The Remarried Empress Sets Disney+ and Hulu Premiere Record

On November 6, Disney said The Remarried Empress had set a global premiere record for a local original on Disney+ and Hulu. The Korean series, which debuted November 3, also had the biggest opening for a Korean title in more than 50 markets, including the United States, Britain, Canada, France and Australia. Disney did not provide viewing figures; the global record reflects the first three days of availability.

The fantasy romance features Shin Mina, Ju Jihoon, Lee Jongsuk and Lee Seyoung, and follows Empress Navier as her marriage to Emperor Sovieshu falters after he falls for Rashta, an escaped slave. Navier agrees to a divorce if she can marry Heinrey, a prince from a rival kingdom. Their choices set off a contest involving love, dignity and imperial power.

The series adapts a Naver webtoon that has accumulated nearly 3 billion views. Early showings of the series at the Busan International Film Festival were fully booked, and its trailer drew 13 million views across YouTube and social platforms in 48 hours, Disney said. Disney moved the premiere forward by one day from its planned November 4 release as a gesture to fans.

Four episodes are available. Two additional episodes are scheduled to arrive each Wednesday from November 11, with the finale set for November 25. The show was adapted for television by Yeoh Geena and Hyun Choongyeol and directed by Cho Suwon.