Korean drama Perfect Crown has found itself at the centre of intense backlash over alleged historical inaccuracies and controversial depictions related to Korea’s sovereignty. The romance drama, which is set in an alternate universe where modern-day Korea exists as a constitutional monarchy, features IU as wealthy chaebol heiress Seong Hui Ju and Byeon Woo Seok as Grand Prince Ian, a royal struggling with the pressures of palace life. Despite its unique premise, the controversy exploded online after Episode 11, which aired on May 15, turning the series into one of the most heavily debated K-dramas of the year.
Viewers began heavily criticizing several scenes from the drama’s coronation sequence, arguing that the series portrayed Korea as a subordinate state to China rather than an independent nation. One major point of criticism involved officials shouting “Cheonse” during Grand Prince Ian’s coronation instead of “Manse.” Historically, “Cheonse” was associated with vassal states, whereas “Manse” symbolized sovereignty and independence.
Viewers also questioned the ceremonial crown worn by Grand Prince Ian. The guryumyeonryugwan shown in the drama was traditionally linked to Chinese subjects, whereas emperors of independent nations historically wore the shipimyeonryugwan. Additional criticism surrounded tea ceremony scenes involving Seong Hui Ju (IU) and Yoon Yi (Gong Seung Yeon), with some viewers claiming the rituals resembled Chinese tea traditions rather than Korean customs. This backlash intensified further because the series had already been facing criticism over acting performances and writing choices since its premiere in April.
As criticism continued to grow online, the team issued a formal apology on May 16. The statement read, “We sincerely bow our heads in apology to viewers who watched the drama with love and concern over issues related to the world-building and historical inaccuracies.”
Addressing the core controversy directly, the producers added, “We take viewers’ criticism seriously regarding the scene in which the king wore a Guryumyeongwan during the coronation ceremony and officials shouted Cheonse, which was seen as undermining Korea’s sovereign status.”
The team admitted they failed to properly examine the historical implications tied to the show’s fictional setting, stating, “We failed to carefully examine how Joseon court etiquette evolved throughout history. Perfect Crown is both a romance drama and an alternate-history series, and we should have approached the intersection between its fictional world and real historical context with more caution and depth. We lacked sufficient effort in refining and thoroughly reviewing the drama’s world-building.” The team also confirmed that subtitles and audio from the controversial scenes would be revised for future broadcasts and streaming versions.
On May 18, IU posted a lengthy apology on Instagram, reflecting on both the controversy and her responsibilities as the drama’s lead actor. She wrote, “Over the past few days, I have carefully read each and every comment that many viewers left. As a lead actor of the drama, I feel I failed to show a responsible attitude and ended up causing great disappointment, and I am deeply sorry. Even now, my heart feels very heavy.”
The singer and actor admitted she should have approached the project with greater awareness, adding, “Regarding the various issues of historical verification in the drama that viewers pointed out, I sincerely reflect and apologize—without excuse—for having gone into my acting without thinking more deeply about them. Because this was a drama in which it was important to convey imagination grounded in our own history and the traditional beauty of Korea, I should have read the script more carefully and studied more as an actor, but I did not, and I am ashamed of myself for that. I did not have a proper sense of the issues in advance. I apologize.”
She concluded her statement by writing, “Thank you to everyone who watched the drama until the end and did not hold back from speaking up. I will always remember the valuable criticism and opinions you sent, and going forward, I will be IU who approaches projects with an even more cautious and thorough attitude. I apologize once again.”
Byeon Woo Seok later shared a handwritten apology through Instagram to address the criticism. The actor wrote, “Over the weekend, I was worried and concerned that my words might end up causing further harm. With a heavy heart, I am writing this to those who have felt discomfort and concern because of the drama.”
He admitted that he had not fully considered the historical implications connected to the series while filming, stating, “In the process of filming and acting in this drama, I did not think enough about what the historical context and meaning contained in it were and how that might be received by the viewers. Through the words of the viewers, I have been led to reflect and look back on myself, and as an actor I have once again deeply taken to heart that I need to approach my work with greater responsibility—considering not only the acting but also the message and context carried by the production. I sincerely apologize.”
He added, “I would also like to thank once again everyone who has cared for “Perfect Crown” and Grand Prince Ian and offered advice. Going forward, I will become an actor who takes on projects with an even more cautious and thoughtful attitude. I apologise.”
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: filmfare.com
