TV
Anticipation Builds for MBC's '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' with Stellar Cast Chemistry
Set to premiere on the 10th, this new Friday-Saturday drama is set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in Korea. It tells the story of a wealthy woman frustrated by her commoner status and a prince who, despite his royal lineage, finds himself unable to possess anything, leading to a romance that defies social status.
In the drama, Castle Beauty CEO Seong Hee-joo (played by IU) and her chief secretary Do Hye-jung (played by Lee Yeon) are soul partners striving to become industry leaders. Do Hye-jung, who never hesitates to praise or scold Seong Hee-joo, initially hesitates but eventually supports Seong Hee-joo's bold idea of marrying Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok) to elevate her status.
While Seong Hee-joo has Do Hye-jung as her soul partner, Prince Ian has his loyal aide Choi Hyun (played by Yoo Soo-bin), whose bond with Ian is stronger than blood. Despite occasionally nagging Ian out of affection, Choi Hyun's loyalty burns fiercely, especially when Ian faces threats after choosing a marriage opposed by the royal family.
IU expressed her admiration for Lee Yeon, saying, "I've always been a fan of Lee Yeon and wanted to work with her. On set, I felt like I was being led by her due to her preparation and creative ideas." Lee Yeon reciprocated, "Being a fan of IU made it easy to immerse myself in the role of her secretary. I learned a lot and had fun during filming."
Yoo Soo-bin praised his chemistry with Byun Woo-seok, stating, "It was truly fantastic. Byun Woo-seok is a great person both as an actor and a human being, and I developed genuine affection for him during filming. Our mutual feelings were evident in our performances." Byun Woo-seok, who debuted in 2016, echoed this sentiment, "I felt the same way. My affection for Choi Hyun grew during our scenes together, and it was wonderful to share that connection with Yoo Soo-bin."
Addressing the acting controversy raised at the drama's press conference on the 6th, Byun Woo-seok said, "I discussed it with the director and have been striving to improve my acting. I focused on emotionally connecting with the character of Ian Grand Prince and immersing myself in his story."
'21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' is set to captivate audiences with its romance between Seong Hee-joo and Ian Grand Prince, the 'womance' between Seong Hee-joo and Do Hye-jung, and the 'bromance' between Ian Grand Prince and Choi Hyun. The intertwined relationships and the actors' synergy are sure to draw attention.
Catch the delightful banter of 'Team Castle Beauty' IU and Lee Yeon, and 'Team Ian Grand Prince' Byun Woo-seok and Yoo Soo-bin, when '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' premieres on the 10th at 9:40 PM.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
