- By Swati Singh
- Sat, 30 May 2026 03:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Perfect Crown, starring IU and Byeon Woo-seok, became one of 2026’s biggest successes, ending its run on May 16 with a series-high nationwide rating of 13.8 percent. Fans praised the cast, the story and the show's emotional impact. Everything seemed to be going right for the drama. Then an unexpected controversy overshadowed its success. The backlash was not about the performances or plot, but about a crown and a chant that carried sensitive historical connotations for Korean viewers.
The fallout was swift. The director issued a public apology, a drama-themed pop-up store shut down early, the script book publisher revised disputed terminology, and the production faced calls to return government funding it had received.
What is the controversy surrounding Perfect Crown?
Perfect Crown is set in an alternate version of modern-day South Korea where the Joseon royal family still rules under a constitutional monarchy. The drama stars Byeon Woo-seok as Grand Prince I-an, who eventually becomes king, alongside IU.
To bring this fictional royal world to life, the production created its own costumes, ceremonies and royal traditions. However, some of those creative choices soon sparked controversy.
Much of the criticism centered on two moments from the coronation scene that carried strong historical significance. The first issue involved the crown worn by Byeon Woo-seok's character. During the coronation, he was shown wearing a guryu myeonryugwan, a type of royal headgear that critics say was historically linked to kings within East Asia’s tributary system.
Historically, sovereign emperors were associated with the sibi myeonryugwan, which featured 12 strands of jade beads. The nine-stranded guryu version, by contrast, was traditionally worn by rulers who acknowledged the authority of a higher imperial power. Critics argued that portraying the king of an independent Korea with such headgear carried uncomfortable historical implications.
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The second controversy centred on a coronation chant. During the ceremony, court officials proclaimed “Cheonse,” which translates to “Long live for a thousand years.” Historically, the phrase has been associated with rulers of vassal or subordinate states.
Critics argued that an independent monarch would traditionally be greeted with “Manse,” meaning “Long live for ten thousand years.” Because of this distinction, many viewers saw the choice as historically inappropriate for the drama’s fictional Korean king.
Perfect Crown director issues apology
Director Park Jun-hwa issued a public apology, saying, "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 worldbuilding and historical accuracy."
"Without any room for excuses, I, representing the production team, bear the greatest responsibility. I apologize to all viewers. Personally, I feel sorry for the actors who have worked hard to create this drama, as I caused them hardship rather than rewarding their efforts. I offer my deepest apologies," he further added.