Byeon Woo Seok's Yi An Daegun Visuals: A Feast for the Eyes

MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama, 'Princess of the 21st Century,' is set in a constitutional monarchy in 21st-century South Korea. It depicts the destiny-shaping, status-breaking romance between Sung Hee-joo (played by IU), a chaebol heiress with everything but frustrated by her commoner status, and Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok), a king's son who has nothing and is saddened by it. Byun Woo-seok plays Prince Ian, the former king's only younger brother and the king's second son, who must neither shine nor make a sound.

In the drama's premiere, Prince Ian, portrayed by Byun Woo-seok, was the very embodiment of 'dignity.' His mere presence in the banquet hall overwhelmed the atmosphere. To Yoon Yi-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon), he said, "You may lecture me later. If I don't sit, won't they sit either?" skillfully managing the situation. Furthermore, during a palace fire, when Yoon Yi-rang, traumatized, pressured him about their wedding after being slapped, he maintained a cold demeanor, escalating the tension.

Outside of official duties, he also showed a more human side. He overlooked Sung Hee-joo's rudeness when she trespassed on a traditional archery range in the past. Currently, within the palace, he asked Sung Hee-joo for her name and affiliation but then said, "For my junior, can't I overlook that much?" showing leniency. Towards the end of the episode, after repeatedly refusing Sung Hee-joo's request for an audience, he granted it as a 'senior,' only to receive a marriage proposal, leading to an unpredictable development.

Through this role, Byun Woo-seok has completely shed his previous image. He received praise for becoming 'Prince Ian' himself, with an aura and innate grace befitting a "beloved by the people" royal. He captivated viewers by mastering various outfits, including black robes, a rifle, and a traditional cheollik during a birthday celebration, overwhelming the atmosphere with just his gait and gaze. He conveyed this energy directly to the living rooms of viewers, allowing them to feel Prince Ian's aura. Byun Woo-seok, perfectly embodying Prince Ian, made the unfamiliar world convincing and enhanced viewer immersion.

'Princess of the 21st Century' is considered the most anticipated drama of 2026, thanks to the meeting of IU and Byun Woo-seok. IU plays Sung Hee-joo, a chaebol heiress with everything but her status, and Byun Woo-seok plays Prince Ian, a royal with nothing, to portray a romance that defies status and destiny. The released preview photos offer a glimpse of the picture-perfect chemistry between the two. Sung Hee-joo perfectly pulls off elaborate outfits, exuding the dignity of a chaebol heiress, while Prince Ian, against the backdrop of a traditional Hanok, showcases his handsome appearance and royal majesty.