In the latest episodes of The Red Sleeve, Lee San finally reaches his tipping point as a result of Deok-im’s arrogance for refusing his affection.
Throwing him harsh words and declaring that she has never loved him, Lee San firmly decides to banish Deok-im from the palace, as well as expressing that he will never see her face again.
However, fate brought the love pairing back together as Deok-im returned to the palace after a year. She witnesses Lee San promise to devote his heart to his newly allocated concubine in an excruciatingly painful scene.
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Episode Recaps: 01 & 02 | 03 – 06 | 7 & 8 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 & 15 | Finale Week + Review |
The Red Sleeve Episodes 14 & 15 Key Moments
“Amazingly, you shake my heart. Sometimes I think of you while I am concentrating on my work.”
After awakening from a nap, a bewildered Deok-im believes she is dreaming when she notices Lee San alongside her. He then raises his hand slowly closer to her face and pinches her cheek.
As Deok-im inquires why the king is with her when he should not be, Lee San merely responds that the advantage of being the king is that no one can stand in his way.
Correspondingly, Deok-im inquires as to whether something terrible has happened to him, as he appears upset. Lee San simultaneously expresses that he is unhappy because of her.
He also emotionally feels his deep feelings because of Deok-im, and he occasionally thinks of her while concentrating on his work.
“Remember this. I care for you much more than you think. Let me know if you have any trouble. I will help you.”
Given Kyung Hee’s absence from the meeting where she and Deok-im were meant to meet, Deok-im feels something is wrong.
Later on, she learns from Lady Seo that Kyung Hee is not the only person who has been missing for days. However, the other court maids who served the late Queen Wonbin have gone missing as well.
Purposely calling out to Deok-im, the Queen Dowager not only requested her to read her a book but also inquired as to whether she needed assistance. The Queen Dowager consoles her and offers to help her since she cares for Deok-im more than she knows.
“I loved you. I asked you to be my family. You were the only person to hear that. The only woman I have ever loved since I was born is you.”
Assurance from the King was not enough for Deok-im, so she boldly acted on her own to find Kyung Hee. She was not aware that Lee San was merely waiting for the proper time to catch Deok-ro for detaining and torturing all the missing court maids.
When she was rescued from Deok-ro’s scheme to fabricate fake evidence of her sister’s treason, Deok-im and Lee San quarreled over her being arrogant and rude for not letting him go with his plan.
Consequently, Deok-im informs him that he should punish her as she is just a lowly court maid.
Reminding her of his affection, Lee San professes again to Deok-im that she is the only woman he has ever loved since he was born.
However, Deok-im firmly ascertains to Lee San that he was never a man to her and she has never loved her.
“The day I was expelled from the palace, I intentionally told His Majesty the harshest things I could think of.”
After a year of being expelled from the palace, Deok-im currently lives with the King’s sister. Ironically, she and Lee San reunite, and later discovers that he arranged somewhere she would stay considering she has nowhere else place to go.
Conversing with Lady Seo, Deok-im informs her that she intentionally spoke harsh words to Lee San in order to hurt him.
“Why did you bring Sung Deok-im back in the palace? She was expelled as per my royal order. Why did you bring her back?
Back at the palace, Deok-im was instructed that she could resume her duties as a court lady, but she now works with the new royal concubine.
Seeing Deok-im again working as a palace maid, Lee San is confused and enraged, which is why he immediately approached Queen Dowager.
When Queen Dowager responds not having a hand on Deok-im’s return, Lee San continues to think about where the source of the order came from.
“Love someone from the bottom of your heart and make a family.”
Until Lee San learns that Royal Consort Hwa is harassing Deok-im, he reprimands her and was about to lend his anger to her when Lady Seo reminded him that Deok-im is still Consort Hwa’s maid.
Afterwards, Lee San meets with his mother to inform her of the reason for his expulsion of Deok-im. However, Queen Hong calmly explains to her son that perhaps the reason he is so angry with Deok-im is that he is unable to control her.
Queen Hong later advises Lee San that the only way for him to be happy is to be with Deok-im. She also convinces Lee San to start a family with someone he truly loves.
The Red Sleeve Episodes 14 and 15 Musings
When Deok-im believes no one is there for her in The Red Sleeve, there are still people she can rely on. By calling Deok-im, the Queen Dowager consoles her, not only because she needs her for her personal benefit, but also because she is worried about Deok-im’s troubles and wants to ease her burdens.
Likewise, Lee San instructs Lady Seo to inform him of Deok-im’s whereabouts for him to be assured of her safety. This is just heartwarming for Lee San to do as a way of demonstrating how much he loves Deok-im, given that he does not disregard her worries.
As seen in episode 14 of The Red Sleeve, Lee San attempts to stop Deok-im from crying. We share a similar sentiment to the King, which makes us want to console Deok-im for her efforts in locating her missing friend.
Furthermore, the part where Deok-im tells Lee San the harsh things to hurt him is selfish of her to inflict misery on him when all he has done is offer his whole heart to her and ensure her safety.
Meanwhile, it’s heartbreaking to see Lee San wanting to move on with another woman, but once he sees Deok-im, he can’t help but fall in love with Deok-im all over again.
Above all, we admire Lee San’s mother for convincing us that mothers truly do know best. As she understands how to console her own son and how to gently steer him in the direction of true happiness.
Don’t miss the finale episode of The Red Sleeve on Viu!
Photos/Videos: MBC
