The Korean fantasy romance "The Remarried Empress" has established a new record as the most-viewed local original premiere ever on Disney+ and Hulu worldwide. Based on views across the three days after its Nov. 3 launch, the series achieved this status.
The show also secured the position of the No. 1 Korean title premiere in more than 50 markets, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Mexico, Chile, France, Spain, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. While the series was originally scheduled to debut on Nov. 4, Disney+ released it a day early as a gesture of gratitude to its fanbase.
Adapted from a Naver Webtoon series that has garnered close to 3 billion views, the story follows the crumbling marriage of Empress Navier and Emperor Sovieshu of the Eastern Empire. The plot centers on the tensions that arise when Sovieshu falls for Rashta, an escaped slave, and attempts to win her over. Navier maintains her dignity by agreeing to the emperor's demands on the condition that she is permitted to marry Heinrey, the crown prince of the rival Western Kingdom. The narrative follows Navier as she fights to reclaim her power while the empire faces risk from the fallout.
The production features Shin Mina as Navier, Ju Jihoon as Sovieshu, Lee Jongsuk as Heinrey, and Lee Seyoung as Rashta. Cho Suwon directed the series, which was adapted from the webtoon by Yeoh Geena and Hyun Choongyeol.
High anticipation for the project was evidenced by sold-out preview screenings at the Busan International Film Festival and a payoff trailer that reached 13 million views on YouTube and social platforms within 48 hours.
The first four episodes are currently available for streaming. Two additional episodes will be released every Wednesday starting Nov. 11, concluding with the finale on Nov. 25. These are available exclusively on Disney+ and Hulu. Outside of the U.S., Hulu functions as an entertainment banner within Disney+. In the U.S., subscribers on bundle plans can view Hulu content without exiting the Disney+ app.
