Kutná Hora’s cobblestoned streets and Gothic architecture stood in for an imperial capital as filming took place for The Remarried Empress, a new Korean drama series set to stream on Disney+. The production transformed parts of the historic town, drawing attention from locals and visitors as crews built elaborate sets for the fantasy-romance adaptation.
The series is based on a hugely popular Korean web novel and webtoon that has been read more than 2.6 billion times worldwide. With an ensemble cast led by Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hyun, Lee Jong-suk, and Lee Se-young, The Remarried Empress is among the most anticipated titles in Disney+’s expanding slate of Korean originals. An exact release date has not been announced, but the show is expected to premiere internationally in 2026.
For Czechia, the production reflects a continuing trend of large-scale international series choosing local towns and cities for their distinct period architecture, professional crews, and competitive filming incentives.
Kutná Hora transformed for filming
In mid-June, the center of Kutná Hora was reshaped into a setting recognizable to fans of the original Remarried Empress webtoon. Palackého Square was filled with horse-drawn carts, shop signs in Korean script, and storefronts converted into historical-looking businesses. Locals watched as familiar cafés and antique shops were temporarily disguised to represent a royal-era marketplace.
Filming returned to Kutná Hora again in early July, when crews occupied Šultysova Street and surrounding areas for additional night shoots. According to local reports, traffic was rerouted and buses were diverted to accommodate the production. While details of the scenes remained closely guarded, props and set pieces suggested continuity with the June shoot.
The choice of Kutná Hora follows a pattern of international filmmakers turning to Czech towns for their authentic medieval backdrops. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has previously hosted historical and fantasy projects, and its preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture allows it to stand in for a wide range of European settings.
Production of the series also took place in Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou Castle (pictured at top), while stars Shin Min-a and Ju Ji-hyun both posted photos of their travels in the Czech Republic to social media, including stops in Prague and Brno.
A global series with local ties
The Remarried Empress tells the story of Navier (Shin Min-a), an empress whose marriage collapses when her husband, Emperor Sovieshu (Ju Ji-hoon), brings home a mistress and seeks divorce. Rather than accept her downfall, Navier negotiates to remarry a rival prince, setting off a narrative of betrayal, political intrigue, and romance. The series combines historical fantasy elements with courtly drama, reflecting themes that have resonated with global audiences of the webtoon.
Disney+ is positioning the show as part of its growing investment in Korean originals, joining recent titles such as A Shop for Killers and Nine Puzzles. Directed by Jo Soo-Won (Pinocchio, Still 17) and adapted by Seon-Dong Yu and Ji Na Yeo (The Uncanny Counter), the series is being developed with high production values intended to appeal to both domestic and international viewers.
The project highlights the Czech Republic’s role as a prime destination for international productions in search of authentic historical locations. A number of high-profile period dramas are slated to shoot in the country in the coming months, including the third season of The Empress and the new series The Age of Innocence, both for Netflix.
Fans of the original Korean webtoon and those interested in seeing Kutná Hora on the small screen can look forward to The Remarried Empress debuting on Disney+ in 2026.
Lead photo: Production of The Remarried Empress at Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou Castle via Facebook / Aace Kim, hel yah via fur
