The historical film The King’s Warden has officially surpassed 12 million moviegoers in South Korea, marking a significant milestone in its theatrical run and further cementing its place among the country’s most successful films.
According to an announcement from the Korean Film Council on March 11, The King’s Warden exceeded 12 million cumulative admissions that afternoon. With this achievement, the film has overtaken the 2024 hit Exhuma, which concluded its run with a total audience of 11.91 million viewers. The latest milestone allows The King’s Warden to rise to No. 20 on the all-time Korean box office rankings, a notable accomplishment for a historical production.
The momentum behind The King’s Warden shows little sign of slowing. The film is now approaching the next benchmark on the chart, as it moves closer to surpassing A Taxi Driver, which currently occupies the No. 19 position with approximately 12.18 million viewers. Industry observers note that if audience interest continues, The King’s Warden could soon climb even higher on the list of Korea’s highest-grossing films.
Distributor SHOWBOX also commented on the film’s ongoing success, expressing gratitude toward audiences whose sustained enthusiasm has contributed to its strong performance. The company noted that, thanks to continued public support, The King’s Warden currently holds the highest box office score among Korean films released within the past two years.
Set during the Joseon Dynasty, The King’s Warden tells the story of King Danjong, the sixth monarch of Joseon, portrayed by Park Ji Hoon. The young king is betrayed by his uncle, removed from the throne, and ultimately exiled to Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, located in Gangwon Province. The narrative unfolds as he encounters Eom Heung Do, played by Yoo Hae Jin, the head of a local village whose presence becomes central to the events that follow.
Through its historical setting and emotionally driven narrative, The King’s Warden explores themes of loyalty, power, and the fragile nature of authority during one of the most turbulent periods of Joseon history. The film’s strong performances and compelling storytelling have helped sustain audience interest, contributing to its remarkable box office trajectory.
In addition to Park Ji Hoon and Yoo Hae Jin, The King’s Warden features a notable ensemble cast that includes Yoo Ji Tae, Jeon Mi Do, Lee Jun Hyuk, Kim Min, and Ahn Jae Hong. Their performances have added depth to the film’s historical drama, further strengthening its appeal to audiences.
As The King’s Warden continues its theatrical run, the film’s latest box office milestone highlights both the enduring popularity of historical narratives and the strong connection between the film and its audience.
