The fourth episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' (directed by Park Joon-hwa, Bae Hee-young, written by Yoo Ji-won), aired on the 18th, achieved its highest ratings yet, with 11.3% in the metropolitan area, 11.1% nationwide, and 5.3% among the 20-54 demographic, securing the top spot in its time slot across all categories. Notably, the 20-54 viewership, a key indicator of channel competitiveness reflecting changes in media consumption, ranked first among all Saturday programs. The peak minute rating soared to 13.8%, marking an unstoppable upward trend, according to Nielsen Korea.
In this episode, viewers were on the edge of their seats as Ian Daegun (played by Bae Woo-seok) appeared in front of Seong Hee-joo (played by IU), who was in danger due to a car with malfunctioning brakes.
The previous night, Seong Hee-joo and Ian Daegun, meeting with a wall between them, continued their act as a couple, sensing the eyes of paparazzi. As soon as their picturesque kissing photo was released, a royal meeting was convened. Ian Daegun declared he would acknowledge their relationship by proposing marriage, and Prime Minister Min Jeong-woo (played by Noh Sang-hyun) supported Ian Daegun's opinion, emphasizing the need to prevent further commotion.
Ultimately, Seong Hee-joo and Ian Daegun became an officially recognized royal couple. However, Queen Dowager Yoon Yi-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon) and external forces sought ways to separate them before public interest grew, creating tension.
Meanwhile, Seong Hee-joo, needing a decisive move to secure marriage before opposition forces emerged, visited a baseball stadium with Ian Daegun to attract attention. Although they failed to wear couple uniforms, their appearance on the kiss cam during a big event at the stadium marked a huge success for Seong Hee-joo's plan.
As Ian Daegun spent time creating memories with Seong Hee-joo, his feelings for her gradually grew. Especially after their kiss, he became increasingly conscious of her every move. Despite his anger at Yoon Yi-rang's pressure, Seong Hee-joo's words, "I'm on your side," calmed his emotions, hinting at a change in Ian Daegun's heart.
Seong Hee-joo also began preparing to become a grand duchess. She received rigorous training in royal etiquette from Court Lady Choi Jin-sook (played by Park Jun-myeon) at Anhwadang. She also created unique memories with King Lee Yoon (played by Kim Eun-ho) through various games.
While on a drive at the request of young King Lee Yoon, Seong Hee-joo suddenly realized the car's brakes had failed. Both Seong Hee-joo and Min Jeong-woo, who was following her car, tried to stop it, but the car continued to speed, leaving viewers anxious.
At that moment, another car blocked the way, bringing Seong Hee-joo's speeding car to a halt. Seeing Ian Daegun's face emerging from the car through her blurred vision, Seong Hee-joo sighed in relief. The future of Seong Hee-joo, who faced a perilous drive with the king, and the aftermath of this accident remain intriguing.
The backstory of the accident that threatened IU and the young king's lives will continue in the fifth episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess,' airing on the 24th at 9:50 PM.
Reporter Lim Chae-ryeong, Ten Asia syjj426@tenasia.co.kr