[theqoo] KIM HYEYOON ALSO HAD A HEIGHT GAP OF 30 CM WITH HIM... BUT WHY DO BYUN WOOSEOK AND IU NOT MAKE OUR HEARTS FLUTTER?

MBC’s Friday-Saturday drama 'Perfect Crown' is receiving mixed reactions from viewers regarding certain scenes, despite the romantic development between the main characters.

In Episode 5, which aired on the 24th, a powerful ending depicted Prince Lee An (Byeon Wooseok) and Seong Hee-ju (IU) confirming their true feelings for one another and holding hands at the Naejinyeon event. However, among viewers, there are more voices pointing out a “lack of direction” than feelings of excitement.

In romance dramas, the height difference between the male and female leads is often considered a “cheat code for romance.” The pairing of Byun Wooseok and IU, who have a height difference of nearly 30 cm, generated high expectations even before the broadcast, but after the actual airing, critics say this physical disparity has actually backfired.

In particular, there has been a flood of criticism regarding the lack of visual appeal in wide shots of the two walking side by side or scenes where they link arms. Netizens pointed out the lack of finesse in the direction, commenting, “Because the camera angles didn’t account for the nearly 30-centimeter height difference, their affectionate physical contact looked stiff and awkward,” and “It looks like a father walking with his kindergarten-aged daughter.”

What viewers regret most is the comparison to Byun Wooseok’s previous work, 'Lovely Runner. Kim Hyeyoon, who played his love interest in that series, was also petite with a significant height difference from Byun Wooseok, but the production team’s meticulous direction successfully turned this into a “heart-fluttering moment.” The production team at the time paid close attention to details, such as having the female lead wear high heels or use a step stool, and meticulously adjusting camera angles to ensure the two-shot looked beautiful. In contrast, 'Perfect Crown' merely frames the two actors together in a single shot, making it difficult to avoid criticism that the result disrupts the flow rather than bringing out the emotional depth.

Ultimately, the issue lies in the production team’s “aesthetic sense” and “direction,” which should have maximized the actors’ chemistry. Analysts suggest that the reliance on straightforward full shots, rather than skillfully blending close-ups and low angles to turn the height difference into a romantic device,prevented the actors’ atmospheres from blending harmoniously.

original post: here

1. Personally, I also feel like his chemistry is better with IU but a big issue is the directing

2. Because Hyeyoonie is a chemistry-fairy

3. This drama is just bad. But personally, I like their chemistry more

4. Don't bring up Kim Hyeyoon, this is so rude towards the actress he's currently working with

5. They have zero chemistry

6. Wow, isn't it disrespectful to bring up a past co-star? I get that they wont' see this but this is so messy

7. The chemistry in a drama comes from the storyline, but I feel like 'Perfect Crown' was lacking and couldn't be made up for, whereas Lovely Runner's standout performance seemed to fill that gapㅋㅋ That's the difference. Actually, the on-screen chemistry between Gong Seungyeon and him was amazing. I was so surprised I took a screenshot. Byun Wooseok seems to suit that slightly sophisticated yet innocent look really well