Actor Lee Jong-suk recently revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how he designed his striking wardrobe for the Disney+ series ‘The Remarried Empress’, sharing that a concert by trot star Lim Young-woong sparked his creative vision.
Appearing as a guest on the web variety show ‘Salon Drip’ on November 3, Lee discussed his role as Prince Heinri of the Western Kingdom in the highly anticipated fantasy romance series. When asked if he had grown accustomed to being called a prince, Lee admitted that he became comfortable with the title during filming. He confessed that his desire to visually express ultimate beauty led him to embrace numerous accessories.
He recalled starting with just earrings, but as the shoot progressed, his ambition grew to wearing two necklaces and three earrings in dramatic scenes. He even had to ask surrounding staff members to step in and stop him if his styling became too excessive.
Given the fantasy romance genre, the wardrobe required an extraordinary approach. When host Jang Do-yeon remarked on the visual appeal of the costumes, Lee explained that he found himself heavily invested in the styling process. He revealed that while attending Lim Young-woong’s concert, he saw stage outfits that inspired him to adapt similar designs to fit the aesthetic of his drama.
Lee further explained that he searched for visual references on Pinterest and tracked down specialized costume production houses. The workshop he ultimately worked with is famously known for creating various K-pop idol stage outfits.
Highlighting a particularly memorable scene, Lee described wearing a white suit and white cape while riding a horse to meet Empress Navia, played by Shin Min-a. He initially questioned whether the look was too bold, noting that galloping with a flowing white cape made him feel undeniably like a classic prince. Because the genre lacked domestic references to use as a blueprint, he felt a heavy sense of responsibility knowing their choices would set the visual standard.
Viewers who heard about his meticulous planning responded with enthusiastic reactions, praising his attention to detail, strong sense of style, and ability to find the perfect visual references.
Meanwhile, Disney+’s ‘The Remarried Empress’ is a grand romance fantasy epic centering on Navier, the flawless empress of the Eastern Empire, who faces a divorce notice from Emperor Sovieshuβwho has fallen for the runaway slave Rashta. Rather than contesting it, she accepts the divorce on the condition that her remarriage to Prince Heinri of the Western Kingdom is officially approved.
