Ju Ji Hoon Shares Casting Journey For The Remarried Empress

A Journey Toward Acceptance

During the Actors’ House event at the 31st Busan International Film Festival, actor Ju Ji Hoon opened up about the complex process of joining the cast for the upcoming Disney+ original series, “The Remarried Empress.” The event, held on October 9 at the Cultural Hall in Haeundae-gu, Busan, provided a platform for the actor to reflect on his professional choices and the mental hurdles he faced before committing to the role of Emperor Sovieshu.

Ju Ji Hoon admitted that he did not immediately embrace the project. In fact, he revealed that he turned down the offer approximately two or three times. His hesitation stemmed from a feeling that he lacked a sufficiently deep understanding of the fictional world and the specific worldview presented in the story. For an actor dedicated to character depth, the gap between his own perception and the narrative’s requirements created a barrier that prevented him from accepting the role initially.

Overcoming Mental Barriers

The turning point came through the encouragement of a trusted confidant. Ju Ji Hoon shared that someone he trusts deeply went as far as writing him a letter to persuade him to take the part. This personal gesture, combined with a growing curiosity about why the story had garnered so much love from audiences, eventually shifted his perspective. He became interested in discovering the specific aspects of the narrative that resonated so strongly with viewers, which ultimately led to his decision to join the production.

Adapting to the role of Emperor Sovieshu presented its own set of challenges. Ju Ji Hoon noted the inherent difficulty of being an Asian actor portraying a character with a foreign name in a fantasy setting. He explained that the first table read was a pivotal moment where he began to get a feel for the character. To overcome the awkwardness of the setting, he decided to approach the performance with a mindset similar to that of a musical theater production rather than aiming for strict realism.

He compared this approach to the performance of classic plays like “Hamlet,” noting that audiences do not find such stylized performances awkward. By treating the role as a theatrical piece, he was able to break down the mental walls that had previously hindered his connection to the character. This shift in perspective allowed him to embrace the fantasy elements of the story more naturally.

Production And Character Development

The series is described as a sweeping romance fantasy epic. The plot centers on Navier, the flawless empress of the Eastern Empire, played by Shin Mina. The story takes a dramatic turn when Emperor Sovieshu, played by Ju Ji Hoon, notifies Navier of a divorce after falling for a runaway slave named Rashta, portrayed by Lee Seyoung. The narrative follows Navier as she accepts the divorce on the condition that her remarriage to Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom, played by Lee Jong Suk, is approved.

To further immerse himself in the project, Ju Ji Hoon spent about a month filming on location in the Czech Republic. During this time, he took a proactive approach to bonding with the production team, even cooking meals for the directing crew at his lodging. He used these opportunities to engage with staff members of various ages, asking them what they found appealing about the story. These conversations helped him bridge the gap in his understanding and fully comprehend the charm of the project.

Ju Ji Hoon brings a wealth of experience to this role, having debuted in the 2006 drama “Palace.” His extensive career includes diverse roles in series such as “Kingdom,” “Hyena,” and “Blood Free,” as well as acclaimed film performances in “Along with the Gods” and “Asura: The City of Madness.” His commitment to narrowing the gap between himself and his character ensures a nuanced portrayal of the conflicted Emperor Sovieshu.