The Man Who Lives with the King Surpasses 9.4 Million Viewers as 10-Million Milestone Nears

Director Jang Hang-jun's historical comedy-drama The Man Who Lives with the King has surpassed 9.4 million viewers as of March 3, leaving just 600,000 tickets away from the coveted 10-million milestone. If achieved, the film would become the first Korean movie to reach the mark since Exhuma and The Roundup: Punishment in 2024.

The box office juggernaut, which opened on February 4, has shown extraordinary staying power. It crossed the 900-million mark on March 2 — just its 27th day of release — after drawing 810,000 viewers on March 1 alone, coinciding with the Independence Day public holiday. By comparison, the legendary historical drama Masquerade took 31 days to reach the same benchmark.

A Story of King and Common Man

Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, the film tells the story of village chief Eom Heung-do, played by veteran actor Yoo Hae-jin, who volunteers to live in exile alongside the young dethroned King Danjong, portrayed by rising star Park Ji-hoon. Director Jang Hang-jun crafted a unique blend of humor and historical gravitas that has resonated deeply with Korean audiences.

The performances of the lead actors have been widely praised as the driving force behind the film's success. Park Ji-hoon's portrayal of the tragic young king has earned particular acclaim, propelling him to No. 1 on the Rising Star Brand Reputation rankings for February 2026.

Going Global

The film's reach is now extending well beyond Korea. International releases have been announced across 26 cities in the United States including New Jersey, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Seattle, and Las Vegas, along with screenings in Canada, Australia, Taiwan, and New Zealand. The Australian premiere on February 19 drew enthusiastic responses, with local audiences reporting nearly sold-out screenings.

Adding to the excitement, The Man Who Lives with the King has received an official invitation to the 28th Udine Far East Film Festival's main competition section, set to open on April 24. The European festival is one of the largest showcases for Asian cinema, marking another step in the film's international journey.

Tourism Boom and Cultural Impact

The film's impact has extended beyond the screen. Director Jang Hang-jun made a surprise appearance on KBS TV show 6 O'Clock My Hometown on March 4, where he shared his favorite filming locations in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province. Cheongnyeongpo, the actual historical exile site of King Danjong and the film's primary backdrop, has seen a fivefold increase in visitors compared to the previous year during the Lunar New Year holiday.

The filming location of Jangneung, King Danjong's tomb, and the Chunguigong Memorial Hall have also become popular tourist destinations. Director Jang shared that both he and actor Yoo Hae-jin drew inspiration from the statue of Eom Heung-do at the memorial hall, which depicts the loyal subject retrieving the king's body from the river.

Park Ji-hoon is set to continue his momentum with the upcoming Tving original series The Legend of the Military Cook and a highly anticipated Wanna One reunion variety show, scheduled for the first half of 2026.