Full Breakdown
South Korean Box Office: "The King’s Warden" Dominates Amid Lunar New Year Celebrations
2/17/2026, 11:23:18 AM
Box Office Performance Overview
The historical drama "The King’s Warden," directed by Jang Hang-jun, has maintained its position at the top of the South Korean box office for a second consecutive weekend. According to data from KOBIS, the film earned $6.4 million from 956,747 admissions between February 11 and February 13, 2026. Since its debut on February 4, "The King’s Warden" has accumulated a total of 2.3 million admissions and a gross of $15.3 million. The film, set in 1457 during the Joseon Dynasty, tells the story of Eom Heung-do, a village chief who takes in the deposed teenage King Danjong, portrayed by Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon, respectively.
In second place, the espionage thriller "Humint," directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, earned $3.4 million over the weekend from 491,028 admissions, bringing its total to $4.8 million since its wide release on February 11. The film explores a clash between North and South Korean agents in Vladivostok and features actors Zo In-sung and Park Jeong-min.
Lunar New Year Impact
"The King’s Warden" has particularly resonated with audiences during the Lunar New Year holiday season, achieving a cumulative audience of 2,322,645 by February 16. The film surpassed 1 million viewers within five days and crossed the 2 million mark in just 12 days, highlighting its popularity during this festive period. The narrative focuses on the bond between the deposed monarch Danjong and the village chief, which has garnered praise for its emotional depth and humor.
Additional Box Office Entries
The local comedy "Number One" debuted in third place, earning $441,572 over the weekend, with a cumulative total of $773,439 since its February 11 launch. Following closely, the musical drama "Choir of God" added $314,524 to reach a total of $7.9 million. The romance film "Once We Were Us" earned $207,845, bringing its total to $17.3 million.
Other notable entries in the box office include the political documentary "December 3, 2024: The Orchestrated Insurrection, the Hidden Truth," which took sixth place with $128,500, and Emerald Fennell’s "Wuthering Heights," which opened in seventh place with $119,950. The overall market gross for the weekend was $11.9 million, an increase from the previous week's $8.6 million.
Criticism & Opposition
While "The King’s Warden" has received acclaim, some critics argue that its historical narrative may oversimplify complex political themes of the Joseon Dynasty. However, the film's strong performances and engaging storytelling have largely overshadowed these critiques.
Verbatim Quotes
In summary, "The King’s Warden" continues to dominate the South Korean box office, particularly during the Lunar New Year, while other films like "Humint" and "Number One" also contribute to a vibrant cinematic landscape.
