Byun Woo Seok and IU’s '21st Century Grand Lady' eyed for next year’s airing, schedule undecided

One of the most anticipated projects this year, the new drama "21st Century Grand Lady" starring actor Byun Woo-seok and singer-actor IU, is under consideration for airing next year.

"21st Century Grand Lady" has drawn tremendous expectations as it reunites Byun Woo-seok, who achieved syndrome-level popularity last year with "Lovely Runner," and IU, whose strong acting skills have driven hit projects such as "Moon Lovers," "My Mister," and "Hotel Del Luna." 

Furthermore, production company Kakao Entertainment announced MBC’s scheduling plans, indicating that the drama could be unveiled within the year, which further heightened anticipation.

However, when MBC revealed its new drama lineup for 2025, "21st Century Grand Lady" was noticeably absent, causing some confusion. Later, on the 18th, Kakao Entertainment disclosed the 2025 lineup including the MBC drama "21st Century Grand Lady," raising expectations for Byun Woo-seok and IU’s next project this year—but even then, the scheduling remained unconfirmed.

Regarding the scheduling of "21st Century Grand Lady," an MBC representative stated,
"‘21st Century Grand Lady’ (working title) is being prepared with the aim of a 2025 broadcast, but as of now, the schedule is undecided."

Meanwhile, "21st Century Grand Lady" is set against the backdrop of a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in Korea. 

The drama tells a romance that defies social status, featuring Seong Hee-joo—a frustrated woman from a chaebol family who, despite having everything, is regarded as nothing more than a commoner—and Lee An Daegun—a sorrowful man, the king's son who can possess nothing. 

Byun Woo-seok will portray Lee An Daegun, the male lead in a 21st-century Korea under a constitutional monarchy, while IU will take on the role of Seong Hee-joo, the female lead born with a silver spoon, known for her stunning beauty, intellect, and fierce competitiveness, as the second daughter of Korea’s top-ranked chaebol family.