On April 21, MBC announced that "Wife of a 21st Century Prince" will air as a drama on Friday - Saturday on MBC channel in the first half of 2026.
The film also announced the official cast including IU, Byeon Woo Seok, who had confirmed to take on the lead roles before, and two new actors, Noh Sang Hyun and Gong Seung Yeon.
Noh Sang Hyun was awarded the Best Actor award at the 2023 Independent spirit Awards for his role in Pachinko. Last year, he won the Best New Actor award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards for his leading role in Love in the Big City.
Meanwhile, Gong Seung Yeon is known for a number of works such as The Killing vote, The First Responders.
Set in the fictional country of Korea under the monarchy established in the 21st century, Wife of a 21st Century Prince tells the love story between Sung Hee Joo - an heiress in a wealthy family with everything but civil status, and Lee Wan - a prince who has nothing but the identity of a kings son.
This script won the MBC drama script competition in 2022, and was praised for its dynamic characters, progressive thinking, and attractive romantic plot rooted in strong desires.
IU plays Sung Hee Joo, the second daughter of the family that owns the largest conglomerate in Korea. Born with beauty, intelligence and strong competitiveness, Sung Hee Joo always enjoys all her advantages. However, when her commoner status suddenly becomes a barrier in her perfect life, Hee Joo decides to carry out a contract marriage with Prince Lee Wan to gain nobility - the only thing she lacks.
Byeon Woo Seok plays Lee Wan, a sad prince who has nothing but royal status because he was born the second son of the king. After a long time in hiding, Lee Wan begins to experience a big change because he meets Sung Hee Joo.
Noh Sang Hyun plays Min Jung Woo, a talented, handsome prime minister from a prestigious political family. He is a close friend of Lee Wan and a senior of Hee Joo since his time studying at the Royal Academy. His relationship with both main characters drags him into their contract marriage, creating emotional tension and attraction.
Gong Seung Yeon plays Yoon Yi Rang, a woman born into a family that has produced 4 queens. never doubting fate, she chose the crown instead of herself. Yi Rang fights to protect that fate, no matter the price.
In addition, it is reported that MBC is negotiating to simultaneously air the show on the Disney+ platform, but both IU and Byeon Woo Seok are said to like Netflix more.
