Actors IU and Byeon Woo-seok are teaming up for a romantic drama.

On January 29, MBC revealed photos from the script reading of its upcoming Friday–Saturday drama The Grand Prince's Wife of the 21st Century (written by Yoo Ji-won, directed by Park Joon-hwa and Bae Hee-young). IU, Byeon Woo-seok, Noh Sang-hyun, and Gong Seung-yeon attended.

Set in a constitutional monarchy–era South Korea, the series tells a class-defying romance between a chaebol heiress who is a commoner and a prince who, despite his status, possesses nothing of his own.

All cast members joined the reading alongside the writers and directors. The actors quickly immersed themselves in their roles, matching rhythms with bright energy in a lively, upbeat atmosphere.

IU plays Sung Hee-joo, a confident chaebol. She captured the character's assertive personality through steady eye contact and decisive delivery, adding playful gestures and a wink in scenes where Hee-joo teases the king's son.

Byeon Woo-seok takes on the role of Prince Ian. With a deep, composed tone, he conveyed royal poise, then shifted his voice and pacing to reveal emotional nuance as his character opens up to Sung Hee-joo.

Noh Sang-hyun portrays Min Jung-woo, South Korea's prime minister, who shares a school connection with Sung Hee-joo and builds a close bond with Prince Ian. His performance naturally bridged the trio's emotional arcs.

Gong Seung-yeon plays Yoon I-rang, a woman born with the destiny of a queen and a close friend to Prince Ian. She embodied the role with elegant speech, gestures, and gaze.

The Grand Prince's Wife of the 21st Century is set to premiere in April.