Ahn Hyo Seop and Kim Yoo Jung's new K-drama "Lovers of the Red Sky" premieres with a solid viewership rating.
According to Nielsen Korea, SBS' new Monday and Tuesday series is off to a good start with 9.4 percent.
Apart from the viewership rating, the fantasy historical drama is making waves on social media as netizens praise the drama's striking visuals and cinematography.
In addition, the viewers also lauded the child actors who have done a great job portraying the young Ha Ram and Hong Cheon Gi.
'Lovers of the Red Sky' Episode 1 Highlights: Sealing the Demon
The premiere depicts how Hong Cheon Gi, played by Kim Yoo Jung and Ha Ram, portrayed by Ahn Hyo Seop, as their lives intertwined since they were born.
"Lovers of the Red Sky" episode 1 began with a tumultuous ceremony in hopes of sealing the demon through the king's painting.
Although the masters were able to fend off the evil spirit, the whole dynasty was cursed for extreme famine and drought. Apart from this, the evil vowed to have their offspring endlessly wander in the darkness.
During the ceremony, the powerful Sam Shin (Moon Sook) intervenes and successfully secures the evil inside the painting.
On the other hand, Sam Shin saved a newborn from the hungry wolves but was stricken by the evil's curse.
He made the infant, who happens to be Hong Cheon Gi, go blind. Although the powerful goddess could not lift the curse, she ensured that someone would help her from the devastating fate.
"I will match you with someone who will protect you from the curse."
At the same time, a baby boy named Ha Ram was born. The eldest son of the noble Ha family.
READ MORE: Ahn Hyo Seop Exudes Striking Visuals in Elle Korea Ahead of 'Lovers of the Red Sky' Release
Ha Ram Meets Hong Cheon Gi for the First Time
Nine years later, the whole dynasty lived in peace; however, famine and drought is still the main problem.
At this time, Hong Cheon Gi grew up to be a beautiful young lady who is passionate about painting despite being blind, while Ha Ram discovered his unique ability with water.
"Lovers of the Red Sky" episode 1 also featured the unexpected meeting of the two.
After being introduced by their fathers, they were able to build a friendship even for a short time. Ha Ram became Cheon Gi's eyes while he was comforted by her warm words.
In one scene, he promised to meet her again after the event was over. Unfortunately, he was not able to keep his promise due to an accident.
During the ceremony, Ha Ram's father realized that Shaman Mi Su (Chae Gook Hee) offered a human sacrifice through the child.
Coincidentally, the demon king was realized by the greedy grand prince, who wants to steal the crown prince's position.
At this time, they believed that the gods heard their prayer and made it rain.
Little did they know that this was caused by the evil spirit lurking and finding its next target.
Soon after, the demon king found Ha Ram who was at the center of the ceremony that prompted him to plunge into the lake.
At the same time, Cheon Gi also encountered the same accident and was helplessly drowning in the water.
As the two called their fathers, SamShin arrived and helped the two. However, since the evil spirit is in Ha Ram's body, the goddess opted to take away his power, which is his eyes; this made Ha Ram lose his sight.
"You won't be able to use your power until you retrieve your sight," she told the spirit.
Fortunately for Cheon Gi, SamShin gave the sight to her.
"I will leave these eyes for you for a moment. Make the pottery of fate."
Due to the incident, the king ordered the arrest of the Shaman. On the other hand, "Lovers of the Red Sky" episode 1 wrapped up, illustrating the opposite fate of Ha Ram and Cheon Gi.
