South Korean pop culture critic Oh Soo Kyung has sparked heated debate online after refusing to call the popular series "Perfect Crown" a proper K-drama, citing significant shortcomings in its storytelling and world-building.

According to Koreaboo, responding to a question about whether she intended to review "Perfect Crown", Oh Soo Kyung tweeted, "I was asked whether I'm not going to critique Perfect Crown. But I think of it less as a 'drama' and more as a moving photoshoot, so it's not something I'm interested in as someone who critiques dramas. I did watch the first two episodes and..."

The series, which stars IU and Byeon Woo Seok, has garnered mixed reactions for its lavish visuals and controversial narrative choices. However, Oh Soo Kyung clarified that her criticism was not directed at the show's genre or fictional setting.

She explained, "No matter how genre-transcending the content may be, I believe the structure has to at least make sense within that world for the characters and narrative to have plausibility. And that is exactly what Perfect Crown failed at the most."

Regarding the drama's failure in narrative and character development, she added, "The drama ruined its narrative and characters? Then I don't consider that a drama. At that point, I Am Solo is more of a drama..."

Oh Soo Kyung also addressed comments suggesting the show's popularity reflected the "spirit of the times." She disagreed, saying, "First of all, it's not 'No. 1 globally = a good drama,' and it's also not 'spirit of the times = exempt from criticism.' Just because something is No. 1 globally and has a strong fandom does not mean you can say that a poorly made work was made well. It probably prioritized being something that would 'sell well.' That's why it comes across like a 'moving photoshoot'... But then I guess that's what the public wants."

Viewers have expressed divided opinions. Some praised "Perfect Crown" for its cast and styling, while others echoed the critic's disappointment with the writing.

Comments from online viewers via theqoo included, "I was curious, so I watched it, but it's so old-fashioned. I tried to just call it a guilty pleasure, but the setting is sloppy and the lack of originality is obvious, so it annoyed me... I can't get emotionally invested."

One commenter said, "LOL. Not even a photoshoot because the leads don't know how to work their bodies." Another commenter added, "'I Am Solo' is more of a drama, LMAO." A fan stated, "It doesn't have even 1% of authenticity."

Another chimed in, "The highborn setting, narrative, and originality are worse than free web novels written by amateur writers... It's garbage." and "It's not even pretty enough to be called a photoshoot... The similar-setting dramas from 20 years ago were prettier."

As "Perfect Crown" continues to draw high viewership but mixed reviews, discussions about quality versus popularity remain heated in the K-drama community.