Korea Media and Communications Commission considers recovering support funds for ‘Perfect Crown’ over historical distortion controversy

The Korea Media and Communications Commission is reportedly considering the recovery of support funds provided to MBC’s recently concluded drama 'Perfect Crown,' following controversy over alleged historical distortion, according to sources on May 19.

The drama was selected on April 23 as part of a Korean content investment showcase jointly organized in connection with the 'Cannes International Series Festival.' It was introduced to international buyers alongside 'Filing for Love,' 'Bloody Flower,' and 'Gokdu,' as one of four projects supported for overseas promotion. The initiative was organized by the Korea Media and Communications Commission in cooperation with the Korea Communications Agency (KCA).

The Commission is now reviewing whether to recover the support funds that were provided to the production for its global market expansion and promotional activities.

The controversy originated from Episode 11, aired on May 15, which featured a coronation scene that drew strong public criticism. Viewers pointed out that court officials used the phrase “long live the king” instead of “ten thousand years,” and that the monarch wore a nine-jade-jeweled crown, typically associated with a vassal state, rather than a twelve-jade-jeweled crown reserved for imperial status in traditional protocol.

Although the drama is set in a fictional modern constitutional monarchy in Korea, critics argued that it misrepresented Joseon-era royal rituals and lacked historical accuracy. Complaints were subsequently filed with the Korea Creative Content Agency and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

In response, the production team issued an official apology on May 16, acknowledging insufficient consideration of historical context during world-building. The team also stated that corrections will be made to audio and subtitle content across reruns, VOD, and OTT platforms.

Lead actors Byeon Woo Seok and IU also issued apology statements on May 18, expressing regret over the controversy. Public figures, including Professor Seo Kyoung Duk of Sungshin Women’s University and history educator Choi Tae Sung, criticized the production for insufficient historical consultation.

Despite the controversy, 'Perfect Crown' concluded with strong ratings, reaching a peak nationwide viewership of 13.8 percent according to Nielsen Korea.

The key issue under review is whether the support funds can be recovered under the terms of the funding agreement. Officials noted that the assistance provided by the Korea Media and Communications Commission and KCA was part of an export promotion program rather than a direct production subsidy. The Commission is now examining whether contractual provisions related to “social controversy” or “public interest harm” allow for recovery of the support funds.

The review could have implications for future government-backed content export initiatives, particularly regarding the inclusion of stricter evaluation criteria on historical accuracy and social impact.