MOVIE
Dexter Studio's Digital Color Grading Elevates 'The King and the Man' to Box Office Success
On the 20th, Dexter stated, "We enhanced the film's completeness by undertaking digital color grading that finely adjusts the temperature of emotions, thereby increasing the narrative's immersion." The company focused on the unique color design of 'The King and the Man', which distinctly showcases the emotional flow of characters rather than the typical aesthetic of historical dramas.
Jinyoung Park, a colorist at Dexter's DI Division, explained, "We aimed for a structure where emotions are seen first, with color taking a step back," adding, "Our goal was for the audience to feel as if they could see the characters' hearts on screen."
In particular, the film differentiated itself by subtly lowering contrast to softly adjust the texture of spaces, rather than emphasizing dramatic contrast in scenes where characters gaze at each other.
Additionally, Dexter is expanding its technical participation portfolio beyond films and dramas to include animation, variety shows, and short-form content, having recently entered the short drama post-production market.
Meanwhile, 'The King and the Man' tells the story of a village chief who voluntarily exiles himself to revive the village of Cheongryeongpo in 1457, and a young former king exiled from the throne. The film is praised for securing both artistry and popularity, thanks to director Jang Hang-jun's smooth direction and the stellar performances of actors Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae, and Jeon Mi-do.
The film surpassed 1 million viewers within five days of release and, during the Lunar New Year holiday, received overwhelming support from audiences, becoming the first film of 2026 to surpass 4 million viewers.
Reporter Dayeon Jung, TenAsia light@tenasia.co.kr
