Los Angeles, CA – February 22, 2026 – The South Korean film “The King and I,” directed by Jang Hang-jun, has officially surpassed 5 million viewers, signaling a potential breakthrough for Korean cinema. The film’s rapid ascent to this milestone has sparked discussions about whether it will become the next Korean blockbuster to reach 10 million admissions, a feat not seen in two years.
According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network for ticket sales, “The King and I” crossed the 5 million viewer mark on February 21st, just 18 days after its release on February 4th. The Chosun Ilbo reports that distributor Showbox confirmed the achievement. This success comes as a welcome boost to the Korean film industry, which has been eagerly anticipating another major hit.
A Story of Exile and Unexpected Connection
“The King and I” offers a unique narrative centered around the exiled King Danjong of the Joseon Dynasty. The film portrays his final years spent in Gangwon Province’s Yeongwol, where he forms an unlikely bond with the villagers. Yonhap News Agency highlights that the film’s blend of humor and emotional depth, coupled with its fresh capture on a historical figure, has resonated with audiences. The story, described as “knowing stories of people who realize,” has clearly struck a chord with Korean moviegoers.
The film’s popularity has also had a positive impact on tourism in Yeongwol, specifically at the Cheongryeongpo site, where much of the film was shot. The Asia Economic Daily reported a significant increase in visitors to the area during the Lunar New Year holiday, with 10,641 tourists visiting Cheongryeongpo, a more than fivefold increase compared to the 2,006 visitors during the same period last year. This demonstrates the film’s ability to not only entertain but also to stimulate local economies.
Surpassing Expectations and Competing with Blockbusters
“The King and I” has demonstrated impressive growth in daily viewership. The number of daily viewers doubled from approximately 126,000 on the first Friday after release (February 6th) to 264,000 on February 20th. During the five-day Lunar New Year holiday (February 14th-18th), the film averaged 535,000 viewers per day. This surge in popularity allowed it to outperform competing films such as “Human Intelligence” starring Jo In-sung and Park Jung-min, and “Number One” featuring Choi Woo-shik and Jang Hye-jin, becoming the clear winner of the Lunar New Year box office.
The film’s success is particularly noteworthy when compared to other Korean blockbusters. It reached the 5 million viewer milestone faster than “The King and the Clown,” the first Korean film to surpass 10 million viewers, by two days. Its pace is comparable to that of “The Admiral: Roaring Currents,” which ultimately attracted 12 million viewers. This comparison suggests that “The King and I” has the potential to achieve similar levels of success.
A New Era for Korean Cinema?
The film’s success is being viewed as a positive sign for the Korean film industry, which has been navigating a challenging landscape in recent years. The possibility of another film reaching the 10 million viewer mark is generating considerable excitement. The combination of a compelling story, strong performances, and effective marketing has clearly resonated with audiences, and the film’s continued success could pave the way for a new era of Korean cinema.
Notably, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung reportedly viewed the film during the Lunar New Year holiday, further boosting its profile. While details of his viewing experience haven’t been publicly released, the presidential attention underscores the film’s cultural impact.
Key Takeaways
- “The King and I” has surpassed 5 million viewers in just 18 days, indicating strong audience reception.
- The film’s unique story, blending historical drama with humor and emotional depth, is a key factor in its success.
- The film has boosted tourism to the Yeongwol region, where it was filmed.
- Its pace of viewership is comparable to other major Korean blockbusters, suggesting potential for further success.
As of February 22nd, “The King and I” continues to dominate the box office, and distributor Showbox has not yet announced a specific target for total viewership. However, industry analysts are closely monitoring its performance, with many predicting that it will surpass 7 million viewers in the coming weeks. The film’s continued success will be closely watched as a barometer of the health and vitality of the Korean film industry.
The next key indicator to watch will be the film’s performance during the upcoming weeks, as it aims to maintain its momentum and potentially reach the coveted 10 million viewer milestone. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for further updates on “The King and I” and the latest developments in the world of Korean cinema.
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