Bae Woo-seok Shines in '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' with Captivating Performance

Bae Woo-seok delivers a nuanced portrayal of a wide range of emotions in '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife,' from straightforward romance to pure devotion. Previously, he gained explosive popularity through the 2024 tvN drama 'Seonjae's Escape,' earning the nickname '100 Billion Won Star' as he became the face of various brands.

In the episodes aired on the 1st and 2nd of this month, MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' showcased Lee An Grand Prince (played by Bae Woo-seok) and Seong Hee-joo (played by IU) as they officially became a royal couple after their wedding.

Following a kiss with Seong Hee-joo, an awkward tension lingered between them. Lee An Grand Prince resolved this with his unwavering 'straightforward' approach. He conveyed his sincerity to Seong Hee-joo, who tried to attribute the kiss to the mood, saying, "It wasn't because of the mood. It was because it was you." When Seong Hee-joo was upset by a conversation with her father at her family home, he expressed his feelings with a direct confession, "If you ask for it, I want to give you anything. Just take it. Whether it's money, honor, or my heart." This highlighted the evolution of Lee An Grand Prince's emotions.

Lee An Grand Prince's actions towards Seong Hee-joo, who suddenly collapsed during the wedding ceremony, heightened the drama's intensity. He ordered an investigation without regard for status, including himself, palace staff, and royalty, solely for Seong Hee-joo's sake. Upon hearing she regained consciousness, he ran to her despite the royal protocol against running. At the climax, when their marriage contract was leaked, leaving Seong Hee-joo exposed to the public and media, Lee An Grand Prince became her steadfast shield, saying, "Look only at me."

The varying demeanor of Lee An Grand Prince, depending on the situation and relationship, was masterfully portrayed by Bae Woo-seok's delicate acting. He displayed tender eyes and affectionate emotions in front of Seong Hee-joo, while exuding strong charisma in crisis situations, adding depth to his character. Bae Woo-seok particularly infused authenticity into his character by encapsulating the fear of losing a loved one and the relief of reunion in tears. His trembling breath and welling tears left viewers breathless, leaving a lasting impression.

Bae Woo-seok also vividly depicted the past and present of his relationship with Yoon Yi-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon). In the past, he showed warm consideration and smiles to Yoon Yi-rang in distress, while in the present, he maintained a cynical attitude, drawing a line and creating tension. By portraying the multifaceted aspects of his character, Bae Woo-seok has earned various nicknames such as 'Straightforward Grand Prince' and 'Heart-throbbing Grand Prince,' and has even been noted for his 'poisonous chemistry' with Yoon Yi-rang, raising expectations.

Bae Woo-seok's captivating performance in '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' offers 'time-flying' immersion with each episode. The drama airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM on MBC.

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