K-drama Perfect Crown and its stars apologise for inaccurate portrayal of royal rituals

SEOUL – The team behind Perfect Crown (2026) issued a formal apology following backlash over the K-drama’s depiction of Korean history, particularly criticism that its Joseon-era (1392 to 1910) court rituals portrayed Korean royalty in a diminished or subordinate rank.

In a May 16 statement posted on the production’s official website, the creators said: “We sincerely bow our heads in apology to the many viewers who have supported the drama with affection for the concerns caused by issues surrounding the world-building and historical accuracy.”

The statement specifically addressed criticism over a coronation sequence in which the king (Byeon Woo-seok) wears a Guryu Myeonryu-gwan and officials chant “cheonse”.

Via the statement, the creators added that the controversy stemmed from the team’s failure to fully examine “how Joseon court rituals and etiquette evolved throughout history”.

The team also confirmed that the disputed material would be revised for future releases of the romantic-comedy series, which is available on Disney+. “We humbly accept viewers’ criticism, and will revise the relevant audio and subtitles as quickly as possible for future rebroadcasts, video-on-demand releases and streaming services,” the statement said.

The controversy intensified after the May 15 episode featured star Byeon as Grand Prince I-an ascending the throne while wearing the Guryu Myeonryu-gwan.

Viewers criticised the sequence for having court officials proclaim “cheonse” (“long live for a thousand years”), a phrase historically associated with vassal states subordinate to an empire, rather than “manse” (“long live for 10 thousand years”), which traditionally signified an independent sovereign nation.

Further criticism centred on the royal headpiece itself.

Historically, emperors or sovereign rulers of independent states wore a Sibi Myeonryu-gwan adorned with 12 strands of jade beads, while the Guryu Myeonryu-gwan was reserved for feudal rulers serving under an emperor.

Critics argued that the drama’s incorporation of both elements undermined its depiction of an independent kingdom, instead evoking court rituals associated with Joseon’s tributary ties with imperial China.

The controversy also spilled over into the upcoming publication of the drama’s script book. Ahead of its release on May 18, publisher O’Fanhouse Studio issued a separate statement on social media on May 16 confirming that it was in discussions with the production team regarding revisions to the disputed ceremonial terminology.

“The publisher takes this matter very seriously,” the company said, adding that it would issue a separate notice to customers who had pre-ordered the first edition and incorporate the corrected terminology into future printings.

Beginning May 18, customers who purchased the first edition will be able to download a PDF containing the revised text through the company’s official social media accounts, while physical correction stickers will also be distributed upon request.

K-pop idol IU, whose character in Perfect Crown is a conglomerate heiress yearning for status to increase her social standing, shared her thoughts on May 16.

The South Korean singer-actress celebrated her 33rd birthday that day and held a special screening of the series’ final episode for fans at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul.

“I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. I should have done better,” she said to the crowd, according to a translation by South Korean media outlet The Chosun Daily.

While she did not mention the controversy directly, she added: “I will strive to do better, as someone who receives your love... Any disappointment or shortcomings I caused are entirely my fault. I believe your feedback is valid and something I must accept. If you point out my weaknesses, scold me or urge me to improve, I will work harder to become a better person.”

Byeon and IU also took to Instagram on May 18 to apologise over the controversy.

“During the filming and acting process, I failed to give sufficient consideration to the historical context and significance embedded in the production, as well as how this might be received by viewers,” Byeon, 34, wrote in Korean.

“Through the feedback from viewers, I have engaged in self-reflection and have come to realise once again that, as an actor, I must adopt a more responsible attitude, carefully examining and contemplating not only my performance, but also the message and context of the work. I offer my sincere apologies.”

IU wrote in Korean: “I have no excuse for not giving deeper consideration to the various historical accuracy issues in the drama that you (the viewers) have pointed out, and I sincerely reflect on this and apologise.

“As this was a production that aimed to capture the traditional beauty of Korea through imagination rooted in our unique history, I am ashamed of myself for failing to read the script more carefully and study it thoroughly as an actress. I did not properly recognise the potential issues in advance. I am truly sorry.”

Despite the backlash, Perfect Crown posted strong ratings.

According to audience aggregator Nielsen Korea, the final Episode 12, which aired on May 16, drew a nationwide rating of 13.8 per cent, up 0.3 percentage point from Episode 11’s 13.5 per cent, marking a new high for the series.

Meanwhile, Disney+ announced on May 15 that the series, which premiered on April 10, became the platform’s most-watched Korean title worldwide during its first 28 days of release. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK