Disney Korea defends costume designs for The Remarried Empress

Disney Korea head Choi Yeon-woo addressed global controversy over costume designs for the fantasy series The Remarried Empress during an interview on the 10th. While the production team used contrasting colors and silhouettes to distinguish the Eastern Empire from the Western Kingdom, the work previously faced criticism regarding costume props similar to Nazi medals.

The costume controversy surrounding the Disney+ original series 'The Remarried Empress' is becoming a hot topic not only in Korea but also overseas. As viewers offer mixed reviews regarding the costumes and set designs for lead actors including Ju Ji-hoon, Shin Min-a, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young, Disney has directly explained the production intentions and design direction. While the position is that colors and silhouettes were differentiated by nation to implement the work's worldview, attention is focused on the production team's explanation as the controversy over costume props that surfaced even before the release resurfaces.

On the 13th (local time), the Indonesian media outlet IDN Times released an interview article titled 'Disney Korea, Position on 'The Remarried Empress' Costume Concept and Fan Criticism.' The outlet reported that while 'The Remarried Empress' has achieved global success since its first week of release, various opinions are being raised online regarding visual elements such as costumes and set design in addition to the narrative. In particular, it noted that the costume concepts of the characters have emerged as a major point of interest among Indonesian viewers.

In response, Choi Yeon-woo, the head of local content at The Walt Disney Company Korea, explained the planning intentions behind the costumes in an interview with IDN Times on the 10th. The core was to distinguish the identities of the Eastern Empire and the Western Kingdom through their clothing. It was explained that the power and cultural atmosphere of each nation were reflected in colors, decorations, and tailoring so that viewers could visually recognize the differences between the two worlds.

Regarding the costumes of the Eastern Empire, Choi stated, "We expressed wealth and power through rich colors, elaborate decorations, and bold designs." In contrast, she explained that the Western Kingdom "emphasized restrained sophistication through soft colors, structural silhouettes, and elegant tailoring." The basic principle of the costume design was the contrast between the Eastern Empire, which put splendor and ornamentation at the forefront, and the Western Kingdom, which pursued restrained beauty of form.

This differentiation was also reflected in the costumes of the characters. The fact that Prince Heinrey (Lee Jong-suk), who plays the prince of the Western Kingdom, wore white clothing when visiting the Eastern Empire was a setting intended to reveal the unique elegant and restrained atmosphere of the Western Kingdom. Heinrey's attendants and soldiers also composed their costumes around calm colors such as gray and navy. The explanation was that it was an attempt to convey not only the individual characters' personalities but also the identity of their home countries through clothing alone.

Choi also emphasized that it is difficult to evaluate the costumes of the work by the same standards as the historical dress of a specific era. 'The Remarried Empress' is not a period drama that reproduces actual history, but a fantasy work set in fictional nations and royal courts. She stated, "We did not reproduce a specific historical era," adding, "We combined classical royal fashion with modern and fantasy elements." She further explained that they built a unique visual world by drawing inspiration from the concepts and styles of various countries in the world.

Designers from various countries, including Korea, participated in the costume production process. The production team reported that they conducted extensive research on royal fashion and accessories and focused on implementing a fantasy aesthetic that differs from real historical dress. However, while the genre characteristics of fantasy relieve the burden of historical research, debates surrounding the design may continue as the aesthetic standards and cultural interpretations expected of costumes can vary among viewers.

When asked how they handle critical reactions from viewers, Choi stated that both positive evaluations and negative opinions are viewed as expressions of interest in the work. She said, "We accept both positive responses and critical opinions as meaning that viewers are interested in the work." She continued, "These opinions help us understand what viewers like and what parts we can improve in future projects."

At the same time, she emphasized that the creator's intention must not be undermined in the process of reflecting viewer demands. Choi stated, "Our role is to find a balance between listening to the voices of viewers and supporting the vision of the creators." She maintained that everyone shares the common goal of making a good work and intends to reflect the lessons learned from this work in future projects. This is interpreted as meaning they will utilize criticism as feedback that can be referenced in the content production process rather than accepting it as unconditional negativity.

However, the costume controversy of 'The Remarried Empress' is not limited to simple differences in taste. Before the release, the work faced criticism that the costume decorations worn by Ju Ji-hoon were similar to Nazi medals. At the time, Studio N apologized, stating there were shortcomings in the review process of costume props, and promised follow-up measures. As criticisms were raised that the historical meaning and sensitivity of specific symbols were not sufficiently examined, the issue of the inspection process during production is bound to be raised again, regardless of the fantasy design intentions revealed in this interview.

'The Remarried Empress' is a romance fantasy that unfolds after Empress Navier (Shin Min-a) of the Eastern Empire is notified of a divorce by Emperor Sovieshu (Ju Ji-hoon), who has fallen for Rashta (Lee Se-young), a former runaway slave, and instead of accepting it, she demands approval for remarriage to Prince Heinrey (Lee Jong-suk) of the Western Kingdom. In addition to the story centered on imperial power struggles, love, and betrayal, the splendid royal costumes and art design are also presented as major attractions of the work.

As interest from global viewers grows, evaluations surrounding the work appear to be diversifying. While Disney has stated its position to use criticism as reference material for future productions, what kind of balance will be found between creative intention and the cultural sensitivity of viewers remains a task. Attention is focused on whether the costume debate of 'The Remarried Empress' will lead to a case showing how cultural interpretation and historical symbols should be handled in the global content production process beyond simple likes and dislikes.

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