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'The King's Warden' hits 12 million admissions, becomes Korea's 20th most-watched film of all time

Published: 11 Mar. 2026, 21:26 Updated: 12 Mar. 2026, 09:20

KIM MIN-YOUNG
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A still from the historical drama film ″The King's Warden″ [SLL]

“The King’s Warden” has become the 20th most-watched film of all time in Korea after drawing more than 12 million moviegoers nationwide.

The Korean historical drama has surpassed the 11.91 million admissions recorded by "Exhuma," the most-viewed film of 2024, becoming the 20th title in Korean cinema history to cross the 12-million mark.

Released on Feb. 4, the film reached 10 million admissions on March 6, becoming the first title in two years since "Exhuma" and "The Roundup: Punishment" (2024) to achieve the feat.

In Korea, 10 million ticket sales is widely regarded as the benchmark for blockbuster success for commercial films.

Directed by Jang Hang-jun, "The King's Warden" reimagines historical events through a fictional lens, following the unlikely friendship between village chief Eom Heung-do, played by actor Yoo Hai-jin, and the deposed King Danjong (r. 1452-1455), played by actor Park Ji-hoon, during the latter's exile in a small village during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) .

A still from the historical film ″The King's Warden,″ featuring actor Park Ji-hoon, who plays King Danjong (r. 1452-1455) [SHOWBOX]

The film has drawn praise for its ensemble performances, which allow viewers to deeply connect with the young king's suffering and the villagers who rally to his side, as well as its stunning depiction of the real-life exile location, among others.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG, YONHAP [[email protected]]