IU and Byeon Woo Seok Drive ‘Perfect Crown’ to Continued Ratings and Global OTT Success

05 May 2026, 22:04 by K-Soul · allkpop

The momentum of 'Perfect Crown' continues to soar, powered by the performances of IU and Byeon Woo Seok.

MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama has swept the top ranks across buzz metrics, global OTT charts, and viewership ratings. According to FUNdex, a platform operated by K-content analytics firm Good Data Corporation, the drama ranked No. 1 for four consecutive weeks in the TV-OTT drama buzz rankings for the fifth week of April 2026. It also placed first across key indicators, including news coverage, VON (Voice of Netizens), and video engagement. IU (as Seong Hee Ju) and Byeon Woo Seok (as Grand Prince Ian) likewise maintained their No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively, in the TV-OTT drama cast buzz rankings for five straight weeks (as of May 5, 2026).

The series is also seeing strong ratings. Episode 8, which aired on May 2, recorded 11.6% in the Seoul metropolitan area, 11.2% nationwide, and 5% among the key 20–54 demographic. The metropolitan rating marked a new personal best, while the drama ranked No. 1 across all categories in its time slot. Notably, its 20–54 rating topped all Saturday programming, signaling widespread appeal across age groups.

The drama is also making a clear mark globally. According to OTT ranking site FlixPatrol, The Lady of the 21st Century entered the Disney+ Top 10 TV Shows chart immediately after its premiere, reaching No. 4 globally and No. 1 among non-English titles, while consistently maintaining its position near the top. It has claimed No. 1 in 16 countries and regions, including South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Brazil, and has ranked in the Top 10 across 47 regions worldwide—including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other parts of Europe, North America, and Asia (as of May 4, 2026).

The drama’s popularity is fueled by its fast-paced storytelling centered on the contract marriage between Seong Hee Ju and Grand Prince Ian. In episodes 7 and 8, the two characters faced consecutive crises, revealing deepening emotions as they prioritized each other’s safety above all else. Their growing sincerity and affection—stronger than the terms of their contract—are expected to further heighten viewer immersion.

Share this article SHARE