Korean Drama 'Perfect Crown' Apologizes After Backlash Over Royal Coronation Inaccuracies

The production team behind the popular Korean drama 'Perfect Crown' has issued a sincere apology following significant backlash from viewers regarding historical inaccuracies depicted in a pivotal royal coronation scene. The series, starring IU and Byeon Woo-seok, faced criticism for its portrayal of Prince I-an's ascension to the throne, particularly the use of the term 'Cheonse' instead of the historically accurate 'Manse' for a sovereign ruler.

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We sincerely apologize to viewers who have supported the drama with love for causing concern over issues related to the series’ fictional setting and historical accuracy.

Fans and historical experts alike noted that 'Cheonse,' meaning 'Long live for 1,000 years,' was typically used for rulers of lower rank, while 'Manse,' signifying 'Long live for 10,000 years,' is the appropriate term for an independent sovereign. Further scrutiny revealed discrepancies in the royal crown's design, specifically the number of bead strands, which deviated from traditional standards associated with monarchy. These details, though seemingly minor to some, were significant enough to spark widespread debate among the drama's dedicated audience.

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The production team failed to carefully examine how Joseon court protocols changed over the course of history.

In a statement released on the drama's official homepage, the 'Perfect Crown' team acknowledged their oversight, admitting they 'failed to carefully examine how Joseon court protocols changed over the course of history.' They expressed regret for causing concern and pledged to revise the relevant audio and subtitles for future rebroadcasts, video-on-demand, and streaming services as swiftly as possible. This commitment to correction demonstrates a responsiveness to audience feedback, a crucial aspect of maintaining goodwill in the competitive K-drama landscape.

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As Perfect Crown is both a romance and an alternate-history drama, we should have been much more cautious and considerate when approaching the points at which the fictional world intersects with real history, but we fell short in refining the world-building and reviewing the details more thoroughly.

Despite this controversy, 'Perfect Crown' has maintained strong ratings and popularity throughout its run, concluding on May 16. The drama's premise, set in a contemporary Korea where the monarchy still exists, offers a unique blend of romance and alternate history. While the production team's apology is a necessary step, the incident highlights the delicate balance K-dramas must strike between creative storytelling and historical fidelity. For Korean viewers, such inaccuracies can detract from the immersive experience, underscoring a shared appreciation for historical accuracy even within fictional narratives. The team's promise to rectify the errors reflects a dedication to refining their craft and respecting the historical context that often grounds even the most imaginative of stories.

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The team added that it will “revise the relevant audio and subtitles as quickly as possible for future rebroadcasts, VOD [video-on-demand] and streaming services”.