5 Reasons Why ’21st Century Great Lady’ Starring IU is the Must-Watch K-Drama of 2026

Photo: MBC

[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung] IU is set to deliver a layered, three-dimensional performance as Seong Hee-ju, the CEO of Castle Beauty.

MBC’s new Friday–Saturday drama “21st Century Grand Madam,” which premieres April 10, is set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in South Korea. The series is a status-defying romance that follows a wealthy chaebol heiress who, despite having everything, is troubled by her legal status as a commoner, and the king’s son, who has nothing. Together, they strive to rewrite their destinies and break the boundaries of social class.

IU, whose casting generated immediate buzz, said she feels nervous and worried but is above all thrilled that so many people are looking forward to the show. She expressed gratitude and hope that viewers will enjoy the series through to the end.

Explaining why she chose “21st Century Grand Madam” as her next project after “You Were Completely Deceived,” IU said the title left a strong impression. She enjoyed the script because each character’s personality came through distinctly, and she was especially drawn to Hee-ju’s unpredictable actions and the particular drive that motivates them.

The character that captured IU’s interest, Seong Hee-ju, is the head of Castle Beauty: beautiful, capable and wealthy, yet daily confronted with the limitation of being legally a commoner. IU described Hee-ju as greedy, feisty and cute. At first, her uncontrollable ambition and prickly temperament dominate, but as the story progresses and her inner void is filled, she reveals many endearing and admirable facets—an appealing reversal that the show teases.

IU highlighted Hee-ju’s assertiveness as a defining trait. To build a relationship with Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok), Hee-ju swallows her pride and deploys a range of charms and dogged determination, taking bold gambles in the process. IU added that the moment Hee-ju’s feelings for Prince Ian shift is a key beat that reveals the character’s complexity, making her all the more compelling.

IU also emphasized portraying a woman who, from a young age, had to prove herself and appear strong. While Hee-ju often hides vulnerability behind sharp, even hostile expressions and gestures, IU said she didn’t want to lose sight of the inevitable moments of loneliness and fragility. She worked to differentiate Hee-ju’s voice and facial expressions—contrasting the exhilaration Hee-ju feels when chasing success with the quieter, less energized moments.

Finally, IU pointed to what viewers should watch for: a brisk, fast-moving first half with tightly woven emotional dynamics between the characters, followed by a latter half that unfolds into a serious, deeply felt love story—elements that she says make the series especially worth watching.

IU’s turn as the assertive CEO Seong Hee-ju promises a fresh level of catharsis, which viewers will see when the show airs.

[Sports Today reporter Kim Tae-hyung ent@stoo.com]
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