Despite Acting Controversy, Momentum Unstoppable… Record-Breaking Viewership 14.6%→ Even the U.S. Reacts, Korean Drama ('Queen for 7 Days') Goes Wild

[TV Report = Reporter Heo Jang-won] MBC's Friday-Saturday drama 'The Grand Prince's Wife of the 21st Century' is continuing its box-office run at home and abroad, backed by high viewership ratings and buzz. It recently renewed its own highest rating and continued its Friday-Saturday drama streak.

According to Nielsen Korea, episode 8, aired on the 2nd, recorded 11.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 11.2% nationwide, setting a new series high. The 20-49 target rating reached 5%, taking first place among all Saturday programs, and the peak minute rating rose to 14.6%. In the ending, the scene where Prince Ian protects Seo Hui-ju, who is surrounded by reporters, and escapes with her delivered a strong sense of immersion.

Poisoning crisis and contract marriage exposed

In episode 8, threats targeting Seo Hui-ju and Prince Ian began in earnest. During the wedding ceremony, Seo Hui-ju collapsed from poisoning, throwing the palace into tension, and Prince Ian even allowed a public royal investigation to pursue the culprit.

After regaining consciousness, Seo Hui-ju instead comforted the anxious Prince Ian, and during the investigation, clues also emerged suggesting that the poisoning attempt had actually been aimed at Prince Ian. The two then showed signs of growing closer as a true married couple, but another crisis struck when the controversy over the 'leaked marriage contract' erupted at the royal school founding anniversary event.

As rumors of a fake marriage spread outside the venue, the broadcast ended with Prince Ian embracing Seo Hui-ju, who was surrounded by reporters, and escorting her out, heightening curiosity about the next episode.

Global hit including Disney+ in the United States

The success of 'The Grand Prince's Wife of the 21st Century' was not limited to Korea. It entered the U.S. Disney+ TOP 10 for 21 consecutive days, proving the global competitiveness of K-dramas.

According to FlixPatrol, the series entered the U.S. Disney+ TOP 10 on April 12 and has remained in the rankings since. In the U.S. market, where crime and sci-fi genres are strong, it is considered unusual for a romance historical K-drama to sustain a long run. It also entered the TOP 10 in 47 countries worldwide, including the UK, Europe, South America, and Asia, establishing itself as a global hit.

Attention on the chemistry between IU and Byun Woo-seok

A key factor behind the success is the chemistry between IU, who plays Seo Hui-ju, and Byun Woo-seok, who plays Prince Ian. IU portrays a bold yet warm grand prince's wife, while Byun Woo-seok brings Prince Ian to life with both charisma and unwavering devotion, heightening the immersion.

Their relationship goes beyond simple romance and revolves around trust, with the two protecting each other even in the face of crisis. With the secret of the contract marriage now revealed, how they will overcome the crisis has emerged as a major point to watch in the second half.

'The Grand Prince's Wife of the 21st Century' is moving into its latter half while raising viewership ratings, buzz, and global performance all at once. Episode 9 will air at 9:50 p.m. on the 8th.

Reporter Heo Jang-won / Photo = MBC Friday-Saturday drama 'The Grand Prince's Wife of the 21st Century' broadcast capture