IU and Byun Woo-seok's '21st Century Grand Princess' Breaks Double-Digit Ratings

The drama '21st Century Grand Princess,' starring IU and Byun Woo-seok, has achieved impressive ratings, reaching 11.3% in the metropolitan area and 11.1% nationwide.

The fourth episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Princess,' aired on the 18th, recorded a viewership rating of 11.3% in the metropolitan area, 11.1% nationwide, and 5.3% among the 20-54 age group, setting a new personal best. It ranked first in its time slot across all these categories. Notably, the 20-54 age group rating, a key indicator of channel competitiveness reflecting changes in media consumption, topped all Saturday programs. The highest minute-by-minute rating soared to 13.8%, showcasing a strong upward trend, according to Nielsen Korea.

In the episode, Lee An-gun (played by Byun Woo-seok) appeared in front of Seong Hee-joo (played by IU), who was in danger due to a car with faulty brakes. The two, who had met the previous night with a wall between them, continued their act as a couple, sensing the eyes of paparazzi. As soon as their picturesque kissing photo was released, a royal meeting was convened. Lee An-gun declared he would acknowledge their relationship by proposing marriage, and Prime Minister Min Jeong-woo (played by Noh Sang-hyun) supported his decision to prevent further commotion.

Ultimately, Seong Hee-joo and Lee An-gun became an officially recognized royal couple. However, Queen Dowager Yoon Yi-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon) and external forces sought ways to separate them before public interest grew further, creating tension.

Meanwhile, Seong Hee-joo, needing a decisive move to secure their marriage before opposition forces emerged, visited a baseball stadium with Lee An-gun to draw public attention. Although they failed to wear matching couple uniforms, their appearance on the stadium's kiss cam was a huge success.

As Lee An-gun spent more time with Seong Hee-joo, his feelings for her grew. He became increasingly conscious of her actions, especially after their kiss. Despite being angered by Yoon Yi-rang's pressure, he found solace in Seong Hee-joo's words, "I'm on your side," hinting at a change in his heart.

Seong Hee-joo also began preparing to become a grand princess. She underwent rigorous training in royal etiquette from Court Lady Choi Jin-sook (played by Park Joon-myun) at Anhwadang. She also created new memories with King Lee Yoon (played by Kim Eun-ho) through various games.

While on a drive at the request of young King Lee Yoon, Seong Hee-joo suddenly discovered the car's brakes had failed. Both Seong Hee-joo and Min Jeong-woo, who was following her car, tried to stop it, but the vehicle continued to race, leaving viewers on edge. Seong Hee-joo desperately slowed the car by crashing it into the bridge railing.

At the end of the episode, Seong Hee-joo managed to stop the car, and a bloodied Lee An-gun looked at her, delivering a shocking moment. Just then, another car blocked their path, and Seong Hee-joo's car came to a halt. Seeing Lee An-gun's face emerging from the car through her blurred vision, Seong Hee-joo sighed in relief. The aftermath of this dangerous drive with the king and the repercussions of the accident leave viewers eager to see what lies ahead for Seong Hee-joo.

Reporter: Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr