The King's Warden, a historical film that drew praise as a powerful period piece thanks to the heavy resonance and lingering aftertaste produced by the cast's passionate performances (director Jang Hang-jun, distributed by SHOWBOX, produced by Onda Works · BA Entertainment), drew 6 million viewers.
The King's Warden surpassed 6 million cumulative admissions on Monday, Feb. 23, its 20th day in release. This is a record that beats the 6 million milestones of the beloved historical films The King's Man (on the 29th) and Sado (on the 26th), and it matches the box-office speed of Masquerade, which enjoyed a whirlwind popularity. Holding the No. 1 spot on the overall box office for 11 consecutive days, The King's Warden has cemented itself as 2026's top box-office hit and is leading another boom in period film popularity.
Real viewers of The King's Warden have been pouring out a variety of reviews that are also becoming a hot topic.
Audience members who watched the film said, "It feels like the first period film to deal with Danjong in depth. Thank you" (Naver, rlen****), "Even though I knew the ending, I wanted it to be a happy ending; the acting was very good, especially Park Jihoon's portrayal of Danjong, along with Yoo Hai Jin, Yoo Ji-tae and Jeon Mi-do" (Naver, naji****), "A film whose aftertaste lasts a long time… It's been a long time since I went to the theater… Danjong is so pitiful that he sticks in my mind; it's a film I want to watch again" (CGV, 즐거운****), "I watched a film after a long time and it was so moving and delightful!!! Director Jang, finally!!!" (CGV, 잠자는****), "Because the lingering aftertaste doesn't go away, I can't function in daily life ㅠㅠ I watched it three times and I'll watch it again" (Lotte Cinema, 이**), "It properly pulls the audience's emotional strings. So it leaves deep aftereffects and sorrow like the deep sea, but still makes you want to come back. I'm going to see it for the fourth time today" (Lotte Cinema, 최**), "Studying Joseon history after watching the film lol best movie… I can't let go of Danjong…" (Megabox, cuc****), "A well-made film brings the audience. Let's go to 10 million" (Megabox, goo****). Regardless of age or gender, The King's Warden has dominated theaters as a film that satisfies everyone, and with explosive word-of-mouth and multiple-viewing fervor, it is expected to continue smooth sailing at the box office.
Surpassing 6 million admissions and continuing its overwhelming box-office run, 2026's top hit The King's Warden tells the story set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, about a village chief who volunteered exile for the revival of the village and the young deposed former king who was exiled from the throne.<
[Photo] SHOWBOX, integrated box-office computer network
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