“The Remarried Empress” has delivered the largest worldwide premiere for a local original on Disney+ and Hulu. The Korean fantasy romance reached the milestone based on viewing during the three days following its Nov. 3 release. It also ranked as the biggest Korean title premiere in more than 50 markets.
Those markets include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico and Chile, as well as France, Spain, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. The series arrived earlier than planned: its debut had been scheduled for Nov. 4, but Disney+ moved the release forward by one day to thank its fans.
Adapted from the Naver Webtoon of the same name, the drama follows Navier and Sovieshu, the empress and emperor of the Eastern Empire. Their relationship begins to fracture amid growing tensions in their realm. The marriage deteriorates further when Sovieshu becomes enamored with Rashta, an escaped slave, and takes extreme measures to gain her affection.
Determined to preserve her dignity, Navier accepts the emperor’s wishes on the condition that she can marry Heinrey, the crown prince of the competing Western Kingdom. Her effort to regain power unfolds as the consequences of those decisions threaten the empire itself.
Shin Mina, whose credits include “Karma” and “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha,” stars as Navier. Ju Jihoon, known for “Light Shop” and “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,” portrays Sovieshu. Lee Jongsuk of “Big Mouth” plays Heinrey, while Lee Seyoung, whose work includes “The Red Sleeve” and “The Crowned Clown,” takes the role of Rashta. Director Cho Suwon, whose credits include “Still 17” and “Pinocchio,” works from a screen adaptation by Yeoh Geena and Hyun Choongyeol.
Interest in the adaptation was evident before its streaming launch. Preview screenings at the Busan International Film Festival sold out, while its payoff trailer accumulated 13 million views on YouTube and social platforms in 48 hours. The original webtoon has attracted nearly 3 billion views since its release.
As of Nov. 7, the opening four episodes are available to stream. The release schedule calls for two additional episodes each Wednesday beginning Nov. 11, with the finale set for Nov. 25. The series is available exclusively through Disney+ and Hulu.
Hulu serves as an entertainment banner inside Disney+ in markets outside the United States. In the U.S., subscribers with bundle plans can watch Hulu programming directly through the Disney+ app.
