After earning strong reviews for her transformation into Aesoon in Netflix’s 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', singer-actress IU is now, alongside co-star Byeon Woo Seok, facing acting controversy over MBC’s 'Perfect Crown'.
'Perfect Crown' premiered on April 10. Set in a modern constitutional monarchy, the drama follows a chaebol heiress dissatisfied with being “just” a commoner and a prince who has everything yet cannot truly have anything, as the two challenge their positions in a status-defying romance. The series recorded ratings of 7.8% for episode 1 and 9.5% for episode 2 (Nielsen Korea).
In a recent episode, Seong Hee-ju (IU) proposes to Grand Prince Ian (Byeon Woo Seok), heightening tension. However, Ian continues to push her away, driving the central conflict.
IU drew attention for portraying Hee-ju’s confidence, ambition, and emotional complexity, while Byeon Woo Seok showcased a different side from his previous role in 'Lovely Runner'.
However, criticism followed, with comments such as, “Both IU and Byeon Woo Seok were rough,” “IU did so well in ‘Tangerines’—what happened now?” and “His delivery felt stiff.”
While expectations remain high, only two episodes have aired. Episode 3 will air on April 17 at 9:50 p.m. and will also be available on Disney+.