Korean cinema just got its first massive box office win in nearly two years — and it came in the form of a Joseon Dynasty historical epic that nobody could stop watching. The King’s Warden has officially crossed the 10 million admissions mark just 31 days after release, and every number attached to this milestone tells a story about just how significant this achievement truly is.
The Milestone — By the Numbers
On March 6, 2026, at approximately 6:30 PM KST, the Korean Film Council officially confirmed that The King’s Warden surpassed 10 million cumulative moviegoers — exactly 31 days after its February 4 release date.
Here’s why every single one of those records matters:
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Overall Rank | 25th Korean film in history to cross 10M admissions |
| Post-COVID Rank | 6th film to hit 10M since the pandemic |
| Standalone Film Rank | 3rd standalone (after 12.12: The Day and Exhuma) |
| Historical Film Rank | Only the 4th historical film ever to hit 10M |
| Previous 10M Historical Films | The King and the Clown, Masquerade, The Admiral: Roaring Currents |
| Time Since Last 10M Korean Film | ~22 months (since The Roundup: Punishment, May 2024) |
| Days to Reach 10M | 31 days |
What Is The King’s Warden About?
Set during the Joseon Dynasty, the film tells the story of King Danjong (Park Ji Hoon) — the sixth king of Joseon — who is betrayed by his own uncle, dethroned, and exiled to the remote village of Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province. There, stripped of his throne and isolated from everything he knew, the young king meets Eom Heung Do (Yoo Hae Jin), the head of the local village.
What unfolds is a story about loyalty, honour, and human connection set against the backdrop of one of Korean history’s most tragic political betrayals. The Joseon Dynasty itself has long been one of Korean historical cinema’s richest settings, and The King’s Warden clearly found the right story to tell within it.
An Ensemble Cast That Delivered
The film boasts a powerhouse ensemble beyond its two leads — Yoo Ji Tae, Jeon Mi Do, Lee Jun Hyuk, Kim Min, and Ahn Jae Hong round out a cast that clearly brought real weight to every scene. Park Ji Hoon’s performance as the exiled young king has drawn particular praise, marking a significant dramatic statement from an actor best known for his idol career.
The film joins a rare and prestigious club — learn more about the Joseon Dynasty that forms the backdrop of this story on Wikipedia’s Joseon page.
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