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The film 'The King's Warden' has surpassed 12 million viewers, becoming the 25th Korean film to reach this milestone, generating deep emotional resonance and significant popularity both domestically and internationally.

Domestic Success and Historical Significance

'The King's Warden' has topped the box office for five consecutive weeks since its release, revitalizing the domestic cinema scene. As of March 11, it has attracted over 12 million viewers, making it the fourth historical Korean film to exceed the 10 million viewer mark, following films like 'The King and the Clown', 'Masquerade', and 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents'. This success is seen as a significant turning point for the South Korean film industry, which had experienced a prolonged slowdown.

The producers focused on portraying a different side of King Danjong and telling the story through the village chief's perspective, which resonated deeply with audiences. Viewers expressed strong emotional connections, with one noting a profound sense of helplessness watching the King's beliefs collapse.

Star Cast and International Recognition

The film's success is also attributed to its talented cast. Yoo Hae-jin has now starred in five "10 million movies", while newcomer Park Ji-hoon delivered an impressive performance as King Danjong. The executive producer stated that Park Ji-hoon's image, passion for acting, and professional attitude were perfectly suited for the role, contributing significantly to the film's appeal.

'The King's Warden' is also achieving remarkable success in North America. Since mid-February, it has been shown in 50 cities across the U.S. and Canada, earning approximately US$1.8 million in ticket sales as of March 9. This performance surpasses other Korean hits in the region, such as '12.12: The Day' and 'Extreme Job', with the number of North American theaters expected to expand to around 150.

*Source: YouTube: Arirang News (2026-03-13)*

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