IU's On-Screen Brother Lee Jae-won Cancels Finale Interview — Byeon Woo-seok Opts Out Too

IU's On-Screen Brother Lee Jae-won Also Cancels Interview — Byeon Woo-seok Also Opts Out = MBC

Amid a historical distortion controversy, actor Lee Jae-won has canceled his scheduled finale interview for the MBC Friday-Saturday drama '21st Century Daegung Buin,' which topped the ratings despite the ongoing backlash.

Lee Jae-won's agency, Studio Yuhu, apparently mindful of the controversy that persisted both during the broadcast and after the series concluded, canceled all previously confirmed interview schedules outright.

In '21st Century Daegung Buin,' Lee Jae-won played Seong Tae-ju — the eldest son of Castle Group and the half-brother of Seong Hui-ju (IU) — delivering a memorable supporting performance. Despite being repeatedly dismissed by Hui-ju, he shone as a scene-stealer with his portrayal of a protective older brother determined to look out for her.

'21st Century Daegung Buin,' which wrapped its entire run on the 16th, recorded a peak viewership rating of 13.8%, yet drew continuous criticism throughout its broadcast for historical inaccuracies and acting controversies involving certain cast members.

As the atmosphere deteriorated, major cast members including IU and Byeon Woo-seok opted out of giving finale interviews. Lee Jae-won had been the only cast member to confirm an interview schedule, but ultimately decided to cancel after the controversy surrounding the drama escalated just before the finale to include allegations of historical distortion and Northeast Project (Dongbuk Gongjeong) revisionism.