Anticipation Builds for '21st Century Grand Duchess' as Script Reading Unveils Star-Studded Cast
The highly anticipated drama of early 2026, '21st Century Grand Duchess,' has finally unveiled its script reading session.

Set to premiere in April, MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' is set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in South Korea. It tells the story of a wealthy woman frustrated by her commoner status and a prince who, despite his royal lineage, finds himself with nothing. Together, they embark on a journey to defy societal norms in this romance drama.

The drama boasts a star-studded cast including IU (as Seong Hee-joo), Byun Woo-seok (as Lee An-daegun), Noh Sang-hyun (as Min Jung-woo), and Gong Seung-yeon (as Yoon Yi-rang), drawing significant attention from the casting stage. As one of the most anticipated projects of early 2026, the release of the script reading session has piqued public interest.

Anticipation Builds for '21st Century Grand Duchess' as Script Reading Unveils Star-Studded Cast
The session was attended by director Park Joon-hwa, writer Yoo Ji-won, and the ensemble cast. IU expressed her determination to dominate the 2026 drama scene, while Byun Woo-seok aimed to make a global impact. Noh Sang-hyun humorously aimed to shake the universe, and Gong Seung-yeon promised to create an enjoyable set atmosphere. The session was filled with laughter and camaraderie.

IU portrayed the confident character of Seong Hee-joo, a wealthy woman with a commoner status, with assertive expressions and tone. Her proposal scene to Lee An-daegun (played by Byun Woo-seok) was delivered with playful gestures and winks, bringing smiles to the set.

Byun Woo-seok, as the prince Lee An-daegun, showcased his royal demeanor with a deep voice and calm presence. His emotional outburst upon meeting Seong Hee-joo (IU) was marked by a change in tone, highlighting his character's transformation.

The chemistry between IU and Byun Woo-seok, who meet through a contract marriage, was evident as they exchanged glances and adjusted their tempo, building the emotional arc of their characters and heightening anticipation for '21st Century Grand Duchess.'

Anticipation Builds for '21st Century Grand Duchess' as Script Reading Unveils Star-Studded Cast
Noh Sang-hyun, playing Prime Minister Min Jung-woo, brought energy to the set. His dynamic with IU's Seong Hee-joo as friendly schoolmates and with Byun Woo-seok's Lee An-daegun as trustworthy friends promises engaging performances.

In contrast, Gong Seung-yeon, as Yoon Yi-rang, a woman destined to be queen, introduced a unique tension to the set. Her interactions with Lee An-daegun were marked by elegant speech and gestures, fully embodying her character.

'21st Century Grand Duchess' has set the stage with a passionate script reading, promising a captivating story. The contrasting yet similar romance of Seong Hee-joo and Lee An-daegun, along with the dynamic relationships involving Min Jung-woo and Yoon Yi-rang, is set to deliver both excitement and laughter. The premiere is eagerly awaited.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
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