IU, Byeon Woo-seok Friday Drama Hits No. 1

The Friday drama '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife,' starring IU and Byun Woo-seok, recorded high viewership ratings from its first broadcast, taking the No. 1 spot among all Friday-Saturday programs. The first episode's viewership rating was 7.8% nationwide, and the Seoul metropolitan area household viewership rating reached 8.2%. Notably, it also achieved a 3.8% rating in the 2054 demographic, securing a triple crown by ranking No. 1 in Friday-Saturday drama viewership, No. 1 in Seoul metropolitan area household Friday programs, and No. 1 in 2054 viewership.

The drama depicts the first meeting and the beginning of the relationship between chaebol heiress Sung Hee-joo (played by IU), who dreams of social mobility, and Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok), set against the backdrop of a constitutional monarchy in the 21st century. Sung Hee-joo is a character with outstanding abilities and wealth but faces discrimination and prejudice due to her commoner background. Prince Ian, as the second son of the royal family, is in a situation where he must live quietly without revealing his existence.

In the drama, Sung Hee-joo presents a marriage proposal to Prince Ian, saying, "Marry me," and Prince Ian's unexpected reaction heightened curiosity about future developments. Furthermore, the unique setting of the 21st century with a reigning monarchy, and visual elements such as the mise-en-scène combining tradition and modernity, costumes, and spatial direction captivated viewers.

Sung Hee-joo and Prince Ian's circumstances also influenced the selection of a marriage partner. Sung Hee-joo took it upon herself to find a marriage candidate instead of her father. Recalling Prince Ian, whom she met at the King's birthday banquet, she devises a plan to marry him and elevate her social status. Prince Ian repeatedly rejects Sung Hee-joo's requests for an audience, but Sung Hee-joo re-requests an audience under the pretense of seeking his valuable advice as a junior. Intrigued, Prince Ian accepts.

With the spirit of never giving up, Sung Hee-joo faced Prince Ian and immediately presented a marriage proposal, dropping the bombshell, "Marry me." The unexpected proposal brought a meaningful smile to Prince Ian's face, sparking curiosity about whether he would accept.