'The Duke's Lady of the 21st Century' to Modify Scriptbook After Controversy

The production team and publisher of the MBC drama The Duke's Lady of the 21st Century (also known as 21st Century Grand Prince's Wife) will revise scriptbooks and digital content following historical distortion controversies. The decision addresses viewer criticism regarding inaccurate royal etiquette and ceremonial details in the fictional constitutional monarchy series.

Key Facts

• In Episode 11, King Lee Wan wore a "Guryu-myeonryugwan" (nine-beaded crown) during an enthronement, rather than the "Sibee-myeonryugwan" (twelve-beaded crown) reserved for emperors.
• Court officials used the term "Cheon-se" (1,000 years), a greeting for feudal lords, instead of "Man-se" (10,000 years), which viewers argued diminished the sovereign status of the drama's setting.
• The production team admitted failing to properly refine the worldview or examine how Joseon-era etiquette evolved within their fictionalized context.
• Publisher Open House Studio Audrey (Offenhouse) is consulting with producers to correct ritual expressions and ceremonial details in the scriptbook.
• First-edition pre-order customers will receive digital PDF correction pages and physical correction stickers rather than physical exchanges.
• Revisions, including audio and subtitle modifications, will be applied to all VOD, rerun, and OTT services.

Key Terms

• Guryu-myeonryugwan: A nine-beaded crown traditionally worn by kings of tributary states or feudal lords.
• Sibee-myeonryugwan: A twelve-beaded crown worn by emperors of sovereign nations.
• Cheon-se: A ceremonial shout wishing for 1,000 years of life, historically reserved for those below imperial rank.
• Man-se: A ceremonial shout wishing for 10,000 years of life, signifying imperial sovereignty.

Key Quote

"21st Century Grand Prince's Wife is a romance and alternative history drama that required deep consideration of the intersection between a fictional world and real history, but we lacked the effort to refine the worldview and inspect it closely." — Production Team

Next

• Digital correction pages (PDF) for the scriptbook will be available for download starting May 18.
• Pre-order customers may apply via an official Google Form to receive physical correction stickers.
• Future scriptbook printings will reflect revised historical expressions and visuals.
• Refunds remain available through individual purchase outlets.