Why Is 변우석 Called the ‘21st Century Suyangdaegun’? Unpacking the Controversy

[Joynews24 Reporter Lee Ji-young] Byun Woo-seok has faced backlash after being labeled the "21st-century Prince Suyang."

The April 10 episode of MBC's '21st Century Daegunbuin' showed a palace fire that broke out during the king's birthday celebration.

At King Lee Yun (Kim Eun-ho)'s birthday event, dignitaries from across society gathered. Grand Prince Ian (Byun Woo-seok) arrived late, wearing a cheolik instead of formal court robes.

Lee Yun's mother, Yoon I-rang (Gong Seung-yeon), took issue with Grand Prince Ian's appearance. After the banquet, a sudden fire erupted in the palace, and Yoon I-rang panicked, fearful for Lee Yun. Grand Prince Ian rushed to the scene after an explosion was heard. The moment she saw him, Yoon I-rang slapped him and angrily demanded, "Are you trying to kill the king again?" as if blaming him for the blaze.

Seong Hee-ju (IU) watched in shock, and at that moment Lee Yun arrived, running in with his officials.

The palace fire was downplayed in the press, which instead zeroed in on Grand Prince Ian's cheolik. Media outlets published a wave of critical stories, branding him the "21st-century Prince Suyang."

Later, Yoon I-rang visited Grand Prince Ian, apologized for slapping him, and then pressured him to marry the woman she had selected and leave the palace.