King the Land Remains #1 at Korean Box Office, Nearing 10 Million Viewers

Los Angeles, CA – The South Korean historical drama “The King and I” (왕과 사는 남자) has officially surpassed 10 million viewers, becoming the fourth Korean historical film to achieve this milestone. The film reached the landmark figure 31 days after its release, as of 6:32 PM on March 6, 2026, according to the Korean Film Council’s integrated computer network. Money Today and The Herald Economic Daily both reported on the film’s success.

This achievement marks a significant moment for Korean historical cinema, extending the genre’s track record of box office success. “The King and I” joins “The King’s Man,” “Masquerade,” and “Roaring Currents” as the only Korean historical films to attract over 10 million moviegoers. The film’s success is particularly noteworthy as it comes after a period of stagnation in the Korean film industry, with the last film to reach the 10 million viewer mark being “Crime City 4” in 2024, approximately 22 months prior, as noted by The Maeil Business Newspaper.

A Box Office Triumph for Director Jang Hang-jun

Directed by Jang Hang-jun, “The King and I” has resonated with audiences, revitalizing the Korean box office. The film’s narrative, while details remain largely unreported in English-language sources, clearly captivated a broad audience, contributing to the overall recovery of the cinema industry. The film’s success is seen as a positive sign for the future of Korean film, demonstrating the continued appeal of historical dramas and the potential for large-scale audience engagement.

The film’s lead actor, Yoo Hae-jin, has now appeared in five films that have surpassed 10 million viewers, solidifying his status as a box office draw. This is a personal best for Yoo, who has consistently delivered strong performances throughout his career. His co-stars, 유지태 (Yoo Ji-tae) and 박지훈 (Park Ji-hoon), have likewise achieved significant milestones with this film. Yoo Ji-tae has his first film to reach 10 million viewers, while Park Ji-hoon has his first leading role in a commercially successful film that has crossed the 10 million mark.

Revitalizing the Korean Film Industry

The success of “The King and I” is not only a win for the filmmakers and cast but also for the Korean film industry as a whole. The film’s performance has helped to reverse the recent downturn in theater attendance, offering a much-needed boost to the sector. The 10 million viewer milestone represents a significant recovery, particularly in the context of the ongoing recovery from the impacts of the pandemic on moviegoing habits. The film’s popularity demonstrates a renewed appetite for Korean cinema among domestic audiences.

The film’s achievement is particularly significant given the challenges faced by the industry in recent years. The pandemic led to cinema closures and a decline in film production, impacting the overall health of the Korean film market. “The King and I” represents a turning point, signaling a potential return to growth and stability for the industry. The film’s success is likely to encourage further investment in Korean cinema and inspire filmmakers to pursue ambitious projects.

Key Actors Celebrate Landmark Achievement

Yoo Hae-jin’s accomplishment of appearing in five 10-million-viewer films underscores his enduring popularity and critical acclaim. His role as the village head, 엄흥도 (Eom Heung-do), has been praised for its depth and nuance, contributing significantly to the film’s overall success. Yoo Ji-tae and Park Ji-hoon’s milestones with “The King and I” are also noteworthy, marking important steps in their respective careers. Yoo Ji-tae’s first 10-million-viewer film and Park Ji-hoon’s first leading role in a commercially successful film are testaments to their talent, and dedication.

While specific details about the plot and characters remain limited in English-language reporting, the film’s success clearly demonstrates its ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. The combination of a compelling narrative, strong performances, and effective marketing has propelled “The King and I” to the top of the Korean box office.

Looking Ahead: Continued Success and Industry Growth

As of March 6th, “The King and I” continues to dominate the box office, maintaining its number one position with 185,460 viewers added on March 5th, according to the Film Promotion Committee. Pre-sale tickets as of 8:30 AM on March 6th indicate continued strong interest in the film. The film is expected to continue its impressive run in the coming weeks, potentially setting new records for Korean historical cinema.

The success of “The King and I” is likely to have a ripple effect throughout the Korean film industry, encouraging further investment in historical dramas and other genres. The film’s performance demonstrates the potential for Korean cinema to attract large audiences both domestically and internationally. The industry is poised for continued growth and innovation, building on the momentum generated by this landmark achievement.

The next key date to watch will be the release of further box office figures as the film continues its run in theaters. Industry analysts will be closely monitoring the film’s performance to assess its long-term impact on the Korean film market. The success of “The King and I” serves as a reminder of the power of Korean cinema to captivate audiences and drive economic growth.

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