21st Century Military Wife Tops Buzz for 4 Weeks

MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Grand Heir of the 21st Century' continues its popularity, holding the No. 1 spot for four consecutive weeks in global online video service (OTT), viewership ratings, and buzz. Lead actors IU and Byeon Woo-seok have consecutively ranked first and second in the cast buzz rankings for five weeks. The 8th episode, aired on the 2nd, recorded its own highest viewership rating of 11.6% based on the Seoul metropolitan area, and on FlixPatrol, a global OTT ranking site, it ranked 4th globally and 1st in non-English TV shows in the Disney+ TV show category.

The secret to the drama's popularity lies in the delicate emotional changes of Seong Hui-ju (IU) and Grand Heir Lee Ahn (Byeon Woo-seok) as they overcome their social differences and develop into lovers. In their school days, Seong Hui-ju, remembering Grand Heir Lee Ahn as someone who solved everything with his status, proposed a contract marriage. During the preparation for the contract marriage, Seong Hui-ju learned of Grand Heir Lee Ahn's past trauma, understood his struggles within the constraints of the royal family, and taught him how to confront reality.

As threats against Grand Heir Lee Ahn continue, Seong Hui-ju's protective instincts are triggered, and Seong Hui-ju's fearless actions to protect her husband are drawing attention. Meanwhile, Grand Heir Lee Ahn was attracted to Seong Hui-ju's competitive spirit and determination during their school days, and even showed an intrigued smile at her contract marriage proposal when they met again later. His curiosity about Seong Hui-ju gradually turned into affection, and he opened his heart to her words and actions that recognized his past trauma and gave him courage. By going through with the wedding ceremony, Seong Hui-ju became a companion in the palace who would be her only ally and a family member to protect.

Seong Hui-ju and Grand Heir Lee Ahn met through a contract marriage and have come to genuinely care for each other, becoming companions and family to navigate harsh realities together. However, another crisis looms for the couple, raising anticipation for future developments.

According to the preview points released ahead of the 9th episode broadcast, the fact of Seong Hui-ju and Grand Heir Lee Ahn's contract marriage is exposed, leading to an interrogation by Dowager Queen Yoon. The truth became known to the entire royal family and the public when the prenuptial agreement was reported by the media during a joint couple's schedule at the Royal Academy. Dowager Queen Yoon is expected to try to oust Grand Heir Lee Ahn, seeing him as a threat and accusing him of tarnishing the royal family's honor. Attention is focused on whether Seong Hui-ju and Grand Heir Lee Ahn can escape these accusations and crises.