Former Wanna One member Park Jihoon, known for the Weak Hero franchise, is ushering in a box office hit with his latest role as a deposed king in the historical film The King’s Warden. The 26-year-old actor stars alongside veteran actor Yoo Hae-jin, who top-bills the movie. Since its release in South Korea on February 4, the film has been met with raving reviews. It has now topped the local box office for 11 consecutive days.
As of the latest cutoff on February 23, the film has surpassed 6 million admissions in just 20 days. It was already the first Korean film of this year to break the 5 million ticket milestone in 18 days. For comparison, the 2012 historical blockbuster Masquerade, starring Lee Byung-hun and Han Hyo-joo, also took 18 days to surpass 5 million admissions. Directed by Jang Hang-jun, the film is now widely expected to reach the 10-million moviegoers milestone.
The King’s Warden tells the story of a loyal court official who remains by the side of the young and tragic King Danjong after he is dethroned. It is the first Korean production to center on King Danjong, the sixth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty. It was filmed in Yeongwol County, located in southern Gangwon-do, the very place where King Danjong’s tomb is situated. Following the movie’s popularity, the location has also experienced a tourism boom.
Photos: showboxmovie / X, 0529.jihoon.ig / Instagram
