Director Lim Eun-jung's 'The King and the Man' Becomes a Box Office Sensation Amidst Plagiarism Controversy

Lim Eun-jung, CEO of Onda Works, left a major corporation to start her own company, and her first commercial film, 'The King and the Man' (directed by Jang Hang-jun), has become a box office sensation, surpassing 10 million viewers. The film, which tells the poignant story of the ill-fated King Danjong and his loyal subject Eom Heung-do, has touched the hearts of millions. Lim shared insights into the film's conception, casting process, and the plagiarism controversy it faces.

On the 11th, we met with Lim at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul. 'The King and the Man' depicts the story of the deposed King Danjong and Eom Heung-do, the village chief of Yeongwol. As of the 10th, the film has attracted 11.88 million viewers since its release on the 6th.

Lim expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am filled with gratitude, especially towards the audience." She added, "As I reflect on reaching this milestone, I am reminded of everyone who worked tirelessly on this project. I am thankful for their dedication."

The film's success has sparked various analyses of its appeal. Lim believes the film's success is due to its universal appeal, stating, "I realized people missed going to the theater." She noted that the film targets all age groups, with characters of diverse ages, making it relatable to audiences from teenagers to those in their 90s. "The film's themes transcend generations, allowing for meaningful discussions," she added. Lim also mentioned that the film is suitable for family outings, dates, or solo viewing, rekindling the joy of movie-going.

The film has sparked a 'Danjong craze,' with audiences watching it multiple times and visiting historical sites in Yeongwol. Lim attributes this phenomenon to the film's casting, particularly Park Ji-hoon's impactful portrayal of Danjong.

However, 'The King and the Man' has recently faced plagiarism allegations. The family of a late playwright, who was a descendant of Eom Heung-do, claims the film closely resembles a script he wrote.

Lim addressed the controversy, stating, "I learned about it through the news. We have issued a statement and have not received any formal notice. We are handling the situation diligently." She clarified that the film was developed independently, with no reference to other works, and emphasized the collaborative process involved in its creation.

One of the film's criticisms is its CGI tiger, which some viewers found lacking. Lim acknowledged this shortcoming, explaining that it was a necessary compromise to meet the release schedule. "We had to prioritize certain aspects to complete the film on time," she said.

Fortunately, the CGI will be revised, and Lim expressed gratitude to audiences for embracing the film's message despite its flaws. "I am touched by the audience's ability to turn it into a joke," she said.

Director Jang Hang-jun humorously promised to undergo cosmetic surgery or naturalization if the film became a hit, but later changed his pledge to a 'coffee event.' Lim recounted watching Jang's radio appearance and jokingly considered intervening.

Lim, who previously worked at CJ ENM's film division, founded Onda Works in 2023. She has been involved in various successful projects, including 'The Merciless' and 'Exit.'

With 'The King and the Man' achieving significant box office success, Lim is considering how to reward her team. "I want to do something that benefits Korean cinema," she said, noting that a group vacation may not be feasible due to scheduling conflicts.

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