Shin Min-a and Ju Ji-hoon star in Disney+'s "The Remarried Empress

Shin Min‑a and Ju Ji‑hoon will star in Disney+’s first live‑action adaptation of the hit Korean webtoon “The Remarried Empress,” the streaming service announced Tuesday with a new behind‑the‑scenes preview that shows unreleased footage and interviews with the cast and crew. The two actors, both major draws in Korean dramas, were confirmed last month, and the teaser reveals lavish palace sets, intricate costumes and the series’ central love triangle. Production wraps in Seoul next month, and the show is slated to debut worldwide on Disney+ in early 2025.

The adaptation comes as Disney+ pushes deeper into Asian markets, where Korean dramas have surged in global popularity since “Squid Game” broke viewership records in 2021. “The Remarried Empress” is one of the most‑read webtoons on platforms like Naver and Lezhin, boasting over 10 million cumulative reads and a dedicated fan base that has been lobbying for a screen version for years. Disney’s acquisition of 20th Century Studios gave it the rights to the property, and the company has since invested heavily in Korean talent, hoping to replicate the success of other regional originals such as “The Glory” and “All of Us Are Dead.” The move also aligns with South Korea’s cultural export strategy, which the government supports through tax incentives and co‑production treaties.

Industry insiders say the series could be a litmus test for Disney+’s ability to compete with Netflix and Apple TV+ in the crowded K‑drama space. The preview highlighted director Lee Joon‑hee’s focus on authentic period details, while producers emphasized the chemistry between Shin Min‑a’s Empress Navier and Ju Ji‑hoon’s former king, both of whom have praised the script’s modern take on royal politics and personal agency. Early reactions from fans on social media have been positive, with many noting the high production values and the promise of a fresh perspective on a story that explores divorce, remarriage and power dynamics in a historical setting.

If the series meets expectations, Disney+ plans to use its success to greenlight additional adaptations of popular Korean webtoons, expanding its catalog of localized content. The company will also roll out a multilingual marketing campaign, targeting both domestic Korean audiences and the growing international fanbase for Korean dramas. A second teaser is scheduled for release in November, and the streaming platform will begin accepting pre‑orders for the series’ premiere in December.