Ahin

#ShinMinah and #JuJihoon Interview for #TheRemarriedEmpress 👑 What were your first impressions of the characters you play, and what made you decide to join this project? Shin Minah: The Remarried Empress is a highly popular work, both as a webtoon and as an original web novel. Knowing that so many fans were eagerly looking forward to its drama adaptation motivated us to work even harder throughout filming. My first impression of Navier was that she is an incredibly strong woman with great emotional depth. I was particularly drawn to her determination and her ability to make decisions based on her own convictions. To portray these qualities, I made a conscious effort to approach Navier as a human being first and foremost. While reading the script, I tried to imagine how she would feel, what choices she would make in different situations, and how I could fully understand and connect with her emotions. Ju Jihoon: At first, I actually wondered, "Why was I offered this role?" (laughs). I think stories aimed at male and female audiences tend to have their own distinct characteristics. Initially, I didn't fully understand what kind of role Emperor Sovieshu played in the overall story. However, the CEO of Studio N, the director, and the screenwriters explained why a character like Sovieshu was necessary and what purpose he served in the storyline. 👑Were there any historical figures or modern women you looked to as references when developing Empress Navier's character? Shin Minah: Before filming began, I tried to find historical figures or other characters who resembled Navier and could serve as references. However, every historical figure has their own distinct background, life story and circumstances. Considering Navier's unique situation, I felt that using those figures as references might actually limit the range of my interpretation. Instead, I focused on capturing what makes Navier unique and bringing out her appeal as much as possible, just as she is portrayed in the original webtoon and novel. At the same time, I paid close attention to her personal choices and inner emotions as a human being. In particular, when it came to her relationships with Sovieshu, Heinrey and Rashta, I put a lot of effort into understanding the realistic emotions Navier might experience toward each of them. Ultimately, I couldn't find any particular historical figure or character that I could use as a direct reference. 👑Ju Jihoon, you have appeared in many historical dramas (sageuk). What makes this project different from your previous works? Ju Jihoon: Although I've starred in many historical dramas, The Remarried Empress is quite different from my previous projects. The story isn't set in any specific historical period. Although it's a fantasy, its visual world is reminiscent of historical Europe. Furthermore, while the aesthetics of this world differ from traditional Asian settings, the characters themselves come from Korean and Asian backgrounds. I understand that readers of the original web novel and webtoon have responded positively to this combination. However, when that world is brought to life through a live-action adaptation, I'm curious to see how audiences will react. There are so many mixed emotions involved, from curiosity and anticipation to a little anxiety. +