Announced back in December 2024, Lovely Runner star Byeon Woo-seok was set to be paired with K-pop idol IU for MBC’s new and upcoming drama, with working title, “21st Century Princess Consort.”
However, it was recently reported that the two leads had allegedly pulled out of the project due to “differing preferences in distribution platforms,” according to insiders.
Reporters have shared that the actors reportedly preferred the show to be broadcast on Netflix. However, MBC had begun talks to distribute the series overseas through Disney+. Upon hearing this, “the two lead actors decided to pull out.”
Another source reiterated this insight, claiming, “From my understanding, their decision was made due to the inability of the cast and the production team to coordinate the broadcast of the K-Drama. MBC is negotiating with Disney+ while the actors want Netflix.”
As per Koreaboo, the media company had planned for the show to be released in the first half of 2025, but latest updates reveal that this has changed and was re-stated, remarking that this would hopefully be released within the year instead.
With the emerging news, both of the lead stars’ agencies had denied the reports of their withdrawal from the project, moments after the reported “drop out” had been publicized to the media.
Woo-seok who is under Varo Entertainment, was backed up by the agency who voiced that he “is not dropping out of the K-Drama,” and that, “He will appear as scheduled.” EDAM Entertainment then spoke for IU, stating, “The reports of IU dropping out of the K-Drama are false. She is preparing well for it.”
While an official release date is yet to be announced, viewers who are anticipating the series are given the synopsis of the story taking place in a fictional universe in Korea where the country is a constitutional monarchy. IU will be playing “Sung Hee-joo,” who is the second daughter of the richest family in the Korean Kingdom.
Opposite her is Byeon Woo-seok who will be playing “Yi Ahn,” the next in line to claim the throne. The chaebol daughter ultimately strives to be more than an ordinary civilian and meets a modern-day prince who cannot live an ordinary life.
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