IU and Byun Woo-seok to Star in Upcoming Drama '21st Century Grand Duchess'

The highly anticipated drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' (working title), featuring IU (아이유) and Byun Woo-seok (변우석), is currently in discussions for a broadcast slot in the first half of next year. According to reports from OSEN on February 23, 2025, MBC is also considering the airing of another drama, 'Judge Lee Han-young' (판사 이한영), featuring Ji Sung (지성), for the end of this year.

Set against the backdrop of a constitutional monarchy in 21st century South Korea, '21st Century Grand Duchess' tells the story of a wealthy heiress, Seong Hee-joo (성희주), who is frustrated by her status as a commoner despite her riches, and Lee An-dae-gun (이안대군), the king's son who possesses nothing and is burdened by his tragic fate. The script for the drama was selected through MBC's script competition, and it is being produced in collaboration with Kakao Entertainment.

Byun Woo-seok will portray Lee An-dae-gun, while IU will take on the role of Seong Hee-joo, the second daughter of the top-ranking conglomerate, known for her beauty, intelligence, and fierce competitive spirit. This project is generating significant excitement as it marks IU's return with 'Pop! Goes My Heart' (폭싹 속았수다) and follows Byun Woo-seok's success from last year's hit 'Sungjae Up and Away' (선재 업고 튀어).

The anticipation for the drama has increased further with the announcement that director Park Jun-hwa (박준화) will be at the helm. Known for his successful romantic comedies such as 'My Name is Kim Sam-soon' (막돼먹은 영애씨), 'Let's Eat' (식샤를 합시다), and 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim' (김비서가 왜 그럴까), Park recently directed the tvN drama 'Love is a One-Way Bridge' (사랑은 외나무 다리에서).

On January 15, MBC released a lineup that included dramas like 'Motel California' (모텔 캘리포니아) and 'Undercover High School' (언더커버 하이스쿨), but '21st Century Grand Duchess' was notably absent, raising questions. However, on February 18, Kakao Entertainment included the drama in their 2025 lineup, sparking hopes for IU and Byun Woo-seok's next projects, although no official scheduling has been confirmed yet.

An MBC representative stated, 'We are preparing '21st Century Grand Duchess' with a target broadcast in 2025, but the scheduling is currently undecided.'