Lee Junho and Lee Se Young's drama started strong with a viewership rating of 5.7 percent both nationwide and in the metropolitan area, based on Nielsen Korea. In "The Red Sleeve Cuff" episode 1, crown prince Yi San (Lee Junho) and court lady Sung Deok Im (Lee Se Young) first met when they were still young. Their unexpected and short encounter during the young crown princess' burial marked their friendship.

'The Red Sleeve Cuff' Episode 1: Crown Prince Meets the Brilliant Court Lady

Sung Seok Im, a brilliant and talented court lady enjoys reading stories to her fellow court ladies, with exchange of money and other accessories. Seok Im needs to save 100 nyang to fulfill her future goals.

She was caught together with her friends for disobeying rules inside the palace. As a punishment, Sung Seok Im was ordered to visit Yeong Bin's (Nam Ki Ae), burial who is also Yi San's beloved grandmother.

Meanwhile, on her way to Young Bin's place, Sung Seok Im lost track and started to feel uneasy. But she was surprised when she saw a kid her age walking in the middle of the night with only a lamp on his hand. They became each other's companion after knowing that they have the same destination.

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Crown prince Yi San was saddened to hear Young Bin's passing. So he escaped from the palace just to see his grandmother for one last time. He was able to feel comfort when he met the court lady, and unexpectedly, King Yeong Jo also paid a visit to the late crown princess' place.

Before King Yeongjo entered the room, Yi San escaped again through Sung Deok Im's help. She covered the crown prince from being caught.

King Yeongjo was happy to meet the young court lady to pay respect to the late crown princess.

To show his gratitude, the King gave a book to Deok Im, which tells the love story of another court day from the past.

Sung Deok Im's Saves Crown Prince Yi San from the Punishment

Days after he returned to the palace, Yi San was criticized for reading the forbidden book. Meanwhile, Sung Deok Im overheard the punishment that the crown prince might have once he read the book. She immediately went to the library to find that book and tore some pages to save Yi San from being misjudged.

The officials tried to search for the book and gave it to King Yeongjo, but he was surprised that it was already torn apart, which saved Yi San from being punished.

He thanked his friend and Deok Ro for saving him from the King, for he thought that Deok Ro was really the one who helped him.

Yi San and Sung Deok Im's Fateful Reunion Outside the Palace

As days passed, Yi San hoped to see again the lady he met at his grandmother's burial. He wanted to thank her for saving him that day.

Years later, Yi San and Sung Deok Im grew up decently. Their childhood memories together already have a special place in their hearts.

On her way to the palace, Deok Im was excited to meet the people whom she would be telling stories. Unfortunately, she slipped into the pond while running on a steep shortcut.

Deok Im accidentally found Yi San in the place, busy taking a walk near the pond. He grabbed Deok Im's waist to save her from falling into the water.

Their chemistry and fateful reunion thrilled the viewers and are already looking forward to watching the upcoming episodes.

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Have you watched "The Red Sleeve Cuff" episode 1? What are your thoughts about it? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by Shai Collins.