Actress IU and Byeon Woo Seok’s audacious contract marriage is set to shake up prime-time TV.
On the 6th, MBC’s new Fri–Sat K-Drama 21st Century Grand Princess Consort dropped its highlight reel ahead of the premiere, signaling the start of a full-on romance.
The clip follows chaebol heiress Seong Hee-ju (played by IU) and the royal family’s second son, Grand Prince Ian (played by Byeon Woo Seok), as they strike a contract marriage. Branded a commoner and born out of wedlock, Hee-ju has endured relentless scrutiny and chooses to marry into royalty to break free from class limits. Meanwhile, Grand Prince Ian, pressured to wed amid swirling suspicions over the line of succession, receives Hee-ju’s bold proposal. But the road to marriage is anything but smooth. Prime Minister Min Jeong-woo (Noh Sang-hyun), Dowager Yoon I-rang (Gong Seung-yeon), key royals, and even public opinion all oppose their union. Tension mounts as threats close in on Hee-ju. Still, the pair refuse to back down, sharing fearless escapades that bring them closer. What begins as a contract slowly turns into real feelings, teasing a sweeping romance. Anticipation is high for their journey as they push back against the world with love and trust.
After the video dropped, fans raved, leaving comments like, "This is the rom-com we’ve been waiting for," "It already feels like a life-changing drama from the highlights alone," and "The visuals, costumes, and directing are all top-tier."
Meanwhile, 21st Century Grand Princess Consort is a status-defying romance set against a constitutional monarchy and premieres on the 10th at 9:40 p.m.