‘Perfect Crown’ to revise scriptbook amid historical distortion controversy

MBC's Friday–Saturday drama 'Perfect Crown' will revise its published scriptbook following controversy over historical distortion.

'Perfect Crown' scriptbook publisher, O'FAN HOUSE, announced on May 16 via its official social media channels that it is in discussions with the production team regarding certain ceremonial expressions that have been flagged for correction. The publisher stated that it is taking the matter seriously and will notify readers who pre-ordered the first edition separately, while reflecting the revised content in future print runs.

The drama's first-edition production and distribution have already been completed, prompting O'FAN HOUSE to implement follow-up measures to minimize inconvenience for readers, including correction guidance and post-release support.

'Perfect Crown' first-edition buyers will be provided a corrected digital PDF file and physical revision stickers starting May 18 through the publisher's official Instagram account. A Google Form will also be made available for requests. The stickers will be designed to be attached directly to the scriptbook and will be shipped to applicants after production. The form will remain open for approximately two weeks, after which the stickers will be mass-produced and distributed in bulk. Refunds will be processed in accordance with the policies of each retailer.

The MBC drama initially sparked the controversy during a coronation scene featuring Grand Prince Ian, played by Byeon Woo Seok. The scene drew criticism after characters used the term "Cheonse," historically associated with subordinate states, instead of "Manse," which symbolizes an independent sovereign state. In addition, Ian was shown wearing a nine-stringed crown associated with officials rather than the twelve-stringed imperial crown.

The drama also faced criticism for its alternate-history setting, which omits major historical events such as the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War, leading to accusations of excessive historical simplification or distortion.

The production team issued an apology in response, stating that while the drama is an alternative-history romance, it required more careful consideration where fictional and historical contexts intersect. The team added that it fell short in refining and examining the fictional world in sufficient detail.

Full Statement from O'FAN HOUSE

Regarding the drama '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife', we are currently in discussions with the production team concerning certain ceremonial expressions that were officially announced for revision on May 16.

The publisher takes this matter seriously and will provide separate notices to readers who pre-ordered the first edition. The revised expressions will be reflected in future printings.

However, as production and distribution of the first edition have already been completed, we will do our utmost to minimize inconvenience to readers through correction guidance and follow-up measures.

The details of the follow-up measures are as follows:

Starting May 18, a digital correction file (PDF) reflecting the revisions agreed upon with the production team will be provided via the publisher's official Instagram account. A Google Form will also be made available for requests for physical correction stickers. The stickers will be designed to be attached directly to the scriptbook and will be shipped to applicants.

The Google Form will remain open for approximately two weeks. After the application period closes, the stickers will be mass-produced and distributed in bulk.

In addition, refund requests may be submitted and processed in accordance with the policies and procedures of the retailer where the purchase was made.

We sincerely apologize once again for the confusion and inconvenience caused to our readers.