"I'm Ashamed"...Byeon Woo-seok and IU Apologize Over Historical Distortion Controversy in 'Perfect Crown'

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[The Financial News] MBC's 'Perfect Crown,' which ended on the 16th, has been caught up in controversy over historical distortion, and lead actors Byeon Woo-seok and IU have both issued apologies.
First, Byeon Woo-seok posted on his social networking service (SNS) account on the 18th, saying, "I spent the weekend worrying that my words might cause further harm." He added, "I am writing this with a heavy heart to those who felt discomfort and concern because of the work."
He continued, "During the filming and acting process, I did not think enough about the historical context and meaning contained in the work, or how it might be received by viewers." He said, "Through the comments from viewers, I reflected and looked back on myself. As an actor, I have once again deeply realized that I need to examine and consider not only my performance but also the message and context of a work with greater responsibility. I am truly sorry."
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IU also posted an apology on SNS that day, saying, "I am deeply sorry and my heart is heavy. I apologize." She said, "Over the past few days, I carefully read every comment left by viewers," and added, "As a lead actor in the work, I feel deeply sorry that I failed to show a responsible attitude and caused such great disappointment. My heart is still very heavy."
She went on to say, "Regarding the various historical accuracy issues in the drama that you pointed out, I sincerely reflect and apologize for taking on the role without thinking more deeply. Since this was a work that was supposed to capture imagination based on our own history and the traditional beauty of Korea, I should have read the script and studied more carefully as an actor. I am ashamed that I did not do so. I failed to recognize the problems in advance. I am sorry." She added, "Going forward, I will approach my work with greater caution and thoroughness."
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The problematic broadcast was Episode 11, which aired on the 15th. In the coronation scene of Grand Prince Lee Ahn (played by Byeon Woo-seok), the retainers shouted "Cheonse" instead of "Manse," the symbol of a sovereign state. The drama also drew criticism for historical distortion after the emperor of the sovereign state wore a nine-rank coronet, which was used by Chinese officials, instead of the twelve-rank coronet.
The production team said, "We take seriously viewers' criticism that the scene in which the king (played by Byeon Woo-seok) wears a 'nine-rank coronet' and the retainers perform sanho by shouting 'Cheonse' undermines our country's sovereign status." It explained, "This issue arose because we failed to carefully examine how Joseon Dynasty etiquette changed over time." The team also acknowledged, "We lacked the effort to refine the world-building in detail and review it more thoroughly," adding, "We will revise the audio and subtitles for the relevant parts as quickly as possible in future rebroadcasts, Video on Demand (VOD), and over-the-top media service (OTT) versions."
jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter