MBC drama 'Perfect Crown' has come under heavy public criticism over allegations of historical distortion, and even the pop-up store set up as part of the drama's promotion is facing an early closure.
The organizer of the 'Perfect Crown' pop-up store recently sent notices to people who reserved in advance informing them of the event's early termination. Originally, the pop-up store was scheduled to run for a total of 10 days from the 19th to the 28th, but the schedule was drastically shortened and it will operate for only seven days until the 25th. Accordingly, product sales inside the pop-up store will be conducted only until the 23rd, and on the 24th and 25th the space will be open for exhibition only.
The organizer bowed and said, "Due to unavoidable operational reasons on site, we have changed the operating schedule and format," adding, "We feel a heavy responsibility and deeply apologize for conveying this suddenly changed news." He continued, "We are currently discussing additional measures and follow-up notices internally, and we will inform you as soon as the related details are organized. We sincerely apologize once again for the inconvenience and disappointment caused."
The organizer cited operational reasons on the surface, but industry observers believe the recent controversy over alleged historical distortion surrounding the work and the chilled public sentiment were a direct blow to the pop-up store's failure. Earlier, 'Perfect Crown' was engulfed in fierce controversy over historical distortion immediately after its finale.
In episode 11 aired on the 15th, a scene was broadcast in which the male lead, Prince Ian (played by Byeon Woo-seok), attended the enthronement wearing the gu-ryu myun-ryu crown and received the chant "cheon-se cheon-se cheon-cheon-se" from the attendees. Immediately after the broadcast, viewers harshly criticized the scene as a serious error that could lend legitimacy to and provide an opening for China's historical distortion campaign "Northeast Project," which claims that Joseon was once a vassal state of China.
As the controversy grew rapidly, the 'Perfect Crown' side quickly issued an apology on its official website. It then rushed to contain the issue by muting the problematic "cheon-se cheon-se cheon-cheon-se" segment in rebroadcasts and OTT VOD services and removing the subtitles.
In addition, the director apologized in a media interview, the writer posted an apology on the official website, and lead actors Byeon Woo-seok and IU also bowed directly over the incident. Despite the production team's and cast's all-out relay of apologies and follow-up measures, public disappointment and criticism toward the work have not subsided and seem to be intensifying.
[Photo] MBC
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