On November 13, Disney+ unveiled the first look at the characters from its upcoming original series The Remarried Empress. The stills showcase Shin Min Ah as Navier, Ju Ji Hoon as Sovieshu, Lee Jong Suk as Heinrey, and Lee Se Young as Rashta each embodying their respective roles with jaw-dropping, manhwa-like visuals that instantly captivated fans.
In the newly revealed images, the main leads appear to have stepped straight from the pages of the beloved web novel and webtoon, elevating anticipation for the series even further. Disney+ described the project as “a K-romance fantasy that redefines love’s second chance streaming exclusively on Disney+ in the second half of 2026.”
Based on the viral web novel that launched in 2018 and later adapted into a global hit webtoon translated into 10 languages, The Remarried Empress tells a sweeping tale of betrayal, love, and second chances in a royal setting. It follows Navier (Shin Min Ah), the flawless empress of the Eastern Empire, who is shockingly handed a divorce by her husband, Emperor Sovieshu (Ju Ji Hoon), after he falls for a runaway slave named Rashta (Lee Se Young). Rather than crumble, Navier boldly requests permission to remarry the prince of the Western Kingdom, Heinrey (Lee Jong Suk), setting off a high-stakes romantic and political saga.
In addition to the four leads, the ensemble cast includes Lee Bong Ryun, Choi Dae Hoon, Park Ho San, Jung Young Joo, and Nam Yoon Ho.
The series has generated massive buzz since its announcement, thanks to the popularity of the source material and its strong global fanbase. The transition from web novel to webtoon and now to a high-budget drama has drawn intense interest from both local and international audiences.
The buzz intensified at the Disney+ Originals Preview 2025 event held in Hong Kong on the same day. The showcase highlighted upcoming Asia-Pacific and global Disney+ content, with The Remarried Empress prominently featured. Cast members Shin Min Ah, Ju Ji Hoon, and Lee Se Young attended in person, drawing attention as they introduced the series and shared insights into their characters.
With its iconic source material, A-list cast, and Disney+ backing, The Remarried Empress is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated K-dramas of 2026.
Sources: Daum