IU Shines in New Drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' as Complex Character Sung Hee-joo

IU captivates audiences with her portrayal of Sung Hee-joo, a character full of charm and complexity, in the upcoming MBC drama '21st Century Grand Duchess'.

Set to premiere on April 10th at 9:40 PM, '21st Century Grand Duchess' is a new Friday-Saturday drama that unfolds in a constitutional monarchy in 21st-century South Korea. It tells the story of a wealthy woman frustrated by her commoner status and a prince who, despite his royal lineage, cannot have everything he desires. Together, they embark on a journey to defy their fates and break free from societal constraints.

IU, who has garnered significant attention since the casting announcement, expressed her excitement and gratitude, saying, "I'm both nervous and thrilled, but the anticipation from so many people is what excites me the most. I hope viewers will enjoy the show until the very end."

When asked why she chose '21st Century Grand Duchess' as her next project after 'Broker', IU explained, "The unique title caught my attention. I found the characters' distinct personalities intriguing, and Hee-joo's unpredictable actions and her unique motivations were particularly appealing."

Sung Hee-joo, the character that captivated IU, is the CEO of Castle Beauty, possessing beauty, talent, and wealth. However, she constantly faces the limitations of her commoner status. Describing Hee-joo with words like "ambition, temper, and cuteness," IU hinted at the character's dual nature, saying, "Initially, her uncontrollable ambition and quirky personality stand out, but as the story progresses, her vulnerabilities are revealed, showing a more endearing and impressive side."

Hee-joo's defining trait is her "proactiveness," which she uses to overcome her limitations and shape her destiny. Her dynamic relationship with Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok) showcases her willingness to set aside her pride and employ various charms and resilience to win him over. IU noted, "The moment Hee-joo's feelings for Ian change is a key scene that highlights her multifaceted nature."

IU also shared insights into portraying Hee-joo, a character who has had to prove herself and appear strong from a young age. She said, "Hee-joo is adept at hiding her vulnerabilities with a facade of toughness, but I wanted to capture the moments when her loneliness and fragility inevitably surface. I aimed to differentiate Hee-joo's demeanor when she's driven by achievement versus when she's not, using vocal and facial expressions."

Finally, IU highlighted the drama's key elements for viewers, mentioning "the fast-paced development in the first half, the intricately woven emotions between characters, and the intense and heartfelt love story in the latter half," making the premiere even more anticipated.

Catch IU's performance as the proactive CEO Sung Hee-joo, delivering a unique cathartic experience, in '21st Century Grand Duchess' premiering on April 10th at 9:40 PM.

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