A Second “Palace” Is Born? IU and Byeon Woo-seok’s “The Grand Prince Consort of the 21st Century” Begins With 7.8%

[Viewership Focus] The Opening of a Bold Romance in a Constitutional Monarchy World

With actress 'IU' and 'Byeon Woo-seok' meeting, MBC’s brand-new Friday-to-Saturday drama 'The Grand Prince Consort of the 21st Century'—already drawing intense attention before its premiere—has fully captivated living-room viewers.

According to Nielsen Korea, a ratings research firm, announced on the 11th that the first episode of 'The Grand Prince Consort of the 21st Century', unveiled on the 10th, achieved '7.8%' nationwide viewership, sending a clear sign of an incoming hit.

[In-Depth Analysis] Chaebol Heiress Seochul 'Seonghee-ju' and a Provocative Proposal Aimed at the Royal Family’s Second Son, 'An Daegun'

In the episode, the drama quickly unfolded the daring 'constitutional monarchy' world in which a royal family exists in South Korea. Viewers were instantly drawn to the story where 'Seonghee-ju' ('IU'), born into a chaebol family’s side branch and having endured contempt and cold treatment, intentionally approaches the royal family’s second son 'Prince An, Daegun' ('Byeon Woo-seok') with a clear goal: to rise in status.

In particular, the ending scene—where, after countless obstacles, 'Seonghee-ju' finally gains a private audience with 'Prince An, Daegun' and delivers a direct, bold line: “Please marry me”—pushed the drama’s tension to its peak, leaving a strong afterimage.

[Hit Outlook] A Harmony of Tradition and Modernity—A Preview of the Second “Palace” Syndrome

This work spotlights the explosive on-screen chemistry of 'IU', who confirmed her solid acting skills through 'My Mister' and 'Hotel Del Luna', and 'Byeon Woo-seok', who has risen to the mainstream with 'True Beauty: The Unexpected Love'. The overwhelming rhythm between the two actors maximized immersion and earned praise from critics.

Moreover, while evoking nostalgia for 'Palace', which swept South Korea in 2006, it also recreated visually satisfying beauty through a more refined sensibility—capturing both tradition and modernity.

As 'Seonghee-ju' kicks off the game with a provocative marriage proposal, what choice 'Prince An, Daegun' will make will be revealed in full in the upcoming episode 2, as the two people’s full-fledged “palace romance” continues.

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