‘Perfect Crown’ Surpasses 13% Ratings in Just 4 Episodes, Ranks No. 5 Globally on Disney+

The drama 'Perfect Crown,' starring IU and Byeon Woo Seok, continues its impressive rise in popularity.

Featuring a star-studded lineup including IU, Byeon Woo Seok, Gong Seung Yeon, Noh Sang Hyun, Lee Yeon, and Yoo Soo Bin, the drama has been gaining significant traction. It premiered on April 10 with nationwide ratings of 7.8% and 8.2% in the Seoul metropolitan area, ranking third among MBC’s Friday–Saturday drama premieres of all time. The ratings steadily climbed through episode 2 (9.5%) and episode 3 (9.0%), reaching a new personal best in episode 4 (aired April 18) with 11.1% nationwide, 11.3% in the metropolitan area, and a peak of 13.8%.

Within just four episodes, the drama broke into double-digit ratings and currently ranks first in its time slot across both terrestrial and cable channels. It has also climbed to No. 5 on Disney+’s global TV show rankings.

According to the OTT ranking site FlixPatrol, as of April 24, the drama ranked No. 1 in four countries—Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan—continuing its global momentum.

Set in a fictional 21st-century constitutional monarchy in South Korea, the series follows the romance between Sung Hee Joo (played by IU), a wealthy commoner, and Grand Prince Ian (played by Byeon Woo Seok), the king’s second son who holds status in name only. The story centers on a romance that challenges social class boundaries.

The drama is based on an original script by writer Yoo Ji Won, which won an Excellence Award at the 2022 MBC Drama Script Contest. It is directed by Park Joon Hwa, known for romance hits such as 'What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,' 'Alchemy of Souls,' and 'Love Your Enemy.'

At the time of judging, the script was praised for its “progressive and compelling male and female characters, with a solid narrative that evolves from strong desires into romance.”

True to that assessment, the chemistry between Sung Hee Joo and Grand Prince Ian—both driven by their own ambitions—has captivated viewers from the very first episodes. Their evolving relationship, shifting from mutual annoyance to subtle emotional tension, has become a key highlight of the drama.

Fast-Paced Plot Developments Begin

In the April 24 episode, the story accelerates as Sung Hee Joo and Grand Prince Ian move forward with a contract marriage.

Constant crises have marked their relationship. After coincidentally meeting at the same hotel, dating rumors spread, and they were later caught together by Queen Dowager Yoon Yi Rang (Gong Seung Yeon). Eventually, Grand Prince Ian accepts Sung Hee Joo’s proposal for a contract marriage.

The two publicly announce their relationship by entering the palace hand in hand, leveraging public attention to their advantage. This marks a crucial turning point as they push forward their marriage plan against opposing royal factions.

In another pivotal moment, Grand Prince Ian notices paparazzi and initiates bold physical contact with Sung Hee Joo, causing a major stir. The two become the first royal couple to publicly acknowledge their relationship. Their combined traits—her flair for attention and his competitive drive—create strong synergy, drawing intense public interest while shielding them from political adversaries.

However, tension continues to build. Yoon Yi Rang’s father, Yoon Sung Won (played by Jo Jae Yoon), hints at taking action against Sung Hee Joo, who already faces numerous enemies. Additionally, a recent near-traffic accident involving Sung Hee Joo—resolved thanks to Grand Prince Ian’s quick thinking—raises questions about future complications in their relationship.

As the two navigate these crises, their partnership grows stronger. Though their marriage has yet to be finalized, their bond continues to deepen, leaving viewers wondering whether their feelings are genuine or merely part of an act.

IU and Byeon Woo Seok’s Chemistry in the Spotlight

IU transforms into the fiercely competitive Sung Hee Joo, showcasing a completely different side from her previous roles. Despite her limitations as a commoner of low birth, Sung Hee Joo remains resilient, confidently confronting discrimination and overcoming obstacles with determination.

Her relentless drive is evident as she persistently seeks meetings with Grand Prince Ian despite repeated rejections, ultimately succeeding by appealing to their shared background. She also skillfully turns public scrutiny into an opportunity, even convincing Ian to accept her marriage proposal following a scandal.

IU’s dynamic performance brings depth to Sung Hee Joo, blending ambition, charm, and emotional nuance.

At a press conference on April 6, IU described her character as “someone who has everything except status, making her easily frustrated,” adding that while Sung Hee Joo can be greedy and temperamental, she is also endearing and multidimensional.

Byeon Woo Seok, meanwhile, portrays Grand Prince Ian—a beloved royal who must remain silent and unseen. He shared that he chose the role because the script vividly sparked his imagination, and he resonated with the character’s narrative.

Describing Ian as outwardly strong yet internally lonely and wounded, Byeon Woo Seok emphasized that he focused on expressing those emotional layers in his performance.

While the drama has been widely praised since its premiere, some early criticism emerged regarding Byeon Woo Seok’s acting, particularly in scenes opposite Gong Seung Yeon. However, many viewers have defended him, noting that the series is still in its early stages.

As the 12-episode drama unfolds, attention is focused on how Byeon Woo Seok will further develop the complex character of Grand Prince Ian. Given his nuanced performance in his previous hit 'Lovely Runner,' expectations are high that his portrayal will continue to evolve.

With strong performances from its cast and growing global popularity, 'Perfect Crown' is quickly establishing itself as a must-watch series.