With powerful performances by actors that deliver a heavy resonance and lingering aftereffects, the film The King's Warden (director Jang Hang-jun, distributed by SHOWBOX, produced by Onda Works · B.A. Entertainment) has attracted 7 million viewers.
Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, the film The King's Warden, which tells the story of a village chief who volunteered for exile to revive his village and a young former king who was driven from the throne and exiled, surpassed 7 million cumulative viewers on Feb. 27 (Fri), its 24th day since release. This pace is faster than The King's Man, which is remembered as the origin of multiple viewings and sparked a historical drama box-office craze with 3.3 million in 33 days, and also faster than Zootopia 2, the top-grossing film of 2025 with 3.0 million in 30 days. The film's relentless sprint, fueled by enthusiastic word of mouth and the multiple-viewing craze, is drawing attention.
Meanwhile, a cultural phenomenon is emerging in which viewers who watched The King's Warden are voluntarily exploring related history, such as visiting Cheongnyeongpo in person or leaving supportive comments at Danjong's tomb, Jangneung, via map apps.
They said, "It's nice that it doesn't end with being moved by the film but seems to raise our historical consciousness together. This is the positive function of art" (YouTube, crys****), "I was so deeply moved I cried. As a descendant of the Eom family from Yeongwol, I'm proud and thank you for a truly great film" (YouTube, Ji****), "Best film, a rediscovery of Danjong! A must-see. I rushed to Yeongwol after watching the film" (Instagram, crom****), "The feeling lingers so I searched Danjong all day and I keep thinking of Park Jihoon's eyes" (WatchaPedia, O*), "Your majestyㅠㅠ I'll study hard! I wanted to get level 1 in the Korean history certification so I bought the textbook" (WatchaPedia, meong****), "A movie that leaves a strong aftertaste… I searched history on YouTube and wanted to see it again so I watched it twice" (Naver, wldn****), "A hexagonal movie! A film that made me rediscover Danjong and Eom Heung-do! Highly recommend" (CGV, peaceful****), "I want to go to Yeongwol, set up a memorial table and pour a drink. Jangneung (Danjong) is a minor so I'll pour cola" (X, yiha****), and other explosive responses from audiences show no signs of cooling and are further fueling The King's Warden's box-office fever.
As the first Korean film to shed light on Danjong's hidden story and move audiences, The King's Warden is expected to dominate theaters even during the Samiljeol holiday. Having surpassed 7 million viewers, the film — 2026's biggest hit that seems unstoppable — is drawing growing interest over whether it can reach 10 million.
Also, director Jang Hang-jun pledged on last month's SBS PowerFM Bae Seong-jae's Ten, saying, "There's no way it will reach 10 million, but if it does, I'll change my phone number, legally change my name and have plastic surgery so no one recognizes me," and added, "I'm thinking of naturalizing elsewhere. I hope no one looks for me. And I'm thinking of buying a yacht. I'll have a party on board."
At the time, 10 million was a dream number, so he made his characteristically reckless pledge, but it is now actually approaching. Director Jang Hang-jun, who nervously shouted "Hang-jun jjeol?" to himself before the release, is now seeing internet users leaving comments such as "Shouldn't he change his name, get plastic surgery and naturalize? Hang-jun jjeol?".
[Photo] OSEN DB, SHOWBOX provided, Korean Film Council box office information system
[OSEN]