IU Drama Hits 10% Viewership in 4 Episodes

MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Crown Princess' will meet viewers on May 1st, Labor Day, with a special binge-watching marathon. This special broadcast will cover episodes 1 through 6, and the exact broadcast time is still under discussion. This special programming appears to reflect viewer patterns of enjoying binge-watching dramas on public holidays.

'21st Century Crown Princess' is a drama set in the 21st-century constitutional monarchy of South Korea, depicting the fated, status-breaking romance between chaebol heiress Sung Hee-joo (played by IU), who has everything but is of commoner status, and Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok), the king's son who is destined to have nothing.

The drama achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing 10% viewership ratings within just four episodes of its premiere. Episode 4 recorded a viewership rating of 11.1%, breaking the double-digit mark faster than the popular drama 'Judge Lee Han-young' earlier this year. Furthermore, it topped the charts for overall TV-OTT drama buzz, TV drama buzz, and overall TV-OTT drama cast buzz according to Good Data Corporation's K-Content Power Index, demonstrating success in both viewership and buzz. The performances of IU and Byun Woo-seok, along with the vibrant supporting cast, are receiving positive feedback from viewers.

In episode 4, aired on the 18th, Prince Ian appeared before Sung Hee-joo as she faced danger due to a car with faulty brakes, heightening the tension. The two, who had been continuing their act as lovers to avoid paparazzi attention, eventually officially acknowledged their relationship as a royal couple. However, Dowager Queen Yoon and the external forces began plotting ways to separate them, creating an atmosphere of unease. Sung Hee-joo visited a baseball stadium with Prince Ian to finalize their marriage, and during this time, Prince Ian's feelings for Sung Hee-joo grew. Sung Hee-joo also began learning the etiquette required to become a crown princess.

Meanwhile, Sung Hee-joo went for a drive with the young King Lee Yoon, but the car's brakes malfunctioned, leading to a dangerous ride. Prince Ian appeared at this moment and rescued her. The aftermath of this accident and the future of Sung Hee-joo are generating increasing curiosity.