"Hopefully, people can take a moment to reflect on the things each of us wants to protect in our hearts." - Director Jang Hang Jun
Director Jang Hang Jun delivered his first film to surpass 10 million moviegoers.
According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing system, 'The King's Warden' surpassed 9.77 million cumulative viewers on March 5.
The film’s real-time reservation rate currently stands at 65.5%. As of 8:00 AM on March 6, 302,187 tickets had been reserved in advance. At this pace, the film is expected to officially surpass 10 million viewers over the weekend.
The movie emerged as a major box office hit at a time when concerns about the Korean film industry had been growing. It marks the first Korean film in about two years to reach the milestone since Exhuma (2024). Its powerful emotional resonance, rooted in historical storytelling, has drawn large audiences.
Director Jang shared his thoughts on the film’s success through a written interview with Dispatch.
“This is a situation I’ve never even imagined,” he said. “My family and I are both happy and cautious at the same time.”
When asked about memorable reactions from viewers, he expressed gratitude for comments such as, “You enter as an audience member and leave as one of the people,” and “It filled the gaps of history with warmth.”
He concluded with a message to viewers: “Each of us likely has something in our hearts that we want to protect. I hope people take a moment to reflect on where the minimum moral line we must uphold truly lies.”
Q. How have you been spending your time since the success of The Man Who Lives With the King?
"These days, I’ve been watching a lot of films and reviewing potential projects for my next work. I’ve also been receiving many congratulatory messages, so I’ve been spending most of the day replying with gratitude."
Q. How do you feel about the film approaching the 10 million viewer milestone?
"It’s something I never imagined. My family and I are very happy, but also cautious. When something this good happens, I can’t help but think the opposite might follow, so it makes me more careful about everything."
Q. Among the film’s many elements, what do you think resonated most with audiences?
"Historically, King Danjong has often been portrayed as a weak figure. But in the film, he isn’t simply weak. He gradually grows stronger and shows determination as he tries to live as a human being. I believe many viewers were moved by that portrayal."
Q. The film is also receiving strong reactions overseas. What do you hope international audiences take away from it?
"Even though it’s a part of Korean history that may be unfamiliar to many people, there’s a universal value involved. In Korean, we call it 'uiui (의의)' - a sense of righteousness or moral purpose.
At some point, perhaps we began living more calculating lives, losing sight of the idea of doing the right thing even at the cost of our own benefit. I hope viewers can reflect on the sense of righteousness that people in the past tried to uphold."
Q. Were there any audience reactions or comments that particularly stayed with you?
"I’ve received many kind words. The most memorable comment was, 'You enter as an audience member and leave as one of the people.' Another one I appreciated was, 'It filled the gaps of history with warmth'."
Q. Through the story of King Danjong’s exile and tragic fate, as well as the loyalty of Eom Heung Do, who remained by his side, what message did you hope to convey to audiences today?
"Even if life feels difficult and we live in a calculating way, I believe everyone has something they want to protect in their heart.
I hope people ask themselves questions like: 'What is it for me?' 'What is my sense of righteousness?' 'What is the minimum moral line that I must uphold?' I hope the film encourages people to reflect on those questions."
Q. What are your plans moving forward?
"I plan to prepare my next project from among the works I’m currently reviewing. In September, I’ll also be busy preparing for the Jecheon International Music and Film Festival to ensure it runs successfully."
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