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King's Warden Becomes Most-Watched Korean Film Post-Pandemic

3/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The King's Warden is the most-watched Korean film since the COVID-19 pandemic with 13.46 million viewers recorded as of March 15.
It is the eighth highest-grossing film in Korean history.
The film is set in 1457.
The story follows deposed King Danjong and village chief Eom Heung-do during their exile.
It has outperformed the record held by "12.12: The Day" and indicates a post-pandemic trend in South Korean cinema.

History

Historical Context

The South Korean film industry experienced a revival in 2000 with the release of "Shiri," which grossed over $100 million, marking a significant turnaround after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. This resurgence led to a flourishing cinema culture, exemplified by "The King's Warden," which attracted 13.46 million viewers, reflecting a renewed audience interest in historical narratives and the potential for future box office successes.

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Story summary

The King's Warden is the most-watched Korean film since the COVID-19 pandemic with 13.46 million viewers recorded as of March 15.
It is the eighth highest-grossing film in Korean history.
The film is set in 1457.
The story follows deposed King Danjong and village chief Eom Heung-do during their exile.
It has outperformed the record held by "12.12: The Day" and indicates a post-pandemic trend in South Korean cinema.

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