IU, Byun Woo Seok Spark Romance Rumors

In the fifth episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'The King's Affection in the 21st Century,' the affectionate bond between Sung Hee-joo (played by IU) and Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok) is shown to deepen after they overcome a traffic accident crisis.

Previously, Sung Hee-joo faced a crisis while driving with the young King Lee Yoon (played by Kim Eun-ho) when the brakes failed. However, Prince Ian narrowly averted the disaster by using his car to block Sung Hee-joo's vehicle. During this incident, Sung Hee-joo felt a new emotion while looking at Prince Ian.

The released photos show Sung Hee-joo and Prince Ian hospitalized side-by-side. Sung Hee-joo's expression as she looks at Prince Ian, who is wearing a shoulder brace, conveys sadness and apology, while Prince Ian appears as a reliable lover comforting a worried Sung Hee-joo. Their warm gazes and gentle touches towards each other evoke a sense of excitement.

According to the production team, Prince Ian will intensify his efforts to protect Sung Hee-joo from worldly threats following this accident. Attention is drawn to Prince Ian's actions as he activates his 'Sung Hee-joo exclusive protection mode,' having been sensitive to Sung Hee-joo's safety due to past experiences of losing loved ones.

'The King's Affection in the 21st Century' is a drama set in 21st-century South Korea, depicting a romance that breaks down social barriers between a woman who has everything but is of commoner status and a man who is the king's son but can possess nothing, as they forge their own destinies.