‘The Man Who Lived with the King’ Surpasses 10 Million Viewers, Revitalizing Korean Cinema

The historical drama “The Man Who Lived with the King,” directed by Jang Hang-jun, has officially surpassed 10 million viewers in South Korea as of March 6, 2026, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s film industry. This achievement positions the film as the 23rd Korean movie to reach this benchmark, and the first since “The Roundup: Punishment” in 2024.

A Surge in Popularity and Box Office Success

The film, which depicts the story of King Danjong, the sixth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, has resonated with audiences, driving a renewed interest in historical dramas. As of March 3, 2026, the film had attracted 194,493 viewers, bringing the total admissions to 9,407,833. A reservation rate of 56.7 percent on March 4th further solidified its trajectory towards the 10 million viewer mark.

Impact on Tourism in Yeongwol County

The film’s popularity has extended beyond the box office, significantly boosting tourism to Gangwon Province’s Yeongwol County, where King Danjong spent his final days in exile. During the Lunar New Year holiday (February 14-17, 2026), Cheongnyeongpo, King Danjong’s place of exile, saw 10,641 visitors – more than five times the 2,006 visitors recorded during the previous year’s holiday. Visits to Jangneung, King Danjong’s royal tomb, too increased dramatically, reaching 7,275 during the same period, a seven-fold increase from the previous year’s 1,083 visitors.

Revitalizing the Korean Film Industry

“The Man Who Lived with the King” is expected to revitalize the domestic film industry, opening a “10 million era” for Korean films after a period of decline. The Korean film industry had faced challenges due to economic downturns, the rise of online video services, and competition from foreign films and Japanese animation. While “Pamyo” and “Crime City 4” reached 10 million viewers in 2024, no films achieved this milestone in 2025.

Key Players and Recognition

Director Jang Hang-jun has been recognized as a “10 million director” for the first time in his 24-year career, following his debut with “Turn on the Lighter” in 2002. Actor Yoo Hae-jin, who plays village chief Eom Heung-do, has now appeared in five films that have surpassed 10 million viewers. Yoo Ji-tae, portraying Han Myeong-hoe, achieved this honor for the first time in his career, which began in 1998. Park Ji-hoon, who plays King Danjong, also reached 10 million viewers with his film debut.

Danjong Cultural Festival Anticipation

Interest is also growing for the Danjong Cultural Festival, Yeongwol’s signature historical and cultural event, scheduled for April 24-26. The festival will feature events such as the King Danjong State Funeral reenactment, memorial rites, the Queen Jeongsun Selection Contest, and traditional performances.