Newly-premiered KBS drama "Bloody Heart" instantly became the talk of the town on multiple online portals because of its similarities to "The Red Sleeve Cuff."
'Bloody Heart' Draws Comparison to 'The Red Sleeve'
Monday-Tuesday series "Bloody Heart" that stars Lee Joon, Kang Han Na, and Jang Hyuk is being compared to MBC's "The Red Sleeve Cuff." Since both have the same historical-romance genre, and lead male stars are idol-actors, viewers can't help but see the similarities in the two.
According to Daum on May 3, despite having a completely different storyline, "Bloody Heart" is earning accusations of copying Lee Junho and Lee Se Young's drama.
"Bloody Heart" premiered on May 2. It centers its story about a bloody political court romance between King Lee Tae (played by Lee Joon), who abandoned the woman he loves to survive, and Yoo Jung (played by Kang Han Na), whose goal is to become a queen to live.
Viewers Find Similarities Between 'The Red Sleeve Cuff' and 'Bloody Heart'
The new series raised curiosity and high expectations as KBS, the broadcasting company known as the "master of historical dramas," acquired the rights to produce it.
In fact, KBS' previous series "Moonshine" and "The King's Affection" recorded good viewership ratings.
And as a result of viewers' expectations, "Bloody Heart" episode 1 had a good start and surpassed 6.3 percent rating.
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"Bloody Heart's" cast, execution, storyline, and directing gained positive reviews from many viewers. Lee Joon, who portrays the role of a king, displayed his authoritative persona as a leader who longs to become a true monarch, even though he has pain and anger in his heart.
His co-star, Kang Han Na, also showed good performance during the first two episodes; she added charms into her character, and boasted elegant visuals while dressed in a hanbok.
Jang Hyuk and Heo Sung Tae, both of who are prominent stars, were also commended for their performance.
Despite efforts by the cast and crew, after the drama aired its pilot episode, viewers started comparing "Bloody Heart" to "The Red Sleeve Cuff." Some said that KBS may have copied it to the megahit drama, and having the same word, "Red" (Korean translation of title), in the title became a big deal to some.
Viewers also found Lee Joon's acting similar to Lee Junho.
In defense of some drama fans, it doesn't make sense comparing the two series as they have completely different plots and cast lineup.
In addition, it is impossible that "Bloody Heart" copied the MBC drama because the production and casting of the KBS drama had been confirmed even before MBC's "The Red Sleeve Cuff" aired last year.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Here's Why 'Bloody Heart' Star Lee Joon Had Fear Working in Historical Drama
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Shai Collins wrote this.
