(ATTENTION: UPDATED with director’s remarks and additional details)
The Korean historical drama “The King’s Warden” has surpassed 10 million admissions, achieving this milestone just over a month after its premiere on February 4th. This makes it the first film, domestic or foreign, to reach this benchmark in two years. The film crossed the 10 million viewer mark around 6:30 p.m. KST, according to distributor Showbox.
The last films to achieve this level of success were Jang Jae-hyun’s supernatural thriller “Exhuma” (February 2024), which garnered 11.9 million viewers, and “The Roundup: Punishment” (the fourth installment in the action-crime franchise starring Ma Dong-seok), which reached 11.5 million viewers two months later.
“The King’s Warden” exceeded its break-even point of 2.6 million admissions during the Lunar New Year holiday and has since maintained its leading position at the South Korean box office.
Directed by Jang Hang-jun (known for “Break Out” (2002) and “Rebound” (2023)), the film presents a fictional reimagining of historical events, focusing on the unlikely bond between village chief Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hai-jin) and the exiled King Danjong (Park Ji-hoon).
The movie has been praised for its compelling ensemble cast, which allows audiences to connect with King Danjong’s plight and the dedication of the villagers who support him. Its stunning depiction of the real-life exile location has also been well-received.
“My family and I are incredibly happy and humbled by this unexpected success,” director Jang Hang-jun stated through Showbox, shortly before the milestone was reached. “I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of congratulations.”
“The King’s Warden” now ranks as the 34th film to surpass 10 million viewers in South Korean cinema history.
