What book is Byeon Woo-seok reading in ‘Perfect Crown’?

A prop can be just a prop. But in the right hands, even a small detail can deepen a scene, drawing viewers deeper into the character and the story. And a book — one of the most familiar of such objects — can often reveal more than its cover.

In episode six of “Perfect Crown,” Grand Prince Ian, played by Byeon Woo-seok, is seen reading when he hears that Seong Hui-ju (IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun) is on her way. He quickly appears to spruce himself up, only to look less than pleased upon hearing that the prime minister is coming with her.

It’s a brief moment, but what book is Byeon reading?

"Mokminsimseo," often translated into English as "Admonitions on governing the people," was written in 1818 by Jeong Yak-yong (1762-1836), a leading scholar in the late Joseon era (1392-1910).

It serves as a guide for public officials, outlining the mindset and conduct required to govern with integrity in everything from appointments and daily discipline to taxation, justice, military affairs and disaster relief.

The title can also be understood as a "book of the heart," written at a time when he could not put his ideas into practice and instead committed them to paper in thought.

Jeong wrote the book during his exile, when he could not govern in practice. He spent 18 years in exile following the 1801 persecution of Catholics.

That subtext resonates with Ian’s character: though royal by birth, he is not king, and with little power beyond his title, he lives quietly, his passion turned inward.

There is one more book worth noting: the one the grand prince is seen reading in the first episode, "The Republic."

Written by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, the text explores the nature of justice, the ideal state and what makes a good ruler. At its core is the idea of the “philosopher-king,” a leader who governs not for power but for truth and the common good.

In that sense, it makes a fitting companion to "Mokminsimseo." These two different texts from distant worlds both ask the same question: what does it mean to rule well?