Disney’s Jon Wax Says Buzzy K-Drama ‘The Remarried Empress’ Has Substance to Match Its Spectacle

Disney’s Jon Wax says The Remarried Empress , the lavish Korean costume drama set to make its world premiere in Busan on Friday, has substance to match its spectacle.

The series is a big-budget bet for Disney+, adapting a wildly popular webtoon with around 3 billion views worldwide into a lavish romantasy series. And ahead of its streaming debut, the signs are encouraging.

Tickets for a three-episode preview at the Busan International Film Festival sold out “immediately,” according to local press. Stars Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon, Lee Jong-suk and Lee Se-young were also expected to make public appearances in the city. Related Stories Movies Brad Bird on Finally Making 'Ray Gunn,' His Live-Action Run and When Things Turned Political at Disney Movies Anime Director Masaaki Yuasa Set to Curate Toronto Fest Classic Film Showcase

Wax, executive vp of international original television at Disney Entertainment, discussed the series during a “Creative Conversation” hosted by the Motion Picture Association and Disney+, with support from the Korean Film Council. Moderated by The Hollywood Reporter ’s Asia bureau chief Patrick Brzeski, the BIFF session followed opening remarks from the MPA’s Urmila Venugopalan and explored Disney+’s investment in Asia-Pacific originals and creative partnerships to help local stories reach global audiences.

The Remarried Empress has some familiar Disney ingredients — romance, drama and plenty of stunning costumes — but it also remains a deeply Korean drama.

“We obviously recognized the brand affinity for Disney, which is exciting,” Wax said.