IU and Byeon Woo Seok’s Royal Romcom

(Above) Following his global breakout with the heart-fluttering Lovely Runner, Byeon Woo Seok will bring to life his cold yet passionate character!

Uniting a winning script with a talented cast lineup led by IU and Byeon Woo Seok, MBC’s new drama, 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife, is set to wow viewers in the first half of 2026!

Soaring on Wings of Star-Studded Cast

Park Joon-hwa, known for hits such as What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and Alchemy of Souls, helms the drama. MBC producer Kang Dae-sun shared, “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife is a highly compelling work with an original premise, captivating characters, and a solid script…working such trusted talents feels like having wings. We hope this project will win viewers’ hearts, much like previous MBC script competition hits such as The Veil and Doubt.”

He also added, “With the brilliant writing of Yoo Ah-in and the deft romantic directing skills of Park Joon-hwa, we are confident 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife will become a very meaningful piece.”

The winning script of MBC’s 2022 drama script competition presented after three years of refinement, 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife follows the love story of Seong Hee-joo, a wealthy heiress frustrated by her “commoner” status, and Grand Prince Lee An, a royal son who owns nothing beyond his title. 

Character Introductions

Seong Hee-joo (played by IU) is the wealthy chaebol heiress who longs for a noble status–the one thing she was not born with–and enters a contract marriage with Grand Prince Lee An. Her life changes dramatically after meeting Lee An.

Grand Prince Lee An (Byeon Woo Seok) is born into royalty but unable to claim anything beyond his bloodline. As the second son of the royal family, he lives a life of suppression but earns the title of “nation’s beloved prince” from his innate charm. Accustomed to hiding his true self and emotions, his world shifts after meeting Seong Hee-joo.

Noh Sang-hyun will play Min Jeong-woo, the Prime Minister and Grand Prince Lee An’s closest friend. Coming from a prestigious political lineage, he is the “ultimate dream son-in-law”, having inherited the perfect combination of family background, intellect and looks. Sharing a strong bond with Lee An as childhood companions, he was also senior to Seong Hee-joo during their school days, and is thrown into emotional turmoil when he learns of the two’s contract marriage.

Gong Seung-yeon is Yoon Yi-rang, a woman “destined to be queen.” Hailing from a family that has produced queen consorts for four generations, she fights fiercely to protect her predetermined future.

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