What Made Korea's 13M Hit? Yoo Haejin Finally Opens Up

When a film crosses the 13-million-viewer mark in South Korea, it does not just become a hit — it becomes a cultural event. "The Man Who Lives With the King" has achieved exactly that, and now its creative pillars — director Jang Hangjun and lead actor Yoo Haejin — are finally sitting down to share the story behind the phenomenon. The two will appear together on MBC's "Son Seokhi's Questions" on March 18, marking their first joint television interview since the film's staggering box office run began.

The appearance comes just one day after the pair completed their final round of appreciation stage greetings — a Korean film tradition where cast and crew personally thank audiences at theaters across the country. For Jang and Yoo, who have spent the past six weeks in a whirlwind of promotion and gratitude events, the MBC talk show represents a chance to reflect on a journey that exceeded even their own expectations.

A Director-Actor Bond Forged Through Trust

During the taping, director Jang Hangjun offered a candid look at the creative partnership that made the film possible. In a moment that drew laughter from the studio audience, Jang described Yoo Haejin's role in bringing the project to life with characteristic bluntness. "Yoo Haejin grabbed me by the collar and dragged me into this," the director said, referring to the actor's persistent belief in the material when the project faced uncertainty.

The comment, delivered with Jang's well-known wit, revealed the depth of trust between the two artists. According to the director, the character of Eom Heungdo presented unique creative challenges. "There was no alternative for Eom Heungdo," Jang explained, suggesting that the role was conceived with Yoo Haejin specifically in mind — or perhaps more accurately, that only Yoo Haejin could have embodied the character as written.

Yoo Haejin reciprocated with equal sincerity. The veteran actor, known for his understated approach to public appearances, admitted that "The Man Who Lives With the King" affected him differently than any of his previous projects. "Usually, when I finish a film, I want to forget it quickly so I can fully commit to the next one," Yoo said. "But with this film, I'm still caught up in those emotions. I can't shake it off."

13 Million and Counting: A Box Office Phenomenon

Released on February 4, 2026, "The Man Who Lives With the King" — affectionately shortened to "Wangsanam" by Korean audiences — surpassed 13 million total viewers in just over five weeks. In a Korean film market where crossing the 10-million threshold is considered a milestone achievement, the film's continued momentum has placed it among the highest-grossing domestic productions in the country's history.

The film's commercial success is particularly notable given the competitive landscape of early 2026 Korean cinema. Industry analysts have pointed to several factors driving its performance: Yoo Haejin's proven box office draw, Jang Hangjun's directorial reputation for balancing humor with emotional depth, and strong word-of-mouth recommendations that sustained ticket sales well beyond the opening weekend.

The numbers tell a story of sustained audience engagement rather than a front-loaded opening. While many blockbusters see sharp declines after their first week, "Wangsanam" maintained remarkably consistent daily attendance figures, suggesting that repeat viewings and late adopters contributed significantly to the final tally. This pattern of organic growth is often the hallmark of films that connect with audiences on an emotional level beyond spectacle.

Behind the Scenes: The Producer Who Made It Happen

The MBC interview also provided a rare television appearance for Ondaworks CEO Im Eunjeong, the film's producer. In an unscripted moment, host Son Seokhi spotted Im in the studio audience and spontaneously invited her onto the stage. The impromptu addition created a warm, informal dynamic as the three principals crowded together on a sofa originally set for two.

Im Eunjeong's inclusion added another layer to the conversation, offering the production side of the story that audiences rarely hear. As the head of Ondaworks, Im played a crucial role in shepherding the project from development through its record-breaking theatrical run. Her presence on the show — unplanned and unrehearsed — underscored the familial bond that developed among the creative team during the making of the film.

The moment was emblematic of Son Seokhi's hosting style on "Questions," which prioritizes genuine conversation over scripted segments. For viewers, it provided a glimpse into the real relationships behind the polished press tours and controlled media appearances that typically accompany major film releases.

Yoo Haejin: Korea's Most Reliable Leading Man

For Yoo Haejin, the success of "The Man Who Lives With the King" adds another entry to what has become one of the most impressive filmographies in Korean cinema. The actor has built his career on a remarkable ability to disappear into roles while simultaneously drawing audiences to theaters based on his name alone.

His track record of commercial hits is extensive. Films including "Veteran" (2015), "A Taxi Driver" (2017), "Confidential Assignment" (2017), and its sequel "Confidential Assignment 2: International" (2022) have collectively drawn tens of millions of viewers. What sets Yoo apart from other box office draws is his range — he moves between comedy, action, and drama with equal conviction, never allowing audiences to predict what kind of performance he will deliver next.

With "Wangsanam," Yoo demonstrated once again why he remains the actor that Korean producers turn to when they need a film to connect with the widest possible audience. His ability to convey both humor and emotional vulnerability in a single performance is a rare combination that transcends genre conventions and demographic boundaries.

What Comes Next

As "The Man Who Lives With the King" continues its theatrical run and the conversation around the film extends into television appearances and media retrospectives, the question for both Jang Hangjun and Yoo Haejin is what comes next. For a director and actor who have just delivered one of the biggest Korean films in recent memory, the pressure and opportunity of the follow-up will be significant.

For now, however, the focus remains on gratitude. The stage greetings have concluded, the talk show appearance is set, and the film continues to add to its already historic audience numbers. In an industry that moves quickly from one project to the next, Jang and Yoo are allowing themselves a rare moment to savor what they have built — and what the audience of 13 million and counting has made possible.