The Remarried Empress Unveils Character Stills of Ju Ji-hoon's Two-Sided Emperor

〈The Remarried Empress〉 is a romantic fantasy saga about Navier (Shin Min-a), the perfect empress of the Eastern Empire, who is served divorce papers by Emperor Sovieshu (Ju Ji-hoon) after he falls for Rashta (Lee Se-young), a runaway slave. Rather than accept the divorce, Navier demands approval to remarry Prince Heinley (Lee Jong-suk) of the Western Kingdom.

The newly released stills capture the overwhelming authority of Sovieshu, who leads the powerful Eastern Empire, as well as his delicate and complicated inner world as he struggles with unfamiliar feelings. Sovieshu is an absolute ruler who has everything yet remains unfulfilled, and Ju Ji-hoon's commanding charisma makes a powerful impression in the role.

His solemn expression as he sits on the throne conveys an imposing authority that few could approach, while his relaxed clothing, stripped of the splendor of his usual attire, hints at anxiety hidden beneath the surface. His chilly gaze as he stares at a sword gives little away, leaving viewers wondering what choice he will make. In a forest flooded with sunlight, he commands attention as he rides a horse with an air of ease. Ju Ji-hoon's distinctive ability to move between authority and human desire adds depth to the character of Sovieshu.

Director Jo Soo-won said Ju Ji-hoon's performance was particularly striking in the scene where Sovieshu first encounters Rashta. He added, “He did an excellent job controlling the ups and downs of the character's charisma,” saying the actor gave the character dimension by deftly moving between the strength of a man who wields absolute power and the subtle emotions that reveal his humanity.

Writer Yeo Ji-na described Sovieshu as “a man who can risk everything he has to fill the one thing he lacks, even though he has everything,” adding, “Ju Ji-hoon made the character come into sharp focus.” The emperor's unfulfilled needs and desires, and the changes his choices will bring, add to anticipation for Ju Ji-hoon's portrayal.

 The Remarried Empress, which has viewers anticipating how the powerful Emperor Sovieshu, who led the Eastern Empire's resurgence, will upend his once-perfect world, premieres Nov. 4 exclusively on Disney+.