Singer and actress IU (Yoon Byung-chan/Herald Muse)
Singer and actress IU (Yoon Byung-chan/Herald Muse)

Korean singer and actress IU has issued a public apology following controversy over alleged historical inaccuracies in the Korean popular drama Perfect Crown.

On Monday afternoon, IU addressed the issue through her official channel, acknowledging criticism surrounding the show’s portrayal of historical elements. “Over the past few days, I have carefully read every comment left by viewers,” she wrote, expressing remorse as the drama’s lead actress.

“I feel deeply sorry for failing to demonstrate a sense of responsibility as the lead and for causing great disappointment. My heart is still very heavy,” she said.

IU admitted she had not given sufficient consideration to the historical accuracy issues raised by viewers. “There is no excuse—I sincerely reflect on and apologize for approaching the role without deeper thought regarding the various historical inaccuracies in the drama,” she stated.

She added that, given the project’s significance in portraying Korea’s unique history and traditional aesthetics through imaginative storytelling, she should have approached the script with greater care. “I am ashamed of myself for not studying and reviewing the script more thoroughly as an actor. I failed to recognize the issues in advance, and for that, I am truly sorry,” she said.

The actress concluded by thanking viewers for their feedback and pledging to be more diligent in the future. “I will remember all the valuable criticism and opinions you have shared and strive to approach my work with greater caution and thoroughness going forward. Once again, I sincerely apologize,” she said.

The controversy surrounding Perfect Crown stems from scenes such as a royal coronation where the crowd was depicted shouting “cheonse” instead of the traditional “manse,” as well as the use of a nine-tier ceremonial crown instead of the historically accurate twelve-tier crown symbolizing an emperor. These elements fueled accusations of historical distortion and sparked speculation tied to broader regional historiography debates.

Reported by Herald Muse Staff Writer Kim Na-yul

Reviewed and edited by Herald Muse Team Leader Kim Hae-yeon


nayul@heraldcorp.com