Perfect Crown’s IU And Byeon Woo Seok Apologizes For Series’ Historical Inaccuracies

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentPerfect Crown’s IU And Byeon Woo Seok Apologizes For Series’ Historical InaccuraciesByLaura Sirikul,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Laura Sirikul is a L.A.-based reporter covering film/TV and music.Follow AuthorMay 18, 2026, 04:02am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - APRIL 6: Byeon Woo-seok and IU attend the production presentation for the new MBC Friday-Saturday drama 'The Grand Prince's Wife of the 21st Century' at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam on April 6, 2026 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by THE FACT/Imazins via Getty Images)ImaZins via Getty ImagesDisney+ / Hulu’s Perfect Crown actors IU and Byeon Woo Seok apologized for the series’ historical inaccuracies in the 11th episode of the romantic K-drama, which aired on May 15. The series finale concluded on May 16.The “controversial” episode depicted a coronation for Byeon’s character, Grand Prince Yi An, as he ascended the throne in a fictional 21st-century “constitutional monarchy” in South Korea. During the episode, the government officials chanted “Cheonse,” a term historically used for subordinate states rather than “Manse,” which is used for independent sovereign nations. Critics also felt the depiction of the 'Guryu Myeonryugwan' crown (a traditional royal headpiece historically associated with vassal state rituals) was incorrect.Both IU and Byeon wrote letters in Korean posted on their individual Instagram pages on Sunday night, addressing the “controversy.”SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - APRIL 6: Byeon Woo-seok and IU attend the press conference for MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama 'The Grand Prince’s Wife of the 21st Century' at Josun Palace Seoul Gangnam on April 6, 2026 in Seoul, South Korea (Photo by HLL/Imazins via Getty Images)ImaZins via Getty ImagesIn her letter, IU says she read every c...