Director Jang Hang Jun’s latest film ‘The King's Warden’ has completely taken over theaters during the Lunar New Year holiday, solidifying its status as the biggest box office hit of 2026 so far.
According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing network on February 18, ‘The King's Warden’ surpassed 4 million cumulative moviegoers on its 15th day of release. The milestone was reached two days faster than ‘The King and the Clown,’ which previously became the first historical film in Korean cinema to surpass 10 million admissions (February 17). It has also outpaced the record set by last year’s top-grossing Korean film, ‘My Daughter Is a Zombie’ (February 17), further fueling its remarkable box office momentum.
Currently, ‘The King's Warden’ has maintained the No. 1 spot at the overall box office for six consecutive days. Set in Cheongnyeongpo in 1457, the film tells the story of a village chief who voluntarily exiles himself to revive his town and a young deposed king cast out of the throne. Blending historical facts with warm, imaginative storytelling, the film has resonated strongly with audiences of all ages.
Audience reactions have been equally enthusiastic. Movie reservation platforms and online communities are filled with praise such as, “I laughed and cried, and two hours flew by,” “Yoo Hae Jin delivers an outstanding performance, and Park Ji Hoon has found the role of a lifetime,” and “It felt like I was able to look into the heart of King Danjong, and it broke my heart.” Viewers have applauded both the actors’ powerful performances and the film’s well-crafted narrative. During the holiday season in particular, the movie has gained traction as a “must-watch” for families, even sparking a wave of repeat viewings.
Industry insiders expect ‘The King's Warden’ to maintain its unstoppable momentum following its firm hold on the top spot throughout the Lunar New Year holiday. Having established itself as the “definitive first pick” that delivers both laughter and heartfelt emotion, attention is now focused on whether the film can ultimately reach the coveted 10 million admissions milestone.
‘The King's Warden,’ which is creating a nationwide phenomenon in theaters in 2026, is currently showing in cinemas across the country.
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