On December 30, 2026, during the 2025 MBC Drama Awards, MBC released the first trailer for the upcoming romantic drama “The Perfect Crown” starring IU and Byun Woo-seok. The trailer was aired as part of the awards ceremony and immediately caught the attention of Korean drama viewers.

perfect crown It centers on a woman born into a powerful business family and the second son of a king. When they are constrained by their civilian status and lack of power, their paths cross. They entered into a contract marriage and tried to change their established lives. The 40-second trailer provides a brief introduction to the show’s world, tone, characters and performances by the lead actors.

After the trailer was released, there was a surge in reactions from fans and viewers on social media platforms. Many expressed excitement and anticipation, saying they were looking forward to the drama and the chemistry between IU and Byun Woo-seok.

However, the response has not been entirely positive. Byun YouxiAfter the trailer was released, he, who plays the male lead Prince Yi An, became the focus of criticism. Many netizens commented on his performance, and some questioned his performance based on the brief preview. One comment stated,

“Bian Woo-seok has really deceived everyone for nearly two years, because this trailer alone shows that he can’t act.”

Viewers continued to criticize Byun Woo-seok’s acting, saying that while his co-stars often deliver stellar performances in dramas, he mostly relies on his appearance.

However, many fans defended Byun Woo-seok, arguing that while he may not have perfect technique, his versatility stands out. They highlighted his performances as villains as well as in various leading roles and romantic comedies.

perfect crown Trailer introduces IU and Byun Woo-seok’s contract marriage under the modern monarchy

Set in a reimagined 21st century constitutional monarchy of South Korea, perfect crown The story takes place in a society where royal lineage and social rank still determine one’s place in the world. The central character in the story is Sung Hee-joo, the second daughter of South Korea’s most powerful business family.

She possesses wealth, intelligence, beauty and an indomitable drive to succeed. However, Hee Joo was labeled a “commoner” because of her illegitimate child and background. face discrimination And still be excluded from the status that she believed would make her truly whole.

She refused to accept these restrictions and decided to pursue royal status through a covenant marriage. Her chosen partner is Prince Yi An, whose life reflects the opposite of privilege.

Despite his royal lineage as the king’s second son, his title only gave him a first name. In this modern monarchy, the grand prince stands outside the line of succession and is expected to exist quietly without claiming power, property, or personal desires.

Yi An grew up repressing his emotions and ambitions, living under constant scrutiny and threatening the stability of the throne just by his mere existence. Despite this, he is widely admired by the public His grace, restraint and natural charm earned him the reputation as the most beloved member of the royal family.

To complicate matters further, Queen Mother Yoon Yi Rang believed that Yi An posed a potential threat to her son’s safety and pressured Yi An to marry. Contract marriage brings together two people who seem to have everything but have nothing.

Hee-joo sees Yi-an as the key to escaping the ceiling of her life, while Yi-an sees this arrangement as another responsibility imposed on him. as their relationship development, perfect crown Explores how two individuals shaped by limitations, losses, and expectations begin to challenge the roles assigned to them through an unconventional union.

IU will play Sung Hee Joo, and Byun Youxi Plays the role of the eldest prince Ian.

‘s trailer perfect crown Opening at a social gathering, attendees whispered about Sung Hee-joo, the second daughter of the Castle Group family. Their conversation turned contemptuous when one commented on her being a commoner and questioned her birth status.

Hee-joo, visibly angry at the comments, broke the glass, shocking those around her. She later expressed her frustration, saying:

“Are we living in the Joseon era? Do people really think they can climb the social ladder through marriage?”

Despite this, she quickly proposed to Prince Yi An directly and proposed to him.

Meanwhile, Yi An is under pressure from Queen Mother Yin Yirang, who persuades him to settle down. Faced with Xizhu’s persistence, Yi An expressed doubts and said:

“You married me just for a title in name only?

Unmoved, Xizhu continued to pursue him, using various methods to win his support and openly expressing her desire. The trailer ends with a twist, with Yi-an seemingly finally accepting the offer, telling Hee-joo to get ready for the role of the eldest prince’s wife.

Byun Woo Suk and IU perfect crown It is expected to premiere on MBC TV station in the first half of 2026, with new episodes broadcast every Friday and Saturday. The show will also be released globally through Disney+.