IU, Byeon Woo-seok’s fates entwine in ‘Wife of a 21st Century Prince’

IU (left) and Byeon Woo-seok.  – IU and Byeon Woo-seok are confirmed as the lead stars of the upcoming K-drama “Wife of a 21st Century Prince,” which is set to premiere in the second half of 2025. Images: Instagram/@dlwlrma, @byeonwooseok

IU and Byeon Woo-seok are confirmed as the lead stars of the upcoming K-drama “Wife of a 21st Century Prince,” which is set to premiere in the second half of 2025.

Kakao Entertainment confirmed IU and Byeon’s casting on Monday, December 2, and that the series will be set in an alternate version of South Korea led by a constitutional monarchy.

The actress-singer will star as Sung Hee-joo, the second daughter of a South Korean mega-conglomerate who’s known for her “beauty, brains, and a fierce competitive streak” but is a commoner, according to a Star News report. Meanwhile, Byeon will take on the role of Lee Ahn, a crowned prince with nothing despite being the King’s second son.

As Sung’s commoner status becomes her obstacle, she ends up crossing paths with Lee, setting the stage for their love story.

More details about their co-stars and storyline are yet to be revealed.

The upcoming drama marks IU and Byeon’s reunion after the latter made a cameo appearance as the “Twenty-three” singer’s ex-boyfriend in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.”

Born Lee Ji-eun, IU debuted as a singer-songwriter in September 2008. She is best known for her hit songs “Palette,” “Love Wins All,” “Eight,” and “Good Day,” to name a few.

IU then debuted as an actress in the youth drama “Dream High” in 2011, where she starred as Kim Pil-suk. She is also notable for her lead roles in “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” and “Hotel del Luna.”

Meanwhile, Byeon was catapulted into superstardom for his performance in the 2024 hit K-drama “Lovely Runner.” He also starred in the series “Strong Girl Nam-soon” and “Record of Youth.”