IU & Byun Woo Seok's Royal Wedding Revealed

The 7th episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Grand Heir of the 21st Century' will depict the wedding ceremony of Sung Hee-joo (played by IU) and Grand Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok), marking the beginning of the second act of their romance. Although their relationship started as a contract marriage, they have developed deep feelings for each other while overcoming crises, and will now officially become husband and wife in front of the entire nation. The released photos show the beautiful appearance of the two in splendid wedding attire, with their gazes towards each other filled with genuine emotion, not just a contract, raising anticipation.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Min Jung-woo (played by Noh Sang-hyun) and Dowager Queen Yoon Yi-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon), who are watching their wedding, have stern expressions, creating tension. As both have opposed Sung Hee-joo and Grand Prince Ian's marriage, their reactions at the celebratory wedding ceremony are drawing attention.

Meanwhile, 'The Grand Heir of the 21st Century' recently recorded viewership ratings of 11.3% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 11.2% nationwide for its 6th episode, ranking first among all Saturday programs. In particular, the scene where Sung Hee-joo directly confesses her feelings to Grand Prince Ian broke its own record, achieving a peak viewership rating of 13.4% per minute. There is much interest in whether the drama will surpass 15% viewership with this wedding ceremony scene.

'The Grand Heir of the 21st Century' is receiving enthusiastic responses not only domestically but also globally. According to Good Data Corporation's FUNdex, it has maintained its No. 1 position in TV-OTT drama buzz for three consecutive weeks, with IU and Byun Woo-seok sweeping the first and second spots in cast buzz. On OTT platforms, it ranked 5th globally in Disney+'s TV Shows category and 1st among non-English programs, consistently holding the No. 1 spot in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, and ranking first in a total of 16 countries and regions.

The 5th and 6th episodes depicted Sung Hee-joo and Grand Prince Ian becoming even closer after overcoming the crisis of their contract marriage. In the upcoming 7th and 8th episodes, which mark the halfway point of the drama, the couple, now officially recognized as a prospective royal couple with the King's approval, will begin thorough wedding preparations, further deepening the romantic atmosphere. With their confirmed feelings, evident in blushing at each other's touch and smiling while thinking of one another, anticipation for their wedding ceremony is high.