[Dispatch=Reporter Lee Myeong-joo] Actor Byeon Woo-seok apologized once again regarding "21st Century Crown Princess."
On the 19th at a production presentation for Netflix variety show "Yoo Jae-seok Camp" held at JW Marriott Seoul Dongdaemun, Byeon Woo-seok said, "I apologize regarding the recent issue."
He reiterated his apology over the MBC-TV drama "21st Century Crown Princess," in which he starred, becoming embroiled in historical distortion controversy. This marks his second statement following an apology letter.
He also made a warm appeal for attention toward "Yoo Jae-seok Camp." "I think about doing my best at every moment. I did my best with 'Yoo Jae-seok Camp.' I hope you view it favorably," he said.
"21st Century Crown Princess" is a work set against a 21st-century constitutional monarchy South Korea. It depicts Byeon Woo-seok and IU completing their love while transcending their inherent social status.
The issue lay in how it handled the Joseon Dynasty. The "guryou myeonryugwan" of Ian-daekun and the expression "cheonse" (千歲) shouted by officials created a misunderstanding of China as a tributary state.
Concerns erupted from various quarters. The cyber diplomacy organization VANK sent a letter to global OTT Disney+ on the 17th requesting modification of audio and subtitles.
Korean history instructor Choi Tae-sung said, "They pay hundreds of millions of won for actor fees but try to settle historical accuracy with only tens of millions of won. I hope they respect the history academic field."
As the controversy persisted, both the production team and actors issued apology statements. The production team wrote, "We caused concern through worldview setting and historical accuracy issues. We sincerely apologize."
Byeon Woo-seok and IU similarly lowered their heads, saying, "We lacked sufficient contemplation on what historical context and meaning are contained in the work and how it could be received by viewers."
Meanwhile, "Yoo Jae-seok Camp" is a lodging variety show. Yoo Jae-seok becomes a campground operator, while Byeon Woo-seok, Lee Kwang-soo, and Ji Ye-eun serve as staff, spending time with lodging guests. First broadcast on the 26th.
<Photo=Reporter Song Hyo-jin>
