Korean history lecturer Choi Tae-sung has spoken out against the historical distortion controversy surrounding the MBC drama ’21st Century Daegunbuin’.
On the 18th, Choi posted a lengthy message on his SNS, stating, “It is time to wake up.”
He lamented, “Sigh. Another historical distortion controversy. At this point, are we like goldfish?” He emphasized, “We are currently leading the global Hallyu culture. Dramas and movies are no longer just for us. People all over the world are watching, and our image is being spread and imprinted rapidly.”
He pointed out that a system matching this status is needed, noting, “We either don’t have such a system yet, or it is at a manual, handicraft level.” He expressed frustration that controversies over historical terms, costumes, and dialogue repeat constantly without improvement.
He further criticized the budget allocation, saying, “I don’t understand why they pay hundreds of millions of won in appearance fees to actors without hesitation, yet try to settle for a few hundred thousand won for historical verification.” He added that the time required for research is also too easily ignored.
Choi suggested the establishment of a ‘Historical Verification Research Institute’ to systematically review everything from scripts to costumes and sets.
The MBC drama ’21st Century Daegunbuin’, which ended on the 16th, was embroiled in controversy over historical errors in the coronation scene of episode 11. The issue arose when officials shouted ‘Cheonse’ instead of ‘Manse’ during the coronation of Grand Prince Ian (played by Byeon Woo-seok). ‘Cheonse’ is known as a term used for vassal-level monarchs, one step lower than a Chinese emperor.
It was also pointed out that the nine-tasseled crown worn by the king was lower in rank than the twelve-tasseled crown used by emperors, and some scenes were criticized for reminding viewers of Chinese etiquette.
As the controversy grew, the production team apologized via their official website, stating, “We sincerely apologize for causing concern regarding the world-building and historical verification issues to the many people who watched the drama with affection.” They admitted the mistake, saying they failed to carefully examine how Joseon’s etiquette changed over history, and announced that audio and subtitles in reruns, VOD, and OTT services would be corrected.
Lead actress IU also cautiously shared her feelings during a cinema event celebrating her birthday on the 16th. Coincidentally, as it was the final day of ’21st Century Daegunbuin’, questions and interest regarding the work were focused on her.
IU said, “I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. In the end, I think it would have been better if I had done better.” She added, “It is truly my fault for disappointing you or showing an insufficient side.” She continued, “I will live with a greater sense of responsibility so that I can be someone UAENA can be proud of.”
Specifically, she stated, “You can tell me more, scold me, and push me,” showing her willingness to humbly accept criticism from fans. During her speech, she teared up and bowed 90 degrees to express her apology and gratitude.
Below is the full text of Choi Tae-sung’s SNS post:
“Sigh… another historical distortion controversy. At this point, are we like goldfish? (Sorry, goldfish). We are currently leading the global Hallyu culture. Dramas, movies? We aren’t the only ones watching. People all over the world are watching. Our image is being spread and imprinted rapidly.”
“Now we need a system that matches that status.”
“We either don’t have this system yet, or it is at a manual level.”
“Historical terms, costumes, dialogue… historical distortion controversies break out every time, yet we are always in the same place.”
“Please respect the field of history.”
“While paying hundreds of millions in appearance fees to actors without hesitation, why try to settle for a few hundred thousand for historical verification… why is it so regrettable to spend it?”
“Why is the time spent on verification for program production so ignored?”
“I hope the historical community creates a Historical Verification Research Institute.”
“An institute where producers don’t have to worry and can safely resolve scripts, costumes, and sets in one stop by entrusting their work to the research center. Sigh… it would be possible if we got investment… T_T”
“I think it is time to stop these worries, so I am making a suggestion. You worked hard to make a great historical drama, but isn’t it discouraging to receive such criticism… T_T”
