South Korean drama “The Remarried Empress” has become Disney+’s most-viewed local original premiere globally, just three days after launching on 3 November.
The series also ranks as the platform’s top Korean title premiere in more than 50 markets, including the US, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Mexico, Chile, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Disney+ moved the premiere forward by one day from its original 4 November release date as a thank-you to fans for their strong support ahead of the launch. Anticipation had been building since the first episodes premiered at the Busan International Film Festival in October.
The show’s trailer attracted 13 million views across YouTube and social media platforms within its first 48 hours. The original webtoon on which the drama is based has accumulated three billion views.
“The Remarried Empress” follows Empress Navier and her husband, Emperor Sovieshu, whose relationship deteriorates when he falls in love with a runaway slave, Rashta.
Unwilling to sacrifice her dignity, Navier agrees to the Emperor’s request for a divorce on one condition: she must be allowed to marry Crown Prince Heinrey of the rival Western Kingdom.
Cho Suwon directs the series, adapted by Yeoh Geena and Hyun Choongyeol. The cast includes Shin Mina as Navier, Ju Jihoon as Sovieshu, Lee Jongsuk as Heinrey and Lee Seyoung as Rashta.
Disney+ and Hulu released the first four episodes at launch. Two new episodes are scheduled to arrive every Wednesday from 11 November, with the series finale set for 25 November.
