South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok has issued a formal apology following backlash on Perfect Crown’s depiction of Korean history and criticisms surrounding historical distortion, particularly in relation to its portrayal of royal traditions and rituals.
In an Instagram post on May 18, Woo-seok personally addressed the issue through a handwritten letter shared online, expressing regret over the concerns raised by viewers.
“Over the weekend, I was worried and concerned that my words might cause further harm. I am writing this with a heavy heart to those who felt discomfort and concern due to the work,” Woo-seok wrote, as translated by The Chosun Daily.
The actor, who portrays Grand Prince I-an opposite IU, admitted that he lacked full awareness of the historical weight carried by the drama’s subject matter.
“During the filming and acting process, I lacked consideration for the historical context and meaning embedded in the work and how it might be perceived by the viewers.”
He further reflected on the feedback received from audiences, acknowledging the need for greater responsibility as an actor both in performance and in understanding the broader implications of the projects he takes on.
“Through the viewers' feedback, I reflected and repented, and realized once again the need for a more responsible attitude as an actor—not only in acting but also in examining and contemplating the message and context of the work.”
“I sincerely apologize,” he maintained.
In his closing message, Woo-seok expressed gratitude to those who supported the project while reaffirming his commitment to growth moving forward.
“I would like to express my gratitude once again to everyone who supported and advised on 'Perfect Crown' and Grand Prince Ian, and I will strive to be an actor who approaches works with greater caution and depth in the future. I am sorry,” he ended.
Following his statement, several fans took to the comment section to express continued support for the actor, while others emphasized the importance of deeper historical understanding in future productions.
“We will always support you in all your endeavors. Cheer up and please don't let this get to you. You've worked hard, Woo Seokah. We're always rooting for you so please do not be discouraged by the hateful comments thrown at you,” one wrote.
“I don’t believe this situation should be placed on you alone. A drama is the result of many people’s work, and there are many factors behind the scenes. Thank you for your sincerity and for speaking up. It takes courage to reflect like this, and we truly respect that,” another added.
Prior to Woo-seok’s statement, the production team of the Perfect Crown had also released a formal apology on their official website, stating that they “humbly accept viewers' criticism and will revise the relevant audio and subtitles as quickly as possible for future rebroadcasts.”
Despite the controversy, the Perfect Crown continues to perform strongly in ratings, according to Nielsen Korea, maintaining its viewership momentum even amid public debate.