Local tourism program tied to ‘Perfect Crown’ scrapped amid controversy

20 May 2026, 01:27 by Minsoo-Kim · allkpop

'Perfect Crown' continues to face backlash over its historical distortion controversy even after the drama’s finale, with outside organizations beginning to distance themselves from the project.

On May 19 KST, the Wanju Cultural Foundation announced through its official account that the planned 'Perfect Crown Story Tour' had been canceled.

The tour had originally been scheduled to take place from May 21 to 22 around Jeonju Hanok Village and Soyang Oseong Hanok Village. The program was set to include filming-location tours, docent-guided storytelling sessions, an OST mini concert, traditional craft experiences, and XR smart bus attractions connected to the drama.

The foundation explained that while the program had been designed to connect Wanju’s hanok architecture and local cultural resources with tourism content, it decided to reconsider the project more carefully after taking public criticism seriously.

“Perfect Crown” remained at the center of controversy throughout its run, from its premiere on April 10 to its finale on May 16. In addition to criticism surrounding the actors’ performances, the drama faced mounting backlash over alleged historical inaccuracies and distortion.

Particular criticism focused on an episode depicting a coronation scene in which the main character wore ceremonial attire associated with a vassal state while subjects shouted “Cheonse,” a phrase linked to imperial hierarchy.

As controversy intensified, the production team issued an apology and announced that related audio and subtitles would be fully revised for rebroadcasts, VOD releases, and OTT streaming versions.

Lead actors IU and Byeon Woo Seok also released separate apologies. IU stated that she felt deeply sorry for disappointing viewers as the lead actress, while Byeon Woo Seok admitted he had not sufficiently considered the historical implications of the project or how audiences might perceive it.

Director Park Joon Hwa additionally apologized during a post-finale interview on May 19, saying he would take full responsibility on behalf of the production team and expressing regret that the cast’s hard work had resulted in hurt rather than recognition.

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