The film 'The Man Who Lives with the King' is set in 1457 Cheongnyeongpo and tells the story of village chief Eom Heung-do, who voluntarily exiles himself for the village's revival, and the young dethroned king Lee Hong-wi living together. Park Ji-hoon plays the role of Danjong Lee Hong-wi, leading the narrative.
According to KOBIS (Korean Box Office Information System) on the morning of the 6th, 'The Man Who Lives with the King' holds the top spot in real-time ticket sales with a 32.9% reservation rate. The film has sold 177,998 tickets, with a cumulative audience of 239,281. The Egg Index started at 99% and maintained a stable 97% on both the second and third days after release.
Even before its release, at the preview screening, Park Ji-hoon's performance left a strong impression. Reviews such as "He delivered an impressive portrayal of Danjong's emotions," "The final scene with Yoo Hae-jin will be remembered," and "It wasn't just about despair; there was dignity and strength" poured in. Expert ratings on Cine21's official website support these views. Critics noted, "The presence of a king unafraid of death is profound" (Critic Cho Hyun-na), "The two actors complement each other" (Critic Park Pyeong-sik), and "The film responds to how forgotten history is restored" (Critic Lee Ja-yeon), highlighting both the acting and the film's artistic value.
'The Man Who Lives with the King' is showing potential to become Park Ji-hoon's new signature work, receiving significant attention. By portraying the historical figure Danjong not just as a symbol of tragedy but as a human with emotions and dignity, the film resonates with audiences. Park Ji-hoon has proven his growth with his standout emotional expression and stable performance.
Amidst the ongoing enthusiastic response post-release, anticipation builds for what roles and narratives Park Ji-hoon will bring to audiences next, as attention also focuses on the film's box office success.
Reporter Lee So-jung, TenAsia forusojung@tenasia.co.kr