IU's 'The Grand Heir' Divorce Plot Sparks 11.7% Ratings in 2026

MBC's Friday-Saturday K-drama 'The Grand Heir in the 21st Century' is making waves, hitting a new personal best of 11.7% viewership ratings with its latest episode featuring a dramatic divorce decision by IU and Byun Woo-seok. The story, which follows the couple navigating a crisis after their marriage contract details were leaked, has deeply resonated with viewers, highlighting their enduring affection amidst adversity.

Why 'The Grand Heir' is Dominating Ratings: The 11.7% Success Story

The ninth episode of 'The Grand Heir in the 21st Century,' which aired on June 8th, achieved a remarkable 11.7% viewership rating nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea. This marks a significant increase from the previous episode, proving the K-drama's immense popularity and viewer engagement. The plot thickened as protagonists Sung Hee-joo (played by IU) and Grand Heir Lee Ahn (Byun Woo-seok) fought to protect each other amidst a fabricated crisis involving the leak of their marriage contract. Their struggle, filled with emotional depth and resilience, has captivated audiences, driving the surge in ratings. This compelling narrative of love enduring through hardship is a key factor in the drama's success.

Navigating the Marriage Contract Leak Crisis

The K-drama's tension escalated as Prime Minister Min Jung-woo (No Sang-hyun) and Dowager Queen Yoon (Gong Seung-yeon) orchestrated a plot that turned public opinion sharply against Sung Hee-joo and Grand Heir Lee Ahn. It was revealed that the assassination attempt on Sung Hee-joo was also part of this conspiracy, intensifying the drama. Despite the immense pressure, Sung Hee-joo swallowed her pride and sought help from Min Jung-woo to protect Lee Ahn, only to face rejection. Her plea to her father to prioritize Lee Ahn's safety, even kneeling, deeply moved viewers. This unwavering devotion, even in the face of extreme adversity, is credited with positively impacting the show's viewership numbers.

A Shocking Divorce Announcement: What's Next for the Couple?

In a stunning turn of events, Sung Hee-joo, realizing all that Lee Ahn was enduring for her, confessed her love and then uttered the shocking words, "Let's get divorced." The episode concluded with Lee Ahn's stunned reaction, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats and eager to know what happens next. The fate of the couple and the ripple effects of this separation on the unfolding story have become the central focus of fan speculation. 'The Grand Heir in the 21st Century' Episode 10 is scheduled to air on June 9th at 9:40 PM KST, with audiences anticipating the next chapter of their compelling story.

NewJeans Faces Copyright Infringement Lawsuit in the US: The Truth?

Meanwhile, the popular K-pop girl group NewJeans has unfortunately become embroiled in a copyright infringement lawsuit in the United States, causing concern among fans. Four composers, including Audry Amacost, have filed a lawsuit seeking royalty distribution, alleging that NewJeans' latest track 'How Sweet' infringes upon their demo song 'One of a Kind.' The composers claim they proposed the main melody line, or 'topline,' for the song to NewJeans, but it was not adopted. They assert that the melody and structure of the first verse in 'How Sweet' bear a striking resemblance to their demo. In response, NewJeans' agency, ADOR, has vehemently denied the allegations, stating through their production team at Bana that there was no plagiarism involved. ADOR and the NewJeans members stand by this stance and plan to take legal action. This lawsuit is a significant issue concerning NewJeans' creative process, and the outcome of the legal proceedings is highly anticipated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What were the viewership ratings for the 9th episode of 'The Grand Heir in the 21st Century'?
A1. The 9th episode of 'The Grand Heir in the 21st Century' recorded a nationwide viewership rating of 11.7% according to Nielsen Korea, setting a new personal best for the series.

Q2. Are the plagiarism allegations against NewJeans' new song 'How Sweet' true?
A2. NewJeans' agency, ADOR, has stated that there is no truth to the plagiarism claims. The composers are alleging that the song infringes on their demo track and have filed a lawsuit.

Q3. What is the relationship between IU and Byun Woo-seok in 'The Grand Heir in the 21st Century'?
A3. In the drama, IU (as Sung Hee-joo) and Byun Woo-seok (as Grand Heir Lee Ahn) maintained their affection despite the crisis of their marriage contract being leaked. However, at the end of the 9th episode, IU hinted at a separation by mentioning 'divorce,' signaling a new phase in their relationship.