The creator of the K-drama “Perfect Crown” officially apologized after weeks of criticism over the show’s depiction of Joseon-era traditions, but the statement only intensified online backlash and renewed calls for the drama’s removal.
On May 19, writer Yoo Ji Won released a public statement through MBC’s official website, addressing complaints about the series’ fictional modern-day monarchy setting and its use of royal customs related to the Korean Joseon Dynasty.
In the apology, Yoo admitted that the production lacked sufficient historical research while adapting royal traditions into a modern fantasy setting. The writer explained that the show was created as a romantic fantasy imagining the Joseon royal family continuing into present-day Korea.
“I sincerely apologize for disappointing and worrying viewers due to the controversy surrounding the historical accuracy of the show,” Yoo said. “I lacked in-depth research and historical verification.”
According to Koreaboo, Yoo specifically mentioned scenes involving a nine-pearl crown used during a royal ceremony and a moment where people shouted “cheonse,” both of which have become major points of criticism among Korean viewers. The writer also admitted that he delayed the apology due to concerns that speaking publicly too soon might create further discomfort. However, Yoo acknowledged that the silence only made the situation worse.
‘Perfect Crown’ Writer Finally Breaks Silence, Only to Fuel More Fierce Calls for K-Drama to Be Completely Eliminated https://t.co/uQGbHzvgwz
— Koreaboo (@Koreaboo) May 20, 2026
Viewers Call for ‘Perfect Crown’ Removal
Despite the apology, many viewers were shocked, arguing that the matter was more serious than simple historical errors. Online commentators accused the drama of “historical distortion” rather than minor accuracy issues, KpopHit reported.
Several Korean netizens said the apology focused too narrowly on a few controversial scenes, ignoring broader complaints raised throughout the series. Some have questioned why the drama has continued to remain available despite the backlash.
Comments calling for the show’s removal spread quickly across online communities. Many viewers repeatedly used the Korean term often translated as “discard”, calling for the series to be pulled from circulation entirely.
Others criticized the production for continuing to sell related products, including scripts and novel adaptations, while the controversy remained unresolved. Some viewers argued that the apology alone was not enough to address their concerns. One commenter wrote that the apology “misses the point of what the real issue is,” while another said the controversy affected the drama “from episode one to the finale.”
