Disney+ Confirms 'Perfect Crown' (21st Century Grand Prince's Wife) Release: IU & Byeon Woo-seok's 2026 Romance

'The 21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' Becomes 'Perfect Crown': Disney+ Secures Global Rights for IU and Byeon Woo-seok’s 2026 Romance

The K-drama world has just received the biggest news of the month. The highly anticipated romance drama 'The 21st Century Grand Prince's Wife' (literal title) has officially been rebranded for global audiences as 'Perfect Crown'. In a massive deal announced yesterday, Disney+ confirmed it has secured exclusive global streaming rights for the series, which is set to premiere in the first half of 2026.

Starring the "Dream Team" of IU (Lee Ji-eun) and Byeon Woo-seok, this series has been the subject of intense speculation since its announcement. With filming currently underway and aiming for a wrap in early 2026, 'Perfect Crown' is shaping up to be the blockbuster event of the coming year.

Here is everything you need to know about the show that has already captivated millions before airing a single episode.

The Plot: A Modern Royal Romance

'Perfect Crown' (formerly known as The 21st Century Grand Prince's Wife) offers a tantalizing "what if" scenario: What if South Korea was still a constitutional monarchy in 2025?

The drama weaves a romance between two people from vastly different worlds, bound by class struggles and destiny.

• The "Commoner" Chaebol: Sung Hee-joo (played by IU) is the second daughter of Korea’s largest conglomerate. She has everything—beauty, immense wealth, and brilliant intelligence. Yet, in a society obsessed with royal bloodlines, she is frustrated by her status as a "commoner" which blocks her from the highest social circles.
• The Powerless Prince: Lee An (played by Byeon Woo-seok) is the King's second son. He possesses the one thing Hee-joo lacks: Royal blood. However, despite his title as Grand Prince, he has no real political power and lives a melancholic, restricted life.

The story unfolds as these two form a "strategic alliance" that defies social barriers, eventually blossoming into a romance that challenges the very foundations of the monarchy.

Meet the Cast: The "Visual God" Pairing

The casting alone has generated unprecedented hype, dubbed by netizens as a "Visual God" combination.

• Byeon Woo-seok as Grand Prince Lee An: Following his global syndrome-level popularity from Lovely Runner (2024), Byeon returns to the romance genre. Fans are eager to see him portray the duality of a cold, lonely prince who finds warmth through love. Leaked set photos showing him in modern royal attire have already gone viral on X (formerly Twitter).
• IU (Lee Ji-eun) as Sung Hee-joo: The queen of K-pop and K-drama ( Hotel Del Luna, My Mister) returns to the small screen. IU is set to bring a "boss lady" energy to the role of Hee-joo, a character described as ambitious, sharp, and fiercely competitive.
• Supporting Cast:
• Noh Sang-hyun (Pachinko) plays a charismatic rival with ties to the royal family.
• Gong Seung-yeon plays the perfect "Queen-to-be," adding tension to the royal court dynamics.

Why 'Perfect Crown' is Trending Now

The buzz around this drama is currently dominating social media for three key reasons:

1. The Disney+ Acquisition: The confirmation that Disney+ will distribute the series globally signals a massive production budget and high production values. It joins the ranks of other premium Disney+ K-dramas like Moving and The Manipulated.
2. The "Moon Lovers" Reunion: Hardcore K-drama fans are emotional about the reunion of IU and Byeon Woo-seok. They previously shared the screen in 2016's Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, where Byeon played a minor role as an ex-boyfriend. Seeing them reunite nearly a decade later as main leads is a "full circle" moment for the industry.
3. Filming Updates: Recent reports confirm that filming is roughly 50-60% complete as of November 2025. The production is using a massive 23,000㎡ dedicated set in Gangwon Province to recreate a stunning, modern Royal Palace, promising a visual feast.

Release Date & Where to Watch

• Network: MBC (South Korea)
• Streaming: Disney+ (Global)
• Premiere Date: Scheduled for April 2026.
• Time Slot: Friday & Saturday.

While we still have a few months to wait, the rebranding to 'Perfect Crown' suggests that official teasers and posters are just around the corner. For now, fans will have to make do with the excitement that the King and Queen of K-drama are finally coming for their throne.