During the press conference for the new Netflix variety show 'Jae-seok's B&B Rules!' held at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul on the morning of the 19th, Byeon Wooseok addressed the historical distortion controversy of 'Perfect Crown', stating, "I feel sorry regarding the recent issues."
'Perfect Crown', which starred Byeon, became the center of attention and controversy from the beginning due to the actors' lackluster performances and the poorly executed premise of a fictional South Korea that retained a constitutional monarchy. In particular, the series became embroiled in a controversy over historical inaccuracies following the coronation scene of Grand Prince I-an (played by Byeon) 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 apologized, stating, "We take the viewers' criticism that we undermined our nation's independent status very seriously," and promised to edit the scene. Additionally, on the 18th, the drama's lead actors, IU and Byeon Wooseok, posted apologies on their respective social media accounts, expressing their sense of responsibility.
At the 'Jae-seok's B&B Rules!' press conference, held just one day after posting his apology, Byeon Wooseok apologized once more for the issue while also asking for anticipation for 'Jae-seok's B&B Rules!'.
'Jae-seok's B&B Rules!' is a large-scale variety show where novice B&B manager Yu Jae-seok and unpredictable staff members Lee Kwang-soo, Byeon Wooseok, and Ji Ye-eun live together with guests, "chatting and playing" to their hearts' content. It has garnered high expectations as a new B&B-themed variety show from the production team led by PD Jung Hyo-min, known for 'Hyori's Homestay' and 'Kian's Bizarre B&B', who have teamed up with Netflix once again.
Byeon Wooseok, who is taking on his first fixed variety show role through this program, expressed his excitement about working with Yu Jae-seok, saying, "I've met Jae-seok hyung a few times while doing variety shows, and I thought, 'If I were to do a variety show, it would be great to do it with him. I want to try it once.'"
He continued, "Fans really like seeing my everyday side, and I thought 'Jae-seok's B&B Rules!' was the kind of show where I could show that. So, although I was scared and nervous, I decided to take on the challenge with the mindset of just giving it a try," revealing the background behind his decision to appear.
Byeon Wooseok plays the role of the 'healing specialist' on 'Jae-seok's B&B Rules!'. From obsessing over eggs at every meal to chopping wood on bare ground, he captures the hearts of guests with his "affectionate klutz" charm—someone who may seem a bit clumsy but is impossible not to love.
Regarding his experience as a staff member who had to work non-stop for three days and two nights to manage a large group of people, Byeon said, "It was chaotic," but added, "I always have the mindset of 'let's do my best in every moment' in life, and I did my best while filming 'Jae-seok's B&B Rules!' as well. I hope you look upon that side of me favorably."
'Jae-seok's B&B Rules!' will be released on Netflix over two weeks, starting with episodes 1–5 on the 26th, followed by episodes 6–10 on June 2.
[Photo = Reporter Baek Seung-cheol]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)