IU and Byun Woo Seok Team Up in Upcoming ’21st Century Princess Consort’ Set to Premiere in 2026

IU and Byun Woo Seok Star in Upcoming MBC Drama “21st Century Princess Consort”

In an exciting development for fans of Korean drama, IU and Byun Woo Seok have officially been cast as the leads in the anticipated MBC production “21st Century Princess Consort, ”set to premiere in the first half of 2026.

First Collaboration and Schedule

This marks a significant milestone as it is the first time these two beloved stars will collaborate on an MBC drama. The show is expected to be featured in the network’s prime Friday-Saturday slot, which has historically showcased popular series.

Plot Overview

Set in a fictional version of 21st-century Korea governed as a constitutional monarchy, “21st Century Princess Consort” will explore the intricate romance between Seong Hee Joo and Grand Prince Lee Wan. Seong Hee Joo is depicted as a wealthy woman who, despite her advantages, remains a commoner. Conversely, Grand Prince Lee Wan, the royal second son, grapples with the constraints of his title and yearns for personal freedom.

Character Insights

IU will bring to life the character of Seong Hee Joo, the astute and ambitious second daughter of a prominent family, who navigates her social aspirations with noble status in mind. Byun Woo Seok will take on the role of Grand Prince Lee Wan, whose public adoration is matched only by his feelings of entrapment due to royal duties.

Complementing the lead performances, the drama will also feature notable actors such as Noh Sang Hyun, famous for his roles in “Pachinko”and “Love in the Big City, ”as the brilliant Min Jung Woo, a trusted prime minister and close friend of the prince. Gong Seung Yeon, recognized for her captivating works in “The Killing Vote”and “The First Responders, ”will portray Yoon Yi Rang, a young woman with royal ambitions stemming from a lineage steeped in royal tradition.

Award-Winning Script and Themes

The script for “21st Century Princess Consort”is already generating buzz, having won the MBC drama script contest in 2022. The narrative promises to engage audiences with its exploration of themes such as love, ambition, and the dynamics of social constraints, accompanied by a cast of well-developed characters.

Production Challenges

Earlier in the year, there were concerns regarding the project, particularly about a potential withdrawal of both IU and Byun Woo Seok due to differing preferences regarding the international distribution platform. It was reported that the actors favored Netflix while MBC was considering Disney+ for overseas airing. However, both of their agencies have denied such rumors, affirming that both actors are fully committed to the project and are in preparation for the filming as initially planned.