Perfect Crown has been engulfed in controversy over historical distortion and is facing criticism, and leading actors IU and Byeon Woo-seok have apologized together.
On the 18th, IU said, "Over the past few days I have carefully read each and every comment many viewers left," and added, "As the lead actor of the work, I feel very sorry to have failed to show a responsible attitude and to have caused great disappointment, and my heart is still very heavy."
She continued, "I reflect on and apologize without excuse for not thinking more deeply about the many historical verification issues in the drama that you pointed out and for approaching my acting without sufficient consideration," and said, "Because this was a work in which it was important to capture imagination based on our unique history and the traditional beauty of Korea, as an actor I should have read the script more carefully and studied more, but I did not, and I am ashamed of myself. I did not properly have a sense of the problem in advance. I am sorry."
He also said, "I thank everyone who watched the work to the end and did not spare their words," and added, "I will always remember the valuable criticism and opinions you sent and become an IU who approaches works with a more careful and thorough attitude going forward. Once again, I am sorry."
On the 16th, IU rented a theater at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to celebrate her birthday and watched the final episode of Perfect Crown with fans. At that event she reportedly said, "I must do well for you even a little. It is truly my fault if I cause disappointment or show an inadequate side," adding, "I will really take responsibility and do well," and she was said to have ended up in tears.
Byeon Woo-seok also expressed his apology. He said, "Over the weekend I worried and was concerned that my words might cause additional harm," and added, "I post this with a heavy heart to those who felt discomfort and concern because of the work."
He said, "During the process of filming and acting, I lacked sufficient consideration of what the historical context and meaning contained in the work were and how they might be received by viewers. Through viewers' comments I have reflected and repented, and I have come to deeply realize once again that as an actor I need to examine and consider not only the acting but also the message and context of the work with greater responsibility. I sincerely apologize."
He added, "I thank once again everyone who cherished Perfect Crown and Prince IAAN and offered advice over the course of the work, and I will become an actor who approaches works with a more careful and deeper attitude going forward. I am sorry."
The MBC Friday-Saturday drama Perfect Crown, which ended on the 16th, closed with its highest-ever rating of 13.8% (Nielsen Korea, national households), but it was embroiled in controversy over historical distortion when, in episode 11, elements indicating a vassal state were depicted—such as the guryu menryugwan and the appearance of "chense"—at Prince IAAN's enthronement ceremony.
[photo] OSEN DB
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