Lovers of the Red Sky

Lovers of the Red Sky (Korean: 홍천기; RR: Hongcheonki) is a South Korean historical fantasy television series that aired on SBS from August 30 to October 26, 2021. The drama, directed by Jang Tae-Yoo and Kim Moon-Kyo, consists of 16 episodes and was broadcast on Monday and Tuesday nights.

Background and Development

The series is based on the two-volume novel Hong Cheon-Ki by author Jung Eun-Gwol, published in December 2016 by Paran Media. While the title character, Hong Cheon-Ki, is based on a real historical figure, the narrative blends historical elements with fictional fantasy themes. The production held its first script reading in November 2020.

Plot

Set during the Joseon era, the story follows Hong Cheon-Ki (Kim You-Jung), a gifted female painter who becomes the first woman admitted to the Dohwaseo, the Royal Academy of Painting. Her life intersects with Ha Ram (Ahn Hyo-Seop), an officer at the Seowoongwan, an office responsible for astronomy, geography, and divination. Despite losing his sight in a childhood accident, Ha Ram maintains a deep connection with Hong Cheon-Ki, who remains devoted to him.

Cast

The main cast includes:

• Ahn Hyo-Seop as Ha Ram
• Kim You-Jung as Hong Cheon-Ki
• Gong Myung as Grand Prince Yangmyung
• Kwak Si-Yang as Grand Prince Juhyang

Broadcast Schedule

The series occupied the Monday and Tuesday 22:00 time slot on SBS. It followed the conclusion of Racket Boys and was succeeded by Our Beloved Summer in December 2021. Broadcasts were occasionally adjusted for public holidays; for instance, episodes were preempted on September 20 and 21, 2021, due to the Chuseok holiday.