According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing network on Thursday, the film, directed by Jang Hang-jun, surpassed 10 million cumulative admissions at about 6:32 p.m. on its 31st day in theaters.
The achievement makes it the fourth historical drama in South Korea to reach the 10 million mark, following “The King and the Clown,” “Masquerade” and “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.” It is also the first film in two years to cross 10 million admissions since “The Roundup: Punishment” sparked a box-office boom in 2024, a sign of renewed momentum for theaters after a prolonged slowdown.
Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, the story follows a village chief who volunteers to live at an exile site to revive his community and a young deposed king sent into exile. The film has won broad support from both critics and audiences, the distributor said.
The 10 million milestone is also a career marker for its cast. Yoo Hae-jin, who anchors the film as village chief Eom Heung-do, now has five films that have reached 10 million admissions. Yoo Ji-tae, who plays power broker Han Myeong-hoe, earned his first 10 million-viewer film.
Actor Park Ji-hoon, who plays the exiled young king Lee Hong-wi, achieved a rare feat by joining the “10 million actor” ranks with his first commercial film, the distributor said.
Showbox told this outlet, “We sincerely thank all audiences who supported ‘A Man Living With the King’ and joined us in theaters.”
A company official added that with family and friends gathering at theaters during the holiday period becoming less common, “every step taken by audiences to come to the cinema feels even more meaningful.” The official said the company would “work to present good films” and asked for continued interest and support.
With its ensemble performances and weighty message, “A Man Living With the King” is expected to maintain its box-office run even after passing 10 million admissions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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