Disney+ to Premiere Unique Romance Fantasy 'The Remarried Empress' in 2026

The unique romance fantasy series 'The Remarried Empress', set against a backdrop combining Eastern and Western elements, is set to premiere on Disney+ next year. Actress Shin Min-a, who plays the empress facing a crisis due to the emperor's affair with a slave, noted similarities between herself and her character.

On the 13th, The Walt Disney Company Asia-Pacific (APAC) held the 'Disney+ Original Preview 2025' at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. The event showcased upcoming APAC and global original content set to be released on Disney+. The lineup included APAC originals from countries like Korea and Japan, with top stars and creative partners in attendance.

Among the various new Korean content introduced was 'The Remarried Empress'. The series follows the perfect empress of the Eastern Empire, Navier (played by Shin Min-a), who is served divorce papers by Emperor Sovieshu (played by Ju Ji-hoon) after he falls for the runaway slave Rashta (played by Lee Se-young). Navier then seeks permission to remarry Prince Heinrey (played by Lee Jong-suk) of the Western Kingdom, leading to a captivating romance fantasy.

Shin Min-a, who plays Empress Navier, expressed her excitement about participating in the adaptation of the popular webtoon. "The webtoon received a lot of love, and many people were looking forward to its drama adaptation. I was curious about how it would be translated into a series and was eager to be a part of it," she said.

Ju Ji-hoon, who portrays the all-powerful Emperor Sovieshu, shared his curiosity about the adaptation process. "I was intrigued by how the globally loved webtoon and web novel would be brought to life as a drama," he said. "Fantasy worlds are expanding across cultures and races these days, and I was curious about the role my participation would play in that. I worked hard on it," he added.

Lee Se-young, who plays Rashta, the runaway slave turned emperor's mistress, found the role intriguing. "I've never worked on a fantasy project before, and the character was new to me, so it seemed fun," she said. "Rashta starts as a pure character but begins to develop ambitions as she experiences things she never had before," she explained. "I thought it would be great to learn from my senior actors," she added.

The actors discussed the similarities and differences between themselves and their characters. Lee Se-young noted, "There are many scenes where Rashta, with her innocent and bright face, does things that make you wonder, 'How could she do that?' I think the innocence is a similarity." She added, "Rashta is a character you can't hate. She acts out of ambition but is pure and unaware, and I think I have that side too."

Shin Min-a commented, "Navier has been tense for years, trying to maintain her position as empress, always learning and striving. As an actress in the public eye, I also constantly try to learn and be mindful, which is similar." She also noted, "Navier's journey to find her love and identity is something I relate to."

Ju Ji-hoon humorously remarked, "Since I played the role, I have a good physique," but added, "Unfortunately, I don't have the power and wealth of my character."

Regarding the on-set atmosphere and chemistry among the actors, Ju Ji-hoon said, "We communicate a lot among ourselves. Se-young is the youngest but a veteran actor." He candidly shared, "When things go well on set, it's harmonious, but when they don't, there's a bit of tension," drawing laughter.

Lee Se-young added, "As the youngest, I think I can give the most genuine answer." She continued, "The characters of the three (Ju Ji-hoon, Shin Min-a, Lee Jong-suk) are all different in real life, which is fun. Min-a is quiet and dignified like Empress Navier, but she's also gentle and laughs a lot. When I tried to lighten the mood with jokes, they always welcomed me warmly. Unlike the show, everyone loved Rashta in real life."

Shin Min-a, who is working on a palace-themed project for the first time, shared her thoughts. "I've done fusion historical dramas before, but mostly modern dramas, so I was a bit worried and nervous, but also excited," she confessed. "Our drama is a new attempt at romance fantasy, set in a palace somewhere between the East and West. It felt unfamiliar at first," she said. However, she noted, "Other actors say they feel different when playing high-status roles, and as I wore dresses and crowns, I naturally adopted a more dignified posture. The atmosphere wasn't bad; it was fun." In contrast, Ju Ji-hoon, who debuted as a crown prince in the drama 'Princess Hours', joked, "I'm used to it since I debuted as a crown prince."

In the series, the emperor's relationship with Rashta causes conflict with the empress. Lee Se-young, who plays the mistress, said, "It was fun playing a role that might seem shameless." She added, "I think many actors experienced vicarious satisfaction. We love uniforms, don't we? I love uniforms. Wearing epaulettes, carrying a sword, riding horses, and filming in beautiful settings made me feel a desire like Rashta's." She also noted, "The different costumes, like dresses, were refreshing and different."

'The Remarried Empress' is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2026.

Hong Kong - Reporter Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr