MBC's highly anticipated drama '21st Century Grand Princess' has been officially scheduled for a 2026 release as a Friday-Saturday drama. Initially planned for a late 2023 release, the series has now secured its spot in the 2026 lineup.
The drama boasts a stellar cast including IU and Byun Woo-seok, who have confirmed their roles. Joining them are Noh Sang-hyun, known for his impressive performances in 'Pachinko' and 'Laws of the City,' and Gong Seung-yeon, recognized for her strong acting skills in 'The Uncanny Counter' and 'Police University.' This marks the first MBC drama for all four actors, raising expectations for their on-screen chemistry.
Set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in South Korea, '21st Century Grand Princess' follows the story of Seong Hee-joo, a wealthy woman frustrated by her commoner status, and Lee Wan, a prince who is saddened by his inability to possess anything despite his royal lineage. The drama explores their journey to break free from societal constraints through a contract marriage.
The script, which won the 2022 MBC Drama Script Contest with overwhelming support from judges, is praised for its dynamic and attractive characters and a compelling storyline that transitions from strong desires to romance. After three years of development, the drama is being produced in collaboration with Kakao Entertainment, making it one of the most anticipated projects of 2026.
IU will portray Seong Hee-joo, a capable businesswoman with beauty, intelligence, and ambition, yet limited by her commoner status. Known for her exceptional acting and musical talent, IU's character chooses a contract marriage with Prince Lee Wan, played by Byun Woo-seok, to gain the one thing she lacks: status. Her encounter with Lee Wan, who has made different life choices, becomes a turning point in her life.
Byun Woo-seok takes on the role of Lee Wan, a prince who can have nothing but his royal status. Despite being the second son of the royal family, he is beloved by the public for his innate charm and grace. His meeting with Seong Hee-joo, who is both similar and different from him, leads to a transformation in his inner self. Known for his captivating romantic roles, Byun Woo-seok's portrayal of the modern-day prince is highly anticipated.
Noh Sang-hyun plays Min Jung-woo, a prime minister from a prestigious political family and a close friend of Lee Wan. As the top candidate for marriage due to his perfect background, intelligence, and striking appearance, Min Jung-woo finds himself affected by the contract marriage between Lee Wan and Seong Hee-joo. Noh Sang-hyun's portrayal of Min Jung-woo is expected to captivate audiences with a different charm from Lee Wan.
Gong Seung-yeon plays Yoon Yi-rang, a woman destined to be a queen. Coming from a family that has produced four queens, she has never questioned her fate as the 'perfect queen.' Gong Seung-yeon, known for her irreplaceable charm, is set to deliver a poised and strong portrayal of the queen.
The drama is directed by Park Joon-hwa, known for his work on 'Rude Miss Young-ae,' 'Let's Eat,' 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim,' and 'Alchemy of Souls.' With his reputation for maximizing the appeal of actors and projects through detailed direction and trendy visuals, expectations are high for the sophisticated and beautiful romance drama he will present.
MBC's EP Kang Dae-sun expressed confidence in the project, stating, "'21st Century Grand Princess' is a captivating work that stands out with its fresh material, attractive characters, and solid storyline. After three years of development to maximize its strengths, we are thrilled to have a strong cast including IU, Byun Woo-seok, Noh Sang-hyun, and Gong Seung-yeon, making it feel like the project has wings." He added, "Just as previous MBC drama script contest winners like 'The Veil' and 'Intimate Betrayal' have been well-received by audiences, we expect this collaboration between writer Yoo Ah-in's witty script and director Park Joon-hwa's renowned romance direction to result in a meaningful work."
'21st Century Grand Princess' is set to begin filming soon, with its premiere scheduled for the first half of 2026.