'The Man Who Lives with the King' Nears 10 Million Viewers as Lotte Cinema Hosts Special Crying Screenings

Korean cinema is on the verge of welcoming its 34th film to cross the coveted 10-million-viewer threshold. The Man Who Lives with the King, a historical drama that has captivated audiences since its February 4 opening, has accumulated 9.77 million admissions as of March 6 and shows no signs of slowing down.

To mark the occasion and celebrate the overwhelming emotional response from moviegoers, Lotte Cinema announced a special Crying Screening event on March 6. The unique screenings will take place on March 12 at 7 PM across four theaters nationwide, including Lotte Cinema World Tower in Seoul, Lotte Cinema Busan Main, Lotte Cinema Daejeon Central, and Lotte Cinema Dongseongno in Daegu.

A Special Event for an Emotional Film

Attendees of the Crying Screening will receive an embroidered towel inscribed with the phrase To Those I Cherish and Love, a fitting keepsake for a film that has consistently moved audiences to tears. The concept behind the event is simple yet heartwarming: create a judgment-free space where viewers can openly weep without feeling self-conscious about their emotions.

Online reactions to the event have been enthusiastic. Korean internet users responded with comments like Now I can cry comfortably, Is this a cry-along following the sing-along trend, and Hearing others cry around me will probably make me even sadder. Television personality Yoo Byung-jae also went viral after posting a teary selfie on social media following his own viewing of the film.

A Story Rooted in Korean History

The Man Who Lives with the King is set in 1457 in Cheongnyeongpo, telling the story of a village chief who voluntarily turns his settlement into an exile site and the young deposed king who arrives there. The narrative draws from the tragic life of King Danjong, one of the most sorrowful figures in Joseon dynasty history, whose story of betrayal and exile has long resonated with Korean audiences.

Director Jang Hang-jun expressed his astonishment at the film's success in a statement released through distributor Showbox on March 6. He shared that crossing 10 million viewers was something he had never imagined possible, describing his feelings as a mix of joy and caution. The director reflected that audiences seemed particularly moved by Danjong's transformation from a figure perceived as weak into someone who grows stronger and strives to live as a full human being despite his circumstances.

A Box Office Phenomenon

The film's box office trajectory has been remarkable. Opening during the competitive Lunar New Year season, it steadily built momentum through word-of-mouth, with viewer reviews consistently highlighting the deeply emotional experience. If it reaches the 10-million mark, it will become the 34th Korean film in history to achieve this milestone, joining an elite club that includes cultural touchstones like Parasite and Ode to My Father.

The success of The Man Who Lives with the King underscores the enduring appetite among Korean audiences for well-crafted historical narratives that blend factual events with emotional storytelling. As the Crying Screening event approaches, it appears the film's tear-inducing power will continue drawing audiences to theaters well into its second month of release.