K-Drama Star Byun Woo Seok & IU Chemistry Sparks

The drama 'The Grand Prince of the 21st Century', starring IU and Byun Woo-seok, is heightening anticipation with the release of its main poster ahead of its premiere on April 10th. The series is set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in South Korea and depicts the romance between Seong Hee-ju (IU), a chaebol heir who is a commoner by status, and Lee An-daegun (Byun Woo-seok), a prince who can possess nothing.

The released main poster shows Seong Hee-ju and Lee An-daegun facing each other and holding hands. Their eyes hold a mixture of tension and excitement, foreshadowing the special romantic tension between them. The distance between them, which seems almost touchable yet remains just out of reach, especially within the soft and elegant atmosphere, adds to the curiosity about how their relationship, which began with a contract, will evolve.

The released stills capture various moments of excitement that Seong Hee-ju and Lee An-daegun will create together. A scene where they gaze at each other at a close distance across a stone wall evokes a tense atmosphere in the refreshing night air, while their side-by-side stance, with arms linked affectionately, suggests a change in their relationship, growing closer. Furthermore, Seong Hee-ju being held in Lee An-daegun's arms shows their feelings deepening for each other, stimulating curiosity about the shift in their relationship from tension to excitement.

'The Grand Prince of the 21st Century' proved its anticipated status by being named on TIME magazine's list of '​Most Anticipated Korean Dramas of 2026'. TIME stated, "With both actors having led major K-drama successes recently, fans have high expectations for their chemistry."

The reaction from global fans is also fervent. Social media and online communities are abuzz with anticipation for the pairing of the two actors, with comments such as, "I'm really waiting for this drama. I'm so excited," "A contract marriage in a 21st-century monarchy, I'm already excited for the visuals and OST," "They've put the two most beautiful actors in K-drama in one project," and "I'm looking forward to the chemistry between IU and Byun Woo-seok. I wish the drama great success."