The film The King's Warden (director Jang Hang-jun, distributor SHOWBOX, produced by ONDAWORKS & B A ENTERTAINMENT), which drew praise as a powerful historical drama thanks to the actors' heavy, resonant performances, has attracted 8 million viewers.
In 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, the film The King's Warden, which tells the story of a village head who volunteered for exile to revive the village and the young deposed former king who was exiled, surpassed 8 million cumulative viewers, solidifying its status as 2026's top-grossing film. According to the integrated box office information system, The King's Warden recorded a cumulative audience of 8,006,326 as of March 1, the 26th day since its release. The result is more meaningful as it was driven by strong word of mouth spreading among viewers and a craze for repeat viewings that left a lasting impression.
Also, to mark surpassing 8 million viewers, director Jang Hang-jun of The King's Warden said, "I am so grateful to the viewers who loved The King's Warden. Eight million viewers watched the film, and I think not only I but also the production staff and the actors never imagined this number. Everyone is living each day with a thankful heart," expressing his overwhelming feelings about the film's success. The actors also released handwritten thank-you messages. Yoo Hai Jin, who plays village head Eom Heung-do of Gwangcheon-gol, said, "I did not expect such great love. I sincerely thank you! Stay healthy^^", Park Jihoon, who plays the young former king Lee Hong-wi, said, "Thanks to your love, The King's Warden has reached 8 million! Thank you so much! I will always work hard♡ Be happy!", Yoo Ji-tae, who plays the powerful figure Han Myeong-hoe, said, "Just being an actor who shared an 8-million-audience film in my life means I am already successful. I sincerely thank you," Jeon Mi-do, who plays court lady Maehwa, said, "The King's Warden 8 million!! I sincerely thank the elderly who came to the theater after a long time, the children who brought their parents for repeat viewings, and everyone who felt heartache together for the story of Eom Heung-do and Danjong," Kim Min, who plays Heung-do's son Taesan, said, "Thank you so much to everyone who loves The King's Warden. Thanks to you I am spending happy times. Always be healthy and happy♡", conveying their joy at reaching 8 million viewers. In addition, Park Ji-hwan, who plays the county governor of Yeongwol, said, "Thank you to the 8 million viewers of The King's Warden. I will continue to do my best," Lee Jun-hyuk, who plays Geumseong Daegun, said, "The King's Warden surpasses 8 million! Thank you sincerely," and Ahn Jaehong, who plays the village head of Norugol, said, "Thank you to the 8 million viewers of The King's Warden! I love you!" The King's Warden, which delivers deep resonance through the actors' dazzling performances that maximize immersion and the hidden story of Danjong that no one knew in familiar history, is expected to continue its unstoppable box office run.
Especially drawing attention alongside this is director Jang Hang-jun's "radical pledge." On a recent episode of SBS PowerFM Bae Seong-jae's Ten last month, director Jang Hang-jun said, "There's no way it will reach 10 million, but if it does, I'll first change my phone number, change my name and have plastic surgery. So no one will recognize me," and "I'm thinking of naturalizing somewhere else. I hope people don't look for me. And I'm thinking about buying a yacht. I'll throw a party on board," making the pledge. Interest in whether Jang Hang-jun will carry out his pledge has risen along with the film's imminent surge past 10 million.
The King's Warden, 2026's top-grossing film that is continuing an unstoppable box office race after surpassing 8 million viewers, is now showing to rave reviews in theaters.<
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