Disney+ is set to bring one of Korea’s most beloved webtoons to life with The Remarried Empress, starring Joo Ji Hoon, Shin Min Ah, and Lee Se Young.
The cast attended the Disney+ Originals Preview 2025 event held on November 13 at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel’s Cinderella Ballroom, where upcoming APAC and global content for Disney+ was unveiled.
Shin Min Ah will take on the role of Navier, the “perfect empress” who is betrayed by her husband. “I play Empress Navier, who is seen as flawless but faces divorce from her husband,” Shin explained. “After that, she demands approval to remarry. I knew how loved the original webtoon was and was curious about how it would be adapted into a drama. That curiosity made me want to take part.”
Joo Ji Hoon, who plays Emperor Sovieshu, shared what drew him to the project. “Since this webtoon has a huge global fanbase, I was curious how it would be realized on screen,” he said. “Fantasy worlds are expanding across East and West, and I wanted to experience what it would be like to be part of that.”
When asked if he felt similar to his character, Joo joked, “We share the same physical traits. Unfortunately, I don’t have his power or wealth.”
On performing against the royal backdrop, he quipped, “It was familiar after all. I debuted as a crown prince,” referencing his breakout role in Princess Hours (Goong).
Lee Se Young, who plays Rashta, the runaway slave who captures the emperor’s heart, said, “I’ve never done a fantasy project before. It’s a new kind of role, and I thought playing someone close to the government would be interesting. My character starts out pure but becomes more ambitious as she experiences things she’s never known before. That process will be fascinating to portray.”
Based on the hit webtoon of the same name, Remarried Empress follows The Empress Navier (Shin Min Ah), who accepts her husband Emperor Sovieshu (Joo Ji Hoon)’s demand for divorce after he falls for Rashta (Lee Se Young) but on the condition that she be allowed to remarry Prince Heinrey (Lee Jong Suk) of the Western Kingdom.
The story unfolds as a grand romantic fantasy saga filled with betrayal, politics, and empowerment.
The two-day Disney+ Originals Preview 2025 event in Hong Kong showcases both APAC and global originals coming to the platform. Alongside The Remarried Empress, Disney introduced a variety of Korean and Japanese productions, joined by top stars and creative partners from across the region.
The Remarried Empress will stream exclusively on Disney+ in 2026, promising a lavish visual adaptation of one of Korea’s most iconic fantasy romances.
Sources: Daum