Anticipation Builds for MBC's New Drama '21st Century Grand Prince' Starring Byun Woo-seok

A gentle breeze of spring begins to thaw the cold heart of the dangerous and lonely Grand Prince, played by Byun Woo-seok. Following his explosive popularity from the 2024 tvN drama 'Escape with Seonjae,' Byun Woo-seok became the face of numerous brands, reportedly earning around 10 billion KRW through various advertisements.

MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Prince' is set to premiere on April 10th at 9:40 PM, and has released a teaser video featuring Grand Prince Ian.

The teaser opens with the intense gaze of Grand Prince Ian, who effectively leads the royal family in place of the young king. Despite his noble demeanor and strong personality that earn him public support, Ian is the second son of the royal family and not the king, making him a target of scrutiny from royal members like Queen Dowager Yoon, played by Gong Seung-yeon.

However, even the guarded Grand Prince Ian shows a softer side in front of Seong Hee-joo, played by IU. He comforts the anxious Hee-joo with words like "Stay still," "Are you scared?" and "It's for you," while enjoying a waltz in casual attire, becoming a reliable partner. The contract marriage he enters to change his fate brings a spring breeze of change to Ian's life, sparking excitement.

Yet, tension rises with the appearance of dark forces targeting Ian, as Queen Dowager Yoon ominously states, "Patience is needed for hunting." A fierce chase on the road and Ian's bloodied face heighten the suspense. Viewers are left wondering what fate awaits Grand Prince Ian.

The drama focuses on Ian's journey to break free from the limitations of being the royal family's second son, who must neither shine nor speak out, and change his destiny as a human. Meeting Seong Hee-joo, who is both similar and different from him, brings a profound change to Ian's lonely life, promising to resonate deeply with viewers.

Set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in Korea, '21st Century Grand Prince' tells the story of a wealthy woman frustrated by her commoner status and a royal prince who, despite his lineage, cannot possess anything. The drama premieres on April 10th at 9:40 PM on MBC.

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