Exclusive Interview
‘The Remarried Empress’: Does Prince Heinrey Love Navier? Lee Jong Suk Says…
While Emperor Sovieshu (Ju Ji-hoon) is wrapped up with runaway slave Rashta (Lee Se-young), The Remarried Empress sets Empress Navier (Shin Min-a) on a path with Crown Prince Heinrey (Lee Jong Suk) in the Season 1 premiere. Yet, Heinrey’s motivations for pursuing Navier aren’t totally clear, especially since he is Sovieshu’s rival.
In Episode 3, Prince Heinrey is revealed as a bird shapeshifter from the Western Kingdom. While Navier has been dealing with her husband’s infidelity and trying to hold onto her power, Heinrey has been delivering letters to Navier. Since Episode 1, his letters have been a source of light amidst Navier’s current circumstances, and Heinrey has given her comfort in his bird form.
During an interview with Swooon, Lee explained why bird-form Heinrey keeps seeking out Navier in those initial episodes. “When he first saw Navier at the hunting ground while he was a bird, I think he was taken by her beauty,” Lee explains of the initial pull. “Then, as he saw her strength and steadfastness as an empress, I think he gradually fell for her more deeply.”
When Navier and Heinrey meet for the first time — in person, at least — at the Eastern Kingdom’s New Year’s celebration, Heinrey seems taken with the Empress. He even dances with her in front of the entire court. But does he have genuine feelings for Navier, or is he just trying to get the one-up on his rivals?
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“I think he already had strong feelings for her, even before they met in person,” Lee said of Heinrey’s mindset when he first approaches Navier. “And when they actually came face-to-face, I think he became certain, perhaps even more certain than viewers may realize.”
Heinrey still hasn’t told Navier the truth about his bird form, but he has expressed his interest in her in front of all of the Kingdom’s most powerful players, including Sovieshu.
Do you think Heinrey will share his secret? And will Navier will feel just as deeply for Heinrey when he does? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!
The Remarried Empress, Season 1, Episodes 1-4, Streaming Now, Hulu & Disney+
The Remarried Empress, Season 1, New Episodes Wednesdays, Hulu & Disney+
