Leading the Disney+ charts in South Korea, *The Empress Remarried* continues to spark debate regarding its visuals, acting, and the way it constructs its fantasy world.
Báo Tuổi Trẻ•05/11/2026
On November 5th, JTBC reported that the series “The Empress Remarries” had just risen to number 1 on the Disney+ most-watched series chart in South Korea after only one day of release. The series also made it onto The New York Times’ list of must-watch series for November.
International media outlets have showered the series with praise. Screen Rant commented, “The best Korean drama of 2026 has finally arrived.” Collider described it as “a captivating world , one that, once you step into, will draw you in so deeply that you can’t escape.”
The Empress’s remarriage was not enough to please the audience.
While international press outlets have given the film much praise, Korean audiences have had rather mixed reviews. Many praised the performances of the cast, especially Lee Jong Suk and Lee Se Young.
Lee Jong Suk was initially doubted to be suitable for the character of Heinrey from the original novel when the trailer was released. However, after the film’s release, he was praised as a face perfectly suited to the romantic fantasy genre.
Lee Se Young also garnered attention for her portrayal of Rashta, a character who appears innocent but hides cunning and ambition.
Despite the praise, the way the Western medieval royal world was depicted with a Korean cast felt unnatural to some viewers.
The lavish costumes, exaggerated dialogue, and ballroom scenes have also become material for memes and humorous videos on social media.
Many people compare the viewing experience to the comedy show SNL or the TV show Surprise . The Empress Remarries has even been compared to Boys Over Flowers , a drama that was once controversial due to its unrealistic plot points.
Ju Ji Hoon also faced controversy regarding his appearance, as his skin tone on screen was criticized as being darker than his co-stars, creating a sense of incongruity with the opulent royal palace setting of the drama.
Previously, at the film’s press conference on November 3rd, Ju Ji Hoon shared his thoughts on his role as Emperor Sovieshu. The actor stated that he understood this character could easily provoke public outrage and had prepared himself for negative reactions.
“If the audience feels relieved and comfortable after watching the film, if they can point their finger at me, vent their anger, and feel some sense of relief in real life, then as an actor, I will feel fulfilled,” shared Ju Ji Hoon.
LAN HUONG
Original article
https://tuoitre.vn/hoang-hau-tai-hon-dan-dau-disney-bat-chap-tranh-cai-100261105105727541.htm
Tag:Lee Jong Suk#Lee Se Young#The Empress RemarriesKoreaJu Ji Hoon
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