IU and Byun Woo Seok's Confession Kiss Scene

In the 10th episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Grand Heir of the 21st Century,' Sung Hee-ju (played by IU) and Grand Heir Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok) confirmed each other's true feelings, completing their mutual salvation narrative. However, a fire incident in the royal chambers at the end of the broadcast presented another crisis.

Sung Hee-ju's true feelings, which led her to declare divorce at the end of the previous episode (episode 9), stemmed from her father's insistence on divorce, saying, "You must disappear for him not to waver." Sung Hee-ju pushed Byun Woo-seok away, saying, "I don't want to lose anything," and "You said it's a royal's job to be loved. What can someone who has lost all of that give me?" Byun Woo-seok pleaded in shock, but was ultimately coldly rejected.

Sung Hee-ju personally entered the royal chambers to demand a divorce and the revocation of her title as consort, "The rise in status, the fire incident, even collapsing after taking medicine, it was all because of me," taking all the blame upon herself. This was a sacrifice solely to protect the Grand Heir's innocence and honor.

Meanwhile, Grand Heir Ian solidified his resolve to accept the throne and went to see the King. Confusion arose as the abdication decree arrived, and Grand Queen Yoon (played by Gong Seung-yeon) became enraged, hinting at the hidden truth surrounding the former King's abdication.

The two, who had pushed each other away, eventually ran towards each other. Sung Hee-ju found Byun Woo-seok and confessed her true feelings, saying, "I like you. It's because I like you and want to protect you that I suggested divorce, and you're angry knowing that." Byun Woo-seok embraced her, confirming their feelings. They shared a passionate kiss, and Byun Woo-seok said, "​It wasn't Your Highness I wanted to protect, but my nephew," revealing his plan to refuse the throne three times. Sung Hee-ju vowed, "​I will be by your side until the very end."