MBC’s drama “Perfect Crown” has once again become the center of controversy after the broadcaster pushed ahead with a full-series marathon despite ongoing criticism over alleged historical distortion. As backlash surrounding the drama continues to grow, viewers are increasingly criticizing MBC for remaining silent while continuing to promote the series.
According to the MBC ON schedule released on May 21, the channel will air all 12 episodes of “Perfect Crown” consecutively from 10:30 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. on May 24. MBC ON, operated by MBC Plus, is known for rerunning MBC dramas and variety programs.
However, because the drama remained controversial throughout its broadcast run over claims of historical inaccuracies and distorted depictions of Korean royal traditions, the latest scheduling decision has reignited criticism online.
What has especially fueled viewers’ frustration is the contrast between MBC’s silence and the actions of the drama’s cast and staff. Lead actors IU and Byeon Woo Seok, director Park Joon Hwa, and writer Yoo Ji Won reportedly issued apologies as criticism intensified. MBC, however, has yet to release an official statement regarding the controversy.
Some critics have also pointed out what they describe as a double standard compared to MBC’s previous coverage of controversies involving rival broadcasters. Back in 2021, SBS drama “Joseon Exorcist” faced massive backlash over the use of Chinese-style props and accusations of historical distortion, ultimately getting canceled after only two episodes. At the time, MBC reportedly covered the controversy aggressively through news reports and articles using headlines such as “‘Joseon Exorcist’ Canceled After Just Two Episodes… Does Fantasy Excuse Everything?” and “‘Joseon Exorcist’ Cancellation Wipes Out 70 Billion Won in Market Value.”
As a result, criticism toward MBC has continued spreading across online communities and social media. Comments such as “They were strict when it was another network’s problem, but now they stay silent,” “It feels like they’re trying to provoke viewers,” “Scheduling a marathon during a controversy is shameless,” and “They don’t even seem aware of public opinion” have gained attention.
Meanwhile, “Perfect Crown” had already faced criticism since its premiere over its portrayal of royal titles, court etiquette, and political systems that many viewers claimed did not align with actual Korean history. Earlier in the drama’s run, some audiences defended the series by arguing that it fell within the acceptable range of fictional dramatization.
However, public opinion shifted dramatically following the final episode. In the finale, Byeon Woo Seok’s character Grand Prince Ian ascended the throne while wearing a guryu myeollyugwan — a ceremonial crown traditionally reserved for emperors as officials shouted “Cheonse!” instead of the historically accurate royal honorifics.
Following the scene, online communities and SNS platforms quickly became flooded with speculation that the drama’s controversial settings may not have been simple historical mistakes. Past scenes were revisited, and criticism expanded further. Some viewers argued that the drama’s depiction of the Queen Dowager’s authority resembled the structure of the Japanese imperial family, while others pointed to tea ceremony scenes that appeared heavily influenced by Chinese traditions.
The controversy eventually escalated beyond accusations of poor historical research, with some netizens even raising suspicions related to the “Northeast Project” debate, further worsening public sentiment surrounding the drama.
Sources: Nate
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