IU and Byeon Woo Seok's MBC drama Perfect Crown has avoided formal broadcasting sanctions following a historical accuracy controversy that previously led to public criticism and a petition calling for the drama's removal.
According to the minutes of the 29th Broadcast Review Subcommittee meeting released on November 12, the broadcasting regulator decided to issue administrative guidance in the form of an expression of opinion, rather than impose formal sanctions on the drama.
The decision came after committee members reviewed complaints about the series' portrayal of Korean royal traditions and historical symbols.
During the discussion, committee member Hong Mi Ae acknowledged the importance of creative freedom, particularly because Perfect Crown is a fictional drama set in an alternate version of modern South Korea.
However, she also questioned how far creative freedom should extend when historical traditions are portrayed inaccurately.
Hong considered the apologies made by the cast and production team, along with the corrective measures taken after the controversy.
Another committee member, Cho Seung Ho, explained that fictional dramas should not necessarily be held to the same historical standards as traditional historical productions. However, he also recognized that some viewers' concerns about the use of certain royal symbols were reasonable.
Committee member Kim Woo Seok criticized the production's handling of historical details, saying that proper consultation with historians could have prevented the controversy.
After discussions resulted in differing opinions, the committee ultimately agreed on the less severe administrative guidance.
The controversy began during the drama's broadcast when viewers questioned a coronation scene involving Byeon Woo Seok's character, Grand Prince Ian.
Critics pointed to the use of a nine-beaded royal crown and the chant "Cheonse" instead of "Manse", arguing that these details carried historical meanings associated with a subordinate state rather than an independent ruler.
Following the criticism, IU, Byeon Woo Seok, the director, and the writer issued apologies, while MBC decided to remove the controversial ending sequence.
Director Park Joon Hwa also explained that the production had no intention of distorting history, acknowledging shortcomings in how the fictional setting was presented.
The issue continued even after the drama ended in May. A public petition calling for the series to be removed reportedly gathered 50,000 signatures within four days, meeting the required threshold for parliamentary consideration.
Despite the controversy and public complaints, Perfect Crown has now avoided formal broadcasting sanctions, with the regulator choosing administrative guidance instead.
The decision reflects the committee's consideration of both historical accuracy concerns and the creative freedom allowed in fictional entertainment productions.
IU and Byeon Woo Seok's MBC drama Perfect Crown has avoided formal broadcasting sanctions following a historical accuracy controversy that previously led to public criticism and a petition calling for the drama's removal.
According to the minutes of the 29th Broadcast Review Subcommittee meeting released on November 12, the broadcasting regulator decided to issue administrative guidance in the form of an expression of opinion, rather than impose formal sanctions on the drama.
The decision came after committee members reviewed complaints about the series' portrayal of Korean royal traditions and historical symbols.
During the discussion, committee member Hong Mi Ae acknowledged the importance of creative freedom, particularly because Perfect Crown is a fictional drama set in an alternate version of modern South Korea.
However, she also questioned how far creative freedom should extend when historical traditions are portrayed inaccurately.
Hong considered the apologies made by the cast and production team, along with the corrective measures taken after the controversy.
Another committee member, Cho Seung Ho, explained that fictional dramas should not necessarily be held to the same historical standards as traditional historical productions. However, he also recognized that some viewers' concerns about the use of certain royal symbols were reasonable.
Committee member Kim Woo Seok criticized the production's handling of historical details, saying that proper consultation with historians could have prevented the controversy.
After discussions resulted in differing opinions, the committee ultimately agreed on the less severe administrative guidance.
The controversy began during the drama's broadcast when viewers questioned a coronation scene involving Byeon Woo Seok's character, Grand Prince Ian.
Critics pointed to the use of a nine-beaded royal crown and the chant "Cheonse" instead of "Manse", arguing that these details carried historical meanings associated with a subordinate state rather than an independent ruler.
Following the criticism, IU, Byeon Woo Seok, the director, and the writer issued apologies, while MBC decided to remove the controversial ending sequence.
Director Park Joon Hwa also explained that the production had no intention of distorting history, acknowledging shortcomings in how the fictional setting was presented.
The issue continued even after the drama ended in May. A public petition calling for the series to be removed reportedly gathered 50,000 signatures within four days, meeting the required threshold for parliamentary consideration.
Despite the controversy and public complaints, Perfect Crown has now avoided formal broadcasting sanctions, with the regulator choosing administrative guidance instead.
The decision reflects the committee's consideration of both historical accuracy concerns and the creative freedom allowed in fictional entertainment productions.
