Viewers Outraged! “Scrap the Script Book, Not Just Stickers” as ’21st Century Grand Princess’ Faces Historical Distortion Controversy

MBC’s drama ’21st Century Grand Princess’ is caught in a storm of historical distortion controversy, and viewers are now calling for the complete disposal of the upcoming script book.

The drama faced heavy criticism for a coronation scene aired on the 15th. Instead of “Manse,” a symbol of a sovereign state, the term “Cheonse,” used by vassal states subordinate to an empire, was used. Furthermore, while an emperor of an independent state should wear a 12-line “Sip-i-myeon-ryu-gwan,” the character appeared in a 9-line “Gu-ryu-myeon-ryu-gwan,” which signifies a vassal of the Chinese emperor. This has led to a heated “Northeast Project” controversy.

The production team apologized, stating, “We take the viewers’ points seriously that the coronation scene undermines our country’s sovereign status.” They added, “This happened because the production team failed to carefully examine how Joseon’s etiquette changed throughout history.”

Despite the apology, the heat has shifted to the publication of the script book. Publisher Offan House (Studio Audrey), which is set to release the book on the 18th, announced via their official account on the 16th that they are “discussing certain ceremonial expressions that the production team has promised to correct.”

The publisher stated they take the matter seriously and will provide a separate notice to first-edition pre-order readers, with corrections reflected in future printings. For books already produced and shipped, they plan to send a PDF file with the corrections and physical correction stickers.

However, netizens are not happy with this response. Online communities and social media are flooded with criticism, such as “It should be completely scrapped, not just corrected,” “Who would buy a script book with historical distortions?”, “They’re making money off the Northeast Project controversy, but no one is taking responsibility,” and “There’s more than just one or two things that need fixing in the setting.”

Full Text

Notice from Offan House (Studio Audrey) regarding the <21st Century Grand Princess> script book scheduled for release on May 18.

Regarding the drama <21st Century Grand Princess>, we are currently in discussions with the production team regarding some ceremonial expressions that were officially announced for correction on May 16.

The publisher takes this matter seriously. We will provide a separate notice to first-edition pre-order readers and reflect the corrections in subsequent printings.

However, as the first edition has already been produced and shipped, the publisher will do its best to minimize inconvenience through guidance and follow-up measures.

The follow-up measures are as follows.

For first-edition buyers, starting Monday, May 18, we will provide a digital correction page (PDF) reflecting the agreed-upon changes via the publisher’s official Instagram account. Along with the download link, we will provide a Google Form to apply for physical correction stickers. These stickers will be designed to be pasted directly into the text and sent to those who apply.

The Google Form will be open for approximately two weeks, and stickers will be produced and sent in bulk after the deadline.

Additionally, if you wish to receive a refund, you may apply through the regulations and procedures of the store where you purchased the book.

We sincerely apologize once again for the confusion and inconvenience caused to our readers.