Bloody Heart aka 붉은 단심 which means Red Heart in hangul, is a “Faction” sageuk that presents a fictional story and set of characters within a pseudo-Joseon setting. The narrative revolves around a young King’s struggles at court against a powerful minister amidst a burgeoning romance with his childhood love.

Themes of love and betrayal as well as vengeance are played out via the premise of palace politics. Some action is present, in the form of sword fights as expected of a sageuk, albeit rather briefly and sporadically sprinkled throughout but the main thrills and spills come from the political machinations and (largely verbal) confrontations amongst the major characters.

Based on the original screenplay by Park Pil Joo, this is the first sageuk drama that she has written, having previously been involved in mostly modern daily dramas. Yoo Young Eun (Queen of Mystery series) helms the production while Choi In Hee, who was recently in charge of another epic sageuk Taejong Lee Bang Won, serves as music director.

Principal photography took place at the indoor sets of Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Paju-si, and Gyeonggi-do while outdoor shooting made use of Yongin Daejanggeum Park, Mungyeong Saejae Open Set, Mungyeong Gaeun Open Set, Buan Video Theme Park, and Namyangju Studio. Despite the fictional nature of the story, certain characters were purportedly modelled on real life historical figures, namely King Seonjong as King Jungjong, Queen Inyeong as Queen Dangyeong, and Park Gye Won as Park Won Jong.

The soundtrack features a mixture of western classical, including piano concertos, and traditional gugak music as the original score while 6 song compositions make up the full OST album. My personal favourite is the contemporary-traditional fusion outro theme, It’s Red, performed by alt-crossover singer ID:Earth and featuring geomungo (traditional Korean stringed instrument) specialist, Park Da Wool. Full listing as follows:

Rio (RIO) - Asrai
Kim Yeon- woo - Hope Becomes a Star
ID:Earth - It's Red (Feat. Park Da Wool)
Chungha - One Star that Blooms at Dawn
Im Sang-hyun - Let It Flow
Han Dong- geun - Because I Miss You

What I Absolutely Loved

Without a shadow of doubt, the technical execution of this drama. Specifically the direction, acting, cinematography, editing, production design, costuming, filming location, and music. This drama is absolutely gorgeous to watch and to listen to. Hands down one of the best visual representations for a sageuk (or any genre, for that matter) that I’ve ever had the pleasure of viewing. The combination of contemporary and traditional, east meets west gugak-classical fusion of the score blends harmoniously and poetically into the storytelling as well, the end result of which is a theatrical feast for the senses. Seeing and hearing is believing so don’t just take my word for it, experience it yourself!

In terms of the cast performances, two actors impressed me while a few others caught my eye as well. Jang Hyuk is simply being Jang Hyuk - the consummate professional and my favourite of the main cast. He is utterly amazing as the First Vice Premier, Park Gye Won. There really isn’t much left to say about Jang Hyuk that hasn’t been said before about this incredible actor who possesses the gravitas and breathtaking screen presence for this lead role. Bravo!

The characterization of Park Gye Won in itself deserves much praise indeed. It would be a severe understatement to merely express this character as extremely layered for he truly manifests the multifold shades of grey that carefully unravels as the drama progresses. The sheer complexity of the character design is deftly articulated by Jang Hyuk’s undeniable mastery of his craft.

It is my third time seeing Kang Han Na, whom I had most recently seen in Designated Survivor: 60 Days. Gosh, the transformation is stunning! She completely slays her role as Yoo Jung, the FL. Her inspiringly nuanced interpretation of the Royal Consort that exudes such powerful aura and indomitable spirit is nothing short of astounding. Thanks to her performance here, she makes it to my top list of enduringly memorable FLs in a sageuk, ever.

What I Generally Liked

The storytelling approach and the overall trajectory of the plot. Viewers are afforded the opportunity to gradually gain an appreciation for the introductions and backstory of the major characters as well as their motivations. Meanwhile the worldbuilding of this fictional era steadily takes its time to establish itself that eventually immerses viewers into the narrative and the atmospherics.

For the most part, the interweaving subplots and implementation of multiple plot devices are seamlessly incorporated into the overall dramatic tone that remains consistent throughout the entirety of the drama. Additionally, the scene transitions, sequencing and overall pacing largely preserves the intensity of the storytelling. What I also truly appreciate is the fact that there is unreservedly no jarring inclusion of misplaced humour or moments of levity that juxtaposes with the seriousness of this drama.

A number of performances attracted my attention in a variety of roles. This includes Lee Joon, who plays the ML, Lee Tae. I don’t particularly like his character (more on that below) but I do value his contribution to the production. His talents are beyond doubt, as seen in The Silent Sea and Bulgasal, and his portrayal of the tormented Joseon King here is worthy of acknowledgment indeed. That said, I don’t think this is his best performance and to a certain extent, this could be attributed to the characterization.

Heo Sung Tae as Minister of War, Jo Won Pyo is compelling to watch. Since Beyond Evil and the recent Squid Game, this man continues to showcase his versatility in playing diverse roles in a variety of genres. There are even times when I find myself rooting not so much for his character but for the actor behind it, which is a testament to his fine acting. The plaudits would most definitely not be complete without mention of Park Ji Yeon, who depicts Queen Dowager Choi Ga Yeon. The subtle evolution of this character amidst the intricacies of the emotional complexities involved is a credit to the actress’ exceptional quality and conviction in her portrayal.

What Could’ve Been Better

In comparison with most sageuk dramas, what this drama perhaps lacks is the warrior aspect. Granted, the primary focus of the story is on the subtlety of politics and romance rather than all out battles and violent confrontations, but IMHO every sageuk needs a captivating element concerning the way of the warrior which could have been included in a supporting capacity. I think the character of eunuch Jung is probably supposed to fulfil this role but he ends up being more of a, well, eunuch and a messenger/ errand boy. As a result, the action is very much limited and minimal in its depiction, although what little swordfighting is showcased impresses me through the finesse of the choreography. It’s somewhat of a pity, really.

The character design of Lee Tae leaves much to be desired, personally for me. In addition to the constant broodiness and look of utter dejection throughout, this character exudes toxicity, misery and sadness rather than the confidence and charisma that befits a sovereign. Sure, there are mitigating circumstances and he does have his moments, particularly when plotting schemes of entrapment and seduction, while this apparent “character growth” becomes more pronounced in the later stages of the drama.The FL Yoo Jung, on the other hand, stays true to her beliefs and principles as she takes all challenges and obstacles in her stride. Perhaps this glaring contrast in disposition has adversely affected whatever connection that they may have had certainly during their early encounters and subsequent interactions as a romantic couple. I honestly feel Park Gye Won shares a more convincing adversarial dynamic and partnership chemistry with the FL, when they aren’t even a couple, and also in his relationships with both the Queen Dowager Choi and his own wife.

For the final arc, I would have preferred more focus on shrewd political maneuverings and court intrigue rather than a prolonged melodramatic trajectory emphasised by a display of emotional fallibility through inexplicably out-of-character behaviours. This culminates in the presence of significant twists and turns that truly changed the complexion of the initial story that began. Perhaps this was the intention of the writer all along. The truth lies in the title of the drama after all. In any case and despite the emphatic closure provided, the final outcome isn't entirely my preferred ending…

Final Thoughts

All things considered and despite reservations concerning certain aspects of the plot, Bloody Heart remains quite bloody marvellous and would arguably make the list of unforgettable K-dramas in recent memory. The aesthetics alone is worth the price of admission alongside the overall exceptional quality of the cast performances and the technical aspects of the production. Fans of well-crafted sageuk dramas and/ or any of the main cast should seriously consider adding this show to the watchlist.