Director Park Joon Hwa of MBC’s Friday Saturday drama “Perfect Crown” has apologized after the drama faced criticism over historical research issues.
In a recent interview, Park Joon Hwa addressed the concerns raised by viewers after some scenes in episode 11 were criticized for weak historical research. The drama ended on May 16.
Park said, “I hoped that everyone who watched this drama would be left with happy and joyful memories, but a situation that I feel sorry about happened.” He added, “Without any excuse, I apologize on behalf of the production team.”
“Perfect Crown” is a romance drama set in a 21st century constitutional monarchy. It follows a wealthy chaebol woman who is unhappy because she is still considered a commoner, and a royal man who is the king’s son but cannot freely have what he wants.
The production team had also apologized earlier, saying, “We caused concern over issues related to the world setting and historical research.”
Lead stars IU and Byeon Woo Seok also shared apologies. IU said, “I reflect without excuse on acting without thinking more deeply about several historical research issues”.
Byeon Woo Seok said he lacked enough thought about “the historical context and meaning included in the work” and how viewers could receive it.
According to Park Joon Hwa, the drama’s fictional setting is based on a Joseon dynasty that continued for more than 600 years, while major historical events such as the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War were excluded.
He admitted that even though the drama is an alternate history story, the team should have paid more attention to historical details related to modern Korea.
Park also denied claims that the drama’s world setting was based on the Japanese imperial family. He also addressed claims that Seong Hee Joo’s refusal to wear hanbok was meant to look down on Korea, explaining that the scene was only meant to show the visual difference between Seong Hee Joo and the Queen Dowager.
