Excitement is building for MBC‘s upcoming drama, tentatively titled “21st Century Princess Consort,” starring the highly anticipated pairing of IU and Byeon Woo Seok. Originally slated for the latter half of 2025, MBC has now officially announced a change in schedule, moving the premiere to the first half of 2026 as part of their coveted Friday-Saturday drama lineup.
Adding even more star power to the project, the production has confirmed the addition of two more prominent lead actors: Noh Sang Hyun, best known for his roles in “Pachinko” and “Love in the Big City,” and Gong Seung Yeon, praised for her performances in “The Killing Vote” and “The First Responders.” This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first time all four of these talented actors will be leading an MBC drama, igniting high expectations for their on-screen chemistry.
“21st Century Princess Consort” offers a fresh and intriguing premise, set in a modern-day constitutional monarchy in Korea. The drama will explore a captivating romance that challenges the rigid barriers of social standing. The central storyline revolves around Seong Hee Joo, a woman of considerable wealth who grapples with the frustrations of her commoner status, and Grand Prince Lee Wan, a royal figure who possesses every privilege but yearns for the simple freedom to live authentically.
The script itself garnered significant acclaim, winning the 2022 MBC drama script contest with overwhelming support from the judging panel. It has been lauded for its dynamic and progressive characters, coupled with a compelling romance-driven plot deeply rooted in powerful human desires.
IU will take on the role of Seong Hee Joo, portraying the intelligent and fiercely competitive second daughter of a prosperous family. Despite her outward success and material wealth, Hee Joo is acutely aware of the one thing she cannot acquire through money: noble status. Driven by an unwavering determination to claim her place, she enters into a contract marriage with Grand Prince Lee Wan, played by Byun Woo Seok. This unconventional arrangement becomes a pivotal turning point, irrevocably altering the trajectories of both their lives.
Byun Woo Seok, fresh off his global popularity from “Lovely Runner,” will portray Grand Prince Lee Wan, the beloved second son of the king who, despite his royal standing, feels stifled by the inherent burdens of his position. He has grown accustomed to concealing his true self from the world. However, his unexpected encounter with the ambitious Seong Hee Joo begins to awaken a new and previously suppressed side of his personality. Byun’s portrayal will showcase a modern prince torn between his royal duty and his burgeoning personal desires.
Noh Sang Hyun will step into the shoes of Min Jung Woo, a brilliant and astute prime minister hailing from a prestigious political lineage. He shares a long-standing friendship with Grand Prince Lee Wan and also holds a senior position to Hee Joo from their academy days within the royal system. His intricate connection to both central characters inevitably draws him into their whirlwind contract marriage, promising to create layers of emotional tension and compelling intrigue.
Completing the stellar lead quartet is Gong Seung Yeon, who will play Yoon Yi Rang, a woman born into a family that boasts a remarkable history of producing four queens. Yi Rang has never doubted her own destined path to the throne and dedicates her life to safeguarding that very fate. As a woman who has consciously chosen the crown above her own personal desires, she will fiercely fight to maintain her position, no matter the sacrifices required.
MBC executive producer Kang Dae Sun expressed his enthusiasm for the project, commenting,
“‘21st Century Princess Consort‘ is a uniquely charming drama with a fresh concept, compelling characters, and a strong storyline. After three years of development to maximize its strengths, we’re thrilled to move forward with a stellar cast. Just as MBC’s past script contest winners like ‘The Veil‘ and ‘Intimate Betrayal’ resonated with audiences, we believe this collaboration between writer Yoo Ah In and director Park Joon Hwa will result in something truly special.”
With filming slated to begin soon, anticipation is already high for “21st Century Princess Consort.” While the wait has been extended, the combination of a captivating storyline, a talented writer and director, and this exceptional lineup of leading actors, including the much-anticipated pairing of IU and Byun Woo Seok, suggests that this drama will be well worth the wait when it finally graces our screens in the first half of 2026.
