7 Million in 24 Days, Lee Sun-kyun in the End Credits: 5 Reasons 'The Man Who Lives with the King' Is Racing Toward 10 Million This Samiljeol Holiday
The film 'The Man Who Lives with the King' has surpassed 7 million admissions in just 24 days since its release. With 8 million now in sight ahead of the Samiljeol (March 1st Independence Movement Day) holiday, the appearance of the late Lee Sun-kyun's name in the end credits is adding a deeply moving dimension to the race toward 10 million.
One-Line Hook — The 2026 Korean box office champion 'The Man Who Lives with the King' crossed 7 million admissions just 24 days after its release. With 8 million in sight over the Samiljeol holiday, the quietly inscribed name of the late Lee Sun-kyun in the end credits is setting social media ablaze and adding an emotional charge to the race toward 10 million.
TL;DR
- 7,011,504 cumulative admissions as of February 27 — just 24 days after opening
- Samiljeol golden holiday (Feb 28 – Mar 1) raises prospects of breaking 8 million
- Lee Sun-kyun's name appears in the "Special Thanks" section of the end credits → emotional wave spreads across social media
- Reached 7 million faster than Zootopia 2
- Surge in tourists visiting the film's real-life setting, Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol
The Facts: What Happened
On February 27, 2026, according to the Korean Film Council's (KOFIC) integrated box office system, the film 'The Man Who Lives with the King' drew approximately 277,000 viewers on that single day, pushing cumulative admissions to 7,011,504 and crossing the 7 million milestone. This was achieved just 24 days after its February 4 opening.
Set against the backdrop of Cheongnyeongpo, the 1457 exile site of Joseon's sixth king Danjong, the film portrays the friendship between a man who volunteers as village chief to revive his community and the young king stripped of his throne. It stars Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon, directed by Jang Hang-jun.
Alongside the 7 million milestone, another topic caught fire. Screenshots of the end credits began circulating on online communities and social media, revealing that the name Lee Sun-kyun appeared under the line 'The production team would like to offer special thanks to the following individuals.' Director Jang Hang-jun and Lee Sun-kyun were close friends — they appeared together on tvN's A Very Private Southeast Asia and Lee appeared as a guest on Jang's YouTube channel. Lee Sun-kyun passed away in December 2023 at the age of 48.
⚠️ Caution against misinformation: It has not yet been officially confirmed whether the name refers to the late Lee Sun-kyun. Director Jang Hang-jun's side has also not released a separate statement.
Why It's So Hot Right Now: The Spread Mechanism
- Samiljeol Golden Holiday: The Feb 28 (Sat)–Mar 1 (Sun) holiday is drawing large numbers of family and couple audiences. Daily admissions are expected to be 30–50% higher than on weekdays.
- Mourning Sentiment for the Late Lee Sun-kyun: Even after his passing in late 2023, fans' longing remains strong. The discovery in the end credits is acting as an emotional trigger, generating waves of "I have to go see it" reactions.
- The 'King Danjong Oppa' Meme Spread: Park Ji-hoon's pure portrayal of Danjong has translated into short-form content and fan-created works, continuously capturing fans in their teens and twenties.
- Repeat Viewing Culture: A chain pattern where word-of-mouth viewers bring along friends. The steady maintenance of over 200,000 daily viewers even on weekdays attests to this.
- Lack of Competition: No notable major new releases in February theaters, keeping screen share high.
Context & Background: Danjong and Cheongnyeongpo
The film's real setting, Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, is where Joseon's sixth king Danjong (1441–1457) was exiled after being forced off the throne by his uncle Sejo. Surrounded on three sides by the Namhan River and backed by cliffs, it functions effectively as an island accessible only by boat. Danjong later met his end at Cheongnyeongpo, and the site is now developed as a major historical tourist destination in Yeongwol County, Gangwon Province.
Following the film's success, visitors to Cheongnyeongpo have surged dramatically. The Danjong Cultural Festival (scheduled for April 24–26), held annually by Yeongwol County, has also drawn international media attention.
Director Jang Hang-jun, a veteran filmmaker known for works including Rebound (2023) and The Harmonium in My Memory (1999), looks set to record this film as the biggest box office hit of his career.
Outlook: Is 10 Million Possible?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current cumulative | 7.01 million (as of Feb 27) |
| Remaining to 10 million | ~2.99 million more needed |
| Samiljeol holiday projection | 500,000–600,000 added over two days → likely to surpass 7.6 million |
| Optimistic scenario | 10 million achievable in mid-to-late March |
| Risk | Major new releases in March could divide audience attention |
Industry observers note that whether daily admissions stay above 150,000 after the holiday effect fades will be the pivotal threshold for the 10 million milestone. If the natural post-holiday decline is steep, it may stall around 9 million.
Checklist: What You Need to Know Now
Reference Links
- "Looks Like It's Really Going to Do It" — 'Wang-Sa-Nam' Crosses 7 Million, 10 Million Race 'On Track' — Herald Business
- Late Lee Sun-kyun Makes Surprise Appearance in 'The Man Who Lives with the King' End Credits — eToday
- Success of 'The King's Warden' leads to renewed interest in Cheongnyeongpo — Korea JoongAng Daily
Image Credit
- Cheongnyeongpo Eosojeok (King Danjong's place of exile) — Wikimedia Commons, CheongRyeongpo Eoso.JPG (Public Domain)