"The King’s Warden" Surpasses 13 Million Admissions, Sets New Box Office Records in South Korea

The South Korean historical drama "The King’s Warden" has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 13 million admissions, making it the most-watched Korean film released since the COVID-19 pandemic. As of March 15, 2026, the film has attracted a total of 13,467,838 viewers, according to the Korean Film Council. This achievement positions "The King’s Warden" as the fifth highest-grossing Korean film of all time, trailing only behind "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" (2014), "Extreme Job" (2019), "Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds" (2017), and "Ode to My Father" (2014).

"The King's Warden" Becomes Korea's 5th Biggest Box Office Hit Of All Time

Directed by Jang Hang-jun and featuring actors Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon, "The King’s Warden" tells the story of King Danjong, the sixth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, who is betrayed and exiled. The narrative unfolds as a village chief, Eom Heung-do, chooses to accompany the young king into exile, highlighting themes of loyalty and sacrifice against a backdrop of political turmoil. The film has maintained a commanding 76.36% revenue share at the box office, holding the top position for six consecutive weekends and grossing $86.8 million overall.

"The King's Warden" Becomes Korea's 5th Biggest Box Office Hit Of All Time

During the weekend of March 13–15, "The King’s Warden" drew 1,253,733 admissions, generating $8.2 million in revenue. This performance has allowed it to surpass previous box office hits such as "Veteran" (2015) and "The Host" (2006), climbing to eighth place on South Korea's all-time box office chart. The film's success is notable as it has become the most-attended Korean film since the pandemic, overtaking "12.12: The Day," which previously held the record with 13,128,080 viewers.

'The King's Warden' Draws 13.4 Million, Ranks 8th on All Time Box Office List

While "The King’s Warden" has received widespread acclaim, some critics have raised concerns about its historical accuracy and portrayal of events. Detractors argue that the film's dramatization may misrepresent the complexities of the historical period it depicts. However, the film's popularity among audiences suggests a strong connection to its emotional narrative rather than a focus on strict historical fidelity.

'The King’s Warden' becomes a box office sensation

Showbox, the film's distributor, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, stating, "Thanks to all the dear companions of The King’s Warden, the film has surpassed 13 million moviegoers." The film's success has sparked what many are calling a nationwide "King’s Warden craze," appealing to audiences of all ages.

'The King’s Warden' becomes a box office sensation

As "The King’s Warden" continues its successful run, it is poised to challenge the admissions of "Avengers: Endgame" (2019), which recorded 13.93 million admissions in South Korea. The film's trajectory suggests that it may further solidify its place in the annals of Korean cinema history.

King and the Man Surpasses 13 Million Viewers, Enters All-Time Korean Box Office Top 8

• “Thanks to all the dear companions of The King’s Warden, the film has surpassed 13 million moviegoers.” — Showbox, Distributor

'The King’s Warden' becomes a box office sensation

• “The massive hit The King’s Warden has officially become the most-watched Korean movie released since the COVID-19 pandemic.” — Korean Film Council

‘The King’s Warden’ Surpasses 13 Million Viewers, Becomes Biggest Korean Film Since Pandemic