IU and Byeon Woo-seok Apologize Together Over Controversy of Historical Distortion in “The Grand Lady of the 21st Century” (Full Text)

〈The Grand Lady of the 21st Century〉’s royal couple delivered an apology to viewers, expressing their regret.

Controversy Over Historical Fact-Checking and IU’s Personal Reflection The drama 〈The Grand Lady of the 21st Century〉 ended on May 16. However, before the finale, viewers began voicing dissatisfaction over distortions caused by insufficient historical research—such as royal court culture not being properly depicted and scenes of tea ceremony presented in a Chinese style rather than a Korean one. In response, IU also shared her private thoughts at a group viewing event with fans on May 16, saying, “I’m genuinely at fault for anything that may have disappointed you even a little or for showing shortcomings.”

Apologies From the Two Lead Actors and Measures to Revise the VOD Ultimately, the two main characters of the drama—IU as Seong Hee-joo and Byeon Woo-seok as Crown Prince An—posted apologies on their respective SNS accounts, conveying their regret for the shortcomings of 〈The Grand Lady of the 21st Century〉. IU wrote with a serious mindset in the words, “Because this was a work where it was important for an actor to thoughtfully and carefully read the script and study in order to capture the imagination grounded in our own unique history and the traditional beauty of the Republic of Korea—but I failed to do so, and I’m ashamed of myself.” Byeon Woo-seok added, “During the process of filming and performing, I lacked the consideration to reflect on what the historical context and meaning of the work were, and how it could be received by viewers,” expressing his remorse. Currently, 〈The Grand Lady of the 21st Century〉 has said that the production team will revise the problematic parts before the VOD is released publicly. Below is the full text from IU and Byeon Woo-seok.

-IU SNS Full Text

Hello. I’m IU, who played the role of Seong Hee-joo in 〈The Grand Lady of the 21st Century〉.

Over the past few days, I carefully read each and every message many viewers left. As a lead actor, it seems I wasn’t able to show a responsible attitude, and that I caused a great deal of disappointment. I’m very sorry to everyone, and my heart is still heavy.

Regarding the various historical fact-checking issues in the drama that you pointed out, I took on my acting without thinking more deeply, and without any room for excuses, I reflect on it and offer my apology.

Because this was a work where it was important to convey the imagination based on our own unique history and the traditional beauty of the Republic of Korea, I’m ashamed of myself for not acting more carefully than I should have as an actor—I failed to read and study the script with the seriousness required. I didn’t properly have the right concerns in advance. I’m sorry.

Thank you to everyone who watched the work all the way through and who didn’t hold back their words.

I will keep in mind the valuable criticism and opinions you sent, and I will become IU who approaches future work with an even more careful and thorough attitude. I’m sorry once again.

-Byeon Woo-seok SNS Full Text

Hello, I’m actor Byeon Woo-seok.

During the weekend, I worried and was concerned that what I said might cause additional harm. I’m posting this with a heavy heart for those who felt discomfort and concern because of the work.

During the process of filming and performing, I lacked the consideration to think about what the historical context and meaning contained in the work were, and how that could be understood by viewers. Through your words, I was able to reflect and examine myself, and I came to realize once again that as an actor, I need to look at and think through the message and context of the work with responsibility—not just my acting. I will remember this deeply once more.

I sincerely apologize.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported 〈The Grand Lady of the 21st Century〉 and Crown Prince An, and who offered advice, once again. Going forward, I will be a more careful actor with a deeper and more thoughtful attitude as I work on future projects. I’m sorry.

Byeon Woo-seok