Byeon Woo-seok and IU from ’21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’ have finally become a true couple after leading a revolution to abolish the monarchy!
The final episode (Episode 12) of MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama ’21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’ (written by Yoo Ji-won and directed by Park Jun-hwa), which aired on the 16th, depicted intense political conflicts and the deepening romance between Grand Prince Ian (Byeon Woo-seok) and Seong Hee-joo (IU).
After ascending the throne, Grand Prince Ian revealed his firm resolve to Seong Hee-joo, stating, “I will abolish the royal family,” and explaining that the royal family is the very starting point of restrictions created by innate privilege. Seong Hee-joo showed her full support, saying, “I thought your dream was treason, but it was a revolution. I understand now.”
When Grand Prince Ian proposed the abolition of the monarchy, noting that Prime Minister Min (Noh Sang-hyun) had also mentioned that a king without public support is unnecessary, he faced fierce backlash from the establishment. Prime Minister Min pressured the king using financial leverage, arguing that while a king can change, the royal family does not.
This is where Seong Hee-joo’s incredible wealth came into play! She made a shocking proposal to donate to the royal family, jokingly saying, “I’m Seong Hee-joo. The only worry I’ve ever had in my life was when I’d be able to spend all this money.” When the cabinet tried to pressure her with a prosecution investigation, she turned the tables by framing it as an abuse of power by the cabinet rather than a slush fund suspicion. She showed her strength as a partner, telling Grand Prince Ian, “Your Majesty, please stay firm and keep acting confident. That’s the only way I’ll feel secure.”
With the help of the Queen Dowager, Seong Hee-joo’s final target was Prime Minister Min. She exposed evidence of his crimes, asking, “Did you try to assassinate the king just to protect a royal family that could exert influence over the economy, diplomacy, and culture?” Pushed to the edge, Prime Minister Min pleaded with Grand Prince Ian to push Hee-joo away, claiming he would protect him, but Ian firmly drew the line, saying, “It’s your fault for thinking you lost something you never even had.”
Ultimately, the abolition of the monarchy was decided by a national referendum, bringing the era of the royal family to an end. King Lee Wan, the 34th monarch, gave up all his privileges and fulfilled his wish to be called by a name other than “King.”
Once the storm of change settled, the two shared a touching romantic conclusion. When Grand Prince Ian expressed some regret, suggesting, “I thought it would be nice to get new wedding rings and propose again,” Seong Hee-joo questioned him, saying, “Didn’t we already have a wedding? I was sincere from then on, were you not?”
To this, Grand Prince Ian confessed a long-time one-sided love he had kept hidden, saying, “I’ve liked you for a very long time. Ever since the moment you first told me your name.” He added, “Even in the middle of the night, I wanted to run to you. Then I saw you at the birthday banquet. You looked so red that day too. I ran as fast as I could because I was afraid I’d miss you,” leaving viewers with a lingering sense of excitement and sweetness.
