Actors IU and Byeon Woo-seok kicked off their new drama with striking chemistry.

MBC's The Crown Princess of the 21st Century aired its first episode on April 10. It recorded 8.2% viewership in the Seoul metropolitan area and 7.8% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea. The drama ranked No.1 among all Friday programs in the metro area. It also posted 3.8% in the key 20–54 demographic, with a peak of 9.3%.

The episode drew viewers into a fictional 21st-century constitutional monarchy. It followed Seong Hee-joo (IU), a chaebol heiress dreaming of upward mobility, and Prince Ian (Byeon Woo-seok), a royal bound by duty.

Hee-joo had always been at the top, but she could not escape the limitations of her birth as a commoner-born outcast. Subtle discrimination gradually weighed on her confidence. Meanwhile, Prince Ian lived quietly as the royal family's second son, carrying out duties in place of the young king while enduring constant scrutiny.

Hee-joo decided to find a marriage partner herself instead of relying on her father. She recalled meeting Prince Ian at a royal banquet and requested an audience, but he repeatedly refused.

After persistent attempts, she finally met him and immediately presented a proposal. Prince Ian responded with a meaningful smile, signaling the beginning of their relationship.

The drama highlighted the contrast between Hee-joo's determination to shape her own fate and Prince Ian's life of acceptance. Its unique setting—a modern constitutional monarchy—stood out through detailed visuals, blending traditional Korean aesthetics with contemporary elements.

Episode 2 of The Crown Princess of the 21st Century airs on April 11 at 9:40 PM.