The controversy surrounding MBC drama Perfect Crown continues intensifying as a National Assembly petition demanding the drama’s cancellation and removal has rapidly gained momentum online.
According to reports, a petition titled “Request to Suspend Broadcasting and Remove Content Involved in Historical Distortion and Northeast Project Controversy” was uploaded to South Korea’s National Assembly petition board on May 22.
As of May 25, the petition had already surpassed 41,000 signatures — exceeding 80% of the 50,000-signature threshold required for official parliamentary review within just three days.
The petition argues that the drama distorted Korean history and culture despite being set in a fictional version of modern-day Korea.
Critics particularly targeted Episode 11, which aired on May 15.
In the controversial coronation scene, the character Grand Prince Ian, played by Byeon Woo Seok, reportedly wore a ceremonial crown associated with vassal states rather than an emperor-level crown traditionally symbolizing sovereignty.
Additionally, officials in the drama shouted “Cheonse, Cheonse, Cheoncheonse,” a phrase some viewers interpreted as portraying Korea as subordinate rather than sovereign.
The petition also criticized the production for allegedly mixing Chinese-style tea ceremonies, vocabulary, and royal customs into a Korean royal setting.
Some netizens claimed these portrayals could unintentionally support narratives associated with China’s controversial “Northeast Project,” which has long been a sensitive issue in Korean public discourse regarding cultural and historical identity.
The petition strongly stated: “Content that damages national identity through public broadcasting and media platforms should not be excused through simple subtitle edits or disciplinary action.”
As backlash spread, the production team issued an official apology and reportedly muted certain audio lines while removing controversial subtitles from rebroadcasts and OTT streaming versions.
Director Park Joon Hwa and writer Yoo Ji Won also publicly apologized through interviews and official statements.
Meanwhile, lead stars IU and Byeon Woo Seok additionally posted apology messages through social media.
However, many viewers argued the edits came too late, leading frustration to evolve into the current petition movement.
The petition remains open for signatures until June 21.
If it officially exceeds 50,000 verified participants within 30 days, the matter will be forwarded to a relevant National Assembly committee for review and discussion.
The controversy has now become one of the largest Korean drama backlash cases of 2026, sparking broader debate over historical representation, fictional storytelling, and cultural sensitivity in modern K-drama productions.
Sources: 네이트 뉴스
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