'The Remarried Empress', starring Shin Min Ah, Ju Ji Hoon,Lee Jong Suk, Lee Se Young,to come in 2026

The Remarried Empress unveils script-reading stills. 

The popular webtoon "The Second Husband," which has accumulated a total of approximately 2.6 billion views globally (as of December 2024), is being adapted into a drama series and released as a Disney+ original in 2026.

The Remarried Empress tells the story of Empress Navier (Shin Min Ah), the perfect empress of the Eastern Empire, who receives divorce from her husband, Emperor Sovieshu (Ju Ji Hoon), and in response, she demands permission to remarry Prince Heinrey (Lee Jong Suk) of the Western Kingdom. 

Since its serialization as a web novel in 2018, the story has gained immense popularity, adapted into a webtoon, and translated into 10 languages.

Shin Min Ah takes on the role of Empress Navier of the Eastern Empire. Navier is the perfect empress, beloved by all for her sharp intellect and grace. Despite being deeply shocked by the divorce notice from Emperor Sovieshu, her friend and companion since childhood, she stirs up the Eastern Empire by demanding remarriage with Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom.

Ju Ji Hoon will play Emperor Sovieshu, the ruler of the Eastern Empire. Having grown up and been educated alongside Navier, he becomes a powerful monarch. He breaks his promise to Navier of never taking a concubine in life and delivers a demand for divorce.

Lee Jong Suk takes on the role of Heinrey, Crown Prince and heir to the throne of the Western Kingdom who harbors a secret. Heinrey is a mysterious figure who draws everyone's attention and is constantly surrounded by rumors. 

Lee Se Young takes on the role of Rashta, a runaway slave with stunning beauty. After discovering that the man who saved her in the royal hunting grounds is none other than the emperor of the Eastern Empire, Rashta begins to desire things she had never dared to dream of. 

Lee Bong Ryun will play Eliza, the head maid of the Western Palace. Eliza is the only person with whom Navier confides her true feelings. 

Choi Dae Hoon plays McKenna, Heinrey's secretary. Constantly worried by Heinrey, McKenna is not afraid to speak his mind nor does he hesitate to nag him. 

Park Ho San, will portray Lotteshu, the former master of the runaway slave Rashta. Brutal and merciless by nature, Lotteshu holds a dangerous secret about Rasta — one that must never reach the emperor.  

Jung Young Joo joins as Albani. After her husband, Grand Duke Lilteang — also Emperor Sovieshu's uncle — attempts a coup and loses his title and territory, Albani adopts Rasta into the family as her foster daughter in a move to reclaim her family's lost power. With this, she begins to reveal her long-hidden ambitions. 

Actor Nam Yoon Ho takes on the role of Lante, Emperor Sovieshu's secretary. As Sovieshu's closest aide, Lante not only serves him with unwavering loyalty but also maintains a discreet line of communication with Eliza, the head maid to the empress. 

Shin Min Ah remarked, "Since this project is based on such a beloved original work, I feel nervous and at the same time very excited. I hope viewers look forward to seeing how the story is brought to life and the beautiful scenes reimagined in live-action."

"I'm thrilled to be part of such a powerful story universe, and at the same time, I feel a strong sense of responsibility. I believe we'll be able to deliver you a fresh hit of dopamine," said Ju Ji Hoon.

"When I heard that The Remarried Empress was being adapted into live-action, I was very excited. I think it's going to be a very fun and unique project," added Lee Jong Suk. 

"I'm so happy to be playing Rashta. The fantasy setting combined with the melodrama makes for a story full of fun elements," shared Lee Se Young.

Lee Bong Ryun added, "I'm more excited than anyone to be working with such a wonderful cast in The Remarried Empress. Doing the script reading together really brought the vibe of the story into focus. It was a great experience." 

"It's an indescribable joy to have been invited into a fairytale world. I'll do my best to help create a beautiful story. I ask for your interest, love, and warmth," said Choi Dae Hoon.

Park Ho San shared, "It is a fresh project in a genre I haven't tried before, with a new character to explore. I'm excited to be working alongside such a strong team of cast and crew. I'll do my best."

Jung Young Joo remarked, "The ensemble the actors are building feels so intricate and tightly-knit. I think it'll be a lot of fun."

Nam Yoon Ho added, "I am so honored and thrilled to be part of such a great project, alongside such an incredible cast. I'll work hard and have fun, and do my very best."

The K-drama will be directed by Jo Soo Won. The script is penned by writers Yeo Ji Na and Hyun Choong Yeol. 

The Remarried Empress is coming sometime in 2026, only on Disney+.

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