Perfect Crown: Disney+ and MBC unveil script reading photos of Byeon Woo Seok and IU

One of this year's most popular K-Dramas is IU and Byeok Woo-seok’s Perfect Crown, and recently MBC and Disney+ built up excitement about the upcoming series by releasing photos from the actors’ script read-through.

The images show the cast together, giving fans a sneak peek into the soon-to-be-released K-drama. No release date has been established for the series yet, but it will air sometime in 2026.

The drama's storyline combines elements of drama, comedy and romance with political intrigue and tension found in a palace. The story follows two strangers (IU and Byeok Woo-seok) from very different worlds who agree to enter into a contractual marriage.

The differences between them create tension, as do the differences in their ambition. This K-drama storyline takes place in a fictionalized version of South Korea in the 21st century where a royal family remains. However, the power of the royal family is limited by having a constitution to govern all citizens (royals and commoners).

Interested in learning about IU and Byeok Woo-seok’s characters? Read on for additional insights into this new and exciting project!

MBC and Disney+ share script-reading pictures for IU and Byeon Woo-seok's Perfect Crown

A look at the key figures involved in Perfect Crown (Image via X @mbcdrama_pre)

Following the release of the teaser for Perfect Crown, MBC and Disney+ have also shared pictures from the cast members' script-reading session. They are enough to inject more excitement among fans as IU and Byeok Woo-seok look adorable on-screen.

At the center of the story is Sung Hee Joo, who was born into extreme privilege as a member of one of the country’s most powerful business families. Since birth, she has enjoyed money, intelligence, and social influence.

Despite all these advantages, Hee Joo is deeply dissatisfied because she lacks noble blood. Her frustration pushes her to aim higher than wealth alone as she also wants a royal title.

On the opposite end is Grand Prince Yi An. Although he is the king’s son, his royal position offers little real authority. He owns nothing, controls nothing, and lives under constant scrutiny, making his status more symbolic than powerful.

Then comes the contract marriage that brings Hee Joo and Yi An together. Initially, the Prince refuses Hee Joo's offer to get into a contract marriage, but he eventually agrees as Hee Joo never gave up on the idea.

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A deeper look into IU and Byeon Woo-seok's characters in Perfect Crown

Over the past few years, both IU and Byeon Woo-seok have been a part of some of the most loved K-dramas. While the actor gains global attention through Lovely Runner, IU has been working as a K-pop idol and has appeared in hits like Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, When Life Gives You Tangerines and others.

And now, these two stars have teamed up for this new K-drama as a wealthy heir and a Grand Prince. Here's a look at their characters:

1) IU plays Sung Hee Joo

IU is Sung Hee Joo (Image via X @mbcdrama_pre)

IU's character in Perfect Crown has seen wealth and money since her birth. So, Sung Hee Joo isn't behind money but a desire to be more than just a rich commoner. She is competitive and fierce and with a sharp mind, she decides to marry into the royal family.

She is unapologetic and wants to be heard. However, this also doesn't mean that Hee Joo is a boring personality. She's charming and funny at the same time.

2) Byeon Woo-seok plays Grand Prince Yi An

Byeon Woo-seok is Grand Prince Yi An (Image via X @mbcdrama_pre)

Byeon Woo-seok's character in Perfect Crown is the king’s second son, yet he lives with the awareness that his royal blood alone does not grant him freedom or authority. He's isolated and reserved and weighed down by expectations that limit his choices.

The Queen Dowager keeps a constant watch on him because she sees the Grand Prince as a possible threat. And to keep him under control, she contributes to his contract marriage with the main aim of limiting Yi An's power and influence.

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A look at the supporting characters in Perfect Crown

The supporting cast members (Image via X @mbcdrama_pre)

With IU and Byeok Woo-seok leading Perfect Crown as the main couple, the K-drama also has other key figures. Here's a look at the supporting cast and characters:

Noh Sang Hyun as Min Jung Woo: Fans recently saw Noh as Ejllael in Genie, Make a Wish on Netflix. In this K-drama, the actor will appear as South Korea’s prime minister and the Grand Prince's trusted ally. Interestingly, he even shares a comfortable and friendly bond with Hee Joo due to their past connection as school seniors.

Gong Seung Yeon as Yoon Yi Rang: She is the young and clever Queen Dowager who just wants to secure her son's future. And due to this, she sees the Prince as a threat.

Yoo Su Bin as Choi Hyun: The actor who shone in Tastefully Yours as a humorous character will now play Choi Hyun in Perfect Crown. Choi Hyun is more than just an aide to Hee Joo as their relationship is like that of two good friends.

Lee Jae Won as Sung Tae Joo: Perfect Crown has another acclaimed actor, Lee Jae Won as Hee Joo's elder brother, Sung Tae Joo. Unlike his sister, he has to lead the family business and maintain authority.

Other cast members of the K-drama include Chae Seo An, Lee Yeon and Jo Seung Yeon. Together, these actors will help drive the plot forward and keep fans and viewers engaged with the story.