IU and Lee Yeon Share Chemistry in Upcoming MBC Drama '21st Century Grand Duchess'

IU, born in 1993, and Lee Yeon, born in 1995, expressed satisfaction with their on-screen chemistry, drawing attention.

On the 6th, a press conference for MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' (written by Yoo Ji-won, directed by Park Joon-hwa) was held at the Chosun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. The event was attended by IU, Byun Woo-seok, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Soo-bin, Lee Yeon, and director Park Joon-hwa. Unlike MBC's usual practice of holding press conferences at the Sangam Golden Mouse Hall, this event was notably held at a hotel.

'21st Century Grand Duchess' is set against the backdrop of a 21st-century constitutional monarchy, depicting a romance that breaks down social status barriers between a woman who has everything but is dissatisfied with her commoner status and a man who is the king's son but can have nothing.

Lee Yeon, who plays Jo Hye-jung, IU's competent secretary, shared her reason for choosing the project: "It's my first time doing a rom-com drama, and I wanted to try it. I thought it would bring growth to me. I decided to join because there are so many great actors involved." Previously, she appeared in 'D.P.', 'Juvenile Justice', and 'Weak Hero Class 1'.

Lee Yeon also mentioned a recent trip with IU. She said, "I was originally a fan of IU. I had no difficulty immersing myself in the secretary role. She was so cool and like a CEO. I learned a lot from watching her perform so well during filming, and it was really fun," she smiled.

In the drama, IU plays Seong Hee-joo, a chaebol who has everything except for social status. Responding to Lee Yeon's comments, IU said, "I was also a fan of Yeon. We met at an awards ceremony before this project. I mentioned that I was a fan and wanted to work together. A year later, we ended up working on this project together. It felt like fate, just like Yeon's name suggests." She added, "Filming was very comfortable. On set, I was led by Yeon. She prepared a lot and had many fun ideas. We are confident in our work."

'21st Century Grand Duchess' premieres on the 10th at 9:40 PM.

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