IU and Byun Woo-seok's hidden "Cheon-se" writer Yoo Ji-won... "Cowardly 'Grand Duchess'" criticism surges [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

IU and Byun Woo-seok publicly apologized regarding the controversy surrounding '21st Century Grand Duchess', fulfilling their responsibilities as lead actors.

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%, yet the controversy continues unabated.

As the drama consistently climbed the viewership charts and became a hot topic, opinions sharply divided over its constitutional monarchy world-building setting, ultimately escalating into a major controversy over historical distortion and research errors. The series faced intense criticism for depicting Chinese-style tea ceremony rituals, and further issues emerged during the 11th episode broadcast on the 15th, particularly in the king's coronation scene. Prince Lee An (played by Byun Woo-seok) was shown wearing a 'Guryu Myeonryugwan' (a nine-streamer crown worn by Chinese ministers) instead of the 'Sibimyeonryugwan' (ten-streamer crown) used by the Emperor of the independent nation of Jajuguk. Moreover, ministers were depicted chanting 'Cheon-se' (a term reserved for vassal states) instead of 'Man-se' (the symbol of Jajuguk), sparking fierce criticism.

In response, IU, during a final episode group screening event with fans on the 16th, said, "These days, I feel I must take greater responsibility and do even better," as her eyes welled up with tears.

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'."

IU stated, "I carefully read every single comment left by many viewers over the past few days. As the lead actor of this work, I failed to demonstrate responsible behavior and caused great disappointment, for which I am deeply sorry and my heart remains heavy even now. I unreservedly reflect on and apologize for not engaging in deeper contemplation regarding the various historical research issues pointed out by viewers before approaching my acting."

She further added, "Since this work was meant to capture imagination based on our unique history and Korea's traditional beauty, I should have read and studied the script more carefully as an actor, yet I failed to do so, and I am ashamed of myself. I did not properly grasp the issues beforehand. I am truly sorry," reiterating her apology.

Byun Woo-seok also released an apology on his personal Instagram account that day. He said, "Over the weekend, I worried that my words might cause further harm. I am posting this message with a heavy heart to those who felt discomfort and concern due to this work. During the filming and acting process, I lacked sufficient contemplation regarding the historical context and meaning embedded in the work and how it might be received by viewers. Through the comments from viewers, I have reflected and reconsidered, and I have once again deeply realized the need to approach not only my acting but also the work's message and context with greater responsibility as an actor. I sincerely offer my apologies."

While IU and Byun Woo-seok did not shy away from criticism and fulfilled their responsibilities, writer Yoo Ji-won has remained silent. Writer Yoo won the 2022 MBC script competition with the original screenplay '21st Century Grand Duchess'. With the production team appearing to hide behind the lead actors, criticism of the work is expected to continue.

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*This content was translated by AI.