The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) has announced that it is currently reviewing whether Perfect Crown and The Second Signal violated its regulations amid ongoing controversy over alleged historical distortion in Perfect Crown.
Perfect Crown was selected last year as one of the final projects in the “2025 OTT-Specialized Content Production Support (IP Acquisition Type)” drama category and received production funding. Out of 89 submitted projects, only four were selected for the program, which provides up to 2 billion won ($1.3 million) in funding per production.
However, the drama has recently become embroiled in controversy over historical distortion, leading to multiple complaints calling for the return of the production funds.
In response, the production team, writer and lead actors IU and Byeon Woo Seok have all issued public apologies.
In contrast, MBC has faced criticism for continuing reruns and marathon broadcasts of the series without issuing an official statement. Notably, MBC ON is reportedly scheduled to air episodes 1 through 12 consecutively on the 24th.
The Second Signal may also be required to return its production funding.
The drama was also selected under KOCCA’s “2025 OTT-Specialized Content Production Support (IP Acquisition Type)” long-form drama category, a program designed to support high-quality OTT content production and IP development, with a total budget of 7.5 billion won ($5 million).
A total of 89 projects were submitted for the drama category, and The Second Signal was selected alongside Perfect Crown, Your Personal Taxi (literal translation) and Peach Trap.
Although The Second Signal has confirmed TV scheduling on tvN, reports say it may have to cough up the funds if it is not aired by the end of this year.
A KOCCA official said on May 21st, “Budget execution for The Second Signal has already begun. While the final evaluation is scheduled for May, there may be variables. Depending on the results, funding may be reduced or reclaimed.”
Under KOCCA regulations, if a project receives a failing grade in the final evaluation, the full grant amount plus accrued interest must be returned within 30 days.
>> Gong Seung Yeon’s ‘Perfect Crown’ Mentions Edited Out of ‘You Quiz on the Block’ Amid Controversy
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