MBC Fri-Sat drama <21st-Century Grand Consort>

Having confirmed each other’s feelings, IU and Byeon Woo-seok became allies for good.

The 10th episode of MBC’s Fri-Sat drama ‘21st-Century Grand Consort’ (written by Yoo Ji-won/ directed by Park Joon-hwa, Bae Hee-young/ planned by Kang Dae-seon/ produced by MBC, Kakao Entertainment), which aired on the 9th (Sat), recorded 13.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area, 13.3% nationwide, and 2054 at 5.6%, marking sharp rises in both metro and nationwide figures and renewing its own all-time high for the second straight day. It also ranked No. 1 across all Saturday programs in nationwide, metropolitan, and 2054 ratings, achieving a triple crown for two consecutive days. In particular, the ending scene in which Seong Hee-ju (IU) learns that Grand Prince Ian (Byeon Woo-seok) is in the royal office that has caught fire hit a per-minute peak of 15.4%, guarding the ratings throne and once again proving its absolute dominance. (Nielsen Korea standard)

In this broadcast, as their relationship was tested by threats, the bond between Seong Hee-ju and Grand Prince Ian grew even stronger, and the two began to move toward a new future.

After receiving notice of divorce from Seong Hee-ju, Grand Prince Ian, left alone, poured out the emotions he had long held back. Although he knew her words were lies meant to push him away, consumed by helplessness over failing to protect her from the royal family, he resolved to accept the will his elder brother had left long ago and went to his nephew Lee Yoon (Kim Eun-ho) to ask that his place be returned to him. In response, King Lee Yoon said he would hand the throne to his uncle, Grand Prince Ian, according to the late king’s will, throwing the palace into upheaval.

While everyone reeled at the unexpected turn, Seong Hee-ju sought a conversation to apologize to Grand Prince Ianwho would have been hurt by the barrage of lies about divorcing himand to ask what had really happened. However, what upset him more was not her lies but her attempt to shoulder all the blame alone and leave the palace; pushing her away with, “You didn’t trust me,” he left Seong Hee-ju even more conflicted.

Even so, Seong Hee-ju went to Grand Prince Ian and, for the first time, confessed, “I like you,” sealing it with a kiss. Seeing his facehis eyes cold instead of the warm smile he once woreshe asked, “Do you not want this?” Her gaze betrayed her nerves.

Meeting Seong Hee-ju’s earnest eyesasking again even though she already knew his heartGrand Prince Ian answered her confession with a deep kiss. Their tight embrace, unwilling to let go of each other just as they had held hands firmly amid others’ threats, only heightened the poignancy.

Then, when Seong Hee-ju asked about what comes next, Grand Prince Ian unburdened himself of the sense of debt he had once hinted at regarding the throne. Feeling the pain of having had to acquiesce, despite knowing everything, until Yun I-rang ignored the late king’s will and put her son on the throne, Seong Hee-ju encouraged him, saying, “Let’s see it through to the end. I’ll be by your side.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Min Jeong-u met Queen Dowager Yun I-rang (Gong Seung-yeon) and pressured her to block the abdication at all costs. Because an edict cannot be refused more than three times and, if the king’s will could not be overturned and Grand Prince Ian became king, Seong Hee-ju would be unable to leave the palace, Min Jeong-u revealed his hidden claws, even making contact with Buwongun Yun Seong-won (Jo Jae-yun), who aims to eliminate Grand Prince Ian.

Unaware of Min Jeong-u’s designs, Seong Hee-ju was on her way to inform the family waiting for her when a distant explosion filled her with foreboding, and she headed straight to the royal office. It was already engulfed in flames, and upon hearing that Grand Prince Ian was inside, she fell into panic. With the blaze that killed the late king long ago now threatening Grand Prince Ian again, attention is focused on his fate left within the flames.

Episode 11 of MBC’s Fri-Sat drama ‘21st-Century Grand Consort’, which will reveal another tragedy that has struck the royal family and the full story behind it, will air at 9:50 p.m. on the 15th (Fri).