Author of 'Tyrant's Chef' Responds to Historical Distortion Controversy

The historical distortion controversy surrounding the tvN drama 'Tyrant's Chef' has prompted the original web novel author, Park Guk-jae, to issue a direct rebuttal.

Park took to his personal social media to address criticism regarding a scene where the Joseon King Yeonhee-gun and a Ming Dynasty envoy are depicted sitting together to watch a competition. He cited the 'Gukjooryeui,' an official state etiquette book published in 1474, explaining that it details the reception of foreign envoys. According to the book, banquets were held at the Taepyeonggwan, where the envoy resided, with the envoy's seat positioned on the east wall and the king's throne on the west wall.

He further elaborated that this seating arrangement placed the king and the envoy facing each other at the same height. In Confucian etiquette, the east is considered a higher-ranking position than the west, making the envoy's seat technically the more esteemed one. This protocol was also observed in the Joseon court, with the Minister of the Left (Jwa-uijeong) seated to the east and the Minister of the Right (U-uijeong) to the west.

Park also pointed out records indicating the king would first bow to the envoy, who would then return the bow. This was because the Ming envoy, as a representative of the Emperor, held a higher protocol rank than the Joseon king. He emphasized that this was not a reflection of national power or sovereignty but rather a diplomatic custom and protocol for international events at the time.

He stressed that since the 'Gukjooryeui' was compiled just 30 years before the drama's setting, it's highly probable that the depicted practices were actually followed. Therefore, he argued, the portrayal of the envoy banquet in 'Tyrant's Chef' is an accurate depiction based on official historical documents.

Park Guk-jae is renowned for his web novels, including 'Emperor Lung' and 'The Empire of Radiance,' gaining significant recognition in the fantasy romance genre. His storytelling often incorporates historical backdrops, captivating readers with meticulously crafted narratives. Several of his works have been adapted into successful dramas and webtoons, further solidifying his popularity.