Writer and director of 'Perfect Crown' apologize: "We were careless and need to reflect... discussing whether to remove the problematic scene entirely"

[The Financial News] Yoo Ji-won, the writer of the MBC Friday-Saturday drama 'Perfect Crown,' has apologized for historical distortion concerns, following the lead of the main cast and director Park Joon-hwa.
On the afternoon of the 19th, Yoo posted on the official website of 'Perfect Crown,' saying, "We lacked thorough research and fact-checking while adapting Joseon-era etiquette to the modern era and depicting a fictional modern royal family. It was my carelessness that I failed to examine the historical context carefully." She added, "As a writer, I will reflect on my shortcomings and do better."

Yoo began by saying, "I sincerely apologize to viewers for the disappointment and concern caused by the controversy over historical accuracy." She added, "I am sorry that my hesitation in speaking out sooner, out of caution, ended up causing even more inconvenience to many people."
She continued, "'Perfect Crown' is a romance fantasy drama set in a fictional constitutional monarchy. Under the premise that the Joseon royal family had continued firmly into the present day, we wanted to show our traditions and beauty. However, we lacked thorough research and fact-checking while adapting Joseon-era etiquette to the modern era and depicting a fictional modern royal family."
Referring to the controversial coronation scene in episode 11, she added, "In particular, the scene in which the king wears the Guryu Myeonryugwan and the subjects shout 'Cheonse' during the enthronement ceremony was my carelessness. I failed to carefully consider the historical context that should have been taken into account when adapting Joseon rituals to the modern era. I am also taking seriously all the feedback viewers have sent us."
She concluded her statement by saying, "Because my concerns were not deep enough, I once again offer my sincere apologies to everyone who was hurt. I will keep the criticism and pointed feedback from viewers in mind, reflect on my shortcomings as a writer, and do better. I am sorry."
The controversy began with the enthronement scene in episode 11, which aired on the 15th. In the drama, Grand Prince I-an (Byeon Woo-seok) wore the Guryu Myeonryugwan instead of the Sipimyeonryugwan, the symbol of an emperor of a sovereign state, and the courtiers shouted "Cheonse" instead of "Manse," drawing criticism for historical distortion.
Eun-ju Lee, a National Heritage Commissioner and honorary professor in the Department of Cultural Convergence Content at the Korean Wave Culture Graduate School, Kookmin Gyeongkuk National University, told Yonhap News Agency on the 19th that the scene was not necessarily outside historical accuracy if the setting is Joseon. "If it is set in Joseon, it is not inaccurate for the king to wear the Guryu Myeonryugwan and for the courtiers to shout 'Cheonse,'" she said. "However, when the Korean Empire was proclaimed, it changed to the Sipimyeonryugwan and the Sipijangbok."

Director Park Joon-hwa, who helms the series, met with reporters in Samcheong-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, on the day and apologized on behalf of the production team with a somber expression.
He said, "Before we begin the interview, this was a drama we hoped viewers would enjoy with great anticipation and affection, but we made an inexcusable mistake." He added, "Making a beloved drama is important, but in the process we should have put more thought and effort into historical context and expression. I want to first say I am truly sorry that we fell short in that regard."
He also explained why he did not cancel the interview after the controversy emerged. "I thought that, in the end, I was the one who had been with this drama from start to finish," he said. "Whether the response is positive or critical, I believed I had to accept it all. I also felt that I needed to offer a clear apology for what we did wrong." He added, "I was sorry that we could not preserve the enjoyment and emotion until the very end for those who had supported the drama."
Addressing the problematic scene in particular, he said, "I also realized through this incident that I was very ignorant. I lacked understanding of the actual rituals and symbolic system. Especially regarding the use of the Guryu Myeonryugwan and the way the enthronement scene was portrayed, I did not sufficiently consider the historical weight. In the end, that part should have been approached as an expression fitting the context of the Korean Empire rather than the etiquette of the Joseon dynasty." He admitted to the production's shortcomings.
After criticism arose following the broadcast, the production team revised the audio and subtitles for the relevant scene in reruns and on VOD and OTT services. But as criticism continued, he was asked whether any further measures were being considered.
In response, Park said, "Because both MBC and the production company are taking this very seriously, we are also discussing the possibility of removing the problematic scene altogether."

Earlier, actors Byeon Woo-seok and IU posted apology statements on social media, bowing their heads and saying they had "not studied enough as lead actors."
Byeon Woo-seok said, "I did not think enough about how the historical context and meaning of the work would be received by viewers." He added, "As an actor, I will look more responsibly at the message and context of the work."
IU also said, "I unreservedly reflect and apologize for taking on the role without thinking more deeply about the various historical accuracy issues in the drama." She added, "I am ashamed of myself for not reading the script and studying more carefully, even though I should have. I failed to recognize the problem in advance. I am sorry."
jashin@fnnews.com Shin Jin-a Reporter