Director Park Joon Hwa bowed his head in apology over the various controversies surrounding MBC drama “Perfect Crown.” From accusations of historical distortion to script and acting criticisms, the director faced the media alone and spent nearly 50 minutes offering apologies and explanations.
On May 19, Park Joon Hwa met with reporters in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, to discuss the MBC Friday-Saturday drama “Perfect Crown.”
“Perfect Crown” is set in a fictional 21st-century constitutional monarchy version of South Korea. The drama tells the story of a wealthy chaebol woman frustrated by her commoner status and a prince who, despite being the king’s son, possesses nothing. Together, they challenge social status and fate through romance. The series starred IU, Byeon Woo Seok, Noh Sang Hyun, Gong Seung Yeon, Yoo Su Bin, Lee Yeon, and Lee Jae Won.
Although the drama recorded high ratings and strong buzz throughout its run, it continuously faced criticism over historical inaccuracies and flawed research.
Despite being set in a modern constitutional monarchy, viewers pointed out scenes such as the king wearing a traditional royal ceremonial crown during the coronation and officials shouting “Cheonse,” expressions criticized as historically inappropriate.
In addition, the acting performances of IU and Byeon Woo Seok received mixed reactions, adding further controversy as the drama came to an end amid ongoing criticism.
As soon as the interview began, Park Joon Hwa lowered his head and apologized.
The director said, “Before the drama began, I said I hoped it would remain a joyful and happy drama. Creating such an uncomfortable situation and having to face everyone like this is entirely my fault, with no excuses.”
He also expressed regret toward the cast members. He shared, “I feel sorry toward the actors. From my perspective, it pains me that they were hurt because of my shortcomings.”
Park Joon Hwa also personally addressed the divided opinions regarding the acting performances of Byeon Woo Seok and IU.
Regarding Byeon Woo Seok, he stated, “Byeon Woo Seok worked incredibly hard. I could really feel the effort he put in. He tried to pursue more diversity within his acting. I can’t say it was perfect, but he genuinely worked hard and wanted to be recognized for it.”
Speaking about IU, the director said, “I believe IU’s acting gave strength to the drama in the early stages. Thanks to her efforts, many situations that could have felt overly intense were softened. I also felt that IU portrayed the character in a more layered and multidimensional way than I had originally envisioned.”
The director also spoke on behalf of the writer amid criticism surrounding the script.
He explained, “The writer has actually been having a very difficult time. She deeply regrets and feels distressed that the project caused discomfort to so many people.”
Toward the end of the interview, Park Joon Hwa eventually broke down in tears. Recalling the reaction of an elderly viewer watching the drama, he said, “An older viewer watched one scene and said, ‘This is so moving.’ More than any explanation, I just felt deeply sorry for causing discomfort to people who approached the drama with those feelings.” He became emotional as he spoke.
Meanwhile, the drama’s lead actors IU and Byeon Woo Seok, along with supporting actor Lee Jae Won — who had initially planned to participate — all canceled their scheduled interviews on May 18. As a result, among the drama’s writer, director, and cast members, Park Joon Hwa became the only person to stand before reporters and address both the series and its controversies.
Sources: Daum
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