Disney+ has confirmed the exclusive release of the original series 'The remarried empress', based on the beloved global webtoon 'The remarried empress', unveiling a glamorous casting lineup.
The original series 'The remarried empress', based on the webtoon that has recorded a cumulative view count of approximately 2.6 billion (as of December 2024) and led a global phenomenon, is heating up the hearts of global fans with its unprecedented casting.
'The remarried empress' is a romantic fantasy epic about 'Nabie', the impeccable empress of the Great Eastern Empire (portrayed by Shin Mina), who receives divorce papers from Emperor 'Sobiešu' (played by Ju Jihoon), who has fallen for runaway slave 'Rasta' (played by Lee Seyoung). In exchange for accepting the divorce, she demands permission to remarry 'Heinri' (played by Lee Jong Suk), the prince of the Western Kingdom. Since its web novel serialization began in 2018, it has gained explosive popularity, expanded into a webtoon, and captivated readers worldwide with translations in 10 languages, and now it is being adapted into a series.
Shin Mina, who has captivated the public with her superior ambiance and charm in dramas such as 'Karma', 'Because I Don't Want to Lose,' 'Our Blues,' and 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha', takes on the role of empress 'Nabie'. 'Nabie' is a perfect empress beloved by all for her brilliant mind and innate grace. She is deeply shocked by the divorce notice from Emperor 'Sobiešu', her only friend and companion since childhood, but demands to remarry Prince 'Heinri' from the Western Kingdom, stirring up turmoil in the Great Eastern Empire.
Shin Mina, preparing to transform into the indispensable and strong 'Nabie', has garnered great expectations about whether the romance queen can master the romance fantasy genre. Ju Jihoon, a major actor who has led global hits across genres from Disney+ original series 'Light Shop' and 'Dominion' to dramas like 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call', 'Love Is a One-Way Bridge', and the 'Kingdom' series, will portray Emperor 'Sobiešu', who holds absolute power in the Great Eastern Empire.
Having become a powerful monarch through education alongside 'Nabie' since childhood, 'Sobiešu' demands a shocking divorce despite the promise never to have a concubine. Ju Jihoon’s intense charisma as 'Sobiešu' and his chemistry with Shin Mina and Lee Seyoung promise to spark curiosity.
Lee Jong Suk, who has gifted viewers unforgettable characters and life-changing works in dramas like 'Big Mouse', 'Romance Is a Bonus Book', 'While You Were Sleeping', and 'W', will play 'Heinri', the first heir of the Western Kingdom who hides secrets. 'Heinri' is a mysterious figure who draws all eyes and is followed by numerous rumors. His unpredictable romance as he approaches 'Nabie' with hidden intentions will make the hearts of women worldwide flutter.
Lee Seyoung, loved for her roles in dramas like 'Motel California', 'What Comes After Love', 'The Contract Marriage of Lady Park', and 'Red Sleeve', plays the runaway slave 'Rasta' with dazzling beauty. After discovering that the man who saved her from the hunting ground is the emperor of the Great Eastern Empire, 'Rasta' begins to desire something she has never dreamed of. Lee Seyoung will delicately and intricately portray 'Rasta's' inner world as her pure smile gradually conceals growing desires.
With Shin Mina, Ju Jihoon, Lee Jong Suk, and Lee Seyoung, the trusted ensemble of superb actors fills 'The remarried empress' to the brim.
Actor Lee Bong Ryeon will portray 'Eliza', the head maid in the Western Palace where 'Nabie' resides. 'Eliza' is the only person to whom 'Nabie' can reveal her inner thoughts. Maximilian Choi, who gained syndrome-level popularity playing 'The Man from Nowhere' in the drama 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', will take on the role of 'Mekena', 'Heinri's' secretary. He worries about the unpredictable 'Heinri', never hesitating to nag or offer frank criticism. Actor Park Ho San will play 'Rotešu', the former owner of runaway slave 'Rasta'. With a vicious and ruthless personality, 'Rotešu' is a character who holds onto secrets of 'Rasta' that the emperor must not know, appearing at key moments to inject tension into the drama. Actor Jung Young Joo joins the cast as 'Albani', whose husband and 'Sobiešu's' uncle, the Grand Duke 'Rilteang', attempts to seize power and has had her titles and lands confiscated. In order to regain her family's power, she takes 'Rasta' as her adopted daughter and reveals her hidden ambitions. Actor Nam Yoon Ho will play 'Rangt', 'Sobiešu's' secretary, who supports 'Sobiešu' closely and maintains close communication with 'Eliza', the head maid.
On May 13 (Tuesday), the script reading took place where veteran actors gathered in one place to share their passion for their characters and the work. The actors showed such enthusiasm that it felt like the filming set, focusing intensely on their characters: “It’s a piece with a beloved original, which makes me nervous but also very excited. I hope you will look forward to seeing how the original is realized and the beautiful scenes in live-action” (Shin Mina), “I’m happy to be part of the powerful world of the original and feel a sense of responsibility. I think we can provide fresh dopamine” (Ju Jihoon), “I was really looking forward to 'The remarried empress' being adapted into live-action. I think something really fun and new will come out” (Lee Jong Suk), “I’m happy to be able to play Rasta. It combines a fantasy background with romance so there will be many entertaining parts to watch” (Lee Seyoung), noting expectations for the work. Moreover, “I'm very excited to work with amazing actors in 'The remarried empress'. Reading the script together made the atmosphere of the work clearer, and it was a great time” (Lee Bong Ryeon), “I'm overjoyed to be invited to the fairy tale country. I will do my best to create a beautiful story. I hope for your interest, love, and warm gaze” (Choi Dae Hun), “This will be a new work and character in a genre I haven’t tried before. I’m excited to work with a supportive production crew and actors. I will do my best” (Park Ho San), “I think the ensemble created by the actors will be very detailed and interesting” (Jung Young Joo), “It’s a great honor to be able to appear in such a wonderful work with excellent actors, and I’m thrilled. I will work hard and enjoy it” (Nam Yoon Ho) shared their passionate ambitions for the work.
The direction of 'The remarried empress' will be overseen by director Jo Soo Won, who is recognized for his delicate emotional portrayal and graceful directing in works like 'I Hear Your Voice', 'Pinocchio', and 'Thirty But Seventeen'. The script will be handled by Ye Ji Na and Hyun Chung Yeol, who recorded the highest viewership ratings for OCN with 'Strange'. Production will be carried out by Studio N, known for its heavyweight IP works such as 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call', 'Time of Being', and 'Vigilante'.
Scheduled for release in 2025.
[Photo] 'The remarried empress'
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