영화 ‘왕과 사는 남자’가 지난 2일, 개봉 27일 만에 누적 관객 900만 명을 돌파했다. 사진은 3일 서울 한 영화관의 영화 홍보물. 연합뉴스
Director Jang Hang-jun expressed both joy and cautious gratitude as “The King and the Man” nears the 10 million viewer milestone. The historical drama has quickly become a box office sensation in South Korea.
“This is a situation I never even imagined, and my family and I are both happy and a little apprehensive,” Jang said in a statement released through distributor Showbox on March 6. “Whenever something good happens, I experience like the opposite could also occur, so I’m being careful about everything.”
The director also reflected on some of the audience reactions to “The King and the Man,” sharing what resonated with him most.
“So many wonderful things have been said,” Jang noted. “I was particularly struck by the comment, ‘I felt like I entered the screen and became one of the people.’ And I was also touched and grateful to hear, ‘It warmly filled the gaps in history.’”
“The King and the Man” tells the story of King Danjong Lee Hong-wi (Park Ji-hoon) as he navigates life in exile in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, and forms connections with the local villagers during his final days.
While the film is rooted in the historical events of Danjong’s dethronement and exile, the interactions between the king and the villagers – particularly with village head Um Hong-do (Yoo Hae-jin) – are largely products of the filmmakers’ imagination.
“I consider many people were moved by the way Danjong gradually grows and becomes a more resolute figure, and by his desire to live as a human being,” Jang explained.
When asked about the core value he hopes international audiences will take away from Korean historical dramas, Jang pointed to the concept of “righteousness.”
“‘Righteousness’ is about thinking about doing the right thing, even if it means sacrificing my own interests,” he said. “I hope people will reflect on the righteousness that people in the past were trying to protect.”
Jang is currently considering future projects while also preparing for his role as chairman of the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival, set to take place in September.
“I’m preparing for my next work by reviewing the projects I’m currently considering, and I’ll be busy preparing for the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival in September,” he said.
