K-Drama Sets Disney+ Viewership Record
The Remarried Empress became the most-viewed local original premiere in the platform's history within 72 hours.
By Robert Marshall ·
13 million views in 48 hours for a trailer was the first sign of trouble for the competition. The Remarried Empress has now broken the biggest local original launch record for Disney+ and Hulu globally. The milestone occurred just three days after the series debuted on Nov. 3.
Disney confirmed the record on Friday. The Korean romantic epic is the most viewed local original premiere in the platform's history. It also became the biggest Korean title premiere in more than 50 markets. Those markets include the U.S., Britain, France, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
The company did not release specific viewing numbers. The record is based on total views during the show's first three days of availability. The Remarried Empress has replaced Moving as the top local original. Moving was a 2023 superhero drama that performed strongly in South Korea and across Asia.
Early results for the new series suggest a different pattern. The records extend across Europe and the Americas. This indicates a broader global reach than its predecessor. The series stars Shin Mina, Ju Jihoon, Lee Jongsuk, and Lee Seyoung. It is set in a fantasy world of rival empires.
The plot follows Empress Navier, played by Shin Mina. Her marriage to Emperor Sovieshu, played by Ju Jihoon, unravels when he falls for a runaway slave named Rashta. Rashta is played by Lee Seyoung. Navier agrees to a divorce if she can marry Heinrey, the crown prince of a neighboring kingdom. Heinrey is played by Lee Jongsuk.
Yeoh Geena and Hyun Choongyeol adapted the series for the screen. Cho Suwon directed the show. He previously directed Still 17 and Pinocchio. The series is based on a Naver webtoon. That digital comic has amassed nearly 3 billion views. It is one of the most popular titles in the form.
Disney moved the premiere forward by one day from its original Nov. 4 schedule. The company announced the change at a Seoul press conference earlier this week. The decision was a thank-you to fans who attended sold-out preview screenings at the Busan International Film Festival. Two new episodes will drop every Wednesday starting Nov. 11. The finale is scheduled for Nov. 25.
