SEOUL — In a historic moment for the South Korean film industry, the historical drama The Man Who Lives with the King (directed by Jang Hang-jun) officially surpassed the 10-million-viewer mark on March 6, 2026. This milestone comes just 31 days after its release on February 4, signaling a triumphant return for domestic cinema after a nearly two-year drought of mega-hits.
According to the distributor, Showbox, the film reached the cumulative audience count of 10,000,124 as of 6:30 PM on Friday. This achievement makes it the 34th film overall and the 25th South Korean production to join the prestigious "10 Million Club." It is the first film to reach this peak since The Roundup: Punishment in early 2024, ending a 22-month hiatus that had left the industry in a state of deep concern.
A New Chapter in Historical Drama
The Man Who Lives with the King is a "faction" (fact + fiction) period piece that reimagines the final four months of King Danjong (played by Park Ji-hoon), who was deposed by his uncle, Grand Prince Suyang, during the Gyeyu Jeongnan. The story focuses on the relationship between the exiled young king and Eom Heung-do (played by Yoo Hae-jin), a village head in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province.
The film takes a cryptic, one-line entry from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty—which briefly mentions Danjong’s death—and weaves it into a compelling mystery. Critics praise the film for blending traditional Korean emotional beats with a suspenseful narrative, effectively capturing both the tragedy of history and the warmth of human connection.
Records and Personal Milestones
The success of the film marks a significant turning point for its creators. For director Jang Hang-jun, who debuted in 2002 with Break Out, this is his first "10 million" film in a career spanning 24 years. Jang expressed his gratitude through Showbox, stating, "This is a situation I never even dared to imagine. I am overwhelmed with joy, yet I feel a deep sense of responsibility."
Leading man Yoo Hae-jin continues to solidify his status as a "box office guarantee." This marks his fifth film to surpass 10 million viewers, following hits like King and the Clown (2005) and Exhuma (2024). His portrayal of the loyal village head has been cited as a primary reason for the film’s widespread appeal across all age groups.
A Shot in the Arm for a Stagnant Industry
The film industry is celebrating this success as a sign of recovery. Since 2012, excluding the pandemic years, the Korean market typically produced at least one 10-million-seller annually. However, that streak was broken in 2025, when even the top-performing film, Zombie’s Daughter, struggled to reach 5.6 million viewers. This lack of a "mega-hit" had led to a freeze in investment and production.
"Seeing the theaters bustling again is a positive signal for the entire market," said a representative from a major multiplex chain. "It proves that if the story is compelling, the audience will return to the big screen despite the rise of streaming platforms."
The Secret to Success
Industry analysts attribute the film’s longevity to a "perfect storm" of factors. The film utilized the March 1st holiday weekend to its full advantage, drawing a record-breaking 810,000 viewers in a single day. Furthermore, the lighthearted and approachable marketing led by Director Jang—who has a strong public following—lowered the barrier for a heavy historical subject.
As The Man Who Lives with the King continues its run, it stands not just as a successful movie, but as a testament to the enduring power of Korean storytelling. It has successfully bridged the gap between historical accuracy and cinematic imagination, providing a much-needed morale boost to the nation’s cultural landscape.
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