‘Perfect Crown’ surpasses 13% ratings ahead of finale

15 May 2026, 16:29 by K-Soul · allkpop

MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama ‘Perfect Crown' is set to air its finale on May 16. With only two episodes remaining, attention is mounting over how the story will conclude. As the romance created by IU and Byeon Woo Seok heads toward its climax, viewers are eager to see what kind of ending awaits the two leads. Ahead of the finale, the drama unveiled several key points to watch for.

The biggest point of interest is, naturally, the ending itself. Seong Hee Joo (played by IU) and Grand Prince Ian (portrayed by Byeon Woo Seok) began their relationship through a contract marriage, but gradually became people who genuinely cherished and supported one another, eventually declaring themselves husband and wife before the nation.

However, after deciding to bear the burden of the crown, Grand Prince Ian once again becomes entangled in a dangerous incident, heightening tensions. Viewers are now most curious about where this fateful romance will lead and whether the two can ultimately achieve ordinary happiness together.

The struggle for power remains another major axis of the drama. Prime Minister Min Jung Woo (played by Noh Sang Hyun) realizes that Seong Hee Joo’s heart belongs not to him, but to Grand Prince Ian. Since then, cracks have begun to form in his once-close friendship with Ian. Attention is focused on what choices his obsession with Seong Hee Joo and thirst for power will drive him toward in the end.

Meanwhile, Queen Dowager Yoon Yi Rang (played by Gong Seung Yeon), after reflecting on a past spent chasing only power, is desperately trying to correct her wrong decisions so that her son Lee Yoon (portrayed by Kim Eun Ho) does not suffer the same wounds she endured. Once united under the same goal, Min Jung Woo and Yoon Yi Rang are now heading in different directions, drawing further attention to how both characters’ stories will conclude.

The evolving relationships surrounding the main cast are also a key point to watch. Choi Hyun (Yoo Su Bin) and Do Hye Jung (Lee Yeon), who have steadfastly stood by Seong Hee Joo and Grand Prince Ian, are slowly opening their hearts to one another, hinting at a new romance line. In addition, Seong Hee Joo’s family — who long maintained a strained relationship with her — including her father Seong Hyun Guk (Jo Seung Yeon), older brother Seong Tae Joo (Lee Jae Won), and sister-in-law Han Da Young (Chae Seo An), have begun showing genuine concern for her after she falls into danger, gradually restoring their familial bond. Whether Seong Hee Joo’s family can achieve a true happy ending is also expected to be one of the drama’s major conclusions.

The cast also shared their favorite scenes from the series. IU selected Seong Hee Joo’s line from Episode 5 — “This is how you protect someone. By attacking while attacking.” — as her favorite moment. She explained, “It’s a scene where you can really see Hee Joo’s strong, competitive side, and if I were Grand Prince Ian, I think I would have fallen for Hee Joo at that moment.” The scene perfectly captures Seong Hee Joo’s determined and ambitious character as she pushes forward toward her goals despite the limitations of being a commoner and an illegitimate child.

Byeon Woo Seok chose the Episode 10 scene where Grand Prince Ian silently sheds tears alone as the series’ most memorable moment. He explained, “Even while going through such painful moments, he can’t confide in anyone and quietly bears everything alone in an empty space. That felt so true to Grand Prince Ian’s character.” The scene, in which Ian breaks down after the marriage contract is leaked and he feels powerless for failing to protect the woman he loves, portrays the silent anguish of a royal figure unable to openly express his emotions.

The drama’s ratings performance has also drawn attention. Even approaching its finale, viewership has continued to rise steadily. Episode 10, which aired on May 9, recorded 13.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 13.3% nationwide, setting a new personal best for the series once again. In particular, the final scene where Seong Hee Joo realizes Grand Prince Ian is trapped inside a burning palace hall peaked at 15.4%, becoming the highest-rated moment of the episode.

Previously, ‘Perfect Crown’ also achieved the rare feat of ranking No. 1 among Korean series worldwide within just five days of its global release on Disney+, drawing even greater attention.

Byeon Woo Seok to Release OST Track ‘Parallel Lines’

After gaining attention for personally singing the OST track “Sudden Shower” for the drama 'Lovely Runner,' Byeon Woo Seok is once again showcasing his vocals through ‘Perfect Crown’.

As the final OST artist for the drama, Byeon Woo Seok will release “Parallel Lines” on various online music platforms at 6 PM on May 15.

“Parallel Lines” is an emotional ballad depicting the bittersweet feelings of two people who have lived completely different lives. The song tells the story of two individuals who seemed destined never to meet, but gradually move toward one another until they finally connect at a single point. Expectations are rising as the track is expected to musically portray Grand Prince Ian’s emotional journey throughout the drama.

According to Kakao Entertainment, “The song begins with dreamy and lyrical piano melodies before gradually building emotionally, with Byeon Woo Seok’s warm yet deep vocals adding an immersive layer to the track.”

Part of the song was already previewed during Episode 10’s ending scene, further heightening anticipation among fans. Having captivated viewers throughout the drama’s run, Byeon Woo Seok is now expected to move audiences through music as well.

Follow-Up Drama: Shin Ha Kyun, Oh Jung Se, and Heo Sung Tae Lead Middle-Aged Action Comedy ‘Fifties Professionals’

The new MBC Friday-Saturday drama succeeding ‘Perfect Crown’ is ‘Fifties Professionals’. Veteran actors Shin Ha Kyun, Oh Jung Se, and Heo Sung Tae headline the series, which premieres on Friday, May 22 at 9:50 PM KST.

‘Fifties Professionals’ is an action-comedy drama about three men who were once highly respected professionals but now live ordinary lives, only to become entangled in another major incident by fate.

Shin Ha Kyun stars as Jung Ho Myung, a former National Intelligence Service agent who has spent the past decade hiding his past while working as a chef at the restaurant Oran Banjeom. He is secretly searching for an item that could clear his name of a false accusation made 10 years ago.

Oh Jung Se plays North Korean operative Bong Je Soon, who lost his memories a decade earlier, while Heo Sung Tae transforms into Kang Beom Ryong, the second-in-command of the Hwasan faction who has spent the last 10 years running a convenience store. Curiosity is growing over how these characters, each carrying their own stories, will interact.

The drama centers on Jung Ho Myung, Bong Je Soon, and Kang Beom Ryong as they are pulled back into action following a failed operation from 10 years ago. Though time has worn them down and their bodies are no longer what they used to be, the series promises to humorously portray middle-aged professionals whose loyalty and instincts remain alive.

On May 14, the production team also released a three-minute highlight video, drawing further interest. The footage teases a massive conspiracy surrounding a missing “item” and the unpredictable teamwork between the three former professionals. Combining intense crime action with relatable everyday comedy, the drama promises a fresh charm distinct from conventional action series.

Special appearances by Kim Sang Kyung and Kwon Yul, alongside supporting cast members including Kim Shin Rok, Lee Hak Joo, Han Ji Eun, Kim Sang Ho, and Hyun Bong Sik, are also expected to add depth to the series.

Planned as a 12-episode drama, ‘Fifties Professionals’ now faces the challenge of carrying on the momentum built by ‘Perfect Crown’ with its blend of middle-aged grit, humor, and action.

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