IU and Byeon Woo-seok Ignite Romance with a Sweet Kiss in '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife'
IU and Byeon Woo-seok have sparked a romantic storyline with a sweet kiss.

The third episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife,' aired on the 17th, achieved a viewership rating of 9.4% in the metropolitan area, 9% nationwide, and 4.6% among the 20-54 demographic, securing the top spot among all programs aired on Friday. The drama not only saw a significant increase in ratings compared to the previous week but also achieved a triple crown by ranking first among Friday-Saturday dramas and in its time slot. The ending scene, where Seong Hee-joo (played by IU) and Lee An-daegun (played by Byeon Woo-seok) share a kiss on a wall, reached a peak rating of 12.7%, showcasing its strong appeal. (According to Nielsen Korea)

In this episode, the growing closeness between Seong Hee-joo (IU) and Lee An-daegun (Byeon Woo-seok) amidst public interest captivated viewers.

IU and Byeon Woo-seok Ignite Romance with a Sweet Kiss in '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife'
Following Seong Hee-joo's proposal for a contract marriage, Lee An-daegun publicly acknowledged their relationship by confidently holding hands with Seong Hee-joo in front of others after a scandal broke out. Despite opposition from Queen Dowager Yoon Yi-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon), who refused to approve their marriage due to the scandal, Seong Hee-joo and Lee An-daegun decided to proceed with their marriage plans.

To deceive the public, Seong Hee-joo and Lee An-daegun pretended to be a loving couple, showcasing their perfect chemistry. Their playful banter while sharing a bed led to unexpected misunderstandings among the palace staff, providing comic relief to viewers.

Rumors about Seong Hee-joo and Lee An-daegun spread uncontrollably, and Seong Hee-joo faced backlash and harassment, including egg attacks, due to her alleged romance with a royal family member. Her father, Seong Hyun-guk (played by Jo Seung-yeon), added to her distress by criticizing her instead of offering support.

IU and Byeon Woo-seok Ignite Romance with a Sweet Kiss in '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife'
Lee An-daegun comforted Seong Hee-joo with kind words, rushing to her side after hearing her distressed voice over the phone. He brought her to his private residence to shield her from public scrutiny.

Lee An-daegun even confronted Queen Dowager Yoon Yi-rang, who attempted to frame Seong Hee-joo for a fire incident, defending her honor. This act of defiance thwarted Yoon Yi-rang's plans to tarnish Seong Hee-joo's reputation.

Seong Hee-joo reciprocated Lee An-daegun's affection by taking care of him as he worked late into the night. She provided him with tea and supplements to help with his insomnia, demonstrating her support.

Lee An-daegun tenderly kissed Seong Hee-joo, who smiled proudly, as petals fell around them, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. With their romance now in full bloom, viewers eagerly anticipate the future of 'Grand Prince Couple' Seong Hee-joo and Lee An-daegun.

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