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| 2026-05-19 16:28:34
(News Focus) TV series-controversy
(News Focus) Backlash over 'Perfect Crown' underscores need for historical accuracy in K-drama
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, May 19 (Yonhap) -- The rom-com drama series "Perfect Crown" has come under fire over historical inaccuracies, with critics calling for ways to better verify and reenact traditional features as a growing amount of Korean content is being watched by viewers around the world through global streaming platforms.
Set in a fictional constitutional monarchy of the 21st century, the MBC series centers on Grand Prince I-An (Byeon Woo-seok) and conglomerate heiress Seong Hui-ju (IU) who sign a marriage contract with other benefits in mind but eventually find themselves discovering true love and courage.
The 12-episode series finished in success, with its final episode setting its own record viewership of 13.8 percent and becoming the most-watched Korean series on Disney+ in areas and regions including North America, Europe and Latin America.
The controversy over historical accuracy emerged after the 11th episode, which shows Grand Prince I-An's coronation. During the ceremony, the term "cheonse" for a vassal state appears, rather than "manse," the appropriate term for an independent state. Critics also pointed out the crown worn by the grand prince resembled one used in a vassal state.
The production team behind the series issued an official apology Saturday, acknowledging its failure to properly reflect the court etiquette of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
"We deeply apologize for causing concerns over the concept and historical research ... these issues occurred as we did not thoroughly check how Joseon-era etiquette changed through history," the team said, saying it accepts with a "heavy heart" criticism by viewers that the inaccurate depictions could hurt South Korea's image as an independent state.
The team said it will seek to swiftly correct the audio and subtitle in videos for online streaming platforms and re-runs.
Lead actors Byeon Woo-seok and IU also issued separate apologies as the criticism surrounding the controversy lingered.
"There was not enough consideration of the historical context and meaning embedded in the work and of how it might be received by viewers," Byeon wrote in a handwritten note posted on his social media account Monday, vowing to become an actor with a more prudent attitude.
IU issued a similar apology.
"As it was important to capture both imagination rooted in our own history and the traditional beauty of Korea, I feel ashamed that I, as an actor, should have read and studied the script more carefully," she said.
Critics said more caution is necessary for historical research in Korean TV series and films amid their growing global presence.
"It's not only us watching. The whole world is watching ... we need a system fit for that status," renowned history lecturer Choi Tae-seong wrote on his social media account, calling for a systemic change rather than holding the actors accountable.
"Controversies over history distortion always happen but things do not change ... please respect academic history."
The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea said it has it has sent an official letter to Disney+ to request a correction in the audio file and subtitles for the contested episode, adding it plans to launch a campaign with Hallyu fans to spot and correct historical errors in Korean films and dramas.
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