IU Shines in '21st Century Grand Duchess' with a Compelling Performance

IU made a striking impression in '21st Century Grand Duchess'.

In the premiere of MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' on the 10th, IU took on the role of 'Seong Hee-joo', a character from a chaebol family but limited by her social status. From the first episode, she convincingly brought her character to life, firmly anchoring the drama.

IU showcased a wide range of emotions, portraying Seong Hee-joo's ambitious and professional demeanor, her lovable and cute side, as well as her complex inner struggles with her background and reality. Her stable acting and delicate emotional expressions added depth to the character, creating a strong sense of immersion from the start.

In the first episode, Seong Hee-joo made a bold entrance at school, leaving a lasting impression. As the CEO of Castle Beauty, she exuded charisma and professionalism. At the King's Birthday event, she expanded her character's range by perfectly embodying a celebrity-like presence beyond just a chaebol or CEO.

In a scene where she overhears whispers about her background, IU left a deep impression by subtly conveying Hee-joo's complex emotions through her eyes and expressions without dialogue. Additionally, in a scene where she boldly proposes to someone, she convincingly portrayed the character's drive and emotional depth, leaving a strong impact.

In the second episode, Seong Hee-joo actively pursued winning the heart of Grand Prince Ian. During this process, she simultaneously displayed her bold and charming traits, showcasing the character's diverse aspects. Her delightful chemistry with Secretary Do after an award ceremony brought laughter to viewers, adding vitality to the drama. In a scene where she calls a doctor for the ailing Grand Prince Ian, she effectively captured Hee-joo's warm and humane side.

From the first broadcast of '21st Century Grand Duchess', IU flawlessly embodied the character's various facets, once again expanding her acting spectrum. Anticipation is building for the narrative of Seong Hee-joo and the drama's progression.

Bae Woo-seok, who plays the male lead, received some criticism after the first broadcast for his pronunciation and articulation, which some found lacking. IU also faced criticism for her performance, with some viewers feeling it resembled an advertisement or photo shoot rather than natural acting.

The third episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess', starring IU, will air this Friday (17th) at 9:50 PM and will also be available on the online video service (OTT) Disney+.

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