tvN Historical Drama Under Scrutiny for Historical Inaccuracy: “Authenticity Must Be Respected in Joseon Settings”

Controversy Surrounds tvN’s “The Queen Who Crowns”Poster Leak

On December 19, an unreleased promotional poster for tvN·TVING’s upcoming original drama, The Queen Who Crowns, was leaked, igniting a wave of criticism online. The series, which is set to premiere in January 2025, features actress Cha Joo-young portraying Queen Wongyeong, but the pilot image’s portrayal sparked considerable backlash due to her unconventional attire.

Set against the backdrop of the Joseon dynasty, The Queen Who Crowns documents the life of Queen Wongyeong, the spouse of Taejong Lee Bang-won, Joseon’s third monarch. Many viewers took issue with Cha’s presentation in a black halter-neck outfit, leading to comments that questioned the series’ commitment to historical authenticity: “If you’re going to do this, why not just set it in a fictional era?” and “A halter-neck design for a queen’s attire is unacceptable.”Despite acknowledging the show’s creative liberties, critics contend that a production taking place during such a significant historical period should strive to maintain some level of accuracy.

Historical Inaccuracies in tvN’s Productions

This incident is not isolated. Previous historical dramas from tvN, such as the 2022 hit Under the Queen’s Umbrella, also encountered similar critiques. While the show garnered popularity for its exploration of unique themes like intrafamilial competitiveness, elements of the storyline—including anachronisms in dialogue and character portrayal—raised eyebrows. For instance, actress Kim Hye-soo’s character adopted the term bon-gung, which was historically inaccurate for the time.

Similarly, the premise of princes vying for the throne despite their status as consorts of a king stood in stark contrast to the Confucian values prevalent during the Joseon period. Viewers argued that the acceptance of creative liberties might be more appropriate in a fictional narrative, yet even in fusion historical dramas, respecting foundational historical tenets is essential.

Previous Instances of Criticism

Another pertinent example highlighting this trend is the drama Queen Woo, starring Jeon Jong-seo. Critics focused on its historical authenticity, with the costumes resembling Chinese styles rather than Goguryeo traditional attire. Prominent costume designer Kim Ki-sook noted the importance of balancing imaginative designs with cultural recognition. Experts echoed this sentiment, arguing that the similarities drawn to Chinese costumes detract from the unique heritage of the Goguryeo period.

The Importance of Authenticity in Historical Dramas

Despite the accolades that these dramas have received for centering female-centric narratives and introducing novel themes, the failure to rigorously uphold historical accuracy continues to attract substantial condemnation. A growing number of viewers emphasize that without authenticity, even innovative and creative matters falter in meaning and significance.

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