The incident garnered criticism from viewers.
In their separate statements, Korean superstars IU and Byeon Woo Seok addressed the controversy surrounding the drama series Perfect Crown.
During its eleventh episode, which aired on South Korean network MBC last May 15, the show drew flak for allegedly depicting the alternate reality of South Korea as a “vassal state” of China, as reported by Soompi.
Specifically, the ceremonial scene where Byeon’s character, Grand Prince Ian, appeared, his subjects were said to have shouted “cheonse” instead of “manse,” with the difference the two being the former is used by subservient nation, rather than the latter, which signifies “a thousand years.”
Even the actor’s costume was also scrutinized, as he wore a crown used by Chinese subjects instead of the one worn by emperors.
In light of the situation, both lead stars have issued their handwritten letters on their respective social media pages.
As translated from Korean, IU, who portrays Seong Hui Ju, told she took time read comments from viewers of the top-rating show.
“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. Even now, my heart feels very heavy,” she wrote.
The singer-actress continued, “Regarding the various issues of historical verification in the drama that viewers pointed out, I sincerely reflect and apologize—without excuse—for having gone into my acting without thinking more deeply about them.“
She emphasized that with the drama, it was important for it to be grounded in Korean history, and as an actress in the show, she said she could have “studied” more as she repeated her apologies.
To end, she thanked people who watched the series and spoke up about the matter.
Meanwhile, Byeon Woo Seok said in his handwritten letter that he was “worried” about how the public would perceive his apology, but went on to write this message to address the issue.
“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,” he said.
The 34-year-old then noted that through the feedback drom viewers, he said that he learned that he must approach his work with “greater responsibility” and understand also the message and context, aside from acting.
“I sincerely apologize,” he added.
Woo Seok also thanked viewers for supporting Perfect Crown throughout its 16-episode run and told that he will become an actor who is cautious and thoughtful about his work.
The production company behind the show also apologized for the oversight and said, “We take the criticism that we have undermined our nation’s sovereign status very seriously.”
Perfect Crown is set in alternate reality when South Korea’s monarchy remained in power under a constitutional monarchy setup, which include a government led by a Prime Minister.
During its finale episode, the show garnered the highest rating on its timeslot and its entire run, registering 13.8% in the nationwide TV ratings in its domestic market as per Nielsen Korea.
In the Philippines, it streams on the streaming platform Disney+.