‘Perfect Crown’ surges past 11% in just two episodes, tops Disney+ rankings

MBC has finally fired a signal flare for the revival of its long-fading reputation as a “drama powerhouse.”

MBC’s Friday–Saturday drama 'Perfect Crown' has taken over home screens, proving overwhelming buzz and popularity. Episode 2, which aired on April 11, recorded a 10.1% viewership rating in the Seoul metropolitan area, surpassing the double-digit mark in just two episodes and claiming the No. 1 spot in its time slot. Nationwide, it also posted 9.5%, decisively outperforming competing programs, while scoring 5.3% among viewers aged 20 to 54 to rank No. 1 across all Saturday programming.

The first episode recorded 7.8% nationwide and 8.2% in the metropolitan area, making it the third-highest premiere rating in MBC’s Friday–Saturday drama history. Within just a day, Episode 2 broke into double digits, continuing a sharp upward trajectory. Notably, the peak minute rating soared to 11.1% (Nielsen Korea, metropolitan area), underscoring the drama’s strong pull.

Episode 2 also featured a surprise cameo by actor Heo Nam Jun as IU’s blind date, leaving a brief yet impactful impression.

“A Woman With Everything but No Status, A Man With Status but Nothing”

Set in a 21st-century South Korea where a constitutional monarchy still exists, 'Perfect Crown' tells the story of a contract marriage between a chaebol heiress who remains a commoner and a prince who, despite being the king’s son, is unable to possess anything.

The female lead Seong Hee Joo (Portrayed by IU) is the heir to the country’s largest conglomerate, but has lived constrained by her status as a commoner. Meanwhile, Prince I-an (played by Byeon Woo Seok), the second son of the royal family, is beloved by the public but lives under restrictions that prevent him from speaking out or standing in the spotlight.

The drama is also drawing attention as a constitutional monarchy romance, a concept not seen in nearly 20 years since Princess Hours (2006). However, its tone differs significantly. While Princess Hours focused on youthful romance, 'Perfect Crown' is being praised for its layered storytelling, blending political tension with class dynamics.

The script, written by Yoo Ji Won, won the Excellence Award in the long-form series category at the 2022 MBC Drama Script Contest. Judges praised it as “a modern and well-executed romance built on a constitutional monarchy setting,” highlighting its compelling, forward-thinking characters and strong dialogue rhythm.

IU × Byeon Woo Seok Reunite After 10 Years: “An Unfailingly Strong Casting”

The drama’s biggest talking point is undoubtedly its casting. IU and Byeon Woo Seok reunite for the first time in a decade since their brief collaboration in the 2016 SBS drama 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,' where Byeon Woo Seok played IU's ex-boyfriend who cheated on her.

For IU, this marks her first-ever MBC drama since her debut and her return one year after 'When Life Gives You Tangerines.' For Byeon Woo Seok, it is his comeback after one year and eight months since 'Lovely Runner,' as well as his first leading role in a terrestrial broadcast drama.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Noh Sang Hyun, acclaimed for 'Pachinko' and 'Love in the Big City,' plays Prime Minister Min Jung Woo, while Gong Seung Yeon takes on the role of Crown Princess Yoon Yi Rang. Veteran actors, including Yoo Soo Bin, Lee Yeon, Jo Seung Yeon, Lee Jae Won, Jo Jae Yoon, and Park Joon Myun, also join the lineup.

The series is directed by Park Joon Hwa, known for the Alchemy of Souls series. He expressed confidence in the production, stating that simply monitoring the visuals and performances of the two leads throughout filming was a great pleasure.

“We’ve Never Lost the No. 1 Spot” — Cast’s Confidence

At the press conference held on April 6 at Josun Palace in Gangnam, Seoul, the two lead actors displayed remarkable confidence.

IU, speaking in character as Seong Hee Joo, stated, “I’ve never lost the No. 1 title in my field. Our 'Perfect Crown' team will also aim to become No. 1 in the industry.” She added that she was drawn to the script for its compelling characters, natural flow, and well-balanced comedic elements, teasing that the story becomes even more engaging in the latter half.

Reflecting on her reunion with Byeon Woo Seok, IU shared, “We briefly crossed paths about 10 years ago, but this is the first time we’ve truly worked together as partners. I felt comfortable from the script reading stage, and on set we constantly exchanged ideas and built our chemistry.”

Byeon Woo Seok echoed her sentiments, saying, “Both IU and the staff were incredibly considerate and supportive throughout filming, which helped create great chemistry between us.”

Record-Breaking Buzz Even Before Premiere… Disney+ Joins the Hype

Even before its premiere, 'Perfect Crown' ranked No. 1 in integrated TV-OTT buzz rankings for two consecutive weeks, according to Good Data Corporation’s FUNdex. In the first week of April, IU and Byeon Woo Seok ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in cast buzz rankings.

The drama also made headlines for selling out all advertising slots prior to airing. A broadcasting insider revealed, “These days, even shows that rank No. 1 in ratings often fail to sell out ads, but 'Perfect Crown' reportedly recouped its entire production cost before its premiere.”

Riding this wave of popularity, Disney+ released its first set of glamorous photos featuring IU and Byeon Woo Seok on April 13. The couple shots, filled with affectionate gazes, heightened viewers’ excitement, while their individual photos exuded elegance and royal-like charisma.

Global Audience Hooked: “Completely Drawn Into Their Chemistry”

Thanks to its simultaneous broadcast on MBC and Disney+, the drama is also gaining strong international traction. It topped Disney+ rankings worldwide in its first week, once again showcasing the global power of K-content.

International media praised the series, saying they were “completely captivated by the chemistry between IU and Byeon Woo Seok.” Global fans have also responded enthusiastically, commenting, “It delivers everything we hoped for,” and “It’s so good that waiting each week feels unbearable.”

Online reactions are equally explosive. Viewers have praised the female lead as “refreshingly bold and straightforward,” while others commented, “Byeon Woo Seok was born to play a prince,” and “Seong Hee Joo clinging to Grand Prince Ian is both adorable and hilarious.” The Episode 2 ending, where Ian accepts Hee Joo’s proposal by telling her to “prepare to become the Grand Princess,” has especially heightened anticipation for the next episode.

Episode 3 of MBC’s Friday–Saturday drama 'Perfect Crown,' which will dive deeper into IU and Byeon Woo Seok’s contract marriage romance, airs on April 17 at 9:50 PM KST and will also be available on Disney+ afterward.