Enduring the path towards one’s destiny may be hard, but Lovers of the Red Sky made sure to portray how rewarding it is at the end.
Changing one’s fate is a difficult task, and sometimes going beyond what is set for one’s self could harm others. With its captivating premise, Lovers of the Red Sky has glided through its fateful narrative encompassing romance, politics, and arts.
- Main Cast: Kim Yoo Jung | Ahn Hyo Seop | Gong Myung | Kwaw Si Yang
- Supporting Cast: Kim Kwang Gyu | Choi Kwang Il | Yoon Sa Bong | Jung Young Ki | Hong Jin Ki | Hong Kyung | Song Won Seok | Jo Sung Ha | Chae Gook Hee
- Streaming Site: Viu
- Thrill/Addictive Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- Rewatch Value:
- Kdramas of Similar Vibe: Moon Embracing the Sun | The Scholar Who Walks the Night | Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Marcie Line watched Lovers of the Red Sky on Viu
Episode Recaps: 01 & 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 & 16
Lovers of the Red Sky Quick Plot Recap
Despite successfully sealing the demon in the former king’s portrait, the nation of King Seongjo suffers from drought and famine. The Shaman, Mi Su, calls for the need of a rainmaking ritual, and the child of Ha Sung Jin is chosen to be the sacrifice.
His child, Ha Ram, is born on the same day as Hong Cheon Gi, the blind daughter of painter Hong Eun O. Cheon Gi and Ha Ram become fond of each other after meeting when their fathers were discussing the events that happened in the sealing ceremony before.
On the day of the rainmaking ritual, the portrait of the king is burnt, setting free the demon, and entering Ha Ram’s body. He loses his sight while Cheon Gi regains hers with the eyes of the demon.
Ha Ram grows up blind, and is now called Scholar Ha who reads the stars. He secretly moves as Ilwolseong, with the plans of taking revenge on the royal family. Reuniting with Cheon Gi, the demon inside him begins to be awakened. Alarming the royal palace, they walk through the preparations for a new sealing ceremony.
Lovers of the Red Sky Series Peak Points
Inclusion of Details about Art
Hong Cheon Gi is a female divine painter, and she is also a daughter of a painter named Hong Eun O. Although she was blind when she was a child, she has been interested in painting ever since.
As she regained her sight, she became part of the Baekyu Painters Society, and throughout the series, there have been lessons about paintings that existed before. It is able to explain the relevance of mundane things like scrolls, ink stones, and brushes. Moreover, techniques used in the painting are also highlighted as they prepare for the king’s portrait.
Heartwarming Support along with Divine Intervention
Cheon Gi’s father lost his sanity after painting the king’s portrait, but the environment where Cheon Gi grew up with helped her become a positive individual. Her friends made sure to help her endeavors. Master Choi and Ms. Gyeonju stood up like her parents who constantly worried for her safety.
Old lady Samsin and the Tiger Spirit played a big role in protecting and helping Cheon Gi. Their intervention has saved her several times from the hands of the demon. Cheon Gi was destined to be with Ha Ram, and these divine beings assisted in building their story.
Fulfilled Childhood Romance
Cheon Gi and Ha Ram met when they were young, and it’s also fate that they were born on the same day. They may have been separated for a while after the rainmaking ritual, but they still got reunited when they were adults.
Scholar Ha may have gone back and forth in deciding to be with Cheon Gi, as he is determined with his revenge. However, the two were still drawn towards each other despite the pending dangers of the demon and the sealing ceremony.
In the end, they had a child and lived happily. Viewers may also see romantic parallel events from when they were young, and now that they were adults.
Unanticipated Truth
All along Scholar Ha thought that the investigator killed his father. However, that is not true, and it turns out that it was he himself, possessed by the demon, who killed his own father. During the series’ run, viewers may have also believed in Scholar Ha’s plot of revenge justified by the royal family’s selfishness. In its run, our perception was shaped similar to the point of view of Scholar Ha.
At the end, the real selfish person is Prince Joohyang, while Prince Yangmyeong with King Seongjo are the ones who are compassionate. Even at the beginning, Prince Joohyang was the one who was unsatisfied with his position, causing him to rebel and thirst for the throne.
Lovers of the Red Sky Series Musings
Ha Ram and Cheon Gi’s romantic story was predictable to where it was headed, which is a happy ending. Nevertheless, their interactions were adorable to watch, and it was exciting to anticipate their heart-fluttering romantic scenes.
The truth about Ha Sung Jin’s death was the only part that was unexpected seeing how convinced we were also of Ha Ram’s justification for his revenge. There were no obvious hints in the episodes. Like Ha Ram, viewers were made to think that the royal family is fully responsible for Ha Ram’s family.
All the actors and actresses have portrayed their roles well, especially on the scenes with heavy emotions. Ahn Hyo Seop is commendable with his acting given that a lot of his scenes involved CGI. The cast’s performance along with the series’ CGI matched well, producing a convincing setting.
Considering this is a fictional fantasy romance drama, it has still imparted valuable lessons. It has mainly tackled one’s fate, and it encourages people to face it with full acceptance. As was repetitively emphasized in the drama, there are things that are out of our control, and it is not our fault.
Prince Yangmyeong may have had feelings for Cheon Gi, but he learned to accept that Cheon Gi is truly destined with Ha Ram. His acceptance on this matter frees himself from the burdening pain and dissatisfaction with life.
Unlike his younger brother, Prince Joohyang is the living proof of people who suffer because of their immense greed. He cannot accept the fact that he is the second child, and the throne is not for him. His denial of his destined fate brings him to harm people, and also to his own downfall.
Scholar Ha’s story of revenge may serve as a lesson to check all the facts before setting foot into plans. On the other hand, King Seongjo teaches us compassion and humility despite being in a high position.
A Happy Ending with an Open-Ended Epilogue
Scholar Ha and Cheon Gi ended up happily together, but there was an epilogue for the events in the palace. It opens up the possibility of a sequel or a special episode. However, the ending was already satisfying, and I do believe that Scholar Ha’s reading from the skies was the basis for the end between the two princes. If ever there would be a second season, its focus should be on the political issue, moving on from the fantasy romance narrative.
Watching Lovers of the Red Sky was a breeze, and I didn’t notice it was reaching its end. The narrative is light-hearted even with the political strife, and the romance portion can really tickle viewers’ hearts. Fans of the drama may consider rewatching the episodes, reliving its best moments. Its end may have been predictable, nonetheless, the journey and process towards the end were amusing.
Watch Lovers of the Red Sky on Viu.
Photos: SBS
Ustey
October 30, 2021 at 1:30 pmAn Absolute Must Watch