Disney+ and Hulu set a new record with The Remarried Empress, which became the most-viewed local original premiere ever across both platforms globally. The Korean romantic epic launched Nov. 3 with four episodes and achieved the milestone within three days.
The series stars Shin Mina, Ju Jihoon, Lee Jongsuk and Lee Seyoung. It delivered the biggest Korean title premiere to date in more than 50 markets, including the U.S., Britain, France, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Disney did not disclose viewing figures.
The Remarried Empress surpassed Moving, Disney's previous Korean breakout from 2023, which had held the record for the streamer's biggest local-original premiere. While Moving performed particularly well in South Korea and Asia, The Remarried Empress extended its records across Europe and the Americas.
The series follows Empress Navier (Shin), whose marriage to Emperor Sovieshu (Ju) unravels when he falls for Rashta (Lee Seyoung), a runaway slave. Navier agrees to divorce on the condition she can marry Heinrey (Lee Jongsuk), crown prince of a neighboring kingdom. The story centers on love, dignity and imperial power.
Yeoh Geena and Hyun Choongyeol adapted the series for the screen, with Cho Suwon directing. Cho has also worked on Still 17 and Pinocchio.
The trailer generated 13 million views across YouTube and social media in its first 48 hours. The Naver webtoon the series is based on has amassed nearly 3 billion views. Disney moved the premiere forward by one day from its originally scheduled Nov. 4 launch, announcing the change at a Seoul press conference as a thank-you to fans.
Two new episodes will arrive every Wednesday beginning Nov. 11, with the finale scheduled for Nov. 25.