IU tearfully apologizes at fan screening amid 'Perfect Crown' backlash over acting and historical accuracy

Singer and actress IU broke down in tears as she opened up about the harsh criticism surrounding ‘Perfect Crown.’

Born on May 16, 1993, IU celebrated her birthday by renting out a theater at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul to spend time with her fans, in addition to making a large donation. At the venue, she held a screening event for the MBC Friday-Saturday drama, in which she starred as Sung Hee Joo.

After the screening, IU honestly shared her thoughts on wrapping up the drama. She said, “There will be more days for us to meet this year. I hope I can see everyone who came today again on another good day. I think it’s because I’m currently preparing an album and my drama is nearing its end, but lately I’ve been thinking even more that I need to do better and carry myself with greater responsibility.”

Addressing the criticism she received regarding her acting in the drama, she added, “I should do at least a little better for all of you, and if I disappointed you or showed an inadequate side of myself, that’s entirely my fault.”

Although fans comforted her by shouting, “That’s not true!” IU responded, “No, it is true. I will genuinely take responsibility and continue to improve. I want to become someone my fans can be proud of.”

IU continued, “I’ve had a lot on my mind recently. If I had simply done better, things would have been different. Since I’m someone who receives so much love from all of you, I’ll work even harder. I’ll become an IU who shows a better side of herself with greater responsibility, and I won’t waste a single moment.”

She also expressed gratitude toward her fans, saying, “Even though I still lack in many ways, thank you so much for loving and supporting me. I believe everything you say to me has a reason, and they’re all things I need to accept. If there are areas where I’m lacking, please continue to tell me, scold me, and push me. I’ll listen to those words carefully and work hard to become a better person.”

IU spoke in a trembling voice throughout the event and eventually became emotional while thanking her fans. She expressed, “I should have said this earlier, but I love you all. I want to show you a better side of myself, but I’m sorry that I keep falling short. Still, thank you for continuing to give me chances and looking at me with affection. I will truly work even harder and do better.”

After these words, she bowed deeply and respectfully to the crowd.

260516 해피아이유데이

언니 충분히 잘하고 있어요 ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ 진짜 가슴 찢어짐........ 세상의 어떤 미움들이 힘들게 해도 사랑이 다 이길거야. 사랑해 !!!!! 생일축하해💐#아이유 #IU #장원출신_아이유_생일입니다만#HAPPY_JI3UN_D4Y pic.twitter.com/ZX9Y5X9S9T

— 조각돌 (@rudnfzam) May 16, 2026

‘Perfect Crown,’ which aired from April 10 until May 16, had been called one of MBC’s most highly anticipated dramas of the year even before its premiere. However, the series faced difficulties from its very first week, as lead actors IU and Byeon Woo Seok became embroiled in acting controversy. Toward the end of the broadcast, the drama was also criticized for alleged historical distortions.

In particular, viewers pointed out that Episode 11 featured officials shouting “Cheonse” during Grand Prince Ian’s coronation ceremony instead of “Manse,” which symbolizes an independent nation. “Cheonse” was historically used by vassal states under an empire. Critics also noted that Grand Prince Ian wore a “Guryumyeongwan,” a ceremonial crown traditionally worn by feudal lords serving an emperor. Additional criticism arose over claims that Sung Hee Joo performed a Chinese-style tea ceremony.

As the controversy grew, the production team of ‘Perfect Crown’ released an official statement on May 16, saying, “We sincerely bow our heads in apology to viewers who watched the drama with love and concern over issues related to the world-building and historical inaccuracies.”

They added, “We take viewers’ criticism seriously regarding the scene in which the king wore a ‘Guryumyeongwan’ during the coronation ceremony and officials shouted ‘Cheonse,’ which was seen as undermining Korea’s sovereign status.”

The production team admitted fault, stating, “We failed to carefully examine how Joseon court etiquette evolved throughout history. ‘Perfect Crown’ is both a romance drama and an alternate-history series, and we should have approached the intersection between its fictional world and real historical context with more caution and depth. We lacked sufficient effort in refining and thoroughly reviewing the drama’s world-building.”

The producers also announced that the controversial scenes’ audio and subtitles would be revised for future rebroadcasts, VOD releases, and OTT streaming services. The series ended with a peak viewership rating of 13.8%.

Meanwhile, the original close-up video of IU’s speech, uploaded by a fan, has reportedly been taken down.

On online forums, netizens reacted rather coldly, with continued criticism toward the singer-actress for not issuing an official public apology and instead addressing the matter only in front of fans. Many are also questioning how much understanding the lead actors should have had prior to filming, with criticism also directed toward male lead Byeon Woo Seok, who has remained silent on the issue.

Comments include:

"She should’ve chosen her projects more carefully from the start. She has a lot of international fans too, and now Chinese netizens and anti-Korean commenters are mixed together in the comments supporting the Northeast Project narrative."

"Every project she picks ends up controversial. I wish she’d stop while still being a likable celebrity."

"She can’t even address the issue properly and just speaks vaguely to stir up sympathy from fans. Her fans are probably going to get even more aggressive now. Just look at the quote tweets saying, ‘Unnie did nothing wrong, protect her.’ It’s honestly pathetic."

"Is she only sorry to the fans who spend money on her?"

"She’s not speaking to the general public, only to her fans lol."

"I seriously don’t understand how the lead actress stays silent about the controversy publicly but says things like that only to fans;;;; I’m disappointed."

"Staying completely silent publicly and then saying that kind of stuff at a fan-only event almost feels like she’s telling fans to shield her lol."

"? Just post a public apology statement."

"It feels similar to when she appeared on TV after that old controversy. She talks in circles vaguely and I can’t even tell what she’s trying to say."

"LOL you can totally see her calculating things."

"She should’ve just stayed a singer."

"She needs to study her history and assume more responsibility."

"She avoids making an official statement while provoking fans to act as her shield. She really is clever."

"Is it enough to avoid writing an apology letter and just get comfort from fans instead?"

"She needs to take responsibility. If nothing else, I think the responsibility of the two lead actors is huge."

"The way she talks is perfect for making fans feel emotionally defensive. Fans who like that kind of thing are probably the same ones shielding the drama controversy while practically selling out their own country."

"What does that statement even solve? It just sounds like, ‘Stop attacking our actress!!!!!’ How is that a responsible statement?"

"I wish lead actors who don’t seriously think about their roles would stop acting, and fans would stop obsessing over calling her an ‘all-around entertainer.’"

"She needs to take actual responsibility."

"Ji-eun-ah ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ"

"Wow, I also thought that drama was terrible and wondered why she even filmed it, but calling a female actress ‘fox-like’ and ‘scheming’ is disgusting. Honestly, when I see wording like that, it feels like people don’t actually care about historical awareness and just want an excuse to attack a female celebrity."

"Still seems better than someone who stays completely silent."

What are your thoughts?