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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