SOURCE: 변우석♥아이유 '21세기 대군부인', 대본리딩 현장 첫 공개
The script reading for '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife,' one of the most anticipated dramas in the first half of 2026, has finally been revealed.
The new MBC drama, scheduled to air in April 2026, is set in a modern South Korea under constitutional monarchy. It follows the story of a rich woman, who is frustrated because she's a commoner, and a king's son, who is sad because he possesses nothing, as they try to change their fates and overcome social classes.
The drama has been drawing attention since the lineup was announced, since it includes stars like IU (as Song Heejoo), Byun Wooseok (as Prince Yi Wan), Noh Sanghyun (as Min Jungwoo), and Gong Seungyeon (as Yoon Yirang). As one of the hottest dramas of the year, the release of the script reading photos has further raised anticipation.
Director Park Joonhwa, writer Yoon Jiwon, along with all the actors gathered at the reading. The atmosphere was filled with warm laughter as the actors shared their bold aspirations. IU said, "I will work hard so this drama takes over the drama scene in 2026," while Byun Wooseok added, "I'll do my best to shake the world in 2026." Noh Sanghyun joked, "I'll aim to shake the whole universe," and Gong Seungyeon promised, "I'll work hard to create a joyful filming set."
IU first showcased the confident personality of Song Heejoo, a chaebol heiress who has everything except a royal title. In the scene where she asks Prince Yi Wan (Byun Wooseok) to marry her to raise her status, she made everyone in the room laugh with her witty gestures and playful wink.
Byun Wooseok, playing as Prince Yi Wan who has nothing but a royal title, radiated royal dignity with his deep voice and calm acting. In moments where the usually calm prince begins to shows his feelings after meeting Song Heejoo (IU), he skillfully changed his tone to convey the transformation.
IU and Byun Wooseok, who meet for a 'contract marriage' in the story, showed great chemistry. The way they maintained eye contact and adjusted their rhythm raises further excitement for the drama.
Meanwhile, Noh Sanghyun added energy to the room as the Prime Minister, Min Jungwoo. He showed natural chemistry with IU and acted as a reliable bestfriend to Byun Wooseok, raising expectations for his role in the drama.
On the other hand, Gong Seungyoun played the role of Yoon Yirang, a woman born with the destiny of becoming queen, bringing a different kind of tension. Even in scenes where she argues with Prince Yi Wan, she maintained elegant in her speech and gestures, embodying her character perfectly.
'21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' has successfully started its journey with this passionate script reading. From the romance between the similar-yet-different Song Heejoo and Prince Yi Wan, to the complex relationships of Min Jungwoo and Yoon Yirang, the drama promises a rich story filled with both excitement and laughter.
MBC's new Fri-Sat drama '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife,' which is considered as the most anticipated project of the first half of 2026, will start airing this April.
