It’s not every day that a historical drama sweeps the South Korean box office with the force of a tidal wave, but that’s exactly what’s happened with 왕과 사는 남자 (The Man Who Lives With the King). Starring Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon, and directed by the ever-charismatic Jang Hang-joon, the film has become the talk of the town—and, frankly, of the whole country—since its release on February 4, 2026.
According to Newsis, the movie drew an impressive 661,457 viewers on Lunar New Year’s Day alone (February 17, 2026). By that date, cumulative attendance had soared to 3,521,282. The momentum didn’t stop there. Just a day later, on February 18, JoyNews24 reported that the film had officially surpassed the 4 million viewer mark, clocking this milestone a mere 15 days after its premiere. For context, that’s even faster than the 2005 historical smash hit 왕의 남자 (The King and the Clown), which reached the same milestone in 17 days, and ahead of last year’s box office champion 좀비딸 (Zombiedaughter).
What’s behind this runaway success? For starters, the numbers tell a story of their own. After its release, The Man Who Lives With the King hit 1 million viewers in just five days, 2 million in twelve, and 3 million in fourteen—each milestone marking a new high for a film of its genre. The holiday season further fueled its ascent: audiences grew from 350,000 on February 14 to 460,000 on the 15th, 530,000 on the 16th, and finally that record-shattering 661,457 on the 17th. The film has also held the number one spot in daily box office rankings for six straight days as of February 18, a testament to its staying power and broad appeal.
Set in the Joseon Dynasty, the film weaves the tale of King Danjong, a young monarch betrayed and deposed by his uncle, then exiled to the remote Cheongnyeongpo in Gangwon Province. There, he crosses paths with the village chief Eom Heung-do, played by Yoo Hae-jin, whose warmth and wit have always been a crowd-pleaser. Park Ji-hoon delivers a poignant performance as Danjong, the ill-fated king whose story of exile and unexpected friendship forms the heart of the movie. The supporting cast—Yoo Ji-tae, Jeon Mi-do, Lee Joon-hyuk, Ahn Jae-hong, and Kim Min—bring depth and vibrancy to a story already rich with historical intrigue and emotional nuance.
Director Jang Hang-joon, known for his playful presence on a variety of entertainment programs, is now earning headlines for more than just his box office prowess. On February 18, a staff member from the film posted a photo on social media showing Jang sitting on a chair, mock-sternly pointing at kneeling staff members—a scene humorously described as “abuse.” But the post quickly clarified the joke: Jang had gathered his team and, in jest, threatened them with the “death penalty” if they didn’t take a trip to Europe (which he’d pay for, no less). The playful spirit didn’t end there. Another anecdote, shared by a purported high school classmate, painted Jang as a lovable oddball who once pretended to study with a headband reading “Victory,” only to be caught reading comics instead. These stories have only endeared him further to the public, adding to the film’s charm and the director’s growing legend.
Critical and audience reception has been nothing short of effusive. On platforms like Naver, CGV, and Megabox, viewers have left a stream of glowing comments: “The acting is superb, the story is great, everything is perfect,” one user gushed. Another wrote, “Took my parents, and even though I knew the scenes, I laughed and cried all over again.” Yoo Hae-jin’s performance has been singled out as “exquisite,” while Park Ji-hoon’s portrayal of Danjong is being hailed as a career-defining turn—“I can’t forget his eyes!” one fan exclaimed. The film’s ability to blend humor and heartbreak has struck a deep chord, with one audience member noting, “No words needed. I laughed and cried, and two hours just flew by.”
The film’s emotional resonance is perhaps best captured in another viewer’s words: “Watching Danjong, who I’d only thought of as a historical figure, I felt my heart break for him.” Repeat viewings are common, with one fan admitting to seeing the film nine times already. The consensus is clear: The Man Who Lives With the King is not just a movie—it’s an experience that’s being shared, discussed, and celebrated across generations.
The film’s popularity has also spilled over into television. On February 18, the popular tvN variety show You Quiz on the Block was preempted in favor of a Lunar New Year special, but the next episode is set to feature Park Ji-hoon, who will discuss his experiences playing the tragic king. Other guests will include snowboard national team member Kim Sang-gyeom, actress Heo Ga-yoon, and Dr. Jang Hyung-woo, who famously lost 39kg from his peak weight of 118kg. Park’s appearance is highly anticipated, with fans eager to hear behind-the-scenes stories from the set and his reflections on embodying such a complex historical figure.
What’s striking is how the film has ignited not just a wave of ticket sales, but a broader cultural conversation. Its depiction of friendship, loyalty, and the bittersweet realities of power and exile have resonated deeply, especially during a holiday season that traditionally emphasizes family and togetherness. The word-of-mouth phenomenon, fueled by both critical acclaim and the infectious enthusiasm of ordinary moviegoers, shows no sign of slowing down.
As The Man Who Lives With the King continues its triumphant run, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of well-crafted storytelling and the unique magic of cinema to bring history—and humanity—to vibrant life. For now, audiences seem more than happy to laugh, cry, and return for another viewing, swept up in a story that feels both timeless and utterly fresh.