In the second episode of MBC's '21st Century Grand Princess' (directed by Park Joon-hwa, Bae Hee-young/written by Yoo Ji-won), aired on the night of the 11th at 9:40 PM, viewers witnessed Seong Hee-joo (played by IU) persistently pursuing Grand Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok) despite his firm defenses, ultimately securing an agreement for a contract marriage.
In this episode, Seong Hee-joo targeted Grand Prince Ian to escape her family's pressure to enter an unwanted arranged marriage. She employed the secretariat to track his every move, shadowing him closely. Although Grand Prince Ian, who dreams of a love marriage, initially rejected Seong Hee-joo's proposal outright, she boldly reappeared before him, wearing a ceremonial hat, during an event for the young King Lee Yoon (played by Kim Eun-ho), demanding marriage as a gift.
Their relationship took a dramatic turn when Seong Hee-joo discovered Grand Prince Ian's illness. Upon learning from aide Choi Hyun (played by Yoo Soo-bin) that Ian avoided hospitals due to external scrutiny, Seong Hee-joo discreetly summoned her personal physician to a hotel to assist with his treatment. However, while enjoying snacks with Choi Hyun post-treatment, they faced an unexpected crisis when Dowager Yoon Yi-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon) arrived unannounced. Discovering a woman's bag on the sofa, Yoon Yi-rang realized an outsider's presence and, upon confronting Ian and Seong Hee-joo in the bedroom, left in anger, demanding an explanation.
The incident quickly escalated into a major scandal online the next day, with past reports of Seong Hee-joo's pursuit of Ian and the physician's visit being misconstrued as a premarital pregnancy rumor, causing a nationwide stir. Prime Minister Min Jung-woo (played by Noh Sang-hyun) sought to use the scandal as a political maneuver, while Yoon Yi-rang, concerned about the royal family's dignity, allowed Seong Hee-joo to face public scrutiny. However, Seong Hee-joo displayed a bold attitude, seemingly enjoying the absurd rumors. Grand Prince Ian, feeling responsible for the backlash against Seong Hee-joo, invited her to his residence, offering a sincere apology and asking what compensation she desired.
Seizing the opportunity, Seong Hee-joo expressed her strong desire for social elevation, citing the discrimination and missed opportunities she faced due to her illegitimate birth and her brother's marriage into a noble family. When Ian questioned if she sought marriage merely for a nominal status, Seong Hee-joo firmly replied, "I've lost too much for lacking even that nominal status," showcasing her unwavering resolve. Moved by her sincerity and persistence, Grand Prince Ian declared, "Prepare to become the Grand Princess; your opponent will be the entire nation," thus accepting the contract marriage. The impending union between Seong Hee-joo, who dreams of breaking social barriers, and Grand Prince Ian, who harbors unattainable sorrow, heightens the drama's tension.
Meanwhile, aide Choi Hyun's investigation into Seong Hee-joo's past revealed her reputation as a tenacious 'fighter' since her school days, hinting at a fiery confrontation with Dowager Yoon Yi-rang. As the protagonists embark on a daring contract marriage, viewers are keenly watching to see what transformations they will bring against the formidable forces of the royal family and the public.
Reporter Chaeryeong Lim, TenAsia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr