MBC’s historical drama “The Grand Lady of the 21st Century,” which had garnered huge public expectations, ended with an unmistakably bitter farewell amid a serious controversy over historical distortion. Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women’s University criticized the incident as an act of diplomatic self-harm that shakes Korea’s cultural identity and gives China’s “Northeastern Ambitions” (Northeast Project) an opening.
On the 15th, Professor Seo pointed out the historical-accuracy mistakes from episode 11 in detail. Instead of “Manse” and the “Sipseon-ryu-gwan” representing a sovereign nation, the drama included “Cheonse,” which signifies a vassal state, and a nine-row “Guryu-myeon-gwan.” She also said that scenes in which the characters drink tea using clearly Chinese-style tea-serving methods were aired, drawing intense outrage from viewers.
Critical misstep amid the global OTT boom—Relay apologies from the main cast including IU and Byeon Woo-seok
Professor Seo Kyung-deok said it is fatal to distort history voluntarily in an era when viewers around the world access Korean historical dramas through global OTT platforms such as Netflix. She explained that overlooking meticulous historical research is a painful mistake, especially amid mounting attempts by neighboring countries to incorporate each other’s culture.
As public criticism swelled, the production team apologized belatedly on the 16th through the official website. However, distorted history is already trending to spread, centered on online communities in the Sinosphere. In the end, on the 18th, even the lead actors IU and Byeon Woo-seok bowed their heads to the public, admitting via their own social media that they had not been careful enough when checking and reviewing the production.
We should hold “Kingdom of Joseon Exorcism” up as a mirror—A blunt message toward the K-content production direction of 2026
Professor Seo referenced the earlier controversy of SBS “Kingdom of Joseon Exorcism,” which was canceled after just two episodes due to historical distortion issues. She emphasized that the entire industry should take this controversy as a lesson. Everyone involved—directors, writers, and investors—must carry a heavy sense of responsibility for producing content grounded in history.
Now, with K-content firmly established as part of the global mainstream in 2026, the price of focusing only on flashy direction and star marketing while neglecting historical accuracy has been devastating. Voices calling for a well-made historical drama that equips the wider broadcasting industry with the right view of history and a rigorous internal verification system are growing louder.
Full text of Professor Seo Kyung-deok’s social media post
Recently, the controversy over historical distortion in MBC’s drama “The Grand Lady of the 21st Century” has been growing, and it is a very worrying situation.
In episode 11 aired on the 15th, the phrase “Cheonse,” which refers to a vassal state’s usage, was used during the coronation ceremony of the Grand Prince Ian. Instead of the emperor’s “Sipseon-ryu-gwan,” a “Guryu-myeon-gwan” meaning a vassal was introduced, and the issue spread into a wider controversy over historical distortion.
Viewers also strongly objected to scenes where the characters followed Chinese-style tea-serving methods rather than traditional Korean ways.
As netizens’ criticism continued, the production team posted an apology statement on the 16th, albeit late.
At present, the related controversy is also spreading on online communities and SNS in the Sinosphere.
Above all, the biggest problem with this controversy is that it provided an opening for China’s “Northeastern Ambitions.”
If it is a historical content piece that worldwide viewers watch together through global OTT, not only must historical accuracy be verified precisely, but the situation of historical distortions by neighboring countries should also be carefully checked—and missing this point is truly the most painful part.
We should hold the controversies surrounding SBS “Kingdom of Joseon Exorcism” and MBC “The Grand Lady of the 21st Century” up as a mirror from now on, and pay close attention so that these kinds of issues do not recur.
