Actor Byeon Woo-seok apologized again over the historical distortion controversy and said he would bring healing and laughter.
The past week for Byeon Woo-seok felt at times like heaven and at times like hell. If MBC's Friday-Saturday drama "Perfect Crown" (writer Yoo Ji-won, directors Park Jun-hwa and Bae Hwa-young, planner Kang Dae-seon, produced by MBC, Kakao Entertainment) ended its run and went to heaven after recording its highest-ever viewership rating (13.8%, Nielsen Korea nationwide), issues such as historical distortion and Northeast Project claims weighed heavily on his mind throughout the weekend.
In the end, Byeon Woo-seok took out a pen and began to write down his feelings one character at a time. Byeon Woo-seok explained that he had worried and fretted that his words over the weekend might cause further harm, and that after much thought he wrote an apology, saying, "I worried and was concerned that my words over the weekend might cause further harm. I am posting this with a heavy heart to those who felt discomfort and concern because of the work."
Byeon Woo-seok bowed his head, saying, "During the process of filming and acting in the work, I lacked sufficient consideration about the historical context and meaning contained in the work and how that might be received by viewers. Through viewers' comments I engaged in reflection and introspection, and as an actor I deeply realized once again that I need to examine and consider not only my acting but also the message and context of a work with greater responsibility."
He continued, "I sincerely apologize. I would like to thank once again everyone who cherished and gave advice to "Perfect Crown" and to Prince Iaan, and I will become an actor who approaches work with greater care and depth from now on. I am sorry."
Less than 24 hours after the apology was made public, Byeon Woo-seok attended the Netflix variety show "Yu Jae-seok camp" press conference and made his first public appearance after the historical distortion controversy. As befitted a variety show, Byeon Woo-seok appeared bright, high-energy and with his characteristic radiant smile at the press conference, but he bowed his head again regarding the issues related to the historical distortion controversy, saying, "I am truly sorry."
Through "Yu Jae-seok camp," Byeon Woo-seok will meet viewers with his variety show side and show a new image. He recalled the filming, saying, "I love watching variety shows, and I was excited because I thought I could show a new side for the first time. I waited and filmed with excited feelings hearing that I would be with Yu Jae-seok, Lee Kwangsoo and Ji Ye-eun."
Regarding the earlier remark in "Pinggego" that "Yu Jae-seok camp" was very difficult, Byeon Woo-seok said, "Rather than saying it was difficult, it was chaotic. Because there were many guests, you had to prepare meals, make content, clean, do the dishes, have a campfire, clean the restroom, and so on — it wasn't that it was hard. It was chaotic."
In particular, Byeon Woo-seok said, "I think 'Yu Jae-seok camp' is a healing camp, and even watching it felt healing. I think if you eat a light meal or finish your workday and watch 'Yu Jae-seok camp' you will feel healed. I hope you enjoy it."
After bowing his head with an apology and pledging to improve as an actor and as a person, Byeon Woo-seok bowed once more to apologize and convey his sincerity, and attention will focus on whether he can uphold what he has said through his future actions.
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