2.6B-View Web Novel Becomes K-Drama With Insane Cast (ft. Ju Ji-hoon)

Top Korean actors Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young are set to lead the upcoming live-action adaptation of the wildly popular web novel and webtoon 'The Remarried Empress'. The series was officially announced on April 14, though its broadcast schedule has yet to be confirmed.

Based on the hit fantasy romance web novel, 'The Remarried Empress' follows Navier, the intelligent and graceful empress of the Eastern Empire, who is suddenly informed of her divorce by Emperor Sovieshu. Instead of resisting, she agrees—on the condition that she be allowed to remarry Prince Heinrey of the Western Kingdom. The dramatic twist sets off a sweeping tale of betrayal, love, and royal politics.

Originally launched as a web novel in 2018, the story gained immense popularity, eventually being adapted into a webtoon and translated into 10 languages by 2019. As of December 2024, it has recorded a staggering 2.6 billion views globally, solidifying its place as a global IP phenomenon. The conflict is sparked by Rashta, a former runaway slave who becomes the emperor’s mistress, creating a scandalous rift in the royal court.

The cast lineup includes:

Shin Min-a as Navier, the poised and brilliant Empress of the Eastern Empire

Ju Ji-hoon as Sovieshu, the powerful and emotionally complex Emperor

Lee Jong-suk as Prince Heinrey, a mysterious royal from the West hiding secrets

Lee Se-young as Rashta, a former slave who rises to become a rival to the empress

The series will be directed by Jo Soo-won, acclaimed for his emotionally nuanced storytelling and cinematic visuals in dramas like I Can Hear Your Voice, Pinocchio, and Still 17. The screenplay will be co-written by Yeo Ji-na and Hyun Choong-yeol, known for the hit OCN series The Uncanny Counter.

Production will be handled by Studio N, the company behind major IP-based works such as The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call and Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born.

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