The historical film The King’s Warden has surpassed 4 million viewers just 15 days after its release.
According to KOFIC, the film reached 4 million cumulative admissions on February 18. Released on February 4, the film reached 4 million viewers faster than The King and the Clown, which previously took 17 days and later became the first Korean historical drama to surpass 10 million viewers.
It also outpaced My Daughter is a Zombie, which reached the same milestone in 17 days and was last year’s highest-grossing Korean film.
The King’s Warden, starring Park Ji Hoon, showed steady growth from its opening. It surpassed 1 million admissions in five days, crossed 2 million in 12 days, and reached 3 million in 14 days. On its 15th day, it moved past 4 million viewers. The Lunar New Year holiday contributed to its strong ticket sales.
As of 3:20 PM on February 18, the film ranked first at the box office with a real-time ticket sales rate of 49.7 percent. It has held the number one spot at the daily box office for six consecutive days.
Set in 1457 during the Joseon Dynasty, The King’s Warden tells the story of King Danjong, the sixth king of Joseon, who was deposed by his uncle Grand Prince Suyang, later known as King Sejo. After losing the throne, the young king was exiled to Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol.
In the film, King Danjong is played by Park Ji Hoon and the role of village chief Eom Heung Do is played by Yoo Hae Jin. To prepare for the role, Park reportedly lost 15 kilograms and learned traditional Korean archery.
The story follows the unexpected bond between the exiled teenage king and the practical village chief who takes care of him. The village chief believes hosting an exiled noble could bring fortune to the village.
Other cast members include Yoo Ji Tae as Han Myeong Hoe, a political figure connected to the king’s exile, and Jeon Mi Do as Maehwa, the court lady who follows the young king into exile. Lee Jun Hyuk appears in a cameo as Grand Prince Geumseong. Special appearances also include Park Ji Hwan and Ahn Jae Hong.
Director Jang Hang Jun led his first historical project. He is known for works such as “Break Out” and “Rebound.” Jang previously shared that he was encouraged to take on the project by his wife, screenwriter Kim Eun Hee, known for “Kingdom” and “Signal.”
Veteran director Lee Joon Ik, who directed “The King and the Clown,” praised the film after watching it.
Many viewers described the film as emotional and suitable for family viewing during the holiday season. The performances of Yoo Hae Jin and Park Ji Hoon received praise from the audience.
The film has also sparked renewed interest in Yeongwol, the real historical site of King Danjong’s exile. Visitors have been traveling to locations connected to the king’s life, including Jangneung, his royal tomb.
President Lee Jae-myung watched the film during the Lunar New Year holiday with First Lady Kim Hae Kyung, according to official confirmation.
Distributed by Showbox, “The King’s Warden” runs for 117 minutes and continues to screen in theaters nationwide.
