Singer and actor IU received the report card of highest ratings, but she could not bring herself to smile brightly in the end. It was because of various recent controversies surrounding the drama. However, IU showed a posture of reflecting on herself first rather than blaming someone else or making excuses. The work's completeness and an actor's personal responsibility should clearly be distinguished, but IU's attitude has captured many people's attention.
MBC drama Perfect Crown ended with its highest-ever rating, recording 13.8% nationwide for the final episode on the 16th (Nielsen Korea). It proved its topicality and impact by recording 14.1% in the metropolitan area and a peak of 16.1% in minute-by-minute ratings. As one of the most anticipated works of the year, it had received intense interest from the start.
However, controversies were not few despite the interest in the work. In the early broadcasts, debates over the lead actors' acting skills continued, and as it moved into the later episodes, repeated palace fire scenes, lack of plausibility, and disappointment over the constitutional monarchy setting were raised. In addition, scenes such as the enthronement ceremony and tea ceremony in the drama spread into historical verification controversies, further increasing the noise surrounding the work.
Especially as some scenes were criticized for evoking China, heated pros and cons were exchanged online. As the controversy grew, the production team apologized in an official statement, saying, "we failed to carefully examine the worldbuilding settings and historical verification," and said they would carry out corrections for reruns and OTT services.
Coincidentally, on the same day IU celebrated her birthday by watching the drama's final episode together with fans at CGV Yongsan I'park Mall in Seoul. The occasion should have been full of celebration and laughter, but IU appeared far heavier than expected in front of her fans. IU opened her mouth, saying, "These days I often think I must act with more responsibility," and said, "It is truly my fault to disappoint you even a little. I only think I must do better. If there are lacking parts, I will listen more and improve."
What drew attention in particular was her attitude toward responsibility. The drama's settings, direction, and verification issues are areas created together by the production team and various staff. It is reality that one actor cannot carry all parts. Even so, IU did not say "because of someone." Instead, she continued to speak until the end with the message that she would try harder.
In the end, her emotions seemed to well up and her eyes reddened. Saying, "I love you. I want to show you a better side, but I feel there are still lacking parts, so I'm sorry," she bowed to fans at 90 degrees, a sight that moved even the fans who were present to tears.
Above all, IU is one of the representative stars who have consistently carried out good deeds and donations since her debut. She has continued donations for children and adolescents every Children's Day and, on her birthday, debut anniversary, and year-end, has practiced sharing for those in need under the name IUanna. Recently, she continued her positive influence by donating 100 million won to mark Children's Day.
That is why this appearance draws more attention. Regardless of the scope of fault and responsibility, she reflected on herself first without ignoring the public's voice. Of course, evaluations of the work can vary. But instead of remaining silent or drawing a line whenever controversy grows, the attitude of saying she will improve if there are shortcomings certainly resonates.
Perfect Crown ended carrying the record of highest ratings and unexpected controversies at the same time. It was a bittersweet ending, but IU's sincerity, who ended up showing tears in front of fans, leaves another aftertaste. What remains in the public's heart longer than the record will ultimately be the actor's attitude toward the work.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB, SNS
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