Byeon Woo-seok Apology: Historical Distortion in '21st Century Grand Prince's Wife'

Actor Byeon Woo Seok has issued a second public apology, including a handwritten letter and a press appearance, regarding controversies over historical distortion and the Northeast Project in his drama 21st Century Grand Prince's Wife. During a May 18 press conference, the actor admitted to a lack of oversight regarding the production's historical messaging.

Key Facts

• Byeon Woo Seok expressed regret for his involvement in the drama during his first public appearance since the controversy began, supplementing his verbal remarks with a handwritten letter.
• The drama faced backlash for a coronation scene where subordinates shouted "Cheonse," a term for subordinate states, instead of "Manse," which signifies an independent nation.
• Historical inaccuracies included Byeon Woo Seok’s character wearing a nine-beaded crown (Guryumyeonryugwan) associated with Chinese officials rather than the twelve-beaded crown designated for emperors.
• The actor acknowledged failing to consider how the work's historical context and message would be received by the public.
• The controversy involves co-star IU and the project's alleged alignment with the Northeast Project.

Key Terms

• Northeast Project: A Chinese government research project involving historical claims to ancient kingdoms on the Korean peninsula.
• Cheonse: A historical greeting for royalty of subordinate states, as opposed to the imperial "Manse."
• Guryumyeonryugwan: A formal crown with nine bead strings, historically worn by high-ranking officials or kings of subordinate states.

Key Quote

"I lacked consideration of what the historical context and meaning of the work were and how it would be accepted by viewers. As an actor, I have once again deeply realized the need to look into and consider not only the acting but also the message and context of the work more responsibly." — Byeon Woo Seok

Next

• Byeon Woo Seok pledged to approach future roles with greater responsibility regarding the message and historical context of his projects.