IU x Byun Wooseok hit 7.8% from the first episode ... Will they follow the path of 'Knight Flower' as the #1 MBC Fri-Sat drama?

SOURCE: 아이유X변우석, 첫방부터 7.8%…MBC 금토극 1위 '밤피꽃'길 걸을까 [엑's 이슈]

The drama 'Perfect Crown,' starring IU and Byun Wooseok, has drawn strong attention after gaining impressive ratings from its very first episode.

The MBC Friday-Saturday drama 'Perfect Crown,' which premiered on the 10th, recorded viewer ratings of 8.2% in the Seoul Metropolitan Area and 7.8% nationwide according to Nielsen Korea. It ranked No. 1 among Friday-Saturday dramas and No. 1 among all Friday programs in the metropolitan household category, marking a strong start.

This is No. 3 highest premiere rating in MBC Friday-Saturday drama history, following 'Chief Detective 1958' (10.1%) in the 1st place and 'Knight Flower' (7.9%) in 2nd. In particular, it fell just 0.1% short of 'Knight Flower.'

What makes this result even more remarkable is that its previour drama, 'In Your Brilliant Season,' suffered from significantly poor performance, peaking at only 4.4% in ratings.

IU has already proven herself as 'Ratings Goddess' through dramas like 'Dream High,' 'You're the Best, Lee Soonshin,' and 'The Producers.' MEanwhile, Byun Wooseok generated massive buzz with 'Lovely Runner.' Therefore, the combination of the two received a lot of attention even before the drama aired.

As a result, with the very first episode already surpassing the previous drama's performance, there is growing interest in what kind of records this drama will set in the future.

Interestingly, the drama that holds the all-time highest ratings among MBC Friday-Saturday dramas is 'Knight Flower' (18.4%), ranked 2nd in premiere ratings. Meanwhile, the second highest ratings is 'The Red Sleeve' (17.4%), didn't even make it to the top ranks for its premiere episode.

On the other hand, 'Chief Detective 1958,' which holds the highest premiere rating, didn't see significant growth afterward and peaked at 10.8%, ending up at No. 7.

Therefore, attention is now focused on whether 'Perfect Crown' will follow in the footsteps of 'Knight Flower' or take the path of 'Chief Detective 1958.'

Continue reading IU x Byun Wooseok hit 7.8% from the first episode ... Will they follow the path of 'Knight Flower' as the #1 MBC Fri-Sat drama?

IU: "I kissed Byun Wooseok countless times" ... Will Lee Jongsuk get jealous?

SOURCE: 아이유 "변우석과 키스, 셀 수 없이 많이 해" 이종석 질투 할라('살롱드립')

IU talked about the behind-the-scenes of her kiss scene with Byun Wooseok.

On the 7th, a preview for the Youtube channel 'Salon Drip' featured the lead actors of MBC's upcoming Friday-Saturday drama 'Perfect Crown,' including IU, Byun Wooseok, Noh Sanghyun, and Gong Seungyeon.

When Jang Doyeon mentioned the viral 'wall kiss scene,' Byun Wooseok said, "Our noses touch, you know. Since it was hot, it was a bit sweaty." IU then added, "There were nose marks on my cheek."

When Noh Sanghyun asked, "How many times did you guys kiss?" Jang Doyoung reacted excitedly, saying, "Nice question." IU replied, "We kissed countless times," and Byun Wooseok added, "For that scene, we did it many times."

Meanwhile, 'Perfect Crown,' starring IU and Byun Wooseok, is a romance drama set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy. It tells the story of Song Heejoo (IU), a chaebol who has everything but is frustrated by her 'commoner' statur, and Grand Prince Yian (Byun Wooseok), the King's son who despises his royal status, as they change their fates and social class. This drama will start airing on the 10th at 9:40 PM (KST).

Continue reading IU: "I kissed Byun Wooseok countless times" ... Will Lee Jongsuk get jealous?

IU reveals she already met Byun Wooseok 10 years ago ... Surprising confession: "Cheating boyfriend"

SOURCE: 아이유, 변우석과 10년 전 이미 만났다…"바람난 남자친구" 깜짝 고백 (핑계고)

Singer and actress IU revealed her long-standing connection with her co-star Byun Wooseok.

On the 4th, a video titled 'Fate is just an excuse' was posted on the Youtube channel 'Pinggyego.' IU and Byun Wooseok, the leads of 'Perfect Crown,' appeared as guests.

IU emphasized that this project wasn't her first time meeting Byun Wooseok. She explained, "He previously appeared as my cheating boyfriend in the drama 'Moon Lovers.' That was our first time working together," adding, "That was exactly 10 years ago."

Byun Wooseok also added, "And we met in a music video too. I appeared in the teaser for Jieun's 'Between the Lips (50cm)'," revealing their past connection.

IU said, "We already had a connection. Since we worked together for a longer period on this project, we became much closer," showing off their special bond.

Continue reading IU reveals she already met Byun Wooseok 10 years ago ... Surprising confession: "Cheating boyfriend"

IU, Byun Wooseok 'Perfect Crown' poster revealed💘

SOURCE: 아이유, 변우석 <21세기 대군부인> 포스터 공개💘

대군부인 맞이할 채비 되셨습니까?

21세기 입헌군주제 대한민국을
뒤집어놓을 레전드 커플💘

<21세기 대군부인>
4월 10일(금) 밤 9시 40분 MBC 첫 방송#아이유 #변우석 #노상현 #공승연#21세기대군부인 #MBC금토드라마#mbcdrama #MBC pic.twitter.com/Gt7McMZCbS

— MBC DRAMA (@mbcdrama_pre) March 10, 2026

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A post shared by MBC DRAMA official (@mbcdrama_now)

Are you ready to welcome the Grand Prince’s wife?
Legendary couple that will turn the 21st-century constitutional monarchy of South Korea upside down💘

<Perfect Crown>
Premieres April 10 (Fri) at 9.40 PM (KST) on MBC

#IU #ByunWooseok #NohSanghyun #GongSeungyeon
#PerfectCrown #MBCFriSatDrama #mbcdrama #MBC

MBC's new Fri-Sat drama 'Perfect Crown' (written by Yoo Jiwon, directed by Park Joonhwa and Bae Huiyoung), which is set to premiere on April 10, released the couple poster for the first time on March 10th.

As it is considered one of the most anticipated dramas in the first half of 2026, the show has been given a special slot, airing 10 minutes earlier than usual. To effectively portray the unique details of its setting, a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in South Korea, the first episode will air at 9.40 PM (KST).

https://naver.me/IMZiweJ5

COMMENTS:

-IU looks so f*cking gorgeous. I’m really looking forward to the drama.

-ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ This somehow looks funny.

-Is this the best they could do...?????? I can't tell what they're trying to deliver here. It doesn't even match the genre.

-Is this the best poster they could make? They are pretty and handsome, but I think the poster could've been betterㅠㅠ

-I’m really looking forward to it.

-I thought it was a Chinese drama for a second...

-I feel like this isn't the best they could’ve done... but I’m still really looking forward to the drama.

-I don't see any chemistry, and I can't really feel the "Grand Prince’s wife" concept either.

-I like each actor individually, but I don’t see the chemistry between them..

-I can't feel the chemistry just from the poster, but maybe it'll be different once I watch the drama!! If the acting is good enough, chemistry can be created out of nowhere.

-It looks more like a pictorial than a drama poster.

-Well, the poster isn't that important anyway... I just hope it's fun to watch.

-I actually like the poster. IU looks pretty.

-It looks so old-fashioned.

-The poster actually looks better than I expected, though?

Continue reading IU, Byun Wooseok 'Perfect Crown' poster revealed💘