In a dramatic turn, IU's character declared, "Let's get divorced," in the K-drama "21st Century Prince Consort," propelling the show's viewership to a peak of 13.4% per minute. This Korean drama, set against a backdrop of a constitutional monarchy in modern-day South Korea, explores a romance that transcends social status and is nearing its conclusion. The series has captivated audiences with its unique premise and compelling performances.
Why Did IU's 'Divorce Declaration' Boost Ratings for '21st Century Prince Consort'?
In episode 9 of the MBC Friday-Saturday drama "21st Century Prince Consort" (aired May 8th), the protagonist Sung Hee-joo (played by IU) announced her intention to divorce Lee Ahn, the Prince Consort (played by Byun Woo-seok). Facing a crisis due to the leak of their marriage contract, Hee-joo made the difficult decision to separate to protect Lee Ahn. This pivotal scene led to episode 9 achieving a nationwide viewership rating of 11.7%, with a peak of 13.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area, setting a new personal best for the series. IU's emotionally charged performance immediately became a hot topic on social media and online communities, significantly driving the drama's popularity. This bold choice in a crisis, combined with the actors' immersive performances, is seen as the primary driver for the surge in viewership.
Understanding the World and Characters of '21st Century Prince Consort'
The drama "21st Century Prince Consort" is set in a unique alternate reality where South Korea maintains a constitutional monarchy in the 21st century. The central narrative revolves around the forbidden romance between Sung Hee-joo (IU), a chaebol heiress and commoner, and Lee Ahn, the Prince Consort, who is a royal but lacks significant power or wealth. Hee-joo, the CEO of Castle Beauty and an illegitimate child of the Castle Group, is known for her stunning looks and sharp business acumen. Lee Ahn, on the other hand, is the King's son but finds himself in a complex position where he must gain 'status' through marriage. The series also features talented actors like Noh Sang-hyun and Gong Seung-yeon, adding depth to the plot. Originally planned for 12 episodes, the drama, which premiered on April 10th and is set to conclude on May 16th, has been striving to end on a high note by consistently breaking its own viewership records. The intriguing premise and the compelling interplay of its attractive characters have successfully captured viewers' attention.
Drama's Breakup vs. Real-Life 'IU Breakup Rumors': What's the Connection?
Interestingly, the 'divorce declaration' within the drama has sparked a curious parallel with real-life 'breakup rumors' surrounding the actress IU, creating another layer of public interest. Since confirming her relationship with actor Lee Jong-suk in December 2022, IU has been the subject of several breakup rumors. Most recently, in May 2025, a photo of IU dining with BTS member V circulated online, fueling speculation about a breakup. However, IU's agency emphasized that her relationship with Lee Jong-suk remains unchanged, dismissing the breakup rumors. They clarified that her interaction with V stemmed from their meeting during a music video shoot. Following the broadcast of the divorce scene, some fans have drawn parallels between the on-screen drama and IU's personal life, highlighting the actress's ability to portray complex emotional situations convincingly.
What to Watch For in the Finale of '21st Century Prince Consort'
As the drama heads into its final episodes, several key points are generating buzz among viewers. Firstly, there's intense curiosity about whether IU's character will retract her divorce declaration and who is truly behind the leaked marriage contract. Secondly, fans are eager to see if the drama can surpass its current record of 13.4% and reach the 15% viewership mark. Lastly, the ultimate decision of Byun Woo-seok's character, Lee Ahn, will be crucial – whether he chooses to defy the royal family or abandon his status for love, his actions are expected to be the climax of the series. The unique setting of a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in Korea, combined with the high-stakes romance and the actors' powerful performances, has made this K-drama a must-watch for many.
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