SEOUL — Director Jang Hang-jun’s latest period drama, The Man Who Lives with the King, is on the verge of joining the prestigious "10 Million Club." Despite some initial skepticism regarding its technical execution, powerful word-of-mouth centered on the film’s emotional resonance has driven a massive surge in ticket sales.
According to box office data, the film surpassed 8 million cumulative viewers on March 1st and crossed the 9-million mark on March 2nd, a substitute holiday for Independence Movement Day. With a staggering revenue share of over 80% during the holiday weekend, the film is expected to hit the 10-million milestone within this week. This would make it the first 10-million-seller in nearly two years, following 2024’s The Roundup: Punishment.
A Fresh Take on Tragedy
The film depicts the final four months of King Danjong (Lee Hong-wi), the 6th king of the Joseon Dynasty, after being exiled to Yeongwol, Gangwon Province. Rather than focusing solely on the tragedy of the deposed young king, the movie blends humanism with comedy.
The story follows Eom Heung-do (played by Yu Hae-jin), a village chief who eagerly volunteers his village as an exile site in hopes of economic gain, only to be bewildered when the "exiled royalty" turns out to be a vulnerable young boy. This "sitcom-like" setup in the first half creates a stark, heart-wrenching contrast with the film’s emotional conclusion.
The "Wholesome" Factor
A key driver of its success is its "harmlessness." Free from excessive violence or provocative scenes, the film has become a top choice for family outings. "It features a universal message and themes that resonate across all generations," said Kwon Hye-rim, a representative from the film's distributor, Showbox.
Demographic data from CGV reinforces this, showing a balanced audience spread:
-40s: 28%
-30s: 24%
-20s: 21%
-50s & Above: 18%
Cultural Impact and "The Jang Hang-jun Effect"
The film's popularity is extending beyond the screen. Cheongnyeongpo, the actual exile site of King Danjong, has seen a massive influx of tourists inspired by the movie.
Furthermore, Director Jang Hang-jun’s personal charisma has fueled the hype. Known for his witty and positive public persona, Jang previously joked on a radio show that if the movie hit 10 million, he would "change his phone number, name, and even get plastic surgery so no one could recognize him." As the milestone nears, fans are eagerly waiting to see his reaction during his scheduled radio appearance on March 4th.
A Positive Signal for Korean Cinema
Industry experts view this success as an encouraging sign that audiences are returning to theaters for emotional, character-driven stories, not just big-budget blockbusters.
"This hit reminds us that movies which move the heart are much more enjoyable when experienced together in a theater," noted Seo Ji-myeong, head of the communications team at CGV.
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