IU and Byun Woo-seok, embracing tightly in bed on their wedding night → Wedding contract leaked.. Highest viewership in the series' history [21st Century Grand Duchess]

*This content was translated by AI.

As IU and Byun Woo-seok's contract marriage was exposed, the drama recorded its highest-ever viewership.

The eighth episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' (script by Yoo Ji-won, directed by Park Jun-hwa and Bae Hee-young, planned by Kang Dae-seon, produced by MBC and Kakao Entertainment), which aired on the 2nd, recorded 11.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area, 11.2% nationwide, and 5% among viewers aged 20 to 54, surpassing its own previous record in the Seoul metropolitan area. In addition, the drama ranked first in the same time slot across the Seoul metropolitan area, nationwide, and among the 20th to 54 demographic, while the 20th to 54 viewership also topped all Saturday programs. In particular, the scene in which Prince Lee An (played by Byun Woo-seok) protected Seong Hee-ju (played by IU) from a barrage of reporters' flashes reached a peak of 14.6% per minute. (Nielsen Korea data)

In that day's broadcast, a series of misfortunes struck the couple, from a poisoning attempt targeting Seong Hee-ju and Prince Lee An to the leak of their marriage contract.

When the bride, Seong Hee-ju, collapsed during Prince Lee An's wedding ceremony, the palace and the entire nation were thrown into chaos. After learning that Seong Hee-ju had been poisoned, Prince Lee An was overcome with anxiety over the possibility of losing her.

Prince Lee An requested a public investigation into the royal family from Prime Minister Min Jeong-woo (played by Noh Sang-hyun), and as a thorough investigation unfolded without distinction between royalty and palace staff, Seong Hee-ju barely regained consciousness. As soon as he heard the news that Seong Hee-ju had woken up, Prince Lee An rushed to her side, embraced her, and shed tears of relief. Seong Hee-ju, who had been trembling alone in fear of losing someone precious, comforted him by saying, "It's okay."

As the investigation progressed, it was suggested that the culprit had targeted Prince Lee An rather than Seong Hee-ju. In a situation where no one in the palace or private residences could be trusted, Prince Lee An, following Min Jeong-woo's advice, built his own fortress to protect Seong Hee-ju. Seong Hee-ju, in turn, expressed concern for Prince Lee An, who remained outwardly calm despite the poisoning attempt on her life. The deep affection between the two, who worried more about each other than themselves even in life-threatening moments, drew attention.

With the poisoning incident resolved, Seong Hee-ju and Prince Lee An began their newlywed life. For the first time since becoming a couple, the two lay in the same bed, embracing each other tightly and sharing tender kisses. Seong Hee-ju and Prince Lee An, who slept peacefully without worry until morning, fulfilled their duties as beloved members of the royal family by attending to their responsibilities one by one.

Prince Lee An and his wife were invited to the 80th anniversary celebration of the Royal School, their alma mater, and accompanied him to the event. Seong Hee-ju and Prince Lee An returned to the Royal School not as seniors and juniors but as a married couple, greeted by enthusiastic applause and cheers from the crowd. The atmosphere of the event brightened thanks to Grand Duchess Seong Hee-ju's witty opening speech.

At the same time, breaking news reported the leak of Prince Lee An and his wife's marriage contract. Prince Lee An, his aides, Prime Minister Min Jeong-woo, and Crown Princess Yoon I-rang, who were watching Seong Hee-ju, all saw the article, but Seong Hee-ju, standing on stage, remained unaware.

Reporters and students who stormed the venue bombarded Seong Hee-ju, who knew nothing, with sharp questions and a barrage of flashes. Prince Lee An, who shielded the defenseless Seong Hee-ju, soon took her hand and led her away from the scene. With the contract marriage exposed, attention turns to the future of Seong Hee-ju and Prince Lee An.

Meanwhile, the ninth episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' will air at 9:50 p.m. on the 8th.

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*This content was translated by AI.