The movie "The King's Warden" has surpassed 14 million admissions and is on the verge of entering the top ranks of all-time box office.
According to distributor SHOWBOX on the 2nd, The King's Warden surpassed 14 million cumulative admissions as of that morning. It achieved the milestone 45 days after release, surpassing the final audience count of Avengers: Endgame (13,934,592) and settling at fifth place on the all-time box office.
Now attention turns to what comes next. The gap with Ode to My Father, currently in fourth place (14,257,115), is about 250,000, and at the current pace it is quite possible it will surpass it soon. It is already shoulder to shoulder with past box office hits such as The Admiral: Roaring Currents (17.61 million), Extreme Job (16.26 million) and Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (14.41 million), writing another record in the history of Korean film box office.
The strength of The King's Warden means more than simple numbers. Since its release on Feb. 4, the film has broadened its audience through word of mouth, surpassing 10 million admissions 31 days after release and continuing long-term box office success while minimizing declines in audience. In particular, it has maintained steady audience inflow on weekdays as well as weekends, showing the model of a long-running hit.
The story is set in Cheongryongpo in 1457 and centers on the exiled young former king Danjong (Park Jihoon) and village headman Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hai Jin), who tries to protect him. Critics say the film drew audience sympathy by delicately portraying human relationships and emotions amid tragic history.
The narrative, which is based on historical facts while adding new interpretation, is especially notable. Against the backdrop of a situation after the Gyeyujeongnan in which Sejo has already ascended the throne, the film raises dramatic tension by centering on Han Myeong-hoe (Yoo Ji-tae), a new interpretation of a figure rather than King Suyang. Through this, it has received responses that familiar historical events have been reconfigured from a fresh perspective.
Overseas response has also been positive. Released in North America, The King's Warden has scored in the mid-90s on the Rotten Tomatoes audience score (popcorn index), showing high satisfaction. Praises such as "emotionally powerful and beautiful film" and "a work that transcends language barriers" have continued, proving its potential in the global market.
Amid this domestic and international momentum, attention is focused on how far The King's Warden will expand its records. At the current trend, it may not only overtake Ode to My Father to reach fourth place all-time but also push the audience count into the mid-to-high 14 million range.
[Photo] Provided by SHOWBOX
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