Byeon Woo Seok has personally apologized after MBC’s Friday Saturday drama “Perfect Crown” became involved in a history distortion controversy.
On May 18, the actor posted a handwritten apology letter on his personal social media account. Byeon Woo Seok played the male lead, Grand Prince Ian, in the drama.
He began by saying, “Over the weekend, I was worried and concerned that my words might cause another kind of harm.”
He added that he was writing “with a heavy heart” to those who felt discomfort and concern because of the drama.
Byeon Woo Seok admitted that he did not think deeply enough about the issue while filming. He said, “During the filming and acting process, I did not think deeply enough about the historical context and meaning contained in the work, and how it could be received by viewers.”
He continued that after hearing viewers’ comments, he was able to reflect on himself. He said he realized that, as an actor, he needs to look at not only his acting but also “the message and context of a work with more responsibility.”
He then directly apologized, saying, “I sincerely apologize.”
Byeon Woo Seok also thanked viewers who supported “Perfect Crown” and his character Grand Prince Ian, as well as those who gave advice.
He promised to approach future projects with a more careful and thoughtful attitude, saying, “From now on, I will become an actor who approaches projects with a more careful and deeper attitude. I am sorry.”
“Perfect Crown” recently ended with its highest ratings in its final episode. However, the drama faced criticism after episode 11 showed Grand Prince Ian’s coronation scene using details such as a nine bead crown and the phrase “Cheonse”, which some viewers pointed out as symbols linked to a vassal state.
