Perfect Crown Guryumyeongwan Row: IU, Byeon Woo-Seok Show's Makers Apologise; Promise To Re-Work Audio, Subtitles

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K-drama Perfect Crown is at the centre of a major controversy coinciding with its very much hyped finale. The drama, starring IU and Byeon Woo-Seok, received backlash after viewers accused the series of mishandling Korean history and symbolism in a crucial coronation scene. After facing very intense criticism online, the production team issued an official apology, admitting shortcomings in their historical research and worldbuilding. They also promised to revise the controversial scenes by reworking the audio and subtitles for future broadcasts, VOD releases, and OTT streaming versions.

Perfect Crown makers apologise

Responding to the backlash regarding their lack of research, the production team released a lengthy apology statement on the drama’s official website. “We sincerely bow our heads in apology to the many viewers who watched and supported the drama with affection, for causing concern over issues related to the worldbuilding and historical inaccuracies,” the statement read.

The makers admitted that they failed to thoroughly examine how Joseon court etiquette evolved throughout history. While acknowledging that Perfect Crown is primarily a romance drama, the team stated that the historical elements still required careful consideration and more detailed research. The production team also specifically addressed criticism surrounding the use of the imperial crown and the title “Your Majesty the Emperor,” admitting that these choices hurt the “historical dignity and sovereignty” of Korea.To address viewers’ concerns, the makers confirmed that changes would be made to the controversial scenes. According to the statement, the production team will revise the audio and subtitles in future rebroadcasts, VOD releases, and OTT streaming versions as quickly as possible. The team concluded by promising to act more responsibly moving forward and create works that better reflect the trust viewers place in them.

What is Perfect Crown's Guryumyeongwan controversy?

The controversy erupted after Episode 11 of Perfect Crown aired on May 15. The drama, which imagines an alternate timeline where Korea was a constitutional monarchy and was never colonised by Japan, came under fire for portraying Korea as historically subordinate to China.

The issue mainly centered around Prince Ian’s coronation sequence. During the scene, the prince appeared wearing a traditional royal crown called the 'Guryumyeongwan,' which has nine strings of beads hanging from the front and back. Historically, the nine-string crown was associated with Joseon rulers during periods when Korea maintained a tributary relationship with China. In contrast, independent emperors traditionally wore the “Sipyiryumyeongwan,” a more sovereign symbol that included twelve bead strings.Because Perfect Crown presents a fictional version of modern Korea as an independent monarchy, many viewers argued that using the nine-string crown unintentionally suggested that the nation still existed under Chinese influence. The criticism got harsh because of the ceremonial dialogue used during Prince Ian’s ascension. In the scene, parliament members shouted 'Cheon-se,' meaning 'may the kingdom prosper for a thousand years.' Historically, the phrase was commonly used for Joseon kings, while emperors were traditionally honoured with 'Man-se,' meaning 'ten thousand years.'