IU apologizes over ‘Grand Consort’ historical distortion controversy: “I should have studied more… I am ashamed” - 스포츠경향

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IU, star of the drama ‘21st Century Grand Consort’, who had been at the center of daily criticism over historical distortion, has finally issued an official apology to viewers.

On the 18th, the actor IU shared on social media, “Over the past few days, I carefully read each and every comment left by many viewers,” adding, “As the lead actor, I seem to have greatly disappointed you by failing to show a responsible attitude, and I am very sorry; my heart remains very heavy.”

She then directly apologized for the most heated issue, the show’s historical verification. IU said, “Regarding the various issues of historical accuracy in the drama that you pointed out, I reflect without excuse and apologize for having proceeded with my performance without deeper consideration,” and continued, “Because it was a project for which it was important to base imagination on our own history and to convey Korea’s traditional beauty, I am ashamed of myself for not reading the script more carefully and studying more as an actor. I failed to recognize the problems in advance.”

Lastly, she reiterated her apology, saying, “I will always remember the precious criticism and opinions you have sent, and I will approach future projects with greater caution and thoroughness.”

With a production budget of 30 billion won, ‘21st Century Grand Consort’ has faced intense criticism for poor historical research since its early broadcast. In particular, despite being set as a constitutional monarchy, it was accused of diminishing the nation’s dignity by using the Chinese vassal-state title ‘Daegun’ and the enthronement acclamation ‘Cheonse’ instead of imperial rites.

In addition, a private audience scene with the queen dowager depicted an unmistakably ‘Chinese-style tea ceremony,’ provoking public outrage among viewers sensitive to the Northeast Project. As costume errors, palace arson, and other ignorant setups kept recurring, the production team apologized on the 16th, saying, “We failed to examine carefully the changes in Joseon’s etiquette.”

The following is the full text of IU’s social media post.

This is IU, who played Seong Hee-ju in 21st Century Grand Consort.

Over the past few days, I carefully read each and every remark left by many viewers.

As the project’s lead actor, I am very sorry that I failed to show a responsible attitude and seem to have caused great disappointment; my heart is still very heavy.

Regarding the various issues of historical accuracy you pointed out in the drama, I reflect without excuse and apologize for having performed without thinking more deeply.

As it was a project for which it was important to base imagination on our own history and to convey Korea’s traditional beauty, I am ashamed that, as an actor, I did not read the script more carefully and study more. I did not properly cultivate a sense of the issues in advance. I am sorry.

Thank you to everyone who stayed with the project to the end and did not spare your words.

I will always remember the valuable criticism and opinions you sent, and I will approach future projects with greater caution and thoroughness. Once again, I am sorry.