On the 18th, IU posted an apology on her social media, expressing her heavy heart: "As the lead actor of the project, I am deeply sorry for failing to show a sense of responsibility and for causing great disappointment to everyone. My heart feels very heavy."
She continued, "I have no excuses and I am reflecting on the fact that I did not contemplate more deeply the various historical inaccuracies in the drama pointed out by viewers before acting. As this was a project intended to capture the traditional beauty of South Korea and imagination based on our unique history, I am ashamed of myself for not reading the script and studying more carefully as an actor. I failed to have a proper sense of awareness regarding the issues beforehand. I am sorry," she reiterated.
She promised, "I will always remember the valuable criticisms and opinions you have sent me, and I will become an IU who approaches future projects with a more cautious and thorough attitude."
On the same day, Byeon Wooseok also posted a handwritten apology on his social media. In his statement, Byeon Wooseok said, "I lacked consideration regarding the historical context and meaning embedded in the project and how it would be perceived by the viewers. Through the words of the viewers, I have reflected and repented, and I have deeply realized once again that as an actor, I need to take a more responsible attitude in examining and considering not only my acting but also the messages and context of the project. I sincerely apologize."
He added, "I will become an actor who approaches projects with a more cautious and profound attitude in the future. I am sorry."
'Perfect Crown', starring IU and Byeon Wooseok, is a drama depicting the romance between Seong Hee-ju (played by IU), a woman who has everything but is a commoner in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy, and Prince I-an (played by Byeon Wooseok), a man who is the King's son but is sad because he cannot possess anything. From the beginning of its broadcast, the drama was at the center of attention and controversy due to the actors' lackluster performances and the insufficient setting of a fictional South Korea that retains a constitutional monarchy.
It became embroiled in a controversy over historical inaccuracies following the coronation scene of Grand Prince I-an in Episode 11, which aired on May 15. In the scene, I-an wore a guryumyeollyugwan — a crown associated with vassal rulers — instead of the sibimyeollyugwan traditionally worn by emperors. In addition, the courtiers shouted “Cheonse” rather than “Manse,” further fueling criticism over historical inaccuracies in the drama.
As the controversy spread, the production team of 'Perfect Crown' posted an official apology, bowing their heads and stating, "We take the criticism from viewers that we undermined the independent status of our nation very seriously. This occurred because the production team did not carefully examine how the etiquette of the Joseon Dynasty changed throughout history."
'Perfect Crown' concluded its run on the 16th amidst the controversy. Although the final episode of the 12-part series recorded its highest viewership rating of 13.8% (Nielsen Korea nationwide), the drama faced a disgraceful exit as the lead actors continued to release apologies even after the series ended.
[Photo = IU and Byeon Wooseok's Instagram]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)