History has been made. On March 15, 2026 — its 40th day in cinemas — The King’s Warden crossed 13,467,838 total admissions according to the Korean Film Council, officially cementing its place as the 5th highest-attended Korean film of all time and the most successful Korean theatrical release since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

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The King’s Warden — All-Time Korean Box Office Rankings

Rank	Film	Year	Total Admissions
🥇 1st	The Admiral: Roaring Currents	2014	~17.6 million
🥈 2nd	Extreme Job	2019	~16.2 million
🥉 3rd	Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds	2017	~14.4 million
4th	Ode to My Father	2014	~14.2 million
🏆 5th	The King’s Warden	2026	13.47 million

From Joseon’s Forgotten King to Korean Cinema’s Biggest Modern Hit

The King’s Warden is set in 1457 Joseon, and tells the story of King Danjong (played by Park Ji Hoon) — the sixth king of Joseon who is betrayed by his own uncle, dethroned, and sent into exile at Cheongnyeongpo in Gangwon Province. In exile, he forms an unexpected and deeply touching bond with Eom Heung Do (Yoo Hae Jin), the gruff but compassionate village chief tasked with watching over him.

It’s a story of loyalty, loneliness, and the quiet dignity of two people finding humanity in each other during impossible circumstances — and clearly, audiences across Korea connected with it deeply.

Why This Achievement Matters

The film has just surpassed 12.12: The Day to become the most-attended Korean film released since COVID-19, a milestone that underscores just how completely the domestic box office has recovered in recent years. But more than a pandemic recovery story, The King’s Warden is a genuine cultural event — a historical drama that captured both critical praise and mainstream audience affection simultaneously.

The four films ahead of it — The Admiral: Roaring Currents, Extreme Job, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds, and Ode to My Father — are among the most beloved films in Korean cinema history. Joining that list on day 40 of release is a staggering achievement.

For Park Ji Hoon, this marks a defining career moment — moving from K-pop idol to the lead of one of Korea’s most successful films ever. For Yoo Hae Jin, a veteran beloved for both comedy and drama, it’s yet another landmark performance.

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❓ FAQs

Q: How many viewers has The King’s Warden attracted at the Korean box office?

As of March 15, 2026 — its 40th day in cinemas — The King’s Warden has recorded 13,467,838 total admissions, making it the 5th highest-attended Korean film of all time per the Korean Film Council.

Q: What is The King’s Warden about and who stars in it?

Set in 1457 Joseon, the film follows dethroned King Danjong (Park Ji Hoon) in exile at Cheongnyeongpo, where he forms an unexpected bond with village chief Eom Heung Do (Yoo Hae Jin) — a historical drama about loyalty and quiet human connection.