korean drama perfect crown stars iyu And Byeon Woo Seok has personally apologized after the drama sparked backlash over alleged historical inaccuracies and controversial depictions related to Korea’s sovereignty. The controversy spread online after episode 11 aired on May 15, turning the romance drama into one of the most debated Korean series of the year.
Set in an alternate universe where modern Korea exists as a constitutional monarchy, The Perfect Crown follows a wealthy chaebol heiress Seong Hui Joo (IU) and Grand Prince Ian (Byeon Woo Seok), who struggles with the pressures of palace life despite being the king’s son.
Why did K-drama Perfect Crown face opposition?
Viewers began to criticize several scenes of the drama’s coronation sequence, arguing that the series portrayed Korea as a state subordinate to China rather than an independent nation. One of the biggest points of criticism involved shouting Cheonse instead of Manse during Grand Prince Ian’s coronation. Historically, Cheonse was associated with vassal states, while Manse symbolized sovereignty and independence.
Viewers also questioned the ceremonial crown worn by Grand Prince Ian. The Gurmyeonryugwan shown in the drama was traditionally associated with Chinese subjects, while monarchs of independent nations historically wore the Shipimyeonryugwan.
Additional criticism included the tea ceremony scenes involving Seong Hui Joo (IU) and Yoon Yi (Gong Seung Yeon), with some viewers claiming that the rituals resembled Chinese tea traditions rather than Korean customs.
The opposition grew even more intense as the series had been facing criticism over the acting performances and writing choices since its premiere in April.
The production team issued an official apology
As criticism grew online, the production team issued a formal apology on 16 May. “We bow our heads in sincere apology to the viewers who watched the drama with love and concern over issues related to world-building and historical inaccuracies,” the statement said.
Addressing the controversy directly, the producers said, “We take seriously viewers’ criticism regarding the scene in which the king wore the Geumyeongwan during the coronation ceremony and the officials shouted at Cheonse, which was seen as undermining Korea’s sovereign status.”
The team admitted that they failed to properly investigate the historical implications associated with the show’s fictional setting. The statement further said, “We failed to carefully examine how Joseon court etiquette developed throughout history. The Perfect Crown is both a romance drama and an alternate-history series, and we should have approached the relationship between its fictional world and the actual historical context with more care and depth. We lacked sufficient effort in refining and thoroughly reviewing the world-building of the drama.”
The production team also confirmed that the subtitles and audio of the controversial scenes would be modified for future broadcast and streaming versions.
IU has made an emotional apology
On May 18, IU posted a lengthy apology on Instagram, reflecting on both the controversy and her responsibilities as the lead actor of the drama. “Over the past few days, I have carefully read every comment left by many viewers. As the lead actor of the drama, I feel that I failed to show a responsible attitude and was a great disappointment, and I am deeply sorry. Even now, my heart feels very heavy,” she wrote in Korean, translated by Soompi.
The singer and actor also admitted that she should have approached the project with more awareness. “After the audience pointed out various issues of historical verification in the drama, I sincerely reflect and apologize – without any excuses – for plunging into my acting without thinking more deeply about them. Because it was a drama in which it was important to express imagination based on our own history and Korea’s traditional beauty, I should have read the script more carefully and studied more as an actor, but I didn’t do that, and I’m ashamed of myself for it. I’m already aware of the issues. Didn’t understand properly. I apologize.”
He ended his statement by thanking the audience for their criticism. “Thank you to everyone who watched the drama to the end and did not hold back from speaking out. I will always remember the valuable criticism and opinions you sent, and moving forward, I will be the IU who approaches projects with an even more careful and thorough attitude. I apologize once again.”
Byeon Woo Seok also addresses criticism
Byeon Woo Seok later shared a handwritten apology via Instagram. He wrote, “Over the weekend, I was anxious and concerned that my words might cause further harm. With a heavy heart, I am writing this to those who have felt discomfort and anxiety because of the drama.”
The actor admitted that he had not fully considered the historical implications associated with the series during filming. “In the process of filming and acting in this play, I did not think enough about what historical context and meaning it contained and how it might be received by the audience. Through the words of the audience, I have been inspired to reflect and look back at myself, and as an actor I have once again deeply realized that I need to approach my work with more responsibility – taking into account not only the acting but also the message and context given by the production. I sincerely apologize. I ask.”
He continued, “I want to once again thank everyone who cared for and advised “The Perfect Crown” and Grand Prince Ian. Going forward, I will be an actor who approaches projects with an even more cautious and thoughtful attitude. I apologize.”
IU breaks down during fan screening
Amid the controversy, IU also became emotional during a fan screening event held on her birthday at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul. The actor reportedly rented an entire theater to spend time with fans during the promotion of the final episode of the drama. Although videos from the event were later deleted, attendees shared clips of IU crying, criticizing both her acting and the show.
She told fans, “This year there will be more days for us to meet. I hope I can see everyone who came today on another good day. I think it’s because I’m currently preparing an album and my drama is about to end, but lately I’ve been thinking even more that I need to do better and carry myself with more responsibility.”
Addressing the feedback directly, IU said, “I owe you all at least a little bit better, and if I let you down or show my inadequate side, it’s completely my fault.”
Even as fans consoled her from the audience, IU continued to reflect emotionally. “No, it’s true. I will really take responsibility and continue to improve. I want to be someone my fans can be proud of.”
She continued, “I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. If I had done better, things would have been different. Since I’m someone who gets so much love from all of you, I’ll work even harder. I’ll be an IU who shows a better side of myself with more responsibility, and I won’t waste a single moment.”
IU ended the program in tears, saying, “Even though I’m still lacking in many ways, thank you so much for loving me and supporting me. I believe there’s a reason for everything you say to me, and those are all things I need to accept. If there are areas where I’m lacking, please continue to tell me, scold me, and push me. I will listen to those words carefully and try to become a better person.” I will work hard for.”
Before leaving the stage, she said, “I should have said this earlier, but I love you all. I want to show you a better side of me, but I’m sorry I hold back. Still, thank you for continuing to give me chances and looking at me with affection. I will really work harder and perform better.”
The Perfect Crown becomes a major streaming hit
Despite the growing controversy surrounding the drama, Perfect Crown continues to receive massive success in South Korea and internationally. According to Nielsen Korea, the finale episode earned a nationwide average rating of 13.8 percent, making it the highest-rated program aired on May 16.
The romantic drama has also performed strongly on streaming platforms, reportedly crossing 43 million viewing hours globally on Disney+ and Hulu. Viewership increased steadily throughout the series, with episode 8 recording a 43 percent increase in views compared to its premiere week. Disney described the series as the most globally traveled Korean premiere ever on Disney+ based on its first 28 days of streaming performance.
The drama stars Iu as Seong Hui Joo and Byeon Woo Seok as Grand Prince Ie-an, along with Steve Noh, Gong Seung Yeon, Yoo Su Bin and Lee Yeon. The series is directed by Park Joon Hwa and written by Yoo Ji Won.
