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A major controversy has erupted around Disney+ and Hulu’s K-drama “Perfect Crown,” after its finale triggered criticism over historical inaccuracies and cultural misrepresentation, pushing its lead stars into public apology and sparking calls for edits to the global streaming version.

INTENSE BACKLASH OVER FINALE SCENE

The dispute centers on Episode 11, which aired on May 15, featuring a coronation scene for Byeon Woo Seok’s character, Grand Prince Yi An, as he ascends the throne in a fictional 21st-century constitutional monarchy in South Korea.

Critics say the depiction crossed historical lines, pointing to officials chanting “Cheonse,” a term historically used for subordinate states rather than “Manse,” which is traditionally used for independent sovereign nations.

Viewers also raised concerns about the portrayal of the “Guryu Myeonryugwan” crown, a royal headpiece historically associated with vassal state rituals, arguing it was inaccurately used in the episode.

The backlash intensified online as audiences questioned the show’s handling of cultural and historical symbolism in a production that had already built massive global attention.

IU AND BYEON WOO SEOK RESPOND WITH APOLOGIES

Following the controversy, IU and Byeon Woo Seok both posted handwritten letters in Korean to their personal Instagram accounts on Sunday night, directly addressing viewer criticism.

“My heart remains heavy even now,” she states. “I sincerely reflect and apologize without excuse for not contemplating more deeply regarding the historical accuracy issues pointed out by viewers and proceeding with my role as an actor.”

IU said she read all viewer comments and expressed regret for not taking greater responsibility as the lead actress in the production. She added that she hoped to portray imagination rooted in South Korea’s history and traditional beauty, while thanking fans for their engagement and feedback.

She also promised to approach future projects with greater caution and deeper consideration.

Byeon Woo Seok shared a similar message, acknowledging that he felt concerned his words could further affect the situation but felt it was necessary to speak out.

“I took time to reflect on myself after reading the audience’s feedback,” he states in the letter, apologizing for his error. “I’ve realized once again that as an actor, I need to go beyond just acting and take responsibility for understanding the message and context of the work I’m part of.”

He thanked fans for their support and constructive criticism, saying he would carry those lessons into future roles.

GLOBAL SUCCESS OVERSHADOWED BY CONTROVERSY

Despite the backlash, “Perfect Crown” has been one of the most successful Korean titles on Disney+ and Hulu to date.

Since its premiere on April 10, the series has accumulated more than 43 million hours of viewing globally, ranking No. 1 across multiple regions including the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan.

Domestically, the finale aired on May 16 and reached a peak nationwide household rating of 13.8 percent, according to Nielsen Korea.

CALLS FOR EDITS AND CULTURAL CONCERNS

The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK) has urged Disney+ and Hulu to edit the controversial scenes, warning that the content could lead to international misunderstanding of Korean history and symbolism.

While some Korean streaming platforms have already removed the scene locally, the international versions still include Episode 11 in its original form, pending further response from global distributors.

STORY OF THE SERIES

Set in a fictional 21st-century constitutional monarchy, “Perfect Crown” follows Grand Prince Yi-An as he faces pressure to marry in order to prevent a royal power struggle.

He eventually enters a strategic marriage agreement with Huiju, played by IU, the heir to a powerful Korean conglomerate, aiming to strengthen their positions.

What begins as a calculated arrangement slowly develops into a romantic entanglement, unfolding into a classic K-drama blend of politics, ambition, and unexpected love.