IU Hit With Criticism Over Latest Role, Exposing “Problem” With K-Dramas
Recently, the new Disney+ series Perfect Crown began sharing pre-release content.
The show, starring IU and Byun Woo Seok, is set in an alternative universe where Korea is a constitutional monarchy. IU plays Seong Hui Ju, a chaebol frustrated by her commoner status, while Byun Woo Seok is a prince who has nothing beyond his title.
March 10 saw the first teaser be released, while the second was dropped on March 18.
Though the show is not yet released, some criticism has already begun.
In the second teaser, more of IU’s character’s past is shown, including her time in high school. In one moment, she is shown running through a hallway with Noh Sang Hyun, who is also dressed in a school uniform.
This was reposted on X, where many complained about the pair playing high school students, due to their ages (IU is 32, while Noh Sang Hyun is 35).
kinda getting tired of watching grown ass adults in school uniform. surely it can’t be that hard to cast young actors for such scenes.. https://t.co/5vqVtLfSOP
— jay (@tensorfied_) March 19, 2026
agreed… watch you and everything else cause even though the lead actresses look like babies themselves the drama have younger actresses for high school role. pic.twitter.com/x5FLUl65v0 https://t.co/wvYcvY2NKO
— 🍀luck⁷ᵗʰʸᵉᵃʳ (@BENCHOll) March 19, 2026
atleast iu pulls it off somehow…but HIM??😭 https://t.co/TOIsvWAnFq
— stryd 🔻 🦇 (@levanterlxst) March 19, 2026
On the other hand, many felt that since the series is not a high school drama, it does not matter and that it could actually protect kids more.
Who tf cares if it's some flashbacks lol, it's not like Friendly Rivalry where the grown ass adults are in high school uniform THE WHOLE TIME. https://t.co/TpO6T2e7C2
— Kuroko's #1 Fan (#DécimoquintaEra🏆) (@xomyseries) March 19, 2026
Probably because a good amount of the series takes place in the royal academy. I don’t think those scenes are just mere flashbacks, and I also don’t think their characters were that young at that time. 😸
Exhibit B set at the royal academy: https://t.co/hMEWU1MNgH pic.twitter.com/1Gok9DkouS
— mano. (@minimanomi) March 19, 2026
tbh i can't get too mad at stuff like this given the average quality of safeguards for child actors https://t.co/ovu5Dwrdv8
— 𝒶𝓈𝒶𝓃𝒽𝒶 🕊️ (@columba_lovetxt) March 19, 2026
Perfect Crown will premiere on April 10.
