Disney’s Korean fantasy romance The Remarried Empress has set a new streaming milestone, becoming the most-viewed local original premiere of all time across Disney+ and Hulu globally. According to an announcement by The Walt Disney Company and The Hollywood Reporter, on November 6, the series recorded the platforms’ biggest local original launch based on viewing figures from its first three days after debuting on November 3. It also became the number one Korean title premiere in more than 50 markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Disney has not disclosed the exact number of viewers, but the achievement marks a significant international breakthrough for the production and the company’s Korean-language content strategy.
Adapted from the hugely popular NAVER WEBTOON of the same name, The Remarried Empress follows Empress Navier, whose marriage to Emperor Sovieshu collapses after he falls in love with another woman. Rather than accept a diminished position, Navier agrees to divorce on the condition that she can marry Crown Prince Heinrey of a rival kingdom, setting the stage for a story of romance, political intrigue and personal ambition. The series stars Shin Mina as Empress Navier, Ju Jihoon as Emperor Sovieshu, Lee Jongsuk as Crown Prince Heinrey and Lee Seyoung as Rashta. Its source webtoon has accumulated nearly three billion views, while the series’ promotional trailer generated 13 million views across YouTube and social media within its first 48 hours. The screen adaptation was written by Yeoh Geena and Hyun Choongyeol and directed by Cho Suwon.
The record-breaking debut follows months of anticipation, including sold-out preview screenings at the Busan International Film Festival. Disney also moved the series’ original November 4 premiere forward by a day, releasing its first four episodes on November 3 as a gesture of appreciation to fans. Two new episodes are scheduled to arrive every Wednesday from November 11, with the finale set for November 25. The performance places The Remarried Empress among Disney’s most significant Korean entertainment launches, demonstrating the international commercial reach of adaptations drawn from established Asian digital storytelling properties. Its reception across more than 50 markets also reinforces the growing role of Korean productions in the global streaming market.
