21ST CENTURY GRAND PRINCE’S WIFE finds main cast for Kakao-produced drama

IU and Byeon Wooseok to star in 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife.

As reported by Naver, 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife has cast IU as Sung Heejoo, the clever and beautiful second daughter of a conglomerate family, who is limited by her commoner status. Byeon Wooseok will play Prince Lee Wan, who, despite his lavish life, cannot truly own anything and has been forced to live reclusively, abandoning his desires and passions.

Along with the two leads, the drama also announced the casting of Noh Sanghyun and Gong Seungyeon. Noh will portray Min Jungwoo, the brilliant and handsome prime minister and Lee Wan’s childhood friend. Gong will take on the role of Yoon Yi Rang, a woman from a long line of queens who chooses the path of “the perfect queen” over her personal desires.

Set in an alternate version of Korea ruled by a constitutional monarchy in the 21st century, the story follows the contract marriage between Sung Heejoo and Prince Lee Wan. While Heejoo has everything except royal status, Lee Wan, as the second prince, has nothing to call his own. Their marriage, initially born from ambition, may become the key to breaking down rigid social class barriers.

21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife was selected by judges at the 2022 MBC Drama Script Contest, receiving praise for its fresh storyline and distinct characters. After three years of development, the drama is finally moving forward. Kakao Entertainment and MBC will co-produce the series, with Park Joon-hwa (What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim) directing, Yoo Ah-In writing, and Kang Daeseon leading project planning.

The drama is slated to air in the first half of 2026, with filming set to begin soon.

Source: Naver