TV
Heartbreak and Intrigue: '21st Century Grand Prince' Ian Declares Breakup with Seong Hee-joo
The episode aired on the 24th, showcasing Ian's desperate attempt to protect Seong Hee-joo by playing the villain amidst a brewing conspiracy against her.
The tension in the drama escalated with a car accident involving Seong Hee-joo.
Ian heroically saved her by throwing himself in front of the car, sustaining injuries in the process, which created a tender moment between them.
However, their brief peace was shattered by the arrival of Min Jeong-woo (played by Noh Sang-hyun). Ian witnessed Seong Hee-joo proposing a transactional marriage to Min Jeong-woo, saying, "It's a contract marriage. I have everything except status. I have money, ambition, and ability."
He coldly dismissed Seong Hee-joo from his quarters, declaring, "Someone tampered with your car, causing the accident. We need to change plans. Let's call off the wedding."
Despite Seong Hee-joo's protests, Ian harshly retorted, "Marrying someone with as many enemies as you would be the end of the royal family," pushing her away.
The internal conflict within the royal family also intensified. Min Jeong-woo warned a furious Yoon Yi-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon), "The accident was caused to save His Majesty. If this is all for the young king, such disgraceful rumors could arise."
When Yoon Yi-rang questioned, "Are you protecting that woman?" Min Jeong-woo firmly replied, "I'm protecting the royal family."
When Choi Hyun (played by Choi Hyun-jin) questioned the reason for the breakup, Ian swallowed his true feelings, "I'm afraid she'll die." Haunted by the memory of losing his mother in a car accident, Ian became a shield to prevent Seong Hee-joo from facing a similar fate.
Following the breakup declaration, Seong Hee-joo instructed Do Hye-jung (played by Lee Yeon) to "find out everything about the last person who touched my car," signaling her counterattack.
Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr
