Actor Ju Ji Hoon joked that he is fully prepared to receive criticism from viewers for playing an unfaithful emperor in the Disney+ drama The Remarried Empress.

On November 3, Ju Ji Hoon attended the production press conference for The Remarried Empress at Conrad Seoul, alongside Shin Min Ah, Lee Jong Suk, Lee Se Young, and director Jo Soo Won.

In the series, Ju Ji Hoon plays Emperor Sovieshu, who betrays his wife, Empress Navier, played by Shin Min Ah, after falling for Rashta, a runaway slave portrayed by Lee Se Young.

The role marks Ju Ji Hoon's return to playing a royal character 20 years after portraying Crown Prince Lee Shin in the popular 2006 MBC drama Princess Hours.

During the press conference, the actor was asked about the negative reactions his character received when the series was first screened at the Busan International Film Festival.

Rather than expressing concern, Ju Ji Hoon responded with humor and said he would welcome viewers expressing their frustration toward his character.

“These days, the economy isn't doing well, and people are having a hard time in many ways. If watching our drama makes viewers feel passionate enough to point their fingers at me and feel relieved afterward, I'm fine with being criticized,” he said.

The actor added that his more than 20 years in the entertainment industry had prepared him to handle negative comments.

“I've seen hundreds of thousands of comments throughout my career, so I'm mentally prepared. As long as viewers enjoy the drama, they can criticize me all they want,” he joked, drawing laughter.

Ju Ji Hoon also admitted that the fantasy romance genre initially felt unfamiliar to him. However, he became more open to the project as he explored its story and characters.

His lighthearted comments showed that he understands why Emperor Sovieshu might frustrate viewers and is willing to accept negative reactions toward the fictional character.

Meanwhile, The Remarried Empress follows Empress Navier as her royal marriage takes an unexpected turn, bringing love, betrayal, and power struggles into the story.

The Disney+ series premiered on November 3 with its first four episodes. Two new episodes are scheduled to be released every Wednesday, with a total of 10 episodes.