MBC Friday-Saturday drama Perfect Crown is still unable to escape a fierce backlash even after it ended. Although it posted the highest ratings and topped topicality charts, it ended on a bitter note as controversies over acting, accusations of historical distortion and public apologies from the lead actors followed. The work is even being called for 'withdrawal,' and criticism continues.
According to ratings research firm Nielsen Korea, the final episode of Perfect Crown, which ended on the 16th, recorded 13.8% nationwide, marking its highest-ever rating. Even before broadcast, the super combination of IU and Byeon Woo-seok plus a production budget of around 30 billion won made it one of this year's most anticipated works.
But assessments of the work went in a direction completely different from the ratings. From early in the broadcast, IU and Byeon Woo-seok's acting drew criticism, and the development and settings were pointed out as somewhat unconvincing; as the series progressed, issues over historical verification surfaced and the situation grew more serious. At the center of the controversy was the coronation scene of Prince Ian (played by Byeon Woo-seok). The appearance of a gu-ryu menryugwan headpiece and the use of the term "cheonse" in the drama prompted criticism that the setting did not match the symbol of an independent nation's monarch. Some viewers raised concerns that, coupled with China's Northeast Project controversies, Korean history could be distorted.
Criticism grew as suspicions were added that the tea ceremony scenes borrowed Chinese cultural elements. Ultimately, the production team apologized on its official website, saying, "We apologize for causing concern due to worldbuilding settings and issues with historical verification," and modified some of the controversial scenes.
But the fallout had already spread to the actors. IU ended up with moist eyes at the series finale viewing event she held with fans. In a separate statement she apologized, saying, "I am sorry I did not show a responsible attitude as a lead actor of the work," and bowed her head, saying, "I reflect on not having given deeper thought to the historical context and meaning."
Byeon Woo-seok also apologized, saying, "I lacked consideration for how the work might be received," and "I learned that, as an actor, I must responsibly consider the message and context of a work." Lee Jae Won, who played Seong Tae-ju in the drama, canceled a scheduled series finale interview, and his agency said, "We are taking the current situation surrounding the work very seriously."
Above all, the reason this controversy is being taken more seriously is that it is not merely a drama mistake. As K-content is also released overseas through global OTT platforms, concerns grew that incorrect historical perceptions could be transmitted unchanged. In particular, Korean history lecturer Choi Tae-seong spoke out. On social media he wrote, "Another historical distortion controversy. At this point are we carp?" and asked, "Why spend hundreds of millions of won on actor fees but skimp on historical verification costs?" He went on to emphasize, "Now a system for verifying historical works is needed."
Although the lead actors publicly apologized and even shed tears while taking responsibility for the work, calls for withdrawing the work are now being discussed. In the end, Perfect Crown left behind the number of its highest ratings, but it became a work that raised even bigger questions. It left the task of how far K-content should be held responsible for history and verification as it goes global, not just simple box-office success. With even talk of 'withdrawing the work' being mentioned, whether the controversy will continue is drawing keen attention.
[Photo] 'Perfect Crown, OSEN DB'
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