IU and Byun Woo Seok are confirmed to lead the upcoming MBC drama "21st Century Princess Consort," which is now scheduled to premiere in the first half of 2026.
The drama marks the first collaboration between the two popular stars in an MBC production. It will reportedly air as part of the network's Friday-Saturday lineup.
Set in a fictional 21st-century Korea where the country is a constitutional monarchy, "21st Century Princess Consort" centers on the romance between Seong Hee Joo, a wealthy woman who remains a commoner despite her privileges, and Grand Prince Lee Wan, a royal who longs for freedom beyond his title.
IU will portray Seong Hee Joo, the ambitious and intelligent second daughter of a powerful family who seeks noble status to complete her life. Byun Woo Seok takes on the role of Grand Prince Lee Wan, the king's second son, who is adored by the public but feels constrained by his royal obligations.
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Joining the main cast are Noh Sang Hyun, known for his roles in "Pachinko" and "Love in the Big City," and Gong Seung Yeon, recognized for her performances in "The Killing Vote" and "The First Responders." Noh Sang Hyun will play Min Jung Woo, a brilliant prime minister and longtime friend to the prince, while Gong Seung Yeon will portray Yoon Yi Rang, a woman determined to become queen, coming from a family with a legacy of royalty.
The script for '21st Century Princess Consort' won the 2022 MBC drama script contest and has been praised for its fresh characters and engaging plot that explores themes of love, ambition, and social barriers. The drama is written by Yoo Ah In and directed by Park Joon Hwa.
Production faced rumors earlier this year regarding the possible withdrawal of IU and Byun Woo Seok due to disagreements over the show's international distribution platform. Reports suggested the actors preferred Netflix, while MBC was in talks with Disney+ for overseas distribution. However, both stars' agencies denied these claims, confirming that IU and Byun Woo Seok remain committed to the project and are preparing for filming as planned.
