Novel

Five (5) Korean Dramas That Are Less than 10 Episodes.

The popularity of Korean dramas continues to grow worldwide. Rakuten Viki does not only stream K-dramas but is investing in producing Viki Original content. Most fans of Korean drama have come to expect a series to be anywhere from 12 episodes to 50+ episodes. Believe it or not, there are some enjoyable series that are less than 10 episodes. Here is a list of five Korean dramas that are less than 10 episodes. All of these are streaming on the Viki platform.

Hyang Dan (2007) ~ 2 episodes

This is the story of how Hyang-dan (played by Seo Ji-hye), a beautiful servant girl, fell in love with the man who would become the hero of the people known as Il Ji Mae. 

Splash Splash Love (2015) ~ 2 episodes

A cute time-travel K-drama. Jang Danbi (played by Kim Seul-gi) is a high school student who wishes she could avoid a math test. She jumps on a puddle of water that turns out to be a portal. She time-travels back to the Joseon era and falls in love with the king. 

Must You Go? (2021) ~ 8 episodes

A time-travel drama based on a webtoon. Min Yoo Jung (played by Park Jung Yeon) dreams of becoming a successful pop musician. A talented musician from the Joseon Era ends up in modern-day Korea and crosses her path. Not sure how he got there or if he can return, he decides that he has the skills and talents to help her fulfill her dream. It turns out, however, that he is not the only time traveler. 

Strong Underdog (2023) ~ 6 episodes

Jung Woo (played by Lee Dae Hwi) is a high school student who is constantly bullied and has all kinds of bad luck. He just wants to persevere long enough to graduate. But he meets a transfer student who inspires him to stand up for himself. He decides to participate in a school's fighting tournament with the goal of taking down the school’s biggest bully. 

Finland Papa (2023) ~ 6 episodes

A Viki Original series. Yu Ri (played by Kim Bo Ra) is grieving over the loss of her grandmother. Depression is overwhelming her and she finds it difficult to carry on. A childhood friend encourages her to apply for a job at a restaurant called Finland Papa. It changes her life. 

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