MBC Friday-Saturday drama <21st Century Grand Prince's Consort>
Byun Woo-seok is capturing women's hearts with his portrayal of Grand Prince Lee An in ‘21st Century Grand Prince's Consort’.
In the MBC Friday-Saturday drama ‘21st Century Grand Prince's Consort’ (written by Yoo Ji-won/ directed by Park Joon-hwa, Bae Hee-young/ planned by Kang Dae-seon/ produced by MBC and Kakao Entertainment), Byun Woo-seok plays Grand Prince Lee An and is winning viewers over with his many facets. With episodes 5 and 6, where the full-fledged romance will deepen, just ahead, we look at the diverse charms of Grand Prince Lee An that are making not only viewers but even his contract-marriage partner Seong Hee-ju (played by IU) feel butterflies.
Charm 1. Exceptional from the moment he appears! Innate grace and charisma dominate on all sides!
First, Grand Prince Lee An's grace and charisma draw the eye. At the birthday banquet, he overwhelmed the room with his very entrance and left a powerful first impression, delivering sharp rebukes to aides who belittled his young nephew and to those who tried to press others down with authority, offering cathartic satisfaction. Despite the wary, watchful gazes, his willingness to step to the front to protect his own showed a brave course of action that hinted at his innate dignity and upright nature.
Charm 2. Delicacy and kindness behind the cool gaze! Warm touches double the heartwarming feel!
His gentleness hidden behind a cool gaze adds not only warmth but also a flutter. He is considerate of Seong Hee-ju, who would be troubled by a scandal with him; when a scream over the phone bothers him, he puts off pressing work and heads to her home; and upon hearing she was pelted with eggs, he worries whether she was hurt. In particular, saying, “A person who could one day become my wife,” he has Seong Hee-ju stay at his private residence, showcasing meticulous consideration. In addition, he readily steps up for his nephew, who has been burdened with more than a child can bear, hinting at his deep affection. Grand Prince Lee An's warmth in caring for and cherishing those dear to him warms the hearts of viewers as well.
Charm 3. Acting or real? A head-on rush from a prince in love! Bold escapades that double the thrill!
After he accepts Seong Hee-ju's proposal for a contract marriage, the complete change in Grand Prince Lee An piqued interest. Appearing hand in hand with Seong Hee-ju before onlookers, he notices the cameras and initiates a kiss, and when she is in danger, he throws himself forward without hesitation to save her. Among these, when they were caught on the kiss-time scoreboard during a baseball stadium date, his teasing smile as he asked, “Shall we pick up the pace?” made hearts race, suggesting not acting for a contract marriage but the look of someone truly in love, hinting at the fiery escapades to come and sending heart rates soaring.
Charm 4. Is the grand prince at home secretly a lovable klutz? His human side makes laughter bloom!
The human side of Grand Prince Lee An, who had seemed impeccably upright, also came to the fore. When work piled up like a mountain, he felt defeated, and upon hearing Court Lady Choi Jin-suk (played by Park Joon-myeon) say she would take charge of educating Seong Hee-ju, he and his aide Choi Hyeon (played by Yoo Su-bin) secretly voiced absolute opposition, drawing big laughs. In scenes where, to rescue Seong Hee-ju targeted by Queen Dowager Yoon I-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon), he shows perfect teamwork not only with Choi Hyeon but also with Do Hye-jeong (played by Lee Yeon), the chief secretary to Seong Hee-ju, Grand Prince Lee An's wit shines. His down-to-earth conduct as a person behind the title of grand prince further amplifies his appeal.
In this way, Grand Prince Lee An captivates viewers with countless charms, including princely dignity, a gentle disposition, and endearing humanity. As Byun Woo-seok's passionate performance, fully immersed in the character, shines, expectations are high for his next moves as he portrays the changes in Grand Prince Lee An, whose romance has shifted into gear.
Episode 5 of ‘21st Century Grand Prince's Consort’ will air at 9:50 p.m. on the 24th (Fri.).
