MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife has confirmed its broadcast slot for the first half of 2026 and boasts a glamorous lineup of actors.
Set in a modern-day constitutional monarchy in South Korea, the drama tells the romance between Sung Hee Joo, a wealthy chaebol heiress who has everything except noble status, and Lee Wan, a royal prince who lives a sorrowful life with nothing he can truly call his own.
IU takes on the role of Sung Hee Joo, the second daughter of a chaebol family. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and ambitious, but held back by her commoner status. In pursuit of the one thing she lacks, she boldly enters into a contract marriage with Prince Lee Wan (played by Byun Woo Seok). Her encounter with Lee Wan becomes a turning point in her life.
Byun Woo Seok plays Lee Wan, a royal prince with noble status but nothing else to his name. He has lived quietly as the second son of the royal family, suppressing his passionate nature in a life where he is neither allowed to shine nor speak out. However, his innate charm and grace make him the nation’s most beloved royal. Accustomed to hiding his true self, Lee Wan transforms after meeting his contract bride, Hee Joo.
Noh Sang Hyun plays Min Jung Woo, a longtime friend of Lee Wan and the nation’s prime minister. Hailing from a prestigious political family, Min Jung Woo follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were also Prime Ministers. With brains, good looks, and a flawless background, he’s considered the nation’s top eligible bachelor. He’s a childhood friend of Prince Lee Wan and a senior to Sung Hee Joo at the royal academy. Their contract marriage causes emotional stirrings within him.
Gong Seung Yeon plays Yoon Yi Rang, a woman born with the “destiny to be queen.” Coming from a family that has produced four queens, she has never questioned her own path to the throne. Having chosen the title of “Queen” over her individual identity as Yi Rang, she fiercely clings to her fate, no matter the cost.
The drama will be directed by Park Joon Hwa, known for Rude Miss Young Ae, Let’s Eat 1 & 2, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and Alchemy of Souls.
21st Century Grand Lady is set to begin filming soon and will air as part of MBC’s Friday-Saturday lineup in the first half of 2026.
>> IU Confirms She and Byeon Woo Seok Are Still in ’21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’
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