Shocking backlash is brewing over IU and Byeon Woo Seok’s performances in MBC’s highly anticipated drama Perfect Crown, dominating global K-snapp buzz between 4/10 and 4/15.
Premiering on the 10th, Perfect Crown is set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy Korea and follows a romance between a woman who has everything as a chaebol heiress but hates being “just” a commoner, and a prince who has nothing despite being the king’s son. The show is on an upward ratings trend, scoring 7.8% for Episode 1 and 9.5% for Episode 2 (Nielsen Korea).
IU’s Seong Hee-ju, the “chaebol” lead, blends drive and ambition with professional poise and a lovable, cute side, portraying a layered inner life as she faces her background and reality—drawing viewers in. Byeon Woo Seok is also earning praise for captivating home-viewers with a charm distinct from his tvN hit Lovely Runner.
But not everyone agrees. Since the release, online reactions include: “Both IU and Byeon Woo Seok were doing way too much with their acting,” “IU was great in ‘You Have Done Well’—so what’s happening now?” “Byeon Woo Seok’s ‘Lovely Runner’ image is way too strong,” and “That blank stare while Byeon Woo Seok reads lines like a textbook gave me chills.” At the same time, with only two of the 12 episodes out, many argue it’s still “too early to judge,” calling for patience.
The much-debated chemistry between IU and Byeon Woo Seok will face its next test in Episode 3, airing on the 17th at 9:50 p.m.