Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) is reportedly reviewing the possibility of recovering support funds related to MBC drama “Perfect Crown” following the series’ growing historical distortion controversy.
According to reports on May 19, the drama became the subject of internal discussions shortly after its finale aired.
“Perfect Crown” was previously selected as one of the featured Korean dramas at the Korean drama investment showcase jointly organized by the KMCC and the Korea Communications Agency (KCA) in connection with the Cannes International Series Festival in France on April 23. Alongside “Filing for Love,” “Bloody Flower,” and “Gokdu,” the series was introduced to overseas buyers as part of a public initiative aimed at supporting the global expansion of Korean dramas.
As a result, the production that once benefited from public support for overseas promotion is now reportedly being discussed as a possible target for funding recovery measures within South Korea.
The controversy escalated after Episode 11 aired on May 15, particularly during the coronation scene. Instead of shouting “Manse,” officials in the drama yelled “Cheonse,” while the king wore a nine-tier ceremonial crown associated with vassal states rather than the twelve-tier imperial crown viewers expected.
Although the drama was set in a fictional 21st-century constitutional monarchy version of Korea, many viewers criticized the production for portraying Joseon royal rituals in a way they considered historically inappropriate. Complaints were reportedly sent to the Korea Creative Content Agency and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
The production team later issued an apology through the drama’s official homepage on May 16. They stated, “We lacked sufficient consideration regarding historical context during the process of building the fictional world.” The team also announced plans to revise problematic audio subtitles in rebroadcasts, VOD services, and OTT releases.
Lead actors Byeon Woo Seok and IU additionally shared apology messages on their social media accounts on May 18, expressing sentiments that they felt “ashamed” over the controversy.
Professor Seo Kyung Duk of Sungshin Women’s University and popular Korean history lecturer Choi Tae Sung also publicly criticized the production system, pointing to insufficient historical research and verification.
Despite the controversy, the drama concluded with its highest nationwide ratings yet, recording 13.8% according to Nielsen Korea. The production budget was reportedly estimated at around 30 billion KRW, highlighting the stark contrast between the show’s commercial success and its damaged public reputation.
The key issue now centers on whether legal grounds exist for recovering the support funds. Industry insiders note that the Cannes-linked program operated by the KMCC and KCA was structured as overseas market investment and screening support rather than a direct production subsidy. Because of this, the possibility of fund recovery may depend on whether the business agreement included clauses related to “social controversy” or “damage to public interest.”
As authorities begin reviewing the applicability of those contract terms, industry observers believe the controversy could lead to stricter evaluation standards for future overseas K-content support programs, including new assessment categories focused on historical accuracy and social impact.
Sources: Nate
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