"Why should an actor apologize for historical distortion?" Global fans outraged... IU and Byun Woo-seok's apology reactions to '21st Century Grand Duchess' [K-EYES]

*This content was translated by AI.

Global fans reacted with backlash to the apologies issued by IU and Byun Woo-seok regarding the historical distortion controversy surrounding '21st Century Grand Duchess,' questioning, "Why should an actor apologize?"

The controversy over historical distortion and historical accuracy erupted during the coronation scene of Grand Prince Lee An in the 11th episode aired on the 15th. Wearing the 'Guryu Myeonryugwan' (a nine-dragon crown) symbolizing tributary relations with China instead of the 'Sipil Myeonryugwan' (a twelve-dragon crown) symbolizing an independent nation, and having scholars shout 'Cheonse' (Long Live the King), which evokes a vassal state, instead of 'Manse' (Long Live), sparked fierce criticism. The Chinese-style tea ceremony depicted in the drama was also criticized.

In response, on the 16th, during a group screening event for the final episode of '21st Century Grand Duchess' with fans, IU said, "These days, I feel I need to take more responsibility and do better," and her eyes welled up. On the 18th, she also posted an apology on social media stating, "I am IU, who played the role of Seong Hee-ju in '21st Century Grand Duchess'."

Byun Woo-seok also released an apology on his personal Instagram account on the 18th, and then, at the press conference for Netflix's new variety show 'Yoo Jae-suk Camp' on the morning of the 19th, bowed his head again, saying, "I am truly sorry about the drama issue."

Global fans' reactions can be summarized in one phrase: "Why should an actor apologize?" The most upvoted comment on Reddit was from @bella__2004_: "What is her fault in any way? She didn't even write the script. It's absurd" (1,600 likes). @babyrhinoceros said, "Wasn't this drama completely fiction?" (533 likes), and @Ridehm sarcastically remarked, "Does she also act as the writer, prop master, and art director? She's a jack-of-all-trades" (79 likes). @Straight-Safety-744 stated, "I could never be a Korean celebrity. I would be deported for my attitude. Should I apologize for the production team's mistake? It's absurd" (59 likes).

@sooyaland103 asked, "Why do only female actors apologize and bear all the responsibility?" while @khyyooon fumed, "The female actor just did her job. Why should she apologize when there's a problem in the drama?" @tommiez12 directly hit the mark, saying, "She drew in viewers with just her name, but the writer who wrote this script full of holes and the director who didn't correct it should bear all the criticism."

@kdrama_outofbox expressed anger, saying, "Making IU apologize on her birthday will cause MBC to collapse," while @ayiiyuuu expressed regret, stating, "It was her birthday, and I received an apology letter. I am so angry." Reddit user @Tomo_pomo pointed out structural issues in the Korean entertainment industry, saying, "It seems being a scapegoat for all mistakes is included in the job description. It's not surprising that the suicide rate in the Korean acting community is high due to this burden."

A Reddit user who clarified the historical context of the controversy also drew significant attention. @sureyoudo0 explained, "While I understand that specific issues like the Chinese-style tea ceremony, shouting 'Cheonse' instead of 'Manse,' and the Guryu Myeonryugwan touched Korean sentiments, this is not a matter for actors to take responsibility for."

@Borinquena analyzed, "Considering the historical context where Emperor Gojong declared the strengthening of Joseon's sovereignty Wi Hae (황제), it is understandable that Koreans reacted sensitively. However, the production team in charge of costumes and historical accuracy should have known better. There is no need for actors to apologize."

Although a minority opinion, there were also positive views on IU's apology. Reddit user @hilllllly supported her, saying, "I think apologizing is a classy action. She needs to know how serious the consequences of historical distortion controversies can be in Korean dramas. She wants to be taken seriously as an actor."

On X (Twitter), fans from Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines also actively responded. A tweet by @sejiyt that summarized the controversy in Indonesian went viral, and @blueming_day appealed to fans, saying, "IU and Byun Woo-seok have already apologized. Can we stop now?" Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) also reported on the controversy, adding to the global attention.

MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' (script by Yoo Ji-won / directed by Park Jun-hwa and Bae Hee-young) concluded its 12-episode run on the 16th with a high viewership rating of 13.8%.

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*This content was translated by AI.