“’Perfect Crown’ Scriptwriter Speaks Out, Sparking Stronger Calls for Full Removal of K-Drama”

Yoo Ji Won, the scriptwriter of Perfect Crown, is facing intense backlash after issuing an apology over the show’s historical accuracy issues—and the apology only made things worse.

The controversy began with criticism over the drama’s portrayal of Joseon royal customs and a fictional modern constitutional monarchy setting. Fans and viewers called out major historical distortions, especially the nine-beaded crown during the enthronement ceremony and the use of “cheonse” shouts.

On May 19, 2026 (KST), Yoo Ji Won finally broke the silence with an apology posted on MBC’s official website. She said she delayed speaking out because she feared causing more discomfort, but admitted the delay made viewers even angrier.

She explained Perfect Crown is a “romance fantasy show set in a fictional constitutional monarchy,” imagining the Joseon royal family continuing into modern times. Still, Yoo admitted she failed to research and verify historical details properly.

Hello. This is Yoo Ji Won, the writer of the show, Perfect Crown.

I sincerely apologize for disappointing and worrying viewers because of the controversy surrounding the show’s historical accuracy. I was cautious, worried that speaking out might cause even greater discomfort, and, as a result, it took me time to make this statement. I apologize for causing even more trouble to many people as a result.

— Yoo Ji Won

She addressed the two main complaints directly.

Perfect Crown is a romance fantasy show set in a fictional constitutional monarchy. Under the imagined premise that the Joseon royal family had firmly continued into the modern day, I wanted to show our traditions and beauty. However, in the process of applying Joseon etiquette to the modern day and portraying a fictional modern royal family, I lacked thorough research and historical verification.

In particular, the nine-beaded crown used during the enthronement ceremony and the scene where people shouted “cheonse” are points that were criticized. It was my mistake for failing to carefully consider the historical context that should have been examined while applying Joseon rituals to a modern setting. Aside from that, I am also taking seriously all the opinions sent in by viewers.

— Yoo Ji Won

She apologized again for hurting viewers and promised to reflect on her mistakes.

Once again, I deeply apologize to everyone who was hurt because the depth of my consideration was lacking. I will take to heart the criticism and points raised by viewers, reflect on myself as a writer, and repent for my shortcomings. I am sorry.

— Yoo Ji Won

Despite Yoo’s apology, netizens erupted with calls for stronger action—demanding the drama be taken down entirely and criticizing the writer for reducing the issue to just “historical accuracy” errors.

Comments flooded social media:

• Take it down.
• Take it down and stop writing.
• Apologize for the historical distortion, take it down, and stop writing.
• This isn’t a historical accuracy error, it’s historical distortion. Why are you trying to quietly back away from it?? Taking it down is a given, and the writer should stop writing.
• Why did the queen kneel?
• Whatever. Take it down.

Some criticized the apology for skimming over the deeper issues:

• But this apology makes it seem like they don’t know what the actual problem is.
• It’s historical distortion, what do you mean? How did a drama like this even get made?
• This drama needs to be taken down.
• So you can sell the script book, launch the novel, and then just apologize? Take it down.
• Seriously, take it down.
• Are they even Korean?
• From episode 1 to the finale, nothing would seem wrong from a New Right, traitorous historical perspective??? LOL.

The ongoing backlash shows no signs of stopping, with viewers insisting that an apology alone won’t fix the damage caused by Perfect Crown’s portrayal of history.

Read more about the cast of Perfect Crown responding to the ongoing scandal.