Bae Woo-seok Shines in '21st Century Grand Prince': A New Era of Constitutional Monarchy

Bae Woo-seok opens the world of constitutional monarchy in '21st Century Grand Prince'. This drama, following his previous work 'Seonjae's Escape' aired on tvN in 2024, has been generating buzz even before its release. Despite some critiques about his acting skills not matching his 11-year career, Bae Woo-seok made a strong impression with a shower scene early in the first episode.

The new MBC Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Prince' (directed by Park Joon-hwa, written by Yoo Ji-won) premiered on the 10th. It is set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in Korea, featuring a romance between a woman who has everything but is frustrated by her low status and a prince who has nothing despite being the king's son. Bae Woo-seok plays the role of Prince Ian, the king's only brother, who must remain unseen and unheard.

In the first episode, Prince Ian, portrayed by Bae Woo-seok, exuded 'dignity'. At the king's birthday banquet, his mere presence changed the atmosphere. When Yoon Yi-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon) seemed displeased with his attire, he calmly stated, "Let's save the lecture for later. I must sit for others to sit," instantly establishing his authority. During a fire incident at the palace, he maintained a cold demeanor towards Yoon Yi-rang, who apologized for slapping him due to trauma and pressured him for marriage, heightening the tension.

Outside official duties, Prince Ian showed a more human side. He overlooked the past intrusion of Seong Hee-joo (played by IU) at the archery range and, when questioning her identity in the palace, remarked, "Wouldn't I do that much for a junior?" His character took an unexpected turn when he accepted an audience with Seong Hee-joo, who had repeatedly requested it, and received a proposal.

Bae Woo-seok, at the center of '21st Century Grand Prince', has shed his previous roles completely. He embodies the aura and innate elegance of a royal, fitting the description of "beloved by the people." Whether in a black gown with a rifle or in traditional attire at the king's birthday, his presence and gaze captivated the audience, bringing Prince Ian's aura to life. Bae Woo-seok's portrayal of Prince Ian, immersed in the unfamiliar world of constitutional monarchy, acts as a catalyst for viewers to engage with the drama's narrative, making '21st Century Grand Prince' a highly anticipated series.

'21st Century Grand Prince' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:40 PM on MBC.

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