Here's Why IU And Byeon Woo Seok Apologized For 'Perfect Crown'—And Why Fans Think They Shouldn't

The K-drama world is buzzing—both over IU and Byeon Woo Seok's Perfect Crown chemistry, and unfortunately, over the apologies they've released.

On May 18, 2026, the Perfect Crown lead stars, IU and Byeon Woo Seok, posted apology statements on their respective Instagram accounts at the same time. This move drew mixed reactions from the Internet.

"As the lead actress of the production, I feel very sorry for not being able to show a responsible side of myself and for seeming to have caused great disappointment to all of you, and even now, my heart feels very heavy," IU expressed as part of her post, as translated on X.

Meanwhile, in his handwritten post, Woo Seok said, "Over the weekend, I was concerned and worried that my words might cause further harm. I am writing this with a heavy heart to those who felt discomfort and concern because of the work. During the process of filming and acting in the project, I did not sufficiently consider the historical context and meaning contained in the work, nor how it might be received by viewers."

Their apologies came in the wake of the controversy surrounding Perfect Crown, the K-drama produced by Korean broadcaster MBC. Korean viewers pointed out several historical inaccuracies in Episode 11, which aired on May 15. The episode drew criticism for allegedly portraying South Korea "as if it were a vassal state of China," according to Soompi.

One of the main issues raised was a scene in which characters shouted "Cheonse" instead of "Manse." Historically, "Cheonse" was associated with vassal states, while "Manse" was used to signify Korea's sovereignty and independence.

Viewers also criticized the costume design of Woo Seok's character, Grand Prince Lee Wan. In the episode, he wore a guryumyeonryugwan—a crown historically associated with Chinese rulers and vassal states—instead of the shipimyeonryugwan, which was traditionally worn by monarchs of an independent Korean nation.

IU and Woo Seok continued to reflect on the historical concern on their drama, with IU saying, "As this was a work where it was important to contain imagination based on our unique history and to capture the traditional beauty of the Republic of Korea, I should have read and studied the script more carefully as an actress, yet I failed to do so, and I am ashamed of myself for that. I failed to properly recognize the issue beforehand. I am sorry."

Woo Seok echoed, "Through the comments from viewers, I came to reflect and regret my actions, and I have once again deeply realized that as an actor, I need to approach not only acting but also the message and context of a work with greater responsibility and thoughtfulness. I sincerely apologize."

Earlier, on May 16, the date of Perfect Crown's finale, the show's production team issued an apology to the viewers. As reported by AllKpop, noting how they lacked effort in refining and examining the historical details they've indicated in their drama, despite it having an alternate-history theme.

The Internet was generally shocked to see their apologies. Some fans noted that, frankly speaking, the historical error was not their fault, but the production company's. While fans curse and demand MBC's proper apology, and even from director Park Joon Hwa, they also expressed their love and support for the two lead stars.

Fans united in their sentiments that the actors shouldn't have apologized. Some of them see the apology as a respectable thing, as the actors take responsibility for the controversy.

"I respect you for your decision to bow your head down, but I do hope you won't continue to beat yourself up over something that's not your fault," one Uaena (IU's fandom name) comfortingly said on X.

More fans expressed their frustration with MBC for the incompetence it manifested over the post-production of the show. "This is such a meaningful project for both Wooseok and IU, and now they were used as shields because of your incompetence!" a post read.

Notably, Perfect Crown is IU's comeback drama to the small screen after seven years. Her last one was the hit series, Hotel del Luna, in 2019. At the same time, it is Woo Seok's most recent drama after his breakout role in Lovely Runner in 2024.

Discussions about the controversy continue online. Some online users post harsh comments about the historical ignorance put into the work. Some viewers lamented that the actors should not have accepted the project in the first place. Others have defended the cast, pointing out that actors typically do not receive the full script in advance before filming or airing, making it difficult for them to anticipate potential historical issues or public backlash.

Fans have also argued that the controversy could have been avoided entirely had the production team conducted more thorough historical research and paid closer attention to cultural and historical details in the series.

Despite the mess, Perfect Crown peaked at 13.8% ratings in South Korea for its final episode. It has become the highest rating K-drama of 2026, as of May.

IU and Woo Seok have declined post-drama interviews, even before the controversy began. However, on May 19, Director Park Joon Hwa is scheduled to face the press for post-drama interviews, where he's also expected to provide more statements about the Perfect Crown situation.

IU is set to have her K-pop comeback soon, while Woo Seok is simultaneously filming for his next project, Netflix's Solo Leveling live-action, and will be promoting a variety show he took part in also on Netflix, Jaeseok's BnB Rules.