The Korean historical film 'The King's Warden' has surpassed 10 million admissions just over a month after its release, marking the first such achievement for any film, domestic or foreign, in two years. Amid challenges from streaming platforms drawing audiences away from theaters, this milestone offers a rare boost to the Korean cinema industry. Director Jang Hang-jun expressed happiness and caution at the success.
'The King's Warden' crossed the 10 million admissions mark on Friday, March 6, 2026, at around 6:30 p.m., according to distributor Showbox, just over a month after its February 4 premiere. This makes it the first film, domestic or foreign, to achieve this in two years, following 'Exhuma' with 11.9 million viewers in February 2024 and 'The Roundup: Punishment' with 11.5 million two months later. The film passed its break-even point of 2.6 million admissions during the Lunar New Year holiday and has maintained the top spot at the domestic box office.
Directed by Jang Hang-jun, known for 'Break Out' (2002) and 'Rebound' (2023), the film reimagines historical events through fiction, centering on the friendship between village chief Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hai-jin) and the deposed King Danjong (Park Ji-hoon) during his exile. Danjong, born 1441-1457, reigned for about three years before being deposed by his uncle King Sejo and dying at age 16 in Cheongnyeongpo, Yeongwol, Gangwon Province.
Praise has focused on the ensemble cast, with Park Ji-hoon's powerful gaze in his feature film debut—after Netflix's 'Weak Hero'—and Yoo Hai-jin's humor providing lightness amid emotional depth. The film's Naver rating stands at 8.93 out of 10 from 6,292 reviews. One viewer noted, 'His gaze is so powerful that you instantly see why Park Ji-hoon was cast for the role,' earning over 12,700 thumbs up. Yoo has previously appeared in 10-million films like 'The King and the Clown' (2005), 'Veteran' (2015), 'A Taxi Driver' (2017), and 'Exhuma' (2024). Yoo Ji-tae plays the cold-blooded Han Myeong-hoe, and Jeon Mi-do portrays the devoted court lady Maehwa.
Strong word-of-mouth drew families during Lunar New Year and March 1st Independence Movement Day holidays. Critic Yoon Sung-eun highlighted the film's depiction of Danjong's transformation 'from a monarch abandoned by the royal court to a man who finds common ground with ordinary people, enriches their lives and ultimately summons the courage to stand up against injustice.' Produced on a 10.5 billion won (US$7.11 million) budget, it underscores mid-sized films' potential.
The Korean film industry saw annual admissions exceed 200 million pre-COVID, peaking at 226 million in 2019 per KOFIC data, but dropped to 51 million in 2020, recovered to 115 million in 2022, and fell to 106 million last year. In 2025, top films like 'My Daughter is a Zombie' reached only 5.64 million, with Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17' at 3.1 million and Park Chan-wook's 'No Other Choice' at 2.94 million. Government support for mid-budget films doubled to 20 billion won this year, termed the 'backbone of Korean cinema' by KOFIC Chairman Han Sang-joon. Director Jang said through Showbox, 'My family and I are all happy and cautious as we have never imagined this happening. I feel grateful as I have received congratulations from many people.' It is the 34th film in South Korea to surpass 10 million viewers.
