Overview
- Director Park Joon-hwa, who apologized Tuesday at a press event in Seoul, said he bears responsibility for the drama’s missteps in depicting royal rites.
- Lead actors IU and Byeon Woo-seok issued separate apologies, saying they failed to fully consider the historical context viewers would bring to the scenes.
- The production team admitted research failures and is editing audio and subtitles for streaming and re-runs, after a coronation used the vassal-linked chant “cheonse” instead of “manse” and showed a crown associated with subordination.
- The civic group VANK said it sent an official letter to Disney+ requesting fixes to overseas versions, as platforms review updates and domestic streaming edits begin.
- The Korea Media and Communications Commission is reviewing whether to reclaim public funds tied to the show’s Cannes Series Festival promotion, reflecting concern that symbolic errors can shape perceptions of Korean history abroad.