A beloved webtoon epic is coming to life with one of the most talked-about star teams in recent K-drama history. Disney+ has officially gathered its royal court for The Remarried Empress, a fantasy romance series scheduled for global release in the second half of 2026. The project unites top-tier actors Shin Min Ah, Ju Ji Hoon, Lee Jong Suk, and Lee Se Young in a story of love, betrayal, and a powerful woman’s comeback.
Fans of the original web novel and webtoon, which has amassed over 2.6 billion views, have long imagined who could play these complex characters. The confirmed cast brings together award-winning performers known for their ability to handle intense emotional drama and grand historical settings. The series started filming in mid-2025 in locations like Prague to create the show’s majestic empires.
Who Plays the Main Roles in The Remarried Empress?
The four lead actors form the dramatic core of the story, each portraying a character caught in a web of royal politics and personal desire.
Shin Min Ah takes on the role of Empress Navier Ellie Trovi. Navier is the graceful and intelligent ruler of the Eastern Empire, known for her perfect conduct and dedication to her duties. Her world is shattered when her husband, the Emperor, demands a divorce. Shin Min Ah, celebrated for her roles in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Oh My Venus, will portray Navier’s journey from a betrayed wife to a determined woman who strategically plans her own royal future.
Shin Min Ah plays Empress Navier of the Eastern Empire. Navier is a beloved ruler known for her intelligence and natural grace.
Ju Ji Hoon transforms into Emperor Sovieshu Vict, Navier’s childhood friend and husband. Raised alongside Navier, he becomes a monarch of absolute power but breaks a lifelong promise to her. His decision to divorce Navier to marry his mistress, Rashta, sets the entire story in motion. Ju Ji Hoon, famous for his performances in Kingdom and Hyena, will explore the complexities of a ruler who makes a cruel and shocking personal decision.
Playing the mysterious Prince Heinrey Alles Lazlo is Lee Jong Suk. Heinrey is the crown prince of the Western Kingdom, a captivating figure surrounded by rumors and hiding a significant secret. He approaches Navier with his own motives but finds himself genuinely falling for her. This role marks Lee Jong Suk’s return to the fantasy romance genre, following popular series like While You Were Sleeping and Big Mouth.
Lee Se Young completes the main quartet as Rashta Isqua, a runaway slave of stunning beauty. After being rescued by the Emperor, she begins to desire a life far beyond her station, becoming Sovieshu’s mistress and later his empress. Lee Se Young, who earned critical praise for The Red Sleeve, will delve into the ambitious and controversial character who becomes Navier’s rival.
The Supporting Cast and Special Appearances
Beyond the four leads, The Remarried Empress features a strong lineup of veteran supporting actors who will populate the royal courts of the story.
The confirmed supporting cast includes:
- Lee Bong Ryun as Countess Eliza, Navier’s trusted head lady-in-waiting.
- Choi Dae Hoon as Lord McKenna, who serves as Prince Heinrey’s secretary.
- Park Ho San as Viscount Lotteshu, the nobleman who was Rashta’s former owner.
- Jung Young Joo as Albani, Rashta’s adoptive mother.
- Nam Yoon Ho as Baron Lante, who works as Emperor Sovieshu’s secretary.
The drama will also feature special appearances by well-known stars. Lee Jun Hyuk is set to play King Wharton III, and Kang Han Na will appear as Lady Krista. These cameo roles add more depth and intrigue to the show’s expansive world.
The Story Behind The Remarried Empress K-Drama
The series is based on the immensely popular web novel and webtoon created by Alphatart. The plot centers on Empress Navier, who responds to her husband’s brutal divorce demand not with surrender, but with a cunning power move. She agrees to the divorce but stuns the empire by announcing her plan to remarry Prince Heinrey from the rival Western Kingdom.
This decision sparks a high-stakes story of political strategy, emotional conflict, and romantic tension as Navier fights to reclaim her position and build a new life on her own terms. The narrative expertly blends fantasy elements, palace intrigue, and a central theme of female empowerment and resilience.
The adaptation is in experienced hands. The script is being written by Yeo Ji Na and Hyun Choong Yeol, the writing team behind the hit series The Uncanny Counter. Directing is Jo Soo Won, known for beloved dramas like Pinocchio and Still 17, ensuring a balance of compelling character development and engaging storytelling.
Production is being managed by Studio N. The team held its first script reading with the cast in May 2025 and began principal photography shortly after, utilizing real European castle locations to bring the dual empires to life.
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Global Release Information for Viewers
The Remarried Empress will be released worldwide as a Disney+ original series. It is slated to premiere sometime in the second half of 2026. The series will be part of Disney+’s growing catalog of Korean original content, which includes other popular titles like A Shop For Killers and Moving.
While an exact premiere date has not been announced, the production is actively underway. Fans can expect the show to be available on the Disney+ platform in all regions it services, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and parts of Asia and Europe, with subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages.
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