Controversy Erupts Over '21st Century Great Lady' Historical Distortion; IU Vows Greater Responsibility

MBC's Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Great Lady' concluded on May 16 amid controversy over historical distortion. Following an apology and commitment to revisions from the production team, lead actress IU expressed her intention to take greater responsibility in front of fans. The upcoming script book is also expected to include some revised expressions.

On the show's final day, IU held a group viewing event at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul, where she celebrated her birthday with fans while watching the last episode. After the screening, she addressed the recent controversy, saying, "I've been thinking a lot lately. I could have done better. As someone who receives your love, I will strive to do better and show a more responsible side of myself, making sure not to waste a moment of time."

She added, "I believe that everything you say has a reason, and I should accept it. If there are areas where I fall short, please let me know, scold me, and push me so that I can work hard to become a better person."

While IU did not directly mention '21st Century Great Lady,' her comments were interpreted as a reflection on the recent historical distortion controversy, especially given the timing of her remarks right after the final episode.

Set in a constitutional monarchy in 21st-century South Korea, '21st Century Great Lady' is a romantic alternate history drama. The controversy erupted following the broadcast of the 11th episode on May 15, which featured a scene where courtiers shouted 'Cheonse' instead of 'Manse' during the coronation of the character Lee An-dae-gun, who wore a Goryeo-style crown instead of a Joseon-style one. This led some viewers to accuse the show of historical distortion.

In response, the production team stated, "We take seriously the viewers' concerns that the scene with the king wearing a 'Goryeo crown' and the courtiers shouting 'Cheonse' undermines our country's sovereignty." They issued an apology, acknowledging that they had not carefully examined how Joseon customs evolved throughout history.

They further explained, "While '21st Century Great Lady' is a romance and an alternate history drama, it required careful and profound consideration of the intersection between the fictional world and historical context. We recognize that we fell short in refining the worldview and paying closer attention to these aspects."

The production team committed to promptly correcting the audio and subtitles in replays, video-on-demand (VOD), and online streaming services.

The controversy also extended to the script book. Ahead of its release on May 18, publisher Open House Studio Audrie announced on May 16 via official social media that they are in discussions with the production team regarding the planned revisions of certain ceremonial expressions related to the drama.

The publisher stated, "We take this matter seriously" and will provide a separate notice to pre-order customers, indicating that the revised expressions will be reflected in future editions. For books that have already been produced and shipped, they plan to send corrected PDF files and physical correction stickers.

Despite the historical distortion controversy, '21st Century Great Lady' ended with its highest viewership ratings, recording 13.8% nationwide according to Nielsen Korea. While the drama concluded with high ratings, the historical accuracy debate and the production team's subsequent actions remain significant points of discussion.