Korean drama ‘The Remarried Empress’ tops Disney+ and Hulu launch records

Record‑breaking launch

On 3 November, the Korean fantasy romance *The Remarried Empress* premiered on Disney+ and Hulu with four episodes. Within three days, it became the most‑viewed local‑original premiere on the platforms worldwide, according to Deadline, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. The series topped viewership charts in more than 50 markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

The show was originally scheduled for 4 November but was released a day early as a thank‑you to fans after strong pre‑launch support. The early release followed sold‑out preview screenings at the Busan International Film Festival and a trailer that amassed 13 million views on YouTube and other social media within 48 hours.

Background

*The Remarried Empress* is adapted from the Naver Webtoon of the same name, which has accumulated nearly 3 billion views. The story follows Empress Navier, played by Shin Mina, and Emperor Sovieshu, played by Ju Jihoon, whose marriage fractures when the emperor falls in love with the runaway slave Rashta, portrayed by Lee Seyoung. Navier agrees to a divorce on the condition that she may marry Crown Prince Heinrey, played by Lee Jongsuk, a rival of the Eastern Empire. The series is directed by Cho Suwon and adapted for screen by Yeoh Geena and Hyun Choongyeol.

The first four episodes were released on the launch date, with two new episodes dropping each Wednesday from 11 November until the finale on 25 November. In the United States, Hulu is available as part of Disney+ bundle plans.

Why it matters

The series’ record debut surpasses Disney’s previous Korean breakout, *Moving*, which had been the platform’s most‑watched Korean original in 2023. The new record indicates a broader global reach, with strong performance not only in Asia but across Europe and the Americas. The success demonstrates the growing international appeal of Korean dramas and the effectiveness of Disney’s strategy to invest in local‑original content.

The show’s popularity also highlights the influence of webtoon adaptations, as the original comic’s 3 billion views suggest a ready‑made audience for the televised version. The high viewership figures, though undisclosed by Disney, are based on the first three days of availability and reflect significant interest in the series’ blend of romance, political intrigue and fantasy.

What happens next

The series will continue to release two episodes each Wednesday until the finale on 25 November. No further dates or additional content have been announced beyond the scheduled weekly drops.