"The Man Who Lives with the King," which became the first film in two years to break the 10 million viewer mark, has continued its box office dominance by surpassing 13 million admissions.
Distributor Showbox announced via social media on the 15th that "The Man Who Lives with the King" exceeded 13 million cumulative viewers as of 9 a.m. Among domestically released films that have surpassed 10 million viewers, the film has risen to 11th place all-time, overtaking records set by "The Thieves" (2012, 12.98 million), "Miracle in Cell No. 7" (2013, 12.81 million), and "Assassination" (2015, 12.70 million). With only a narrow gap separating it from 10th-place "The Host" (2006, 13.01 million), entry into the all-time top 10 is virtually certain by the end of the day.
"The Man Who Lives with the King" has become the eighth highest-grossing Korean film. Among historical dramas, it has surpassed "Masquerade" (2012, 12.31 million) and "The King and the Clown" (12.30 million) to become the second highest-grossing period film after "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" (2014, 17.61 million). Cumulative box office revenue stands at approximately 125.3 billion won as of the previous day.
Director Jang Hang-jun's first film to reach 10 million viewers, "The Man Who Lives with the King" depicts King Danjong Lee Hong-wi (played by Park Ji-hoon), who is exiled to Yeongwol in Gangwon Province, spending the final period of his life bonding with village residents including local chief Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hae-jin). Critics have praised the film's warm narrative for enhancing immersion, powered by outstanding performances from leads Park Ji-hoon and Yoo Hae-jin, as well as strong supporting turns from Yoo Ji-tae as Han Myeong-hoe and Jeon Mi-do as court lady Maehwa.
On the 12th, Director Jang held a coffee truck event at Seoul Madang in Jung-gu, Seoul, serving coffee to citizens as a gesture of gratitude. On the 17th, Director Jang and cast members Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Min will hold stage greetings to thank audiences for the film's success.