Lee Jae-won and IU's Sibling Rivalry Shines in '21st Century Grand Prince Consort'

Actor Lee Jae-won showcases a 'chaebol sibling war' with IU in '21st Century Grand Prince Consort'.

MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Prince Consort' (written by Yoo Ji-won, directed by Park Joon-hwa and Bae Hee-young, planned by Kang Dae-sun, produced by MBC and Kakao Entertainment) is a constitutional monarchy romance set in a world where the royal family exists in 21st century Korea. In the drama, Lee Jae-won plays 'Sung Tae-joo', the eldest son of Castle Group and the half-brother of Sung Hee-joo (played by IU), delivering a comedic yet realistic portrayal of the petty sibling rivalry hidden behind the glamorous chaebol family.

In the recent episode, a scene unfolded where Sung Tae-joo and Sung Hee-joo engaged in a verbal battle whenever they encountered each other. Dressed in striking red suits and formal attire, the two exchanged harsh words far removed from the dignity of a chaebol family, showcasing extreme 'hate chemistry'. Tae-joo, using his status as an older brother as a shield, cleverly provoked Hee-joo by touching on her birth and inferiority complex, while Hee-joo retaliated with fierce insults, comparing Tae-joo to a 'dog' or a 'live-in son-in-law', providing viewers with great laughter.

On the other hand, Tae-joo displayed a completely different side as a 'romantic' in front of his wife, showcasing a contrasting charm. When Hee-joo mocked his marriage, he proudly declared, "We had a love marriage!" demonstrating unwavering affection for his wife Da-young (played by Chae Seo-an). The stark contrast between his prickly demeanor in front of his sister and his doting nature towards his wife amplified the character's charm, thanks to Lee Jae-won's skillful acting.

Lee Jae-won captivates viewers by transforming what could be a heavy story about chaebol succession into a childish yet intense sibling fight. His sly portrayal of a chaebol heir who never backs down in front of his sister, combined with IU's fierce charisma, has become a major highlight of the drama.

Meanwhile, MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Prince Consort' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.

Reporter Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr