Actor IU speaks at a production presentation for MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama ‘21st Century Grand Princess’ at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul’s Gangnam district, April 6, 2026. 2026.04.06 [Photo by Yoo Dae-gil, dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]
Singer and actor IU is returning with a new role after the popularity of the Netflix series ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’
MBC held a production presentation on April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul for its drama ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ written by Yoo Ji-won and directed by Park Joon-hwa and Bae Hee-young. Director Park and cast members IU, Byeon Woo-seok, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Soo-bin and Lee Yeon attended.
IU previously drew global attention for her performances as Ae-soon and Geum-myeong in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ In the new drama, she plays Seong Hee-joo, described as having a prickly personality.
“Because ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ received so much love, and it was a character I filmed for a long time and immersed myself in, choosing something very different actually felt easier,” IU said.
She added, “I do feel pressure about ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ but I don’t feel pressure about showing a different kind of project and character from ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ If anything, I feel more at ease.”
‘21st Century Grand Princess’ is set in a 21st century constitutional monarchy. It follows a wealthy conglomerate heiress frustrated that she is only a commoner, and a king’s son saddened that he cannot have anything, as they pursue romance while trying to break through class barriers. The series will be released at 9:40 p.m. on April 10 on MBC and Disney+.
MBC held a production presentation on April 6 at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam in Seoul for its drama ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ written by Yoo Ji-won and directed by Park Joon-hwa and Bae Hee-young. Director Park and cast members IU, Byeon Woo-seok, Noh Sang-hyun, Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Soo-bin and Lee Yeon attended.
IU previously drew global attention for her performances as Ae-soon and Geum-myeong in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ In the new drama, she plays Seong Hee-joo, described as having a prickly personality.
“Because ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ received so much love, and it was a character I filmed for a long time and immersed myself in, choosing something very different actually felt easier,” IU said.
She added, “I do feel pressure about ‘21st Century Grand Princess,’ but I don’t feel pressure about showing a different kind of project and character from ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ If anything, I feel more at ease.”
‘21st Century Grand Princess’ is set in a 21st century constitutional monarchy. It follows a wealthy conglomerate heiress frustrated that she is only a commoner, and a king’s son saddened that he cannot have anything, as they pursue romance while trying to break through class barriers. The series will be released at 9:40 p.m. on April 10 on MBC and Disney+.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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