According to reports confirmed on May 19, revised versions of Episode 11 were re-uploaded on OTT platforms including Wavve, Disney+, and the drama’s official YouTube channels.
The biggest controversy surrounding the MBC drama centered on the coronation scene of Prince Ian, played by Byeon Woo Seok.
In the original broadcast, the terms “Cheonse” and “Cheoncheonse” were used during the coronation ceremony — expressions historically associated with vassal states rather than imperial rulers. Critics argued that an emperor-level monarch should instead receive the imperial salute “Manmanse.”
Following the backlash, the production team reportedly muted the controversial phrase entirely in the updated OTT version. The subtitle containing “Cheoncheonse” was also removed.
However, another controversial visual detail remains unchanged.
Viewers previously criticized the drama for depicting Prince Ian wearing a guryumyeonryugwan, a nine-string ceremonial crown historically associated with subjects of the Chinese emperor, rather than the twelve-string imperial crown traditionally worn by sovereign Korean emperors. The scene sparked accusations connected to China’s controversial Northeast Project and concerns about distorted portrayals of Korean sovereignty.
As of now, that costume-related scene has not been edited.
The controversy surrounding Perfect Crown expanded beyond the coronation sequence. Earlier episodes also faced criticism for allegedly incorporating Chinese-style tea ceremony practices and historically inaccurate costume designs.
In response, the production team previously announced plans to revise problematic scenes before re-uploading VOD and OTT versions.
Korean history lecturer Choi Tae Sung publicly criticized the drama through social media on May 18.
“Another historical distortion controversy. At this point, are we goldfish?” he wrote.
He further stressed the growing global responsibility carried by Korean productions.
“Korean dramas and films are no longer viewed only domestically. The whole world is watching,” he stated. “We need a proper historical verification system that matches the global status of K-content.”
Choi Tae Sung also criticized the entertainment industry for prioritizing actor salaries and large-scale production budgets over historical consultation and research.
“Why are companies willing to spend billions on actors but hesitate to properly invest in historical verification?” he questioned.
Meanwhile, Perfect Crown officially concluded its run with Episode 12 on May 16, but debate surrounding the series continues to intensify online. Many viewers argue that the controversy has become one of the biggest recent examples of how global K-content productions are increasingly being held accountable for cultural and historical representation.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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