In the fictional 2026 setting of the MBC Friday-Saturday drama "21st Century Lord's Wife," the line "Let's get divorced," spoken by Sung Hee-joo (played by IU) to Lee Ahn-daegun (played by Byeon Woo-seok), continues to resonate. This pivotal moment, which occurred during the drama's peak viewership of 13.4%, reflected evolving societal views and complex relationships. The drama's plot, cast, and ending remain a topic of interest long after its conclusion.
Why Did Sung Hee-joo Demand a Divorce in "21st Century Lord's Wife" Episode 9?
The critical reason Sung Hee-joo demanded a divorce from Lee Ahn-daegun in episode 9 of "21st Century Lord's Wife" was the imminent crisis facing the royal family and the entire conglomerate due to the leak of their marriage contract. To protect her beloved Lee Ahn-daegun, Sung Hee-joo made the drastic decision to initiate a separation herself, a sacrifice of immense personal consequence. This scene captivated audiences, achieving a nationwide viewership rating of 11.7%, 11.9% in the Seoul metropolitan area, and a peak of 13.4% per minute, setting a new personal best for the series. IU's emotionally charged performance was widely praised on social media and online communities, with many describing it as a heartfelt confession. Her chemistry with Byeon Woo-seok as Lee Ahn-daegun further heightened the drama's immersion.
A Transcendent Romance in a Fictional World: Cast and Plot Details
"21st Century Lord's Wife" is set in a fictional South Korea where a constitutional monarchy still exists in the 21st century. The drama tells the fateful love story between a chaebol heiress who has everything but commoner status, and a prince who, despite his royal lineage, can possess nothing. Sung Hee-joo, portrayed by IU, is the CEO of Castle Beauty and the illegitimate daughter of the Castle Group. She is known for her stunning looks, sharp business acumen, and a past award for entrepreneurship. Lee Ahn-daegun, played by Byeon Woo-seok, is a royal who finds himself in a precarious position, needing to solidify his status through marriage. Veteran actors like Noh Sang-hyun and Gong Seung-yeon joined the cast, delivering strong performances. The 12-episode series premiered on April 10, 2024, and concluded on May 16, 2024, with viewership ratings consistently climbing each week. Its popularity also led to sustained demand for rewatching on OTT platforms like Disney+.
Facing the End: Real-Life Breakup Rumors and Drama Ending Predictions
The dramatic divorce announcement in the series eerily coincided with real-life breakup rumors surrounding IU, adding another layer of public fascination. IU, who confirmed her relationship with actor Lee Jong-seok in December 2022, has periodically been subject to breakup rumors. A recent rumor emerged in May 2025 after a photo of IU dining with BTS member V circulated online. However, a representative for IU quickly dismissed the rumors, stating they are still dating well. Regarding V, the representative clarified that their relationship was purely professional, stemming from V's appearance as IU's love interest in one of her music videos. "21st Century Lord's Wife" concluded its run on May 15th with episode 11 and May 16th with episode 12. Key points to watch in the finale included: whether Sung Hee-joo's divorce declaration would be reversed, the identity of the mastermind behind the leaked marriage contract, and the potential for the drama's viewership ratings to surpass its peak of 13.4% and reach 15%. The final episode also focused on the ultimate decision Lee Ahn-daegun would make within the fictional constitutional monarchy setting. Public interest is also high regarding the next projects for IU and Byeon Woo-seok.
What's Next for IU and Byeon Woo-seok After "21st Century Lord's Wife"?
Following the successful conclusion of "21st Century Lord's Wife," anticipation for the next projects of lead actors IU and Byeon Woo-seok is at an all-time high. Their exceptional acting performances and undeniable chemistry in this drama have amplified curiosity about their future roles. IU has already solidified her status as a respected actress in addition to her singing career, while Byeon Woo-seok has emerged as a leading man following this hit series. Therefore, audiences are eagerly awaiting what genre they will choose next and what new facets of their talent they will reveal. Both fans and industry insiders are keenly observing their future endeavors, with significant reactions expected upon any new project announcements.
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