IU, Byeon Woo-seok Reunite for MBC’s ‘21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’

IU and Byeon Woo-seok, who previously worked together in the drama “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” a decade ago, are reuniting in MBC’s new series “21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife,” a romantic comedy set in a constitutional monarchy.

A production presentation for the drama was held on April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul. Director Park Jun-hwa attended with cast members IU, Byeon, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Su-bin and Lee Yeon.

“21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife” follows a wealthy conglomerate heiress who has everything except noble status, and a king’s son who, despite his title, cannot have anything. The drama centers on their romance and efforts to break through class barriers.

Park said the constitutional monarchy setting would offer “a unique kind of excitement” and keep viewers engaged. He said the production aimed to feel plausible through costumes and spaces so audiences could think it “could exist.”

The series marks Park’s first drama for MBC. He said he felt pressure to deliver and emphasized the cast as the show’s biggest draw, adding that watching the visuals on set made monitoring footage enjoyable.

Park also shared a casting anecdote, saying IU and Byeon were already attached when he joined the project and that their casting was one reason he decided to take it. He added, laughing, that his daughter is a big fan and urged him to do the drama.

IU plays Seong Hee-joo, a character who is “annoyed” by lacking status despite her wealth. IU described Hee-joo as a layered figure full of irritation, anger and ambition, but also “cute,” and said the role was so appealing she decided quickly to join. She said Hee-joo is less a conventional chaebol figure than a celebrity who draws attention wherever she goes.

Byeon plays Prince Ian, the king’s second son, a beloved royal who is not allowed to shine. Referring to the character’s nickname, “the 21st century Prince Suyang,” Byeon said Ian may look tough and twisted on the outside but carries inner wounds, and he focused his performance on that side.

The reunion of IU and Byeon is a key point of interest. IU said she approached the new project determined to make up for “mistakes” from the past, noting that in their earlier drama Byeon played her boyfriend who had an affair with her close friend. She said it felt meaningful to work together again 10 years later and that Byeon brought an ease that felt like he had been preparing for a decade. Byeon said he felt their chemistry had continued since then and that filming was fun because IU made him comfortable on set.
Noh plays Prime Minister Min Jung-woo, described as highly responsible, while Gong plays Queen Yoon Yi-rang, who appears cold but works to protect the royal family. Yoo plays Prince Ian’s aide, Choi Hyun, and Lee plays Hee-joo’s capable secretary, Do Hye-jung.

Asked about comparisons to the earlier hit drama “Princess Hours,” Park called it “a great drama” and said the team would work to make this series remembered as well in 2026. He said Episodes 1 through 4 each offer different kinds of fun.

With the drama set to reach global viewers via Disney+, the team also highlighted its Korean aesthetic. Noh said the blend of modern and traditional elements is reflected in architecture and costumes and would present Korea in a refined way. Park said the series includes many Korean elements, but its relationships are built around themes anyone can relate to.

IU said the drama becomes more entertaining as it goes, adding that the director promised it would be a breakout project for the cast. She asked viewers to stay with the series to the end.

“21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife” premieres April 10 at 9:40 p.m. on MBC and Disney+.