On April 9, 2025, South Korea’s Sports Dong-A reported that filming for the eagerly awaited MBC drama 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife is set to commence this month. The series is anticipated to premiere in the latter half of 2025, generating considerable excitement among fans.
Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding the drama’s international release on Disney+, a prospect that has garnered mixed responses from viewers. There is apprehension within the fan community regarding the show’s availability on this platform.
“This drama is a sure hit just for the cast alone but putting it on Disney+ is like straight up asking for a boycott,”a frustrated user remarked on X.
Starring the talented singer and actress IU in the leading role, 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife promises to showcase her acting prowess following her recent dual performance in Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines. In her new character, she will inhabit the role of Seong Hee-joo.
Alongside IU, Byun Woo-seok—who gained fame through the series Lovely Runner—will play the male lead. While some fans express hope for a Netflix release, many preference lies firmly against Disney+, igniting a flurry of commentary online.
“Please make it on Netflix 🥺 not Disney+,”one fan pleaded.
“Netflix please!!! Netflix reaches more viewers than Disney+,”another echoed.
“Please NO to D+! @netflix fight back! Don’t let this upcoming masterpiece pass you by!”a passionate viewer tweeted.
The ongoing debate reflects substantial concern about the platform’s ability to properly showcase such anticipated content.
“Disney plus and not Netflix???”a netizen exclaimed.
“Sorry, I am not watching it on that platform even for IU… anyone with a conscience left should do the same,”wrote another viewer.
“Well, they can disregard it. Disney+ isn’t that good at how they distribute their dramas anyways,”another fan noted.
Insights from IU about Her Character
In a recent interaction with Sports Dong-A, IU shared her thoughts on portraying Seong Hee-joo in 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife. Differing from her emotionally charged characters Ae-sun and Geum-myung, Hee-joo is characterized by her composure.
“I am preparing hard to repay the love that fans still show for Ae-soon and Geum-myeong,”IU commented. “I am looking forward to playing Hee-joo, who is a very different character compared to the one I will play this time,”the 31-year-old actress stated.
“I think it will be fun because I will show a different side of myself,”she added, expressing both excitement and pressure. “I will completely become Hee-joo in a few days. I am excited and burdened, but I will do my best.”
The narrative of 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife is set against an alternate modern-day South Korea, governed by a constitutional monarchy. IU’s character, Seong Hee-joo, represents the second daughter of a powerful chaebol family. Despite her wealth and intelligence, she grapples with feelings of inadequacy due to her non-noble status. Her counterpart, Byeon Woo-seok as Lee Ahn Dae-gun, is the king’s son who lacks authority, paving the way for a complex romantic dynamic.
The script for this drama was penned by Ah Yoo Ah-in, who gained acclaim at the 2022 MBC Drama Script Contest. The series is being directed by PD Park Jun-hwa, known for his work on popular dramas such as What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Love Your Enemy, and Alchemy of Souls.
For more details on this highly anticipated K-drama, visit Sportskeeda.