MBC’s “Perfect Crown” director Park Joon Hwa has personally apologized after the drama became involved in a historical distortion controversy.
On May 19, Director Park spoke about the issue during an interview and said he felt responsible for the situation. He shared, “I wanted viewers to feel joy while watching the drama, but I am truly sorry for creating a bad situation for many people.” He also apologized to the staff, cast, and viewers who supported the drama.
He continued, “As the person who was responsible for making the drama from beginning to end, I thought I had to personally speak about the problem caused by my shortcomings.”
During the interview, Director Park also shed tears while explaining why the controversy hurt him deeply. He said he always wanted to give viewers comfort and happiness through his work, especially through comedy. He recalled seeing an online video of an elderly viewer happily watching the ballroom scene from the drama.
He shared, “When someone asked why it was so fun, the person said, ‘Because it is touching.’” Director Park said he kept thinking about that viewer’s happy face and felt sorry that the drama could not end only with warmth and healing for viewers. He added, “That is why I cried.”
“Perfect Crown” had gained major attention even before airing because of its lead stars IU and Byeon Woo Seok. However, the drama faced criticism after episode 11 showed details that viewers said needed stronger historical review.
The controversy centered on Grand Prince Ian’s coronation scene, where the phrase “a thousand years” was used, along with a nine row royal crown. Criticism also grew after a scene showed a Chinese style tea ceremony instead of a Korean traditional method.
Following the backlash, the production team posted an apology and said they would edit the audio and subtitles of the controversial parts in broadcast, VOD, and OTT versions. IU and Byeon Woo Seok also each released apology letters.
“Perfect Crown” is set in a fictional 21st century South Korea under a constitutional monarchy. The drama follows a romance between a wealthy woman who is still considered a commoner by status and a prince who cannot freely have what he wants.
