Disney+ No. 4 Worldwide, No. 1 Among Non-English Dramas… IU and Byeon Woo-seok Sweep Buzz Rankings
The Korean drama The Grand Princess of the 21st Century is not only captivating domestic audiences but also leading a global surge of K-romance. With its refined constitutional monarchy setting and the powerful on-screen chemistry of its leads, the series is rapidly climbing OTT charts worldwide.
1. The Grand Princess of the 21st Century Global Chart Domination: “Beyond Asia to Europe and Latin America”
According to the streaming ranking site FlixPatrol on April 21, the drama ranked No. 4 globally in the Disney+ Top 10 TV shows and No. 1 among non-English series—an impressive milestone.
Its dominance across Asia is particularly striking. In major markets including South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore, the series has held the No. 1 spot since its release.
Equally notable is its performance in Western and Latin American markets:
- North America/Oceania: No. 5 in the U.S., No. 4 in Canada and Australia
- Latin America: No. 1 in Brazil; No. 2 in Chile, Costa Rica, and Mexico; No. 4 in Argentina
- Europe: No. 4 in Italy, No. 8 in Germany, No. 9 in the U.K.
With strong and consistent performance across regions, the drama has firmly established itself as a global mega-hit.
2. Ratings and Buzz: A Rare Double Success
The domestic response has been equally explosive. According to Nielsen Korea, the series surpassed 11.1% nationwide viewership by its fourth episode, officially entering double-digit ratings. The show continues to break its own records with each episode.
Online buzz metrics further highlight its popularity. According to FUNdex by Good Data Corporation, the drama ranked No. 1 in TV-OTT buzzworthiness for two consecutive weeks as of the third week of April 2026.
The lead actors are also dominating attention:
- IU (as Sung Hee-joo): No. 1 in actor buzz rankings for three consecutive weeks
- Byeon Woo-seok (as Grand Prince Ian): No. 2 for three consecutive weeks
Their immersive performances have fueled intense discussion across social media and online communities.
3. A Role-Reversal Romance: Reimagining Royal Love in the 21st Century
The drama’s success lies in its fresh and compelling premise. Set in a fictional 21st-century constitutional monarchy Korea, it tells the story of Sung Hee-joo, a wealthy chaebol heiress constrained by her non-royal status, and Grand Prince Ian, a royal figure stripped of real power.
This reversal of traditional roles—featuring a highly capable female lead and a lonely, restrained prince—offers a refreshing twist on classic romantic tropes. The narrative delivers both emotional depth and modern catharsis.
Visually, the drama stands out with its fusion of lavish royal costumes and contemporary aesthetics, providing global audiences with a rich and immersive viewing experience.
