K-Drama ‘Perfect Crown’: Cast and Filming Locations
The highly anticipated K-drama “Perfect Crown” (21세기 대군부인) is set to premiere on MBC in April 2026, bringing viewers a captivating romance set in an alternate reality where South Korea remains a constitutional monarchy. With powerhouse leads IU and Byeon Woo-seok, this drama has already generated massive buzz among fans worldwide. Let’s explore the stellar cast and breathtaking filming locations that bring this unique story to life.
The Star-Studded Cast of “Perfect Crown”
IU as Sung Hee-joo: IU takes on the role of Sung Hee-joo, the second daughter of HG Group and CEO of King Hotel. Her character is a charismatic chaebol heiress who possesses beauty, intelligence, and ambition but faces limitations due to her commoner status in this monarchy-based society. Fans are excited to see IU showcase glamorous fashion and powerful acting reminiscent of her iconic role in “Hotel Del Luna.”
Byeon Woo-seok as Lee Ahn: Fresh off his breakout success, Byeon Woo-seok portrays Lee Ahn, the second son of the king who dreams of freedom from royal constraints. When Sung Hee-joo proposes a contract marriage to break through social barriers, he accepts, setting the stage for a romance that transcends class boundaries.
The drama also features compelling supporting characters including Min Jung-woo, a prime minister from a prestigious political family, and Yoon Yi-rang, destined to become queen, adding layers of complexity and romantic tension to the narrative.
Major Filming Locations of “Perfect Crown”
Gyeongju Oreung (Five Royal Tombs)
The ancient Oreung tombs in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, serve as one of the drama’s most significant filming locations. Designated as Historical Site No. 172 in 1969, this sacred site contains the burial mounds of Silla Dynasty’s founding monarch Park Hyeokgeose and early royal family members. The production team utilized the serene atmosphere of these ancient tombs and the Sungdeokjeon shrine to film pivotal royal scenes.
During summer 2025, the cast and crew spent approximately two weeks capturing scenes that showcase Lee Ahn’s inner solitude against the backdrop of these majestic burial mounds. The symbolic first meeting between Sung Hee-joo and Lee Ahn was filmed around the circular tombs, visually representing the class divide they must overcome. The historical weight of Oreung adds profound depth to the romantic narrative, making it an ideal setting for a drama about destiny and social transformation.
M83 Film Studio Complex in Wonju, Gangwon-do
The production constructed an impressive 23,000 square meter set at the M83 Film Studio Complex in Wonju, Gangwon-do Province. This massive set serves as the primary filming location, allowing the team to create elaborate royal palace scenes and modern settings that bring the fictional constitutional monarchy to life. The scale of this production demonstrates the ambitious vision behind “Perfect Crown.”
Production Timeline and Fan Support
Filming commenced in mid-May 2025 and is scheduled to wrap in January 2026, with the drama set to air in April 2026 as MBC’s Friday-Saturday series. Throughout production, fans have shown tremendous support, with coffee truck gifts appearing on set and social media posts from Gyeongju Oreung gaining viral attention among history enthusiasts and drama lovers alike.
The drama’s premise draws inspiration from beloved titles like “Princess Hours” and “The King: Eternal Monarch” but distinguishes itself by emphasizing contemporary class conflicts within a constitutional monarchy framework. This fresh take on alternate history romance, combined with the chemistry between IU and Byeon Woo-seok, positions “Perfect Crown” as one of 2026’s most anticipated releases.
Cultural Impact and Tourism
The selection of Gyeongju Oreung as a filming location is already driving increased tourism interest. According to Korea Tourism Organization data, the site attracts hundreds of thousands of annual visitors, and this number is expected to surge following the drama’s broadcast. Fans are already making pilgrimages to experience the drama’s world firsthand, sharing photos on Instagram and other social platforms.
“Perfect Crown” promises to deliver a compelling blend of romance, social commentary, and historical grandeur when it premieres next spring. With its stellar cast, magnificent filming locations, and thought-provoking themes about love transcending social barriers, this drama is poised to captivate audiences worldwide.
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