MBC ‘21st-Century Grand Prince Consort’

Byeon Woo-seok and IU of ‘21st-Century Grand Prince Consort’ achieved the revolutionary abolition of the monarchy and emerged as a true married couple.

In the 12th and final episode of the MBC Friday-Saturday drama ‘21st-Century Grand Prince Consort’ (written by Yoo Ji-won·directed by Park Joon-hwa), which aired on the night of the 16th, sharp political conflict unfolded, and within it the romance of Grand Prince Ian (Byeon Woo-seok) and Seong Hee-ju (IU) grew even stronger.

On that day, having acceded to the throne, Grand Prince Ian told Seong Hee-ju, “I will abolish the royal household,” and declared with firm resolve, “The very starting point of constraints born of inherited privilege is the royal household.” Seong Hee-ju likewise said, “I thought my dream was treason, but it was revolution. I will understand now,” offering steadfast support to her husband.

Grand Prince Ian said, “Every year, debate over abolishing the monarchy surfaces. Even Prime Minister Min (No Sang-hyun) said a king without popular support is unnecessary, did he not,” and when he put abolition on the agenda, entrenched interests mounted fierce resistance. Prime Minister Min, saying, “A king can change, but the royal household does not,” pressured the king with money as a weapon.

MBC ‘21st-Century Grand Prince Consort’

At that moment, Seong Hee-ju’s formidable wealth shone. She declared, “This is Seong Hee-ju. The only worry I have ever had in my life was when I would ever use up all this money,” and made a bold offer to donate to the royal household. When the cabinet side tried to squeeze her with a prosecution probe into the family of Seong Hee-ju, she flipped the situation by turning the narrative into media play about cabinet abuse of power, rather than a slush-fund suspicion. Seong Hee-ju told Grand Prince Ian, “Your Majesty as well, please do not waver and put on some swagger. That way I think I will feel secure,” showing the steadiness of a true partner.

Enlisting even the power of the Queen Dowager, Seong Hee-ju struck back, and her final target was Prime Minister Min. She detonated evidence of his crimes, asking, “To protect a royal household capable of exerting influence across the economy, diplomacy, and culture, did you attempt to assassinate the king?” Cornered, Prime Minister Min met Grand Prince Ian and poured out resentment: “Just push Hee-ju far away. Then I told you more than once that I would protect you, did I not. It is your fault I ended up like this.” Grand Prince Ian drew a firm line, saying, “It is your fault to believe something you never had was taken from you.”

In the end, abolition of the monarchy was decided by a national referendum, bringing the era of the royal household to a close. The 34th monarch, Lee Wan, set aside all privileges and fulfilled his wish to “be called by a name, not as king.”

MBC ‘21st-Century Grand Prince Consort’

After the whirlwind of upheaval subsided, the pair also saw their tender romance bear fruit. When Grand Prince Ian hinted at lingering regret, saying, “I thought it would be good to have the wedding rings remade and to propose again,” Seong Hee-ju pressed him: “Did we not already hold a wedding. I was sincere from that moment, so were you not.”

In response, Grand Prince Ian confessed a long-harbored one-sided love, saying, “I liked you from far back. From the moment you first told me your name.” He went on, “Even in the middle of the night, at that blazing red I wanted to run to you. Then I saw you at the birthday banquet. That day, too, you were so very red. Afraid I might miss you, I ran as fast as I could,” conveying a fresh yet heartfelt sincerity that left the home audience with lingering emotion and fluttering excitement.

MBC ‘21st-Century Grand Prince Consort’