'Perfect Crown' lead actors IU, Byeon Woo-seok apologize for show's historical inaccuracies
IU and Byeon Woo-Seok, who play the lead characters in the hit K-drama series Perfect Crown, have issued separate public apologies following backlash over the show's historical depiction of South Korea.
The fictional series, which aired its finale on May 16, tells the story of Grand Prince I-an (played by Byeon) and Sung Hui Ju (portrayed by IU), who initially entered into a marriage of convenience but eventually fell in love.
Viewers took offense over Grand Prince I-an's coronation scene in the show's penultimate episode. Critics said some details in the ceremony made the South Korean monarchy appear as if it were subordinate to China. Specifically, the show used the word "cheonse" as a chant during the coronation. "Cheonse" means "a thousand years" and is used by vassal states. The proper word, according to viewers, should have been "manse" or "ten thousand years," which signifies an independent nation.
Additionally, critics zeroed in on Grand Prince I-an's headpiece. Apparently, he wore a guryumyeonryugwan, which, in Korean and Chinese history, was worn by subjects of the Chinese emperor. Viewers believed Grand Prince I-an should have had on the shipimyeonryugwan instead, which is what sovereign rulers historically used.
Critics hit not just the show but also its lead actors, who, on May 18, issued separate apologies on social media.
"Hello, this is IU, who played Sung Hui Ju in Perfect Crown. Over the past few days, I have carefully read all the comments left by viewers. I deeply apologize, and my heart remains heavy for failing to show a responsible attitude as the lead actor on this project and for the disappointment I caused," wrote IU, as reported by Koreaboo, and translated from Korean to English.
She said she had no excuses to offer "for acting without giving deeper thought to the various historical inaccuracies in the drama."
The actress added she regretted not studying the script more carefully. "I am ashamed of myself for failing to do so," IU wrote.
Thanking the show's viewers, she continued, "I will always keep your valuable criticism and opinions in mind and will work harder to be an IU that approaches future projects with greater caution."
For his part, her co-lead Byeon posted an image of a handwritten apology, addressing viewers who "felt discomfort and concern because of the drama."
"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," he wrote in Korean.
The actor added he read viewers' feedback, "reflected and repented, and realized once again the need for a more responsible attitude as an actor—not only in acting but also in examining and contemplating the message and context of the work."
He wrote that as an actor, he took the lesson to heart and learned to approach future projects "with greater responsibility."
"I sincerely apologize," he concluded.
Despite the criticisms, Perfect Crown's finale broke records, per Soompi citing data from Nielsen Korea. The episode raked in a nationwide viewership of 13.8%, the highest rating across all genres, so far, for a program that aired on a Saturday.
