Disney+ has responded to mixed reactions surrounding the costumes in its original drama The Remarried Empress, starring Shin Min Ah, Ju Ji Hoon, Lee Jong Suk, and Lee Se Young, as discussions about the show's fashion and production design continue to spread internationally.
On November 13, Indonesian media outlet IDN Times published an interview with Choi Yeon Woo, Head of Local Content at The Walt Disney Company Korea, who explained the creative decisions behind the drama's costumes and addressed viewers' criticism.
Choi shared that the outfits worn by characters from the Eastern Empire and Western Kingdom were intentionally designed to look different.
“The Eastern Empire expressed wealth and power through rich colors, intricate decorations, and bold designs,” Choi explained.
Meanwhile, the Western Kingdom was designed with softer colors, structured silhouettes, and elegant tailoring to create a more refined appearance.
The executive also explained that The Remarried Empress is a fantasy drama rather than a historical production, meaning its costumes were not intended to represent one specific historical period.
“Because this is a fantasy story, we did not recreate a specific historical period. Instead, we combined classic royal fashion with modern and fantasy elements,” Choi said.
The production reportedly worked with Korean and international designers to develop the costumes, drawing inspiration from different cultures and royal fashion traditions.
When asked about the mixed reactions from viewers, Choi said Disney+ considers both praise and criticism signs of audience interest.
“Both positive and critical feedback show that viewers are interested in the series,” Choi explained, adding that audience opinions help the company understand what works and what could be improved in future productions.
However, Choi emphasized that the company must also respect the creative vision of the production team while listening to viewers.
The discussion comes after The Remarried Empress previously faced criticism over a costume accessory worn by Ju Ji Hoon, which some viewers said resembled a Nazi decoration. Production company Studio N later apologized for shortcomings in reviewing the accessory and promised follow-up measures.
Despite the divided reactions, The Remarried Empress has attracted international attention since its Disney+ premiere.
With its costume designs continuing to spark discussions among viewers in South Korea and overseas, Disney+ says it plans to consider the feedback while supporting the creative direction of its future projects.
Disney+ has responded to mixed reactions surrounding the costumes in its original drama The Remarried Empress, starring Shin Min Ah, Ju Ji Hoon, Lee Jong Suk, and Lee Se Young, as discussions about the show's fashion and production design continue to spread internationally.
On November 13, Indonesian media outlet IDN Times published an interview with Choi Yeon Woo, Head of Local Content at The Walt Disney Company Korea, who explained the creative decisions behind the drama's costumes and addressed viewers' criticism.
Choi shared that the outfits worn by characters from the Eastern Empire and Western Kingdom were intentionally designed to look different.
“The Eastern Empire expressed wealth and power through rich colors, intricate decorations, and bold designs,” Choi explained.
Meanwhile, the Western Kingdom was designed with softer colors, structured silhouettes, and elegant tailoring to create a more refined appearance.
The executive also explained that The Remarried Empress is a fantasy drama rather than a historical production, meaning its costumes were not intended to represent one specific historical period.
“Because this is a fantasy story, we did not recreate a specific historical period. Instead, we combined classic royal fashion with modern and fantasy elements,” Choi said.
The production reportedly worked with Korean and international designers to develop the costumes, drawing inspiration from different cultures and royal fashion traditions.
When asked about the mixed reactions from viewers, Choi said Disney+ considers both praise and criticism signs of audience interest.
“Both positive and critical feedback show that viewers are interested in the series,” Choi explained, adding that audience opinions help the company understand what works and what could be improved in future productions.
However, Choi emphasized that the company must also respect the creative vision of the production team while listening to viewers.
The discussion comes after The Remarried Empress previously faced criticism over a costume accessory worn by Ju Ji Hoon, which some viewers said resembled a Nazi decoration. Production company Studio N later apologized for shortcomings in reviewing the accessory and promised follow-up measures.
Despite the divided reactions, The Remarried Empress has attracted international attention since its Disney+ premiere.
With its costume designs continuing to spark discussions among viewers in South Korea and overseas, Disney+ says it plans to consider the feedback while supporting the creative direction of its future projects.
