IU and Byun Woo-seok's "The Grand Prince's Wife in the 21st Century" Achieves Strong Opening Ratings Singer-actor IU and actor Byun Woo-seok's new drama, "The Grand Prince's Wife in the 21st Century," made a strong debut, securing a viewership rating of 7.8% nationwide in its first episode. The MBC Friday-Saturday drama, which premiered on April 10, 2026, surpassed expectations and outperformed competing shows airing at the same time. According to Nielsen Korea, the series recorded 7.8% of viewers nationwide, with a 3.8% share in the 2054 demographic, a key indicator of channel competitiveness. The show also achieved a triple crown in the Seoul metropolitan area, demonstrating its appeal across different audience segments. The drama’s performance marked a significant milestone, as it surpassed the 6.7% viewership of SBS’s "God and Law Firm," which had previously dominated the Friday-Saturday slot. "God and Law Firm" saw a sharp decline in ratings, dropping from its previous 9.5% to a lower figure, allowing "The Grand Prince's Wife in the 21st Century" to take the top spot for the first broadcast of the week. This success was anticipated, given the high-profile cast and the drama’s pre-broadcast buzz. IU, known for her versatility as a singer and actress, stars as Sung Hee-joo, a character determined to defy fate. Byun Woo-seok portrays Prince Ian, a figure burdened by the weight of destiny. The drama’s premise centers on their dynamic, as Sung Hee-joo proposes to Prince Ian, setting the stage for a complex narrative of love, conflict, and personal choice. The series airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:40 p.m., a time slot traditionally popular for dramas.#iu #byun_wooseok #the_grand_prince_s_wife_in_the_21st_century #mbc #nielsen_korea
