Byun Woo-seok, playing the role of Grand Prince, has accepted the proposal from IU, who portrays a wealthy heiress, in the MBC drama '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife'.
The second episode, aired on the 11th, achieved a viewership rating of 10.1% in the metropolitan area and 9.5% nationwide, securing the top spot in its time slot. It also recorded a 5.3% rating among the key demographic of 20-54, reflecting its competitive edge in the changing media consumption landscape. Notably, scenes featuring IU's character, Seong Hee-joo, receiving the Best Entrepreneur Award and Byun Woo-seok's character, Ian Grand Prince, meeting Kim Eun-ho's character, Lee Yoon, at a corporate event, peaked at 11.1% viewership, according to Nielsen Korea.
In this episode, Seong Hee-joo's straightforward advances to win over Ian Grand Prince's heart hit the mark, setting the stage for a contract marriage that will deceive the entire nation.
Seong Hee-joo proposed to Ian Grand Prince, highlighting her beauty, wealth, and resilience, but he rejected her, citing his long-held dream of a love marriage. Frustrated by the unexpected reason for rejection, Seong Hee-joo persistently followed Ian Grand Prince, from highways to movie theaters and horse riding arenas, in her quest to win his heart. Even during a brief encounter at an event, she seized the moment to flirt with him.
Thanks to Seong Hee-joo's efforts, Ian Grand Prince's once impenetrable heart began to soften. He started paying more attention to his appearance, anticipating her unexpected visits, and showed subtle signs of jealousy and amusement at her directness.
A surprising turn of events occurred when Seong Hee-joo witnessed Ian Grand Prince's vulnerable side. She helped him during a bout of insomnia, leading her to reflect on the harsh realities faced by royalty, where even their pain becomes fodder for gossip.
The situation took a dramatic turn when Dowager Yoon Yi-rang, played by Gong Seung-yeon, unexpectedly arrived at the hotel where Ian Grand Prince and Seong Hee-joo were staying. Her cold gaze upon seeing the disheveled Ian Grand Prince with Seong Hee-joo led to misunderstandings, leaving both of them visibly flustered.
To make matters worse, photos of Seong Hee-joo and Ian Grand Prince entering the hotel together were published, turning Seong Hee-joo into Ian Grand Prince's alleged secret lover overnight. The scandal shook the nation, placing Seong Hee-joo at the center of rumors and speculation. In response, Ian Grand Prince offered to grant her a wish as an apology for the unwanted attention.
Seong Hee-joo took control of the conversation, reminiscing about their shared memories from the royal archery competition, where their fortunes had diverged. She revealed her struggles with societal limitations and likened her situation to Ian Grand Prince's, who had to forfeit a victory due to his status. Her words resonated with him, leading him to accept her proposal, telling her to prepare to become the Grand Prince's wife. With her goal achieved, Seong Hee-joo's triumphant smile hinted at the intriguing journey ahead for the soon-to-be royal couple.
The next episode of '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife', featuring IU and Byun Woo-seok's contract marriage journey, will air on MBC on the 17th at 9:50 PM.
Reporter: Lim Chae-ryeong, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr