The contract marriage between IU and Byun Woo-seok has been exposed.
The 8th episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess,' aired on the 2nd, achieved its highest ratings yet, with 11.6% in the metropolitan area, 11.2% nationwide, and 5% among viewers aged 20-54. A scene where Lee An-gun (played by Byun Woo-seok) protects Seong Hee-joo (played by IU) from a barrage of camera flashes reached a peak rating of 14.6%.
The episode heightened tension as the grand couple faced a series of misfortunes, from an attempted poisoning targeting Seong Hee-joo and Lee An-gun to the leak of their marriage contract.
During Lee An-gun's wedding ceremony, a sudden incident occurred when the bride, Seong Hee-joo, collapsed, causing an uproar in the palace and the entire nation. Upon discovering that Seong Hee-joo's collapse was due to drug poisoning, Lee An-gun was engulfed in fear of losing her and sought permission from Prime Minister Min Jeong-woo (played by Noh Sang-hyun) to conduct a public investigation into the royal family.
As a thorough investigation ensued, sparing no one from royalty to palace staff, Seong Hee-joo regained consciousness. Lee An-gun, who rushed to her side upon hearing the news, embraced her with tears of relief. Seong Hee-joo comforted the anxious Lee An-gun, saying, "It's okay," adding a touching moment to the scene.
The investigation suggested that the poisoning was intended for Lee An-gun, not Seong Hee-joo. In a situation where no one in the palace or private residence could be trusted, Lee An-gun, following Min Jeong-woo's advice, created a fortress to protect Seong Hee-joo.
Seong Hee-joo, concerned for Lee An-gun, showed her worry despite his calm demeanor about the poisoning attempt. Their genuine care for each other, even in life-threatening situations, added to the poignancy of their relationship.
With the poisoning incident resolved, Seong Hee-joo and Lee An-gun began their sweet newlywed life. Sharing a bed for the first time as a married couple, they embraced each other and shared a tender kiss. Waking up without worries, they fulfilled their duties as beloved royals, taking on responsibilities one by one.
The couple was also invited to the 80th-anniversary event of their alma mater, the Royal School, attending as a couple rather than just alumni. Their presence, met with applause and cheers, warmed the hearts of many. Seong Hee-joo's witty opening speech further enlivened the event.
However, outside the event, a storm was brewing as news of their marriage contract leak broke. While Lee An-gun, his aides, Prime Minister Min Jeong-woo, and Dowager Yoon Yi-rang were aware of the situation, Seong Hee-joo remained oblivious on stage, heightening the tension.
As reporters and students bombarded the unaware Seong Hee-joo with sharp questions and camera flashes, Lee An-gun shielded her, taking her hand to leave the scene. The focus now shifts to who leaked the grand couple's marriage contract and what lies ahead for Seong Hee-joo and Lee An-gun.
Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr