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The lead stars of Perfect Crown have addressed the recent controversy surrounding the drama's content.
Perfect Crown follows Seong Hee Joo (IU), a chaebol heiress who has everything except a royal status, and Prince Yi An (Byeon Woo Seok), the king's son who, despite being a royal, cannot have anything, as they set out on a journey to carve their destinies, defying the social statuses that confine them.
The controversy emerged after the broadcast of Episode 11, in which Korean viewers complained that certain scenes portrayed South Korea's monarchy as subordinate to China. In the episode, Grand Prince Yi An, the royal family's second son, is crowned the new king. During the coronation, people were heard shouting "Cheonse" ("a thousand years"), an expression historically associated with subordinate states, rather than "Manse" ("ten thousand years"), which symbolizes independence.
Viewers also pointed out that the prince wore a guryumyeonryugwan — a crown worn by Chinese subjects — instead of the shipimyeonryugwan, traditionally reserved for rulers of independent nations.
As criticism intensified, the production team released an apology on May 16, saying they had taken the criticism "very seriously."
On May 18, both IU and Byeon Woo Seok posted messages on their personal Instagram accounts apologizing for the controversy.
Following is the post from IU:
Hello.
This is IU, who played the role of Seong Hee Joo in Perfect Crown.
Over the past few days, I carefully read each and every comment left by viewers.
As the lead actress of the project, I feel I failed to show a responsible attitude and caused great disappointment, and for that, I am deeply sorry. My heart still feels very heavy.
As for the various historical issues in the drama that many viewers pointed out, I sincerely reflect and apologize, without excuse, for having done the performance without giving deeper consideration.
Because this was a project where it was important to convey imagination rooted in our own history and the traditional beauty of Korea, I should have read the script more carefully and studied more thoroughly as an actor, yet I failed to do so. I am ashamed of myself for that. I did not recognize the [seriousness] of these issues in advance. I am sorry.
Thank you to everyone who watched the drama to the end and did not hesitate to share your thoughts.
I will always keep your valuable criticism and opinions in mind, and I will strive to approach future projects with greater caution and thoroughness. Once again, I sincerely apologize.
Following is the post from Byeon Woo Seok:
Hello, this is actor Byeon Woo Seok.
Over the weekend, I worried and was concerned that anything I said might cause further harm. With a heavy heart, I am writing this to those who felt discomfort and concern because of the drama.
During the process of filming and acting in the drama, I lacked sufficient consideration for the historical context and meaning contained within the work, and for how it could be received by viewers. Through the words shared by viewers, I came to reflect deeply on myself, and, as an actor, I have once again taken to heart that I need to approach not only acting but also the message and context of the project with greater responsibility and thoughtfulness.
I sincerely apologize.
I would also like to once again thank everyone who showed love for Perfect Crown and Grand Prince Yi An and who offered advice and support. Going forward, I will strive to approach my work with a more cautious and thoughtful attitude as an actor. I am sorry.
Sincerely,
Byeon Woo Seok
