On April 2, 2025, singer and actress IU addressed circulating rumors regarding her departure from the anticipated drama 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife during an interview with Star News Korea. This event took place at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, coinciding with the conclusion of her promotional activities for the drama When Life Gives You Tangerines.
The speculation about her potential exit emerged on March 28, 2025, after TV Daily reported that both IU and her co-star, Byeon Woo-seok, had exited the project. However, representatives from the actors’ agencies quickly intervened, asserting that these claims were inaccurate.
IU humorously acknowledged the unfounded rumors during the interview, saying:
“Is the reporter who wrote ‘the exit rumor’ here? I was so surprised when the rumors of my exit came out.”
She further elaborated on her surprise, sharing that she had met with the drama’s director, Park Joon-hwa, just a day before the news broke. She expressed her disbelief at the certainty of the article’s wording:
“I was even more surprised because I had met with the director of ’21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’ the day before the article came out, and discussed filming. In the entertainment industry, there are times when there is smoke without fire, but this time… the wording in the article was really certain. I thought ‘Am I being dropped out? How could something like this happen?'”
Clarification on Byeon Woo-seok’s Involvement
During the same interview, IU also dispelled rumors regarding Byeon Woo-seok’s status in the drama, asserting that he has not left the project. She indicated that they had been collaborating closely and both were committed to preparing for their respective roles, addressing any concerns fans may have had regarding their participation.
IU, who has been gaining acclaim for her performance in When Life Gives You Tangerines, alongside co-stars Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon, also reflected on the pressures that come with following up this success. She remarked on the contrast between her previous characters and her upcoming role:
“I feel pressure in many ways, but I’m also excited. Hee-joo in The 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife is a completely different character from Ae-soon and Geum-myeong, so my heart is pounding,”
IU acknowledged that, while she still embodies 80% of her previous character, she is eager to transition and fully embrace the character of Hee-joo following the promotion period.
Exploring the Plot of 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife
21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife marks a reunion for IU and Byeon Woo-seok, who previously appeared together in Scarlet Heart: Ryeo. The drama unfolds in a modern South Korea characterized by a constitutional monarchy. IU plays Seong Hee-joo, the second daughter of a wealthy conglomerate family, while Byeon Woo-seok portrays Prince Lee An, the king’s second son. Their narrative explores the unexpected romance that develops between them despite social and class disparities.
This highly anticipated drama is set to premiere on MBC later this year, generating excitement among fans eager for this captivating tale.