IU showcases a three-dimensional charm as Seong Hee-joo, the CEO of Castle Beauty. The new MBC Friday-Saturday drama "21st Century Grand Lady," which will premiere on April 10 at 9:40 PM, features a romance set in the constitutional monarchy of 21st-century South Korea. The drama centers on the story of a woman who has everything as a chaebol but suffers due to her commoner status, and a man who is the king's son but has nothing, as they forge their destinies.

As soon as the casting news of IU was announced, it attracted great attention from viewers. She shared her thoughts on the drama, saying, "I feel worried and nervous, but the excitement from many people's expectations is the greatest. I hope this will be a work that viewers can enjoy until the end."

Regarding her choice of "21st Century Grand Lady" as her next project after "I Was Completely Fooled," IU explained, "The title was unique and left an impression. Each character's personality stood out, making it fun to read, and especially the unpredictable actions of Hee-joo and the unique drive behind those actions felt very attractive."

The character Seong Hee-joo is the CEO of Castle Beauty, possessing beauty, ability, and wealth, but she lives every day facing the limitations of her commoner status. IU described Seong Hee-joo with the words "greed, temper, and cuteness," adding, "At first, her uncontrollable greed and irritable personality stand out, but as the story progresses and her deficiencies are filled, many cute and cool sides of her are revealed."

Regarding how Seong Hee-joo overcomes her given limitations to forge her destiny, she emphasized "proactiveness." She shows a side that puts aside her pride and displays various charms to build a relationship with Prince Ian (played by Byun Woo-seok). IU added, "The moment her feelings toward Prince Ian change is also a part where Hee-joo's multi-faceted nature is well expressed."

Additionally, IU revealed the points she focused on to portray Seong Hee-joo as someone who had to prove herself from a young age. She explained, "Hee-joo is skilled at hiding her vulnerable side with malicious expressions and gestures, but I didn't want to miss the loneliness and fragility that inevitably show up at moments. I tried to differentiate Hee-joo's voice and facial expressions with vitality when she enjoys dopamine during the process of achievement and when she does not."

For viewers waiting for "21st Century Grand Lady," IU highlighted the key points to watch as "the fast-paced development in the first half, the tightly woven emotions between characters, and the serious and heartfelt love story in the latter half." She emphasized that she will deliver a different level of catharsis through the role of Seong Hee-joo and expressed her anticipation for the premiere.

"21st Century Grand Lady" is expected to offer viewers a new experience through IU's acting skills and the charm of her character. The drama's first broadcast will take place on April 10 at 9:40 PM.