The King's Warden, a film praised as a powerful historical drama thanks to the actors' heavy resonance and lingering performances, and which rose to become 2026's biggest hit (director Jang Hang-jun, distributed by SHOWBOX, produced by OndaWorks Co., Ltd.·BANtertainment Co., Ltd.), drew 10 million viewers.
The King's Warden surpassed a cumulative audience of 10 million around 6:32 p.m. on March 6 (Fri), its 31st day after opening. The King's Warden proved its explosive popularity befitting 2026's top hit by joining the ranks of the four historical dramas to reach 10 million viewers, following The King's Man, Masquerade, and The Admiral: Roaring Currents. It also marks the first 10-million film in two years since The Roundup: Punishment, which was released in 2024, injecting new life into the box office.
The King's Warden reaching 10 million viewers adds deep significance for the film's key players. Yoo Hai Jin, who delivered a fervent performance as village chief Eom Heung-do of Gwangcheongol, achieved the milestone for the fifth time, while Yoo Ji-tae, who played the powerful figure Han Myeong-hoe, recorded his first 10-million film in his acting career. In addition, Park Jihoon, who moved many as the young deposed king Yi Hong-wi, became an actor to reach 10 million viewers with his first commercial film debut, and The King's Warden continues its unique streak of records.
The lingering resonance of The King's Warden, which does not fade even after leaving the theater, has further fueled word of mouth among audiences. "I hope the lonely Danjong, if born in the present, would live a peaceful life receiving lots of love and pursuing his dreams. It hurts so much I'm going to see it again" (Naver, symo****), "Even knowing the ending, I watched hoping maybe, please… Watching it two or three times wouldn't feel like a waste of money ㅠㅠ I'm going to see it again this week" (Naver, este****), "Seeing it a second time with my dad as an Nth viewing gave a different feeling. After reading that there are details and foreshadowing, watching it again was really different" (CGV, Jinjeonghan****), "Every time I look at Danjong's eyes I just feel heat surge in my chest and tears well up. A great work that shows human warmth and the sadness of history" (CGV, ttubap****), "Legendary film! I wanted to see it again as soon as I left" (Megabox, Mx****), "A masterpiece… truly a film that has it all!" (Lotte Cinema, Yang**), "Entered as an audience, left as a subject" (Anonymous Theqoo), and high praise for the actors' immersive performances and the film's moving impact continue to spur repeat viewings.
Buoyed by audiences' unfading affection, The King's Warden, having surpassed the 10 million mark, is expected to continue its dazzling box office run.
The King's Warden, 2026's biggest hit and the fourth historical drama in box office history to reach 10 million viewers (director Jang Hang-jun, distributed by SHOWBOX, produced by OndaWorks Co., Ltd.·BANtertainment Co., Ltd.), depicts the story set in 1457 at Cheongryeongpo of a village chief who voluntarily took exile to revive his village and a young deposed former king sent into exile.
[Photo] SHOWBOX, Korean Film Council box office system
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