An apology sparked an even hotter backlash.
Byeon Woo-seok attended the Netflix new variety show 'Yu Jae-seok Camp' production presentation held on the 19th. Byeon Woo-seok delivered a passionate performance as the protagonist, Grand Prince Ian, in the recently concluded drama 'Perfect Crown,' but as controversy over historical distortion poured in, an unprecedented situation arose in which all the actors, including Byeon Woo-seok, did not give end-of-series interviews. In this situation, Byeon Woo-seok, who appeared at an official event, naturally drew attention.
Asked whether he felt burdened about starting a variety show amid the historical distortion controversy over 'Perfect Crown,' Byeon Woo-seok briefly apologized, saying, "I have always believed in living life doing my best at every moment. I did my best while filming 'Yu Jae-seok Camp,' and I am truly sorry about the issue."
However, online reactions were mixed over Byeon Woo-seok's demeanor at the time of the apology. In particular, some netizens criticized him for showing a smile. In the end-of-series interview for 'Perfect Crown,' which aired at the same time, director Park Jun-hwa apologized with tears, saying, "There is no excuse; I bear the greatest responsibility." The contrasting attitudes of the two drew even hotter online reactions.
Criticism continued that not only the production staff but also the actors leading the drama should have more carefully examined the historical context and message the work contained. The point was made that a more cautious approach from the start was needed to avoid creating controversy, rather than focusing on the form of the apology.
Meanwhile, Byeon Woo-seok posted a handwritten apology on his personal social media on the 18th, the day before the production presentation. He wrote, "Over the weekend, I worried and feared that my words might cause further harm," and added, "During the process of filming and acting, I lacked consideration of what historical context and meaning were contained in the work and how that might be received by viewers. Through viewers' comments, I reflected and repented, and I deeply engraved once again that, as an actor, I need to look at and consider not only acting but also a work's message and context with greater responsibility. I sincerely apologize."
[Photo] Min Kyung-hoon, reporter
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