IU takes on the role of Sung Hee-joo, the second daughter of a chaebol family and the CEO of Castle Beauty, in MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess,' which premieres on the 10th. In the drama, Sung Hee-joo announces a surprise marriage to Lee An-daegun, played by Byun Woo-seok, aiming for a social status upgrade.
Set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in Korea, '21st Century Grand Duchess' tells the story of a chaebol woman who has everything but is frustrated by her commoner status, and a prince who is sad because he can't have anything. It's a romance about breaking social status and forging one's destiny.
Sung Hee-joo, portrayed by IU, is a perfect chaebol with beauty, talent, and wealth, but she is limited by her commoner status. To gain the one thing she lacks—status—she enters into a contract marriage with Lee An-daegun, driving the drama's plot.
IU describes Sung Hee-joo with three words: "ambition, temper, and cuteness." She explained, "Initially, her uncontrollable ambition and quirky personality stand out, but as the story progresses, her deficiencies are filled, revealing a cute and charming side."
At the production press conference, IU added, "Hee-joo is a character full of annoyance, anger, and ambition, but also cuteness. The character felt attractive while reading the script, and I chose the project without hesitation." She also mentioned, "Thanks to the glamorous costumes and accessories, she has an influencer-like vibe."
'21st Century Grand Duchess' premieres at 9:40 PM tonight.
Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr