Byeon Woo-seok, starring in the MBC Friday-Saturday drama ’21st Century Grand Princess’, has sent expectations for the finale skyrocketing by announcing a shocking plan to abolish the monarchy as soon as he ascends the throne.
In the 11th episode aired on the 15th, the tension was high as Grand Prince Ian (Byeon Woo-seok) finally held his coronation after overcoming numerous crises, while Sung Hee-joo (IU) risked her life to protect him.
During the episode, Yoon Yi-rang (Gong Seung-yeon) revealed the shocking truth that Yoon Sung-won (Jo Jae-yoon) was the real mastermind behind the terror. She warned Ian to be careful of Min Jung-woo (Noh Sang-hyun), who had stayed silent despite knowing the truth. When Ian couldn’t believe it, saying “There’s no reason for that,” Yoon Yi-rang hit back, saying, “People who desperately want something often make ugly choices.”
Facing the truth, Ian immediately summoned Min Jung-woo and sharply questioned him, “Why didn’t you tell me that Yoon Sung-won was the culprit?” Min Jung-woo countered, “He is the Queen Dowager’s father and your grandfather, so I was thinking about what to do.” Ian firmly ordered, “Is there a need to think? Punish him on this land.”
However, Min Jung-woo warned, “I’ll make sure he can’t set foot on this land,” adding, “Don’t act like a child. The royal family could collapse.” Amidst the tense confrontation, Ian dropped a bombshell that shocked viewers: “Is there a law that says the royal family must not collapse? Once I ascend the throne, I will abolish the monarchy.” When Min Jung-woo sneered, “You’ve taken everything, and now you want freedom too?” Ian responded with a heavy tension, “It won’t be just my freedom.”
The crises didn’t stop there. Right after Ian entered the side hall at Min Jung-woo’s request, a sudden fire broke out. Upon hearing the news, Sung Hee-joo dove into the raging flames without a moment’s hesitation to save Ian.
Ian, who narrowly escaped death, noticed Sung Hee-joo’s injured hand from saving him and expressed a mix of affection and guilt, asking, “Why did you come in there? What if something happened to you?” Sung Hee-joo burst into tears in Ian’s arms, saying, “How could I not go in? You were in there,” creating a heartbreaking moment.
The 11th episode concluded with a grand scene of Ian finally ascending the throne after overcoming countless hardships. The preview for the 12th episode showed a determined Sung Hee-joo saying, “Go protect His Majesty,” hinting at an unpredictable plot.
The final story of Ian, who declared the shocking abolition of the monarchy, and Sung Hee-joo, who strives to protect him, will be revealed in the final episode airing today (16th) at 9:40 PM.
