Director Jang Hang-jun's film "The Man Who Lives With the King" has surpassed 10 million viewers, prompting active responses from the heads of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Heritage Service, the government agencies overseeing film and cultural heritage.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young met Director Jang in person to offer congratulations. On the 7th, Minister Choi posted 15 photos on his social media account showing him greeting the director and presenting a cake and flower bouquet along with a congratulatory message. The two reportedly met on the evening of the 6th, when the film crossed the 10 million viewer milestone.
In his congratulatory message, Minister Choi wrote, "The film 'The Man Who Lives With the King,' which has exceeded 10 million viewers, is a slender thread of hope and warm blessing for our film industry that had been frozen solid like winter." He added, "This is the 25th Korean film in history to reach 10 million viewers, and a remarkable achievement coming 661 days after 'The Roundup: Punishment' in May 2024."
He continued, "I met Director Jang Hang-jun, who has suddenly emerged as a 'master of 10-million-viewer films,' and offered my gratitude along with a congratulatory cake and flowers." He added, "Who would have known? This delightful and pure person, whom we only knew as 'the man who lives with Kim Eun-hee,' would cause such a 'major sensation.'"
Minister Choi also shared the director's remarks. He wrote, "Director Jang responded with his characteristic wit and laughter, saying 'I suddenly woke up with a start and everything was a dream... I really hope that's not the case.'" He added, "A contented smile never left the face of agency CEO Song Eun-yi as she watched this 'blockbuster director' awaken from a long slumber."
Minister Choi concluded by cheering on the film industry: "Our film industry is now beginning to stretch vigorously like this. Let's go, Korean cinema, fighting!!!"
Minister Choi's interest in the film industry has already attracted attention. At a recent press briefing, he stated, "The film industry was the first sector I met with and listened to after taking office," adding, "I will implement various policy measures more boldly to revive the struggling film and video industry and restore its competitiveness."
The Korea Heritage Service also responded actively, given that "The Man Who Lives With the King" deals with Korean history and cultural heritage. On the 8th, Korea Heritage Service Administrator Heo Min wrote on his social media, "As the administrator of the Korea Heritage Service, I feel deeply moved that the narrative of King Danjong, one of the painful chapters in Joseon history, is receiving national attention through this film."
He introduced "the spaces where the film's protagonists rest," sharing photos and videos of Jangneung Royal Tomb in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province; Sareung Royal Tomb in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province; and Yeongnyeongjeon Hall at Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul. Jangneung is the tomb of King Danjong, while Sareung is the tomb of his queen, Queen Jeongsun. Yeongnyeongjeon Hall at Jongmyo Shrine houses their spirit tablets. Administrator Heo announced, "We are preparing programs to connect the emotions and lingering impressions of viewers to cultural heritage sites such as UNESCO World Heritage Jongmyo Shrine, Jangneung in Yeongwol, and Sareung in Namyangju, and plan to unveil them soon."
The film "The Man Who Lives With the King" depicts King Danjong (played by Park Ji-hoon), who was dethroned by his uncle King Sejo in early Joseon, spending his final days in exile in Yeongwol with village residents including village chief Eom Heung-do (played by Yoo Hae-jin). According to the Korean Film Council's integrated computer network, the film's cumulative audience reached 11.5 million as of the 8th.