SBS’s new K-drama starring Im Ji-yeon is going viral for its shockingly meticulous historical accuracy despite being a fantasy series — earning praise even from history majors.
Premiering on May 8, the SBS Friday–Saturday drama Brave New World follows rookie actress Shin Seori (played by Im Ji-yeon), who becomes possessed by the spirit of a notorious Joseon-era villainess, and her unlikely romance with ruthless chaebol heir Cha Segye (played by Heo Nam-joon). Even as a fusion fantasy, the show has drawn acclaim for its rigorous research into real historical figures’ ideas and dress.
One scene in particular blew up online: during an audition, the spirit inside Shin Seori shouts, "Men and women are not born with different natures." The line directly cites the writings of Im Yunjidang, a leading female Neo-Confucian scholar of late Joseon, stunning scholars and netizens alike.
The costume and prop details are equally next-level. The contrast between Shin Seori’s modern ‘kkotshin’ (flower-pattern shoes) and Kang Dansim’s flat traditional ‘suhoe’ (leather shoes), plus a navy hanbok skirt aligned with palace dress codes for married women — every small touch faithfully reflects Joseon clothing culture.
This meticulous direction stands in stark contrast to MBC’s Perfect Crown, which recently faced major backlash over historical distortion for using tributary-state attire and incorrect terminology.
After broadcast, online communities and social media lit up with reactions like, "There isn’t a single weak link in the acting, and the historical research is perfect," and "You can tell they obsessed over the details — it’s a joy to watch."
Meanwhile, Brave New World airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 p.m. KST and is also available on Netflix.