The once-upright Prime Minister Min, played by Noh Sang-hyun, has emerged as the most pivotal character in the latter half of the series.
Actor Noh Sang-hyun has completely shaken up the dynamics of ’21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’.
In episodes 9 and 10, Noh Sang-hyun maximized the tension by convincingly portraying Min Jung-woo’s emotional shift. As rumors spread that Grand Prince Ian (played by Byeon Woo-seok) was eyeing the throne due to a leaked marriage contract, Jung-woo heightened the suspense by requesting, “Your Highness, please end the regency for the sake of the royal family and the nation’s well-being.” The plot took a sharp turn when Jung-woo left his usual rosary at his father’s grave, signaling the start of his “dark turn.”
Meanwhile, Jung-woo’s heart shattered upon hearing Sung Hee-joo’s (played by IU) confession of love. His gaze and the line “That’s a shame,” delivered while looking at Hee-joo as she fully realized her feelings for Grand Prince Ian, left viewers on edge once again.
Jung-woo’s changed demeanor kept viewers on the edge of their seats. He displayed a chilling anger while confronting Queen Yoon Yi-rang (played by Gong Seung-yeon) about the fact that Buwon-gun Yoon Sung-won tried to kill Grand Prince Ian, as well as the news of the Grand Prince’s abdication.
At the end of the episode, Jung-woo requested a meeting with Grand Prince Ian in the royal office, followed by a shocking fire that left everyone stunned and craving more.
Min Jung-woo’s justified “dark turn” came to life through Noh Sang-hyun’s weighty performance. From his delivery of lines to his gaze, facial expressions, and even the slight tremors in his breath, he perfectly projected the character’s layered inner turmoil. Critics are praising Noh Sang-hyun’s exceptional character interpretation and pacing, noting that he has fully completed the character of Min Jung-woo and is firmly leading one of the main pillars of the drama.
Aside from ’21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife’, which ends this week, Noh Sang-hyun will appear in the highly anticipated JTBC drama ‘Gold Digger’ this year. Starring alongside veteran actress Kim Hee-ae, this mystery romance follows a fatal young man who approaches a successful middle-aged woman, leaving them to doubt and misunderstand each other’s true intentions.
He is also filming the Netflix movie ‘Byeol-jit’ with Kim Min-ha, marking their first reunion in five years since appearing together in the 2021 Apple TV series ‘Pachinko’.
