'The King and the Man' Surpasses 6 Million Viewers: A Potential Blockbuster of the Year

The film 'The King and the Man' directed by Jang Hang-jun has surpassed 6 million viewers, sparking optimism for the first blockbuster of the year.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network, 'The King and the Man' topped the box office on the 23rd with a daily audience of 195,485, bringing its total to 6,024,346 viewers in just 20 days since its release.

Set in 1457 Cheongnyeongpo, 'The King and the Man' tells the story of a village chief who voluntarily exiles himself for the village's revival and a young dethroned king in exile. The film stars Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae, and Jeon Mi-do. Park Ji-hoon, in particular, has received praise for his performance as the deposed king.

Released on the 4th, 'The King and the Man' reached 1 million viewers in 5 days, 2 million in 12 days, 3 million in 14 days, 4 million in 15 days, and 5 million in 18 days, showing a rapid increase in viewership, especially during the Lunar New Year holidays. While 'Excavation' and 'Crime City 4' reached 10 million viewers in 2024, last year saw no such blockbusters. The only Korean film to surpass 5 million viewers was 'Zombie Daughter'. All eyes are on whether 'The King and the Man' will become the first blockbuster of the year.

In second place at the box office is 'Humint' directed by Ryu Seung-wan, with a daily audience of 32,115 and a total of 1,611,131 viewers.

'Humint' is set in Vladivostok, where secrets and truths are submerged in the icy sea, and features a clash of individuals with different motives. The film, praised for its intense action and deep emotions, stars Jo In-sung, Park Jung-min, Park Hae-joon, and Shin Se-kyung.

In third place is 'Number One' starring Choi Woo-shik and Jang Hye-jin, directed by Kim Tae-yong. 'Number One' recorded a daily audience of 5,276 and a total of 244,688 viewers. The film tells the story of a son who begins to see numbers decreasing every time he eats his mother's food, realizing that when the number reaches zero, his mother will die, and he strives to protect her.

Other films in the top five include 'God's Band' directed by Kim Hyung-hyup in fourth place and 'Ghost Calling App: Zero' directed by Hyung Se-lu in fifth place.

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr