The film "The Man Who Lives with the King" surpassed 9 million cumulative viewers 27 days after its release, putting the milestone of 10 million viewers within reach.
According to distributor Showbox on March 2, the film exceeded 9 million cumulative viewers by the afternoon. The previous day, approximately 817,000 people watched the film, marking the highest single-day audience since its release. The film is gaining momentum through word-of-mouth during the consecutive Lunar New Year and March 1st Independence Movement Day holidays.
The pace to 9 million viewers is notably fast. "The King and the Clown" (2005), the first historical drama to reach 10 million viewers, took 50 days to surpass 9 million. "Masquerade" (2012), another 10-million historical drama, took 31 days to reach the same milestone.
Directed by Jang Hang-jun, "The Man Who Lives with the King" depicts the final days of dethroned King Danjong Lee Hong-wi (played by Park Ji-hoon) at his place of exile in Cheongnyeongpo, Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, where he spends time with village chief Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hae-jin) and other villagers.
The film delivers profound emotional impact as the young Danjong connects with ordinary people amid tensions and conflicts created by Han Myeong-hoe (Yoo Ji-tae), a central figure of power.
Given the continued growth in audience numbers, reaching 10 million viewers appears to be only a matter of time. If the film achieves this milestone, it would be the first 10-million film in two years, following "Exhuma" and "The Roundup: Punishment" in 2024.