Actors IU and Byun Woosuk experienced an absurd incident. They are preparing for a new drama "21st Century Great Lady," but suddenly rumors of their simultaneous departure emerged.

On the morning of the 28th, a media outlet reported, citing broadcasting officials, that Byun Woosuk and IU, who play the male and female leads in "21st Century Great Lady," are both said to be departing.

According to the report, the scheduling for "21st Century Great Lady" was initially known to be set for the end of this year on MBC, but there are now suggestions regarding the possibility of rescheduling for early next year. Additionally, it was reported that MBC and production company Kakao are discussing streaming rights with Disney+. As a result, the lead actors asking for a Netflix scheduling are said to have expressed their intention to withdraw.

In response, IU and Byun Woosuk's management immediately denied the rumors. A representative from Byun Woosuk's agency, Baro Entertainment, stated to OSEN, "The rumor about Byun Woosuk leaving MBC's new drama '21st Century Great Lady' is unfounded."

"The rumor about Byun Woosuk leaving '21st Century Great Lady' is not true. There has been no discussion about his departure, and he plans to appear in the project as scheduled," they explained.

A representative from IU's agency, EDAM Entertainment, also conveyed to OSEN, "The rumor about IU leaving MBC's new drama '21st Century Great Lady' is unfounded."

IU's side also stated, "As for the scheduling of the project, I understand that nothing has been decided yet. However, saying that she will withdraw from the project is not true. There has been no discussion about withdrawal, and she is preparing for her next project."

Ultimately, the initial report that sparked the simultaneous departure rumors was deleted on the afternoon of the 28th.

"21st Century Great Lady" is a romance that depicts a class-defying story set in a fictional Korea under a constitutional monarchy in the 21st century. It tells the story of a wealthy chaebol who has everything yet is merely a commoner and an unfortunate prince who can have nothing. IU plays the role of Seong Hee-joo, the second daughter of the top chaebol family who was born with a silver spoon considering her stunning beauty, intelligence, and fierce competitiveness. Byun Woosuk is cast as Lee An-daegun, a prince in a constitutional monarchy in 21st century Korea, which has garnered high expectations in the broadcasting world.

The work, which won a screenplay contest held by MBC, is planned to be presented as a mini-series co-produced by MBC and Kakao Entertainment.

'21st Century Great Lady' is set to meet viewers as MBC's drama expected to wrap up this year, following the historical drama "The Moon is Flowing on the River," starring actors Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong. Directed by Park Jun-hwa, who received praise for works such as "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim" and the "Alchemy of Souls" series.

[Photo] OSEN DB

[OSEN]