'Grand Prince's Lady' IU: "I Can't Forget the First Kiss Scene on the Yacht"

On the 17th, behind-the-scenes footage and wrap-up remarks for the final episode of MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Prince's Lady' were unveiled on the YouTube channel 'MBCdrama.' IU and Byeon Woo-seok, who had just wrapped filming on the final episode, stood before the camera.

IU, who played Seong Hee-joo, shared her thoughts on the final day of filming: "It hasn't sunk in at all yet, so it just feels like another day of shooting wrapped up. We have the wrap party tonight, so I think it will start to feel real once we talk and say our goodbyes there. Right now, honestly, none of it feels real at all."

Byeon Woo-seok, who played Grand Prince Ian Lee Wan, expressed his affection for the character: "I had so much fun filming that it feels like time flew by in the blink of an eye. It seems like I should wake up tomorrow and film again — it still hasn't really hit me yet. I got to know the character Wan really well, and those moments were truly precious."

As her most memorable scene, IU named the moment Hee-joo and Grand Prince Ian first became aware of each other. Byeon Woo-seok recalled: "I also remember when we first met at the birthday celebration — I was wearing a cheollik (traditional robe) and Hee-joo was in a red dress when we crossed paths."

IU added: "I also can't forget the first kiss scene we filmed on the yacht. All the staff were on board, and some of them even got seasick — it was a scene that came together after all sorts of trials and tribulations. The feeling when we headed back after finishing the scene out at sea was wonderful."

On the moment she felt glad she had chosen '21st Century Grand Prince's Lady,' IU said: "When I first read the fun script, I immediately felt I wanted to do this project. When I arrived on set, I got to work alongside people who were just as entertaining as the script, and I felt truly blessed to have built such strong bonds while chatting together even during breaks. Getting to know and grow personally close to great colleagues, wonderful seniors, and amazing staff was a real stroke of luck for me. Thank you to everyone who loved '21st Century Grand Prince's Lady' to the very end. Since filming just wrapped up, I'm not quite sure how many people will show their love, but the way it feels to me right now, I think a great many people will have enjoyed it." She made no effort to hide her anticipation.

Byeon Woo-seok conveyed his feelings: "I realized many things while playing Wan. I think I came to understand much more deeply what it means to sacrifice for the people who matter most to you, and to carry that feeling in your heart."

'21st Century Grand Prince's Lady' concluded on the 16th with a peak viewership rating of 13.8%. Despite the high ratings, the drama faced criticism throughout its run over historical accuracy errors and controversies surrounding some cast members' performances. In Episode 11, the use of the expression "cheonse" ("long live for a thousand years") during Grand Prince Ian's royal coronation ceremony and the appearance of a guryumyeongwan (a ceremonial crown) sparked controversy over historical distortion and allegations of supporting Northeast Project (Dongbuk Gongjeong) narratives.