They promoted the drama together, laughed together, and stood side by side at press events but now, critics say they are nowhere to be found when it comes to apologizing.
The lead and supporting cast members of MBC’s “Perfect Crown”, which became engulfed in controversy over accusations of historical distortion, are continuing to face backlash as several actors remain publicly silent despite growing criticism.
Lead stars IU and Byeon Woo Seok both issued apologies regarding the controversy. Director Park Joon Hwa also bowed his head during media interviews, while writer Yoo Ji Won reportedly expressed regret as well.
However, actors Noh Sang Hyun, Gong Seung Yeon, Yoo Su Bin, and Lee Yeon have remained silent throughout the controversy.
The actors previously appeared together at the drama’s production press conference last month. Noh Sang Hyun and Gong Seung Yeon also actively promoted the series through appearances on YouTube content such as “Salon Drip 2.” Meanwhile, Lee Yeon even brought IU onto MBC variety show “Omniscient Interfering View”, despite IU rarely appearing on MBC entertainment programs.
Some viewers argue that the main responsibility naturally falls on the lead actors, who reportedly received significantly larger appearance fees. However, criticism continues because the entire cast participated in the production and promotion process together, yet several actors now appear to be distancing themselves from the issue.
Others have questioned whether supporting actors are truly obligated to apologize when both the production team and lead actors have already addressed the controversy. Even so, public scrutiny over how each cast member approached the project remains intense.
Before the controversy exploded, Gong Seung Yeon had even appeared on tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block” after receiving praise for her performance in “Perfect Crown,” with some viewers calling it her “second career peak.” However, after backlash surrounding the drama intensified following filming, all references to the series were reportedly edited out from the broadcast.
Noh Sang Hyun, Gong Seung Yeon, Yoo Su Bin, and Lee Yeon have also noticeably stopped updating their social media accounts since the controversy erupted. While many believe the actors likely understood that it was not an appropriate time to post casual updates, critics continue pointing out that no apology statements have been released.
The situation has also drawn comparisons to SBS drama “Joseon Exorcist” back in 2021. After that series faced massive backlash over accusations of historical distortion and excessive Chinese-inspired settings, not only the lead actors Jang Dong Yoon, Kam Woo Sung, and Park Sung Hoon, but also supporting cast members including Seo Young Hee, Lee Yu Bi, Kim Dong Jun, and Jung Hye Sung all released apology statements acknowledging they had failed to recognize the seriousness of the historical issues involved.
Meanwhile, “Perfect Crown” became heavily criticized after a coronation scene depicted Grand Prince Ian ascending the throne while wearing a guryu myeollyugwan — a ceremonial crown traditionally associated with vassal states instead of the imperial sibi myeollyugwan used by sovereign kingdoms. The controversy intensified further when officials in the scene shouted “Cheonse” instead of the sovereign expression “Manse.”
The drama has since been accused of providing material that could support China’s controversial “Northeast Project” narratives regarding Korean history. The backlash has reportedly become so severe that discussions about potentially reclaiming the drama’s ₩7.5 billion KRW production support fund from the Korea Creative Content Agency have also emerged.
Sources: Daum
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