President Lee Jae-myung congratulated the film "Man Who Lives with the King" on surpassing 10 million viewers on Friday, calling the achievement "especially meaningful as it comes after two years."
"This is a precious result created together by filmmakers' outstanding imagination and storytelling power, and by the people who generously supported them," Lee wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
"When so many people flock to one film, it means the sincerity conveyed by the work moved audiences' hearts and drew deep resonance," he added. "I extend congratulations and gratitude to the director, actors, and all staff who worked hard to complete this work."
The president expressed hope that "more stories will meet the world and be loved in the future." He pledged that "the government will do its best to create a country where creative freedom thrives and culture becomes a source of national pride."
Lee and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung watched the film at a theater during the Lunar New Year holiday on January 17.
"Man Who Lives with the King" tells the story of King Danjong and Eom Heung-do, a village chief at the king's place of exile. The film crossed 10 million cumulative viewers as of 6:30 p.m. Thursday, its 31st day in theaters. It is the 34th domestic release to reach this milestone and the first film to achieve 10 million admissions in two years since 2024.