Park Ji-hoon Shines in 'The Man Who Lives with the King', Breaking Box Office Records

Reporter Jung Se-yoon from TenAsia delivers intriguing entertainment news with a unique perspective.

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Singer and actor Park Ji-hoon has redefined his career with the film 'The Man Who Lives with the King'. Portraying the character of Danjong, Lee Hong-wi, Park Ji-hoon has masterfully expressed sorrow, loneliness, and fear, marking his presence as an actor in his 21st year since debut.

'The Man Who Lives with the King' is set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, depicting the story of village chief Eom Heung-do (played by Yoo Hae-jin) who voluntarily exiles himself for the village's prosperity, and the young dethroned king Lee Hong-wi living together. Park Ji-hoon plays the role of Danjong, the 6th king of Joseon, who was dethroned by his uncle (Sejo) and met a tragic end.

Director Jang Hang-jun, who helmed the project, shared anecdotes about casting Park Ji-hoon in various interviews. He mentioned, "I was anxious as Park Ji-hoon didn't give a definite answer even after meeting four times after sending the script," adding, "If he had declined, I would have looked for another actor, but I wonder if anyone could have portrayed Lee Hong-wi like Park Ji-hoon."

Director Jang's insight proved accurate. 'The Man Who Lives with the King' surpassed 5 million viewers within 18 days of its release, continuing its box office success. Notably, it is the first film released this year to achieve this milestone, highlighting Park Ji-hoon's pivotal role in the film's success.

Park Ji-hoon perfectly conveyed Danjong's sorrow, loneliness, and fear with restrained expressions and breathing. He held his ground among veteran actors like Yoo Hae-jin and Yoo Ji-tae (playing Han Myeong-hoe), and in the film's climax, he unleashed suppressed emotions, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Park Ji-hoon gained public attention in 2017 through Mnet's 'Produce 101' Season 2 with his catchphrase "Save you in my heart." He finished in second place and debuted as a member of the group Wanna One. He has since built his acting career with roles in various projects like Wave's 'Weak Hero', KBS's 'Fantasy Sonata', and ENA's 'Your Taste'.

Despite being perceived as an idol-turned-actor, Park Ji-hoon's acting career dates back to before his idol activities. He debuted as a child actor in the 2006 hit MBC drama 'Jumong', playing the son of a salt merchant at the age of 8.

With the success of 'The Man Who Lives with the King', there is renewed interest in Park Ji-hoon's past. Online communities have been buzzing with comments like "I didn't know he was a child actor," "I thought he transitioned from being an idol to an actor," and "No wonder he's so good at acting." Praise for his performance continues to pour in, with some viewers saying, "Park Ji-hoon's gaze is unforgettable," and "I can't imagine Danjong being played by anyone else."

An industry insider commented, "Through this film, Park Ji-hoon has solidified his image as 'actor Park Ji-hoon', not just an idol-turned-actor." This is why there is growing interest in Park Ji-hoon's future endeavors after redefining his career with 'The Man Who Lives with the King'.

Reporter Jung Se-yoon from TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr