Lovely Runner’s Byeon Woo-seok to star with IU in upcoming K-drama: Everything to know

Soon after Lovely Runner came out, Byeon Woo-seok became a fan favorite, with many demanding more of his shows. Not only this, the South Korean actor also received a Prism Popularity Award at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards along with his co-star Kim Hye-yoon.

Now, months after the hit drama, Byeon Woo-seok is all set to collaborate with When Life Gives You Tangerines star IU, aka Lee Ji-eun. Their upcoming K-drama has been titled Wife of a 21st Century Prince, which is shaping up to be one of MBC’s most anticipated shows.

This romance K-drama takes place in a reimagined South Korea with a constitutional monarchy still intact. It's a world that reflects current time, yet has older-world royal regimes and class distinctions.

The narrative in Wife of a 21st Century Prince follows an unusual couple united by circumstances — and a contract marriage. What makes this story special is that it blends several exciting elements like a modern fairy tale with royal characters.

Not only this, but the contract marriage trope also brings in tension and slow-burn romance while igniting questions about love and identity. Since fans already know how talented and charming Byeon Woo-seok and IU are, there's a high anticipation for the K-drama.

Keep reading to learn more about this upcoming Byeon Woo-seok K-drama.

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Is there are release window for Byeon Woo-seok and IU's K-drama Wife of a 21st Century Prince?

Since it has been confirmed that Byeon Woo-seok and IU are the heart of this upcoming show, fans are eagerly waiting for an official release date update. As of now, there's no confirmed date, but Wife of a 21st Century Prince will come out in 2026.

The initial plan was to release the drama in late 2025, but that timeline has shifted. Filming is also set to begin soon, and the drama is entering full production mode.

Also Read: Song Joong Ki’s highest-rated drama since Vincenzo just got a green light for Season 2

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Exploring the confirmed cast members in Wife of a 21st Century Prince

Another interesting fact about Wife of a 21st Century Prince is that this K-drama serves as a reunion for IU and Byeon Woo-seok, who acted together nearly ten years ago in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, giving fans something nostalgic to look forward to. While the singer and actress played the lead, Byeon Woo-seok had a limited and small role.

But now, the two will be seen leading this new drama with IU playing the role of Sung Hee Joo, the second daughter of the richest conglomerate family in the country. She's not just rich, but is also known for being stunning and incredibly sharp.

On the other side, Byeon Woo-seok will appear as Prine Lee Ahn, who's also the second child of the King. While nothing much has been revealed about the Lovely Runner star's new role, his character will form a deep bond with IU's Hee Joo as they cross paths.

The other two confirmed cast members revealed by MBC are Noh Sang Hyun as Min Jung Woo, a high-ranking prime minister from an elite political family. And Gong Seung-yeon takes on the role of Yoon Yi Rang, a woman determined to become the future queen.

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Who is directing Wife of a 21st Century Prince?

Wife of a 21st Century Prince is a highly anticipated and big project that requires one of the best directors in the industry. To ensure the K-drama is well-written and received by fans, the director of Alchemy of Souls and What's Wrong With Secretary Kim will direct IU's drama.

As for the script, it was written by Yoo Ah-In, a new writer whose talent stood out when her screenplay won first prize in MBC’s 2022 Drama Script Contest. MBC executives, the drama will stand out for its original premise, well-drawn characters, and a carefully structured plotline.

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Also Read: Also Read: Always Home: The C-drama that’ll warm your heart and break it too – Explained

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