Perfect Crown ended with strong ratings and global buzz, but also growing controversy.
The MBC drama starring IU and Byeon Woo Seok aired its finale on May 16th.
Set in an alternate version of modern-day Korea with a constitutional monarchy, the series followed the romance between a wealthy commoner played by IU and a powerless prince portrayed by Byeon Woo Seok.
The finale saw Byeon Woo Seok’s character ultimately ascend the throne before abolishing the monarchy altogether despite resistance from political elites. Following a national vote, the royal system officially came to an end, allowing the lead couple to enjoy a quiet, ordinary life together.
The series had been one of the year’s most talked-about dramas from the moment it was announced, thanks to its star-powered casting. Disney+ said Perfect Crown became the platform’s most-watched Korean series globally outside the Asia-Pacific region within its first 28 days, including in North America, Europe and Latin America. The drama also reportedly surpassed 43 million viewing hours worldwide.
Domestically, the show peaked at a 13.8% rating and topped weekly buzz rankings for five consecutive weeks.
Still, criticism surrounding the show continued throughout its run and intensified after the finale aired.
Much of the backlash centered on Episode 15, where Byeon Woo Seok’s newly crowned king was shown wearing ceremonial attire and receiving royal greetings that viewers said were historically associated with rulers subordinate to an empire rather than an independent monarch.
Critics argued the scenes symbolically lowered Korea’s sovereign status, with some even linking the issue to sensitivities surrounding China’s “Northeast Project,” through which China has claimed ancient kingdoms that originated on the Korean Peninsula as regional ethnic minority regimes within Chinese history.
As criticism grew, the production team issued an apology on May 16th.
“The issue arose because we failed to carefully examine how Joseon-era royal customs evolved throughout history,” the statement read. The team added that while Perfect Crown was a romance drama set in an alternate-history world, they acknowledged they should have approached the intersection of fiction and historical context more carefully.
Scenes from the controversial episode were later edited on rebroadcasts and streaming platforms, with some dialogue reportedly muted.
IU appeared to indirectly address the controversy during a finale viewing event with fans held on her birthday.
“I’ve been thinking a lot lately about needing to be more responsible and do better,” she said. “If I disappointed you in any way, that’s on me.” She continued, “I believe there’s a reason behind everything you say to me, and I should listen to it all. If there are things I lack, please continue to tell me and criticize me. I’ll listen and work hard to become a better person.”
Even before the historical controversy erupted, Perfect Crown had faced criticism over its storytelling and world-building. Despite boasting a star-studded cast and director Park Joon Hwa — known for hits including Alchemy of Souls and What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim — some viewers criticized the drama for weak plot logic, inconsistent monarchy details and visuals that felt more focused on style than substance.
>> IU, Byeon Woo Seok and ‘Perfect Crown’ Team Decline Post-Finale Interviews Despite the Success
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