IU, Byeon Woo-seok deny exit rumors from drama 'Wife of a 21st Century Prince'

By KTimes

The agencies handling IU and Byeon Woo-seok denied reports claiming the two actors are stepping down from the upcoming MBC drama “Wife of a 21st Century Prince” (working title).

A spokesperson from IU's management, EDAM Entertainment, said on Friday, "The rumors about IU leaving 'Wife of a 21st Century Prince' are completely untrue. She is actively preparing for the project."

Separately, an official from Byeon's management, Varo Entertainment, also dismissed the claims, saying, "It's not true that Byeon Woo-seok is leaving the drama."

Earlier that day, a Korean media outlet reported that the actors were leaving due to disagreements over the series’ streaming distribution. The show is set to air on MBC later this year, but its streaming platform remains undecided. While MBC reportedly held talks with Disney+, both IU and Byeon allegedly prefer Netflix.

“Wife of a 21st Century Prince” is a romantic drama set in an alternate version of modern Korea governed by a constitutional monarchy. It tells the story of a chaebol heiress frustrated by her low-born status and a royal prince who, despite his title, has no real power, both striving to break free from societal constraints.

The drama, which won MBC’s screenwriting competition, is being co-produced by MBC and Kakao Entertainment.

IU plays Sung Hee-joo, the second daughter of Korea’s most powerful chaebol family, while Byeon takes on the role of Prince Ian, the son of the reigning monarch.

The series is slated to premiere in the second half of 2025.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.