Shin Min-ah and Ju Ji-hoon Reunite for Third Time in The Remarried Empress: Controversial Past Collaboration Resurfaces

Currently in production, the upcoming fantasy drama The Remarried Empress boasts a star-studded cast including Lee Jong-suk, Shin Min-ah, Lee Se-young, and Ju Ji-hoon. However, what’s stirring particular excitement is the reunion of Shin Min-ah and Ju Ji-hoon, who previously co-starred in Lucifer (2007) and The Naked Kitchen (2009).

Their past collaboration in The Naked Kitchen was especially memorable—and controversial. The film depicted a provocative love triangle involving Ahn Mo-rae (played by Shin Min-ah), her husband Han Sang-in (Kim Tae-woo), and a mysterious young chef Park Du-rae (Ju Ji-hoon). Ahn Mo-rae, while out shopping for her wedding anniversary gift, unexpectedly meets Du-rae at a closed art gallery. The two share a spontaneous and passionate encounter, unaware of each other’s identities.

Later, Mo-rae is stunned to learn that Du-rae has been invited by her husband to stay at their home as a culinary advisor for his new fine-dining restaurant. As the three begin living together, Mo-rae finds herself emotionally torn between her loyal but predictable husband and the enigmatic young chef. The film explores themes of desire, marital boundaries, and self-discovery—culminating in Mo-rae walking away from both men to search for her own path.

Fast forward to 2025’s The Remarried Empress, and the dynamic is flipped. Ju Ji-hoon plays Sovieshu Vict, emperor of the Eastern Empire, while Shin Min-ah is Navier Ellie Trovi, his dignified empress. Navier, devoted and honorable, is cast aside when Sovieshu falls for a low-born slave named Rashta Isqua.

Heartbroken but resilient, Navier eventually finds love and power again, marrying Heinrey Alles Lazlo—played by Lee Jong-suk—a high-ranking prince of the Western Empire. The narrative explores betrayal, dignity, and the empowerment of a woman who reclaims her destiny through remarriage.

Fans are already drawing parallels between the on-screen relationships and the actors’ previous roles—especially noting how Ju Ji-hoon’s characters have historically sparked romantic chaos, while Shin Min-ah’s have faced emotional turmoil.