IU and Byeon Woo Seok to Reign in '21st Century Princess Consort' Coming 2026
IU and Byun Woo Seok's new MBC drama '21st Century Princess Consort' (working title) was earlier expected to air in late 2025, but it has now been officially rescheduled for the first half of 2026. This highly anticipated drama will be part of MBC's Friday-Saturday lineup, and fans are already excited.
IU and Byun Woo Seok Lead the Cast of 21st Century Princess Consort
Along with IU and Byun Woo Seok, the drama will feature talented actors Noh Sang Hyun and Gong Seung Yeon. Noh is known for his roles in Pachinko and Love in the Big City, while Gong has impressed viewers in The Killing Vote and The First Responders. This marks the first time all four stars will be appearing together in an MBC drama, creating huge excitement among K-drama fans.
Plot of 21st Century Princess Consort: A Royal Romance in Modern Korea
Set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in Korea, the story is a romantic drama that breaks the boundaries of social class. The plot revolves around Seong Hee Joo, a rich but common woman, and Grand Prince Lee Wan, a royal who longs for personal freedom. Their contract marriage becomes the center of a powerful love story.
The drama script won the 2022 MBC drama script contest and was praised for its strong characters and emotional storytelling. It has been in development for three years to ensure the best quality and connection with viewers.
IU as Seong Hee Joo in 21st Century Princess Consort
IU plays Seong Hee Joo, a smart and competitive woman from a wealthy family. Even with all her success, she feels incomplete because she lacks noble status. To change her fate, she agrees to a contract marriage with Grand Prince Lee Wan, hoping it will help her reach the royal world.
Byun Woo Seok as Grand Prince Lee Wan in 21st Century Princess Consort
Byun Woo Seok will portray Grand Prince Lee Wan, the second son of the king. Although loved by the public, he is tired of royal responsibilities. His meeting with Seong Hee Joo changes his life and brings out emotions he never knew he had. After his success in Lovely Runner, fans are eager to see him take on this modern prince role.
Noh Sang Hyun and Gong Seung Yeon Join the Cast of 21st Century Princess Consort
Noh Sang Hyun plays Min Jung Woo, a brilliant prime minister and old friend of Lee Wan. He also knew Seong Hee Joo from their academy days, and his bond with both leads adds tension to the story.
Gong Seung Yeon plays Yoon Yi Rang, a woman born into a powerful family of queens. She has always believed she was meant to be a queen and will do anything to protect that destiny, even if it means sacrificing her own feelings.
MBC’s Excitement Over 21st Century Princess Consort
MBC’s executive producer Kang Dae Sun shared, “21st Century Princess Consort is a fresh, meaningful story with charming characters and emotional depth. After years of development and strong casting, we are confident this show will connect deeply with viewers.”
With its unique concept and strong team, 21st Century Princess Consort is set to become one of the most talked-about K-dramas of 2026. Fans of IU, Byun Woo Seok, and royal romance dramas will not want to miss this one!
