Professor Lee Ik-joo, a Ph.D. in Korean History from SNU and former president of the Organization of Korean Historians, critiques the recent backlash against Perfect Crown. He argues that the criticism is not driven by academic rigor, but by emotional bias and selective outrage.
He points out that while The King and the Clown contained significant historical inaccuracies (e.g., the depiction of local officials and the life of King Danjong), it was showered with praise because it was a popular box-office success.
He criticizes "experts" and YouTubers who were silent on the errors of hit movies but swarmed to tear this drama apart, arguing they are merely chasing public sentiment rather than maintaining academic objectivity.
The Professor emphasizes that this drama is a work of fiction based on an alternate-history premise—a 21st-century constitutional monarchy.
He argues that because the title specifically uses "Grand Prince" (Daegun—the son of a King), the drama is intentionally set in a Kingdom hierarchy, not an Empire. Following the show's internal logic is not "historical distortion," but consistent world-building.
Professor Lee warns that viewers must stop trying to learn actual history from historical dramas or films. He states clearly: "Historical dramas are not history."
Professor Lee concludes that this entire controversy is a misdirected witch hunt. If these critics actually cared about accuracy, they would hold every project to the same standard regardless of how popular it is, rather than using "history" as a weapon to attack creative choices they personally dislike. It’s time to stop letting bandwagon opinions dictate the discourse.
Tell them, Sir! 🗣️
#PerfectCrown #IU #ByeonWooseok
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