[CBC News] MBC's new Friday–Saturday drama, 21st Century Great Royal Consort, premiered on April 10 at 9:40 p.m. KST.
The debut immediately seized attention with a charged, unforgettable face-off between two central characters.
Episode 1 unfolds at the king’s birthday celebration, where the country’s prominent figures gather and chaebol heiress Seong Hee-ju meets Prince Ian for the first time. IU plays Seong Hee-ju, and Byeon Woo-seok portrays Prince Ian.
Seong Hee-ju, CEO of Castle Beauty, has risen from a commoner and illegitimate background to claim a place among the elite. Determined to make an impression, she flouts palace etiquette by wearing red—a color traditionally taboo at court—and instantly becomes the center of attention. The striking red suit, in particular, draws the gaze of attendees, including Prince Ian.
The episode’s visual centerpiece is a “falling-flower” fireworks display, during which the two exchange loaded glances. As vibrant pyrotechnics streak across the night sky, subtle emotional undercurrents pass between Seong Hee-ju and Prince Ian, raising anticipation about where their relationship may head.
Producers hinted that the fireworks sequence will serve as a pivotal turning point for the characters. With a lineup of palace events and simmering conflicts teased, the series ramps up its dramatic tension.
Time magazine included 21st Century Great Royal Consort on its list of the “Most Anticipated Korean Dramas of 2026,” and the show generated significant buzz even before its premiere. Promising a fresh palace romance, the series blends modern sensibilities with traditional settings. The question now is whether it can sustain the so-called “Seoneoptwi” (선업튀) craze.
★ Vote in the Netizen Awards ▶
★ Breaking news — CBC News on Telegram ▶
▮ CBC News | CBCNEWS Reporter Jeong Jong-hoon
