IU and Byun Woo-seok share a mutual kiss.. Ratings explode, reaching a peak of 15.4% [21st Century Grand Duchess]

*This content was translated by AI.

The mutual kiss between IU and Byun Woo-seok caused ratings to explode.

The 10th episode of the MBC Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' (script by Yu Ji, directed by Park Jun-hwa, Bae Hee-young, planned by Kang Dae, produced by MBC and Kakao Entertainment), which aired on the 9th, recorded viewership ratings of 13.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area, 13.3% nationwide, and 5.6% among viewers aged 20-54, surpassing its previous record for two consecutive days with a significant rise in both the Seoul metropolitan area and nationwide. All three metrics—nationwide, Seoul metropolitan area, and 2054—ranked first among all programs on Saturday, achieving a triple crown for two consecutive days. The ending scene, where Seong Hee-ju (played by IU) learns that Prince Lee An (played by Byun Woo-seok) is in the private audience hall where a fire has broken out, recorded a peak viewership rating of 15.4% per minute (based on Nielsen Korea).

In the broadcast on that day, as the relationship between Seong Hee-ju and Prince Lee An grew stronger amidst threats, the two also began moving toward a new future.

After being notified of the divorce by Seong Hee-ju, Prince Lee An poured out the emotions he had endured alone. Although he knew that Seong Hee-ju's words were lies meant to push him away, Prince Lee An, overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness for failing to protect Seong Hee-ju from the royal family, decided to accept the late king's dying wish and went to find his nephew Lee Yoon (played by Kim Eun-ho), asking him to return his rightful place. King Lee Yoon, following the late king's will, announced his intention to pass the throne to his uncle, Prince Lee An, turning the palace upside down.

While everyone was flustered by the unexpected situation, Seong Hee-ju apologized to Prince Lee An, who must have been hurt by the lies she had told about divorcing him, and asked for a conversation to learn the full story. Prince Lee An, more upset by her action of leaving the palace alone to bear all the blame rather than by her lies, told her, "You don't trust me," pushing her away and making Seong Hee-ju feel even more conflicted.

Seong Hee-ju went to find Prince Lee An and, for the first time, said, "I like you," conveying her feelings with a kiss. Seeing Prince Lee An's face, cold and distant instead of his usual gentle smile, Seong Hee-ju asked, "Do you not like me?" Her eyes were filled with tension.

Even though he already knew her feelings, Prince Lee An gazed intently at Seong Hee-ju's earnest eyes as she asked again, and responded to her confession with a deep kiss. Just as they had held each other's hands tightly amidst threats from others, the two clung to each other, refusing to let go, creating a touching scene.

Prince Lee An shared with Seong Hee-ju, who asked about his future plans, the sense of guilt he had once hinted at regarding the throne. Seong Hee-ju, feeling Prince Lee An's pain of having to remain silent while knowing all the facts until Yoon I-rang ignored the late king's will and placed his son on the throne, encouraged him, saying, "Let's go all the way; I'll be by your side."

Prime Minister Min Jeong-woo met with Regent Yoon I-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon) and pressured her to stop the regency at all costs. Since the edict could not be refused more than three times and the king's will could not be thwarted, if Prince Lee An became king, Seong Hee-ju would be unable to leave the palace. Thus, Min Jeong-woo revealed his hidden claws by also coordinating with Yoon Seong-won (played by Jo Jae-yoon), a supporter of Prince Lee An's removal.

Unaware of Min Jeong-woo's schemes, Seong Hee-ju felt a sense of foreboding upon hearing a distant explosion while heading to inform her family who were waiting for her, and immediately rushed to the private audience hall. The hall was already engulfed in flames, and upon hearing that Prince Lee An was inside, Seong Hee-ju fell into a panic. With the fire that killed the late king long ago threatening Prince Lee An once again, attention focuses on the fate of Prince Lee An, left behind in the flames.

Meanwhile, the 11th episode of the MBC Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' will air on the 15th at 9:50 p.m.

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*This content was translated by AI.