Full Breakdown
"The King’s Warden" Surpasses 9 Million Admissions in South Korea
3/2/2026, 8:17:41 PM
Record-Breaking Box Office Performance
The historical drama "The King’s Warden," directed by Jang Hang-jun and featuring actors Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon, has achieved significant success at the South Korean box office. During the weekend of February 27 to March 1, 2026, the film captured 82.01% of the total revenue share, earning $11.8 million from 1,750,991 admissions. This performance marks its highest market share since its release and brings its cumulative gross to $56 million from 8,484,426 admissions.
On March 2, the Korean Film Council reported that "The King’s Warden" surpassed 9 million admissions, achieving this milestone just 27 days after its February 4 release. The film's momentum was particularly notable on Independence Movement Day, where it attracted 817,212 viewers, setting a new record for single-day attendance. This achievement also included surpassing the previous record for fourth-weekend box office performance, which was held by "12.12: The Day" with 1.21 million admissions.
Competitive Landscape
In the same weekend, the espionage thriller "Humint," directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, earned $895,678 from 124,622 admissions, bringing its total to $12.6 million from 1,822,175 admissions since its debut on February 11. The live-action adaptation of the anime "5 Centimeters per Second" debuted in third place, grossing $217,036 over the weekend. Other films in the top ten included "Choir of God," "Hoppers," and "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple," each contributing to a collective weekend gross of $14.4 million, an increase from the previous week's $13 million.
Anticipation for 10 Million Admissions
As "The King’s Warden" continues to draw audiences, it is widely expected to surpass the 10 million admissions mark within the first week of March. Director Jang Hang-jun has humorously pledged to change his phone number, name, and even undergo plastic surgery if the film reaches this milestone. The film's narrative, set in 1457, follows a village chief who protects a deposed teenage king, resonating with audiences and contributing to its box office success.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the film's success, some industry analysts have expressed skepticism regarding its ability to maintain momentum against upcoming releases. Critics have pointed out that while the film's current performance is impressive, sustaining such high admission rates over an extended period can be challenging.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ten million isn’t an easy feat,” — Jang Hang-jun, Director of "The King’s Warden."
- “From audiences to subjects, and from subjects to friends — we sincerely thank everyone who has been with us.” — Showbox, Distributor of "The King’s Warden."
As "The King’s Warden" approaches this significant milestone, it stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of South Korean cinema, showcasing the potential for historical dramas to captivate large audiences.
