Fans of Perfect Crown are completely losing it after the drama delivered one of its most emotional episodes yet. With romance, heartbreak, sacrifice, and a kiss scene that has taken over social media, the latest broadcast has officially pushed the series to a brand-new ratings high.
According to reports, Episodes 9 and 10 of the hit MBC Friday-Saturday drama reached an impressive 13.3% viewership rating, marking the show’s highest record so far. And honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
At the center of the emotional storm is IU, whose performance as Seong Hee Joo continues to win praise from viewers around the world. From quiet heartbreak to fierce determination and tender love, IU delivered a deeply layered performance that made every scene impossible to look away from.
The latest episodes explored the aftermath of the leaked marriage contract scandal, a turning point that dramatically changed Hee Joo’s relationship with Grand Prince Ian, played by Byeon Woo Seok. As political pressure and public criticism intensified, Hee Joo struggled to remain emotionally strong while carrying the burden of blame placed upon her.
One particularly devastating moment came when Hee Joo knelt before her father, begging for help. IU portrayed the scene with raw desperation and heartbreak, leaving viewers emotional over her character’s pain and helplessness.
But the scene that truly shattered fans came later.
After returning to the palace and embracing Ian, Hee Joo quietly whispered, “Let’s get divorced.” Even while trying to sound cold and distant, her hidden emotions were painfully obvious. The emotional conflict in IU’s eyes and voice made the moment even more heartbreaking.
As the story unfolded, Hee Joo made the difficult decision to take all the blame upon herself by publicly announcing the divorce. Meanwhile, Ian disappeared after being emotionally wounded by the situation, leading Hee Joo to desperately search for him.
When the two finally reunited, emotions exploded.
In a scene fans are already calling one of the best K-drama moments of the year, Hee Joo confessed her true feelings with a heartfelt “I like you,” before sharing an intense and emotional kiss with Ian. The scene perfectly balanced longing, love, sadness, and relief — and viewers simply cannot stop talking about it.
The chemistry between IU and Byeon Woo Seok has become one of the biggest reasons behind the drama’s explosive popularity. Their emotional performances and natural romantic tension continue to keep audiences fully invested week after week.
With only a few episodes left, anticipation for what happens next in Perfect Crown is reaching an all-time high. Fans are especially eager to see whether Hee Joo and Ian can finally overcome the political chaos threatening to tear them apart.
Episode 11 of the drama is set to air on May 15 at 9:50 PM KST — and if the latest episodes are anything to go by, viewers should prepare themselves for even more emotional devastation.
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