'The Man Who Lives with the King' Surpasses 10 Million Viewers, Becomes 2026's Top Box Office Hit

The historical drama 'The Man Who Lives with the King' (directed by Jang Hang-jun) has captivated audiences with its powerful performances and emotional depth, becoming the top-grossing film of 2026 by surpassing 10 million viewers.

Set in 1457 Cheongryeongpo, the film tells the story of a village chief who voluntarily exiles himself for the prosperity of his village and a young dethroned king in exile. On March 6, at 6:32 PM, 'The Man Who Lives with the King' crossed the 10 million viewer mark on its 31st day of release. Following in the footsteps of historical blockbusters like 'The King and the Clown,' 'Masquerade,' and 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents,' it has become the fourth historical film to achieve this milestone, solidifying its status as 2026's top hit. This marks the first film to reach 10 million viewers since 'The Outlaws 4' in 2024, revitalizing the box office.

The film's success is particularly meaningful for its cast. Yoo Hae-jin, who delivered a compelling performance as village chief Eom Heung-do, celebrates his fifth film to reach 10 million viewers. Yoo Ji-tae, portraying the powerful Han Myeong-hoe, marks his first film to achieve this milestone. Park Ji-hoon, who moved audiences with his portrayal of the young dethroned king Lee Hong-wi, achieves this feat with his debut commercial film, continuing the film's record-breaking journey.

The film's profound impact is further fueled by word of mouth. Audiences have shared their emotional responses, saying, "I hope the lonely Danjong, if born in this era, would live a peaceful life full of love and dreams. It was so heartbreaking that I plan to watch it again," and "Even knowing the ending, I watched with hope. It's worth watching multiple times. I'm going again this week," as well as "Every time I see Danjong's eyes, my heart swells with emotion and tears well up. It's a masterpiece that shows the warmth between people and the sorrow of history." The film's intense performances and emotional resonance continue to draw viewers back for repeat viewings.

'The Man Who Lives with the King,' now the fourth historical film to surpass 10 million viewers, is currently showing in theaters.

By Ji-won Kim, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr