The historical drama “The King’s Warden” continues its reign at the South Korean box office, attracting approximately 803,000 viewers over the weekend. According to the Korean Film Council, its cumulative audience has now reached a staggering 14.75 million admissions.
This impressive performance positions “The King’s Warden” as one of the highest-attended films in Korean cinema history, trailing only the war epic “The Admiral: Roaring Currents” (17.6 million) and the action comedy “Extreme Job” (16.2 million).
Notably, “The King’s Warden” has already surpassed both films in box office revenue, generating 142.5 billion won (US$94.6 million) due to higher average ticket prices. “The Admiral: Roaring Currents” grossed 135.7 billion won, while “Extreme Job” earned 139.6 billion won.
Directed by Jang Hang-jun, “The King’s Warden” offers a fresh take on historical events, focusing on the unlikely bond between Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hai-jin), a village chief, and the exiled King Danjong (Park Ji-hoon) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Critics and audiences alike have praised the film for its strong ensemble cast, the poignant portrayal of the young king’s suffering, the unwavering support of the villagers, and the stunning visual depiction of the historical exile location.
