The Remarried Empress has set a global premiere record for local original programming across Disney+ and Hulu, according to Disney. The Korean romantic fantasy reached the milestone within its first three days of release, overtaking the launch performance of the company's previous Korean breakout, Moving.
The series debuted on Nov. 3 with four episodes and stars Shin Mina, Ju Jihoon, Lee Jongsuk and Lee Seyoung. In its announcement Friday, Disney said it also achieved the largest premiere for a Korean title in more than 50 markets. Those included the United States, Britain, France, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Disney did not release audience figures, and the global premiere ranking reflects only views accumulated over the opening three days. Moving, the 2023 superhero drama, previously became the most-watched Korean original on Disney+ and Hulu, attracting particularly strong interest in South Korea and elsewhere in Asia. The premiere records for The Remarried Empress extend into Europe and the Americas, suggesting a wider international reach at launch.
The story unfolds in a fantasy setting shaped by competing empires. Shin plays Empress Navier, whose relationship with Emperor Sovieshu, portrayed by Ju, deteriorates after he falls in love with Rashta, a runaway slave played by Lee Seyoung. Navier accepts a divorce, but makes her agreement conditional on permission to marry Heinrey, the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom, played by Lee Jongsuk.
That proposed second marriage sets up a conflict involving romance, personal dignity and imperial authority. Yeoh Geena and Hyun Choongyeol adapted the story for television, while Cho Suwon, whose directing credits include Still 17 and Pinocchio, directed the series. Its source material is a Naver webtoon that has accumulated nearly 3 billion views.
Interest in the adaptation was evident ahead of its streaming release. Preview screenings at the Busan International Film Festival sold out, and Disney said the trailer drew 13 million views on YouTube and social media during its first 48 hours.
Disney moved the debut forward from its previously announced Nov. 4 date. The company revealed the revised schedule at a Seoul press conference earlier in the week, presenting the earlier release as a thank-you to fans.
After the initial four-episode release, the series will continue with two episodes each Wednesday starting Nov. 11. The finale is scheduled for Nov. 25.
