Nazi Symbol Controversy Hits 'The Remarried Empress' Live-Action; Studio N Promises Prop Replacement After Fan Backlash

The highly anticipated live-action drama The Remarried Empress, slated for release on Disney+, encountered significant turbulence following the revelation of a controversial costume piece. The production company, Studio N, was compelled to issue a formal apology on November 15, 2025, after attentive fans and viewers identified a prop worn by lead actor Ju Ji Hoon, who portrays Emperor Sovieshu, that bore a striking resemblance to a German Nazi medal. Specifically, the costume decoration mirrored design elements of the German Nazi 3rd Class Long Service Gold Medal, sparking immediate and intense global backlash.

This critical oversight came to light just two days earlier, on November 13, following the release of promotional still cuts intended to generate excitement for the series. Instead, the images triggered widespread condemnation due to the sensitivity surrounding historical symbols in global media. Studio N acknowledged the severity of the situation and the discomfort caused, attributing the incident to "negligence in the review process of costume and prop design."

In their public statement, the producers expressed profound regret and committed to decisive action. They confirmed the immediate replacement of the problematic prop and pledged to implement rigorous new internal measures to prevent any recurrence of similar oversights in future productions. Despite this setback, the production schedule for the sweeping romance-fantasy drama remains on track, with the series expected to premiere in the latter half of 2026.

The Remarried Empress follows the compelling narrative of Empress Navier (Shin Min Ah) of the Eastern Empire, her divorce from the controversial Emperor Sovieshu, and her subsequent remarriage to Heinrey (Lee Jong Suk), the Prince of the Western Kingdom. This adaptation draws from the immensely successful Naver webtoon, a global phenomenon that boasted approximately 2.6 billion views worldwide as of late 2024. The incident underscores the imperative for heightened oversight in ensuring historical and cultural authenticity within international entertainment, even as anticipation for the star-studded adaptation remains high among its massive fanbase.