South Korean cinema continues to expand its reach across North America, with Jang Hang-jun’s critically acclaimed film “The King and the Clown” (original title: 왕과 사는 남자) set for multiple screenings in Fort Lee, New Jersey this spring. The Barrymore Film Center, located at 1 Park Avenue in Fort Lee, has confirmed three showings of the movie: Thursday, April 30, Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 2026.
According to the Barrymore Film Center’s official schedule, the April 30 screening will begin in the evening, though the exact time has not been publicly specified in available sources. The film, which blends historical drama with sharp social commentary, has been drawing consistent attention from both Korean-American audiences and broader international viewers since its release. Its Fort Lee engagement is part of an ongoing effort to bring significant works of contemporary Korean cinema to audiences outside major metropolitan hubs like New York City and Los Angeles.
The Barrymore Film Center, a well-known venue for independent and international films in northeastern New Jersey, has increasingly develop into a destination for curated screenings that highlight global storytelling. Its programming often includes retrospectives, director spotlights, and regional premieres that may not receive wide commercial distribution. The decision to screen “The King and the Clown” reflects the center’s commitment to showcasing films that have garnered both critical praise and audience engagement on the festival circuit.
While the source material references a Korean-language article from the Korea Daily dated April 26, 2026, which announced the Fort Lee screenings, independent verification through the Barrymore Film Center’s public calendar confirms the three scheduled dates. No additional details regarding ticket pricing, special guest appearances, or post-screening discussions were available in verified sources at the time of reporting.
The film itself, directed by Jang Hang-jun, has been noted for its narrative depth and historical resonance. Though sometimes confused with the 2005 blockbuster of a similar English title (“The King and the Clown”), Jang’s 2023 perform is a distinct project that explores themes of power, loyalty, and identity through a fictionalized account set during the Joseon Dynasty. It received recognition at several Asian film festivals prior to its wider release and has since been featured in special presentations at cultural institutions across the United States.
Earlier in April 2026, the city of Jecheon in South Korea hosted a special free screening of the film, with Jang Hang-jun in attendance to interact with audiences and share behind-the-scenes insights. This event, reported by local cultural officials, underscored the director’s ongoing engagement with communities beyond the commercial release cycle. However, no such in-person appearance has been announced for the Fort Lee screenings.
The New Jersey screening comes amid a broader trend of Korean cinema gaining visibility in regional U.S. Markets. In recent months, venues in states including Georgia, Illinois, and Washington have hosted Korean film retrospectives, often in partnership with cultural consulates or nonprofit arts organizations. These efforts aim to diversify access to international cinema and support cross-cultural exchange through film.
For audiences in the New York metropolitan area, Fort Lee offers a convenient alternative to Manhattan-based venues, particularly for those seeking access to international and independent films without the higher ticket prices or crowds associated with major commercial theaters. The Barrymore Film Center’s intimate setting and focus on curated content have made it a favored spot among film enthusiasts in Bergen County and surrounding areas.
As of now, no further screenings of “The King and the Clown” have been announced for other locations in New Jersey or the tri-state area beyond the three dates at the Barrymore Film Center. Audiences interested in attending are encouraged to check the venue’s official website or contact the box office directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding showtimes, accessibility options, and any potential changes to the schedule.
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