{
  "id": 18261477,
  "title": "From prince to emperor: Ju Ji-hoon's appearance in 'The Remarried Empress' sparks debate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/from-prince-to-emperor-ju-ji-hoons-appearance-in-the-remarried",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-05T06:22:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/shows-dramas/20261105/from-prince-to-emperor-ju-ji-hoons-appearance-in-the-remarried-empress-sparks-debate"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nearly two decades after capturing hearts as a youthful crown prince in the popular Korean drama *Princess Hours*, actor Ju Ji-hoon has once again donned a royal costume, this time appearing as an emperor in Disney+'s *The Remarried Empress*. However, his transformation to an emperor has stirred a mixed response from viewers, with some voicing concerns over his on-screen appearance and styling, while others commend his powerful performance. The series, which debuted on Disney+ on November 3, is an adaptation of the beloved Korean web novel and webtoon of the same name, and it garnered significant attention from fans of the original story before its release. Following the premiere, Ju Ji-hoon's portrayal of Sovieshu, the emperor of the Eastern Empire, became a topic of discussion among viewers. Some viewers expressed disappointment with how his complexion appeared on-screen, stating that he seemed unusually tired. Others pointed out that his face seemed noticeably duller and more sallow compared to those of his fellow cast members. However, it should be noted that an actor's appearance on screen can be influenced by various factors such as makeup, lighting, and color grading, making it inappropriate to draw conclusions about his true condition based solely on his on-screen portrayal.",
  "summary": "Nearly 20 years after winning hearts as a young crown prince in the hit Korean drama \"Princess Hours,\" actor Ju Ji-hoon has returned to a royal role in Disney+'s \"The Remarried Empress.\" But his transformation into an emperor is drawing mixed reactions, with some viewers questioning his on-screen appearance and styling while others praise his commanding performance. \"The Remarried Empress,\" which…",
  "key_points": [
    "Ju Ji-hoon reprises royal role as emperor in Disney+ series",
    "Viewers debate his appearance, styling in 'The Remarried Empress'",
    "Series adapts popular Korean web novel and webtoon"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The polarizing reception of Ju Ji-hoon’s portrayal highlights how technical production elements like lighting and color grading can spark intense audience scrutiny regarding an actor's physical appearance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}