'21st Century Grand Duchess', IU Shines as IU

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer and actress IU has firmly led the drama's core with her trusted and powerful performance in '21st Century Grand Duchess'.

In episodes 3 and 4 of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' (script by Yoo Ji-won, directed by Park Jun-hwa and Bae Hee-young), which aired on the 17th and 18th, the evolving relationship between Seong Hee-ju (played by IU) and Prince Lee An (played by Byun Woo-seok) was depicted, showing them gradually growing closer after agreeing to a contract marriage.

Accordingly, Seong Hee-ju's multi-layered personality was fully revealed. IU, portraying Seong Hee-ju, convincingly portrayed the character's emotional arc and narrative, further enhancing the drama's immersion.

Even when Seong Hee-ju faced an egg-throwing incident after a scandal involving Prince Lee An erupted, she did not shrink back but stood her ground confidently. Her act of summoning those who threw eggs and confronting the situation head-on demonstrated the character's independent nature, and IU conveyed this delicately through her expressions, eye contact, and tone of voice, boosting the performance's persuasiveness.

Her relationship with Prince Lee An also evolved naturally. In the first kiss scene, she skillfully portrayed a mix of surprise, embarrassment, and excitement, captivating viewers' attention. During the baseball stadium date scene, she showcased natural charm through a casual styling that matched her uniform and headband, while also displaying a sweet and celebrity-like side.

As she grew closer to the palace attendants and underwent training under the Chief Chamberlain, she formed a new chemistry, exuding a different kind of human charm distinct from her previous image. Particularly in a scene involving a car accident crisis, she realistically portrayed not only fear and panic but also her instinct to protect the young prince first even amidst danger, heightening the tension.

Thus, in episodes 3 and 4 of '21st Century Grand Duchess', IU breathed life into the character with stable acting chemistry and a natural vocal tone. She fluidly navigated the character's complex emotions, where confidence and irritation, sweetness and warmth coexisted, driving the drama's immersion and further strengthening Seong Hee-ju's three-dimensional portrayal. Consequently, viewers' interest in Seong Hee-ju's future narrative and relationship developments is soaring.

'21st Century Grand Duchess' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m. and is also available for streaming on the global OTT platform Disney+.

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*This content was translated by AI.