Perfect Crown Faces Criticism Ahead of Finale, Royal Rituals Under Scrutiny

Perfect Crown (Doc. Ist)

SecondUpdate.com - The Korean drama Perfect Crown is now heading toward its final episode. Although the popularity of the series starring IU and Byeon Woo Seok continues to rise, criticism from viewers has also been growing louder.

The latest wave of criticism emerged after episode 11 aired on Friday (May 15). Instead of focusing on the emotional relationship between Seong Hee Joo and Yi An, many viewers shifted their attention to royal cultural details that were considered historically inaccurate.

In the episode, Seong Hee Joo was portrayed risking her life to save Yi An before the prince officially ascended the throne. The scene was originally intended to be one of the most emotional moments leading up to the finale.

However, public attention quickly turned to the royal coronation ceremony, which many viewers considered problematic. Several audiences criticized the use of the term “cheonse” during the ceremony.

According to viewers, the term was historically used by subordinate states when addressing an emperor, making it inappropriate for the modern constitutional monarchy concept portrayed in Perfect Crown.

In addition, viewers also questioned the details of the royal crown. They noticed that the king’s ceremonial crown only featured nine strands of beads, whereas a sovereign ruler’s crown in traditional Korean royal culture was believed to contain 12 strands.

Another controversial scene involved Queen Dowager Yoon Yi Rang, played by Gong Seung Yeon, kneeling to apologize to Yi An. Critics argued that the scene violated the royal hierarchy rules of the Joseon era.

Although the drama is set in an alternative fictional world featuring a modern constitutional monarchy, debates over the accuracy of its royal traditions have existed since the beginning of the series.

Several Korean historians have also commented on certain story elements in Perfect Crown, claiming that some depictions contradict authentic customs from the Joseon dynasty.

As criticism continues to intensify, some viewers have demanded an official statement from the production team. Others reportedly filed complaints with Korea’s broadcasting regulatory authorities.

Despite the controversy, Perfect Crown continues to enjoy strong popularity. The drama’s ratings keep rising, and it remains one of the most talked-about Korean dramas at the moment.

This phenomenon has made Perfect Crown one of the few K-dramas that continues to attract massive public attention, even while facing ongoing criticism over its portrayal of Korean royal history and traditions.