MBC’s “Perfect Crown” is still facing strong backlash even after its finale, as a government agency is now reviewing whether support funds given to the drama can possibly be recovered.
On May 19, the Broadcasting Media Communications Committee stated that it is checking the legal possibility of recovering government support funds related to the recently ended MBC Friday Saturday drama “Perfect Crown”.
“Perfect Crown” is set in a fictional 21st century South Korea under a constitutional monarchy. The drama follows a romance between a chaebol woman who has everything but is only a commoner by status, and a prince who is the king’s son but cannot freely have what he wants.
The drama ended with strong attention after its final episode, which aired on May 16, recorded its highest rating of 13.8% nationwide, according to Nielsen Korea.
However, the series became the center of controversy after a coronation scene in episode 11, which aired on May 15.
In the scene, Grand Prince Ian, played by Byeon Woo Seok, becomes the new king of the fictional Joseon constitutional monarchy. He is shown wearing a nine row royal crown, while people at the ceremony are heard saying “a thousand years.”
The problem is that the crown and the phrase were connected to rulers of vassal states under the Chinese empire. Because of this, some Chinese netizens reportedly used the scene to support the Northeast Project view and claim that Joseon was once a vassal state of China.
The scene was criticized by VANK, Korean history instructor Choi Tae Sung, and Professor Seo Kyung Duk of Sungshin Women’s University.
They pointed out that even if such items and words were used in Joseon royal ceremonies, Joseon was not a vassal state of China. Critics said the drama failed to give proper historical context and gave room for historical distortion.
The issue became more serious because “Perfect Crown” had participated in an investment presentation at the Canneseries Festival in France last month. It was part of an overseas distribution support project promoted by the Broadcasting Media Communications Committee and the Korea Communications Agency.
Because of this, attention is now on whether the government support can be returned. However, the committee reportedly believes the support may not have been direct production funding, but actual expense support for overseas showcase participation and related opportunities in Cannes.
Still, the committee plans to review the legal possibility of recovering the funds.
The controversy has also raised questions about whether dramas using fictional historical settings still need stronger historical research and review before airing. Even after its finale, “Perfect Crown” remains under public attention because of the issue.
