The first script reading for MBC's upcoming drama "Perfect Crown" has been released, giving fans and broadcasters a first look at what they are already calling one of the most anticipated Korean series of 2026. The Friday–Saturday drama, which will air for the first time in April 2026, is set in a constitutional monarchy in the 21st century and follows a love story that challenges strict social hierarchies.
It's a story about a wealthy chaebol woman who has all of the things she could ever want, except for an aristocratic title. And a son born to a king who has royal blood, but no riches. These two souls are bound together by love and desire and the price they will each pay for going against the system that currently governs their lives.
This project has attracted a lot of interest not only because of its unique concept but also because it has a large ensemble cast comprised of actors from several different age groups of Korean entertainment.
AllKpop says that the new script reading preview showed the full main cast, which included IU as Sung Hee Joo, Byeon Woo Seok as Prince Yi Ahn, Noh Sang Hyun, and Gong Seung Yeon. Writer Yoo Ji Won and director Park Joon Hwa were also there, which set the tone for a focused but lively first meeting.
During the reading, the actors talked about what they wanted to get out of the project. IU said,"We'll work hard so that Perfect Crown can take over the drama scene in 2026." Byeon Woo Seok followed with an equally bold statement, adding, "I'll do my best to shake the world in 2026." Noh Sang Hyun jokingly raised the stakes by saying he would "shake the universe," while Gong Seung Yeon promised to help make the filming a good place to be.
Soompi said that IU and Byeon Woo Seok, who play contract marriage partners, had a lot of chemistry during the reading. By matching each other's gaze and pacing their deliveries well, the two actors laid down the foundation of the emotional connection between Sung Hee Joo and Prince Yi Ahn's relationship. They then succeeded in generating even greater anticipation for their romance on screen.
"Noh Sang Hyun" (Prime Minister Min Jeong Woo) breathed life into the room with his mix of warmth and power, and his interactions were friendly but had an undercurrent of tension, which indicates that this character will play a significant role in the changing alliances of the story.
"Gong Seung Yeon" (Yoon Yi Rang, who has been designated as the future queen) displayed level-headed control of both her character's calmness and poise in scenes where there were high levels of emotional distress.
The script reading produced a solid foundation for "Perfect Crown," with an obvious and distinctive dedication from all cast members to one another.
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