Byeon Woo Seok's Bold Confession to IU

Actor Byun Woo-seok is expanding his range of romantic acting by playing the role of Grand Prince Ian in MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Grand Princess of the 21st Century'. The episodes aired on the 1st and 2nd depicted Grand Prince Ian and Sung Hee-joo (played by IU) getting married and starting their daily lives as a couple.

After his kiss with Sung Hee-joo, Grand Prince Ian effortlessly resolved the awkwardness in their relationship. When Sung Hee-joo tried to dismiss the kiss as a product of the atmosphere, Grand Prince Ian conveyed his true feelings, saying, "I didn't do it because the atmosphere was good. I did it because you're my junior." He also made a straightforward confession to Sung Hee-joo, who was upset after a conversation with her father at home, saying, "If my junior asks for something, I'll want to give her anything. Just accept it. Whether it's money, honor, or my heart."

Grand Prince Ian's response when Sung Hee-joo suddenly collapsed at the wedding ceremony heightened the drama's immersion. He ordered an investigation, not distinguishing between palace staff and royalty, and upon hearing that Sung Hee-joo had regained consciousness, he broke the rule that royalty does not run and rushed to her side. Furthermore, at the moment the marriage contract was leaked, exposing Sung Hee-joo defenseless to the public and the media, he protected her by saying, "​Look only at me."

The difference in Grand Prince Ian's demeanor depending on the situation was realized through Byun Woo-seok's delicate acting. He showed soft eyes in front of Sung Hee-joo and a firm attitude in crisis situations, bringing out the character's three-dimensionality. In particular, the fear of almost losing the one he loved and the relief of facing her again were expressed through trembling breaths and welling tears, leaving a deep impression.

In his relationship with Yoon Yi-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon), a stark contrast between the past and present was revealed. Unlike in the past, when Grand Prince Ian showed consideration and smiles to Yoon Yi-rang when she was in trouble, he now draws a line with a cynical attitude, creating tension. Byun Woo-seok has expanded the character's layers by vividly portraying the "straightforward Grand Prince," the "heart-fluttering Grand Prince," and now the "poisonous chemistry" with Yoon Yi-rang.