The hit Korean drama Perfect Crown ended its run on May 16 with a record rating of 13.8% , but no one is celebrating. Instead, the show’s lead actors IU and Byeon Woo Seok are publicly apologizing after viewers accused the series of distorting Korean history in its 11th episode.
The controversy has left IU in tears during a fan event. Byeon Woo Seok posted a handwritten apology. Even the show’s script book is getting recalled and revised. A planned interview with another cast member was canceled altogether.
Here is everything that happened and why fans are so angry.
What Went Wrong in Episode 11
Perfect Crown is a fictional story set in a modern-day constitutional monarchy. But in episode 11, a coronation scene sparked serious backlash from Korean viewers.
In the scene where Byeon Woo Seok’s character Grand Prince Ian becomes king, he wears a royal headpiece called a guryumyeonryugwan. The court officials shout “Cheonse” instead of “Manse”.
To many Korean viewers, these are not small details. A guryumyeonryugwan (nine-tasseled crown) was historically worn by rulers of vassal states. Cheonse means “a thousand years” and was used for lower-ranking monarchs. An independent kingdom would use a shipimyeonryugwan (twelve-tasseled crown) and the chant Manse (“ten thousand years”).
Critics say the drama’s fictional setting does not excuse using symbols that suggest Korea was ever a subordinate nation to China. With ongoing historical disputes like China’s Northeast Project, viewers are extremely sensitive to any portrayal that undermines Korea’s sovereign history.
A tea ceremony scene also drew fire. The way characters poured tea was reportedly similar to Chinese-style rituals rather than Korean traditions.
Production Team Apologizes First
On May 16, the production crew of Perfect Crown released an official apology on the drama’s website.
“We sincerely apologize to all who have watched the drama with affection for causing concern over issues related to world-building and historical accuracy. We take seriously the viewers’ criticism that the scene where the king wears the guryumyeonryugwan and the attendants shout Cheonse at the enthronement ceremony undermines our nation’s sovereign status.”
The team edited the controversial parts for rebroadcasts. They removed the Cheonse chanting entirely.
But the damage was already done. Fans wanted answers from the actors too.
IU’s Emotional Apology to Fans
IU, who plays Seong Hui Ju in the drama, first addressed the issue on May 16. That day was also her birthday. She rented a theater in Seoul’s Yongsan district to watch the final episode with her fans.
After the screening, she spoke directly to the audience. Her voice cracked as she admitted her mistakes.
“I think it’s because I’ve been preparing for an album and nearing the end of the drama, but lately I’ve been thinking, ‘I need to do better. I need to take more responsibility and do better.’ I must do better for you all. It’s truly my fault if I’ve disappointed or shown inadequacy.”
She continued, “I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. If only I had done better, this wouldn’t have happened.”
IU then bowed 90 degrees multiple times to her fans. Her eyes filled with tears as she promised to work harder.
On May 18, she posted a longer written apology on Instagram.
“Hello. This is IU, who played the role of Seong Hui Ju in ‘Perfect Crown’. Over the past few days, I have carefully read each and every comment that many viewers left. As a lead actor of the drama, I feel I failed to show a responsible attitude and ended up causing great disappointment, and I am deeply sorry.”
She added, “Because this was a drama in which it was important to convey imagination grounded in our own history and the traditional beauty of Korea, I should have read the script more carefully and studied more as an actor, but I did not, and I am ashamed of myself for that.”
Byeon Woo Seok’s Handwritten Letter
Byeon Woo Seok, who played Grand Prince Ian, waited a couple of days before speaking out. On May 18, he shared a handwritten apology on his social media.
“Over the weekend, I was worried and concerned that my words might end up causing further harm. With a heavy heart, I am writing this to those who have felt discomfort and concern because of the drama.”
He admitted he did not think deeply enough about the historical meaning of the scenes he was acting in.
“In the process of filming and acting in this drama, I did not think enough about what the historical context and meaning contained in it were and how that might be received by the viewers. Through the words of the viewers, I have been led to reflect and look back on myself, and as an actor I have once again deeply taken to heart that I need to approach my work with greater responsibility — considering not only the acting but also the message and context carried by the production.”
He promised to be more cautious with future projects.
Cast Member Cancels Interviews
The fallout did not stop with the two leads. Lee Jae Won, who played Seong Hui Ju’s older brother Seong Tae Ju, canceled all his planned interviews.
His agency Studio YooHoo released a statement on May 18.
“We are acutely aware of the current public sentiment and situation surrounding the drama. Given these circumstances, we felt it would be inappropriate and potentially burdensome for the actor to proceed with a personal interview at this time. The actor, as a member of the production, is also reflecting deeply on the situation.”
Even Byeon Woo Seok’s planned fan Q&A session is now uncertain. His agency told OSEN that nothing has been finalized and discussions are still ongoing.
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Script Book Gets Recalled and Corrected
The controversy also forced the publisher of the Perfect Crown script book to take action.
On May 16, publisher Opanhaus announced that the script book would be revised. The first edition had already been printed and shipped. But the publisher decided to offer digital corrected pages (PDF files) starting May 18 through their Instagram account.
Physical correction stickers will also be mailed to readers who apply. Refunds are available through the original sales channels.
“We once again sincerely apologize for the confusion and inconvenience caused to our readers,” the publisher stated.
High Ratings but a Bitter Ending
Perfect Crown started strong. The drama won MBC’s script competition. The casting of IU and Byeon Woo Seok created massive buzz even before the first episode. It topped online discussion charts from episode 1.
The ratings climbed from 7.8% to a peak of 13.8% for the finale. On paper, these are solid numbers.
But the historical distortion issue has overshadowed everything. Even before the episode 11 controversy, the drama faced criticism for weak storytelling, childish direction, and three separate palace fire scenes that viewers found repetitive.
The finale aired on May 16. Instead of celebrating, the cast and crew are stuck managing a public relations crisis.
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