"The Biggest Problem Is Providing a Pretext for China's Northeast Project"... Even IU Apologizes Amid 'The 21st Century Great Lady' Controversy

"21st Century Great Lady" Faces Historical Distortion Controversy
Professor Seo Gyeongdeok: "We Must Prevent Recurrence"

As controversy continues over historical distortion in the recently concluded MBC drama "The 21st Century Great Lady," Professor Seo Kyung-duk of Sungshin Women’s University has voiced "grave concern" over the situation.

On May 19, Professor Seo stated on his Facebook page, "The biggest issue with this controversy is that it has provided an excuse for China's Northeast Project," adding, "If a historical drama is made available to a global audience through an online streaming service, not only must it be historically accurate, but particular attention must also be paid to the risk of historical distortion by neighboring countries. The fact that this aspect was overlooked is most regrettable."

He continued, "We must take the controversies surrounding SBS's 'Joseon Exorcist' and MBC's 'The 21st Century Great Lady' as lessons and ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future." The SBS drama "Joseon Exorcist," which aired in 2021, was canceled after just two episodes due to controversies over historical distortion and the Northeast Project.

Production Team: "We will correct subtitles and other elements as quickly as possible"

Scene where the term 'Cheoncheonse' used by the feudal states during Grand Prince Ian's enthronement ceremony. Professor Sukyungdug's SNS

The controversy intensified following the broadcast of episode 11 of "The 21st Century Great Lady" on May 15. In the episode, the term 'Cheonse'—used by feudal states—was employed during Grand Prince Ian's enthronement ceremony, and instead of the emperor’s twelve-bead crown, a nine-bead crown signifying a feudal lord appeared, sparking accusations of historical distortion. Additionally, there were scenes in which characters performed Chinese-style tea ceremonies instead of Korean traditional methods, which further fueled backlash from viewers.

In response to the ongoing criticism, the production team issued an official apology through the drama’s website, stating, "We sincerely apologize for causing concern due to issues regarding the world-building and historical accuracy."

The statement continued, "While 'The 21st Century Great Lady' is both a romance and an alternate history drama, and we recognized the need for careful and in-depth consideration where the fictional world intersects with real historical context, our efforts to refine the setting and ensure greater accuracy were insufficient. We humbly accept viewers’ criticism and will do our utmost to promptly correct the relevant audio and subtitles in re-broadcasts, video-on-demand (VOD), and OTT releases."

Lead Actors Also Issue Apologies Over Historical Distortion Controversy

Actors Byun Woo-seok (left) and IU are posing at the production presentation for the MBC drama "The 21st Century Great Lady" held on April 6 at the Chosun Palace Hotel in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Ultimately, the lead actors also issued apologies on social media the previous day. Byun Woo-seok stated, "I feel a heavy heart for those who felt discomfort or concern because of the series," and added, "During filming and acting, I did not give enough thought to the historical context and meaning the series contained, or how viewers might interpret it."

He continued, "Through the comments of viewers, I have reflected deeply and realized again that, as an actor, it is important to approach not only my acting but also the message and context of the work with even greater responsibility and care."

IU also commented, "As the lead actress, I deeply regret not showing a more responsible attitude and causing great disappointment to everyone. Even now, I feel very heavy-hearted." She went on to add, "Because this work was important for showcasing imagination based on our own history and the traditional beauty of Korea, I should have read and studied the script more carefully as an actor," stating, "I am ashamed of myself for not doing so."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.