Director Jang Hang-jun Reveals Box Office Secrets: How ‘The King’s Affection’ Captured 4 Million Viewers

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▲ Source: YouTube channel ‘Big Mama Lee Hye-jung’ capture

HOLLYWOOD – Acclaimed director Jang Hang-jun offered a candid glimpse into the realities of the film industry during a recent YouTube interview.

On March 4, the YouTube channel “Big Mama Lee Hye-jung” released a video titled “Master Director Jang Hang-jun! And the Woman Who Lives with the Royal Family,” featuring an intimate conversation with the filmmaker.

During the interview, Jang revealed that his latest film had surpassed 4 million viewers at the time of filming. Host Lee Hye-jung, known for her direct approach, didn’t shy away from asking about the financial implications, inquiring, “So, Director Jang, what’s your take-home from this success?”

With refreshing honesty, Jang admitted, “I’m not great with numbers, so I can’t give you an exact figure.” He then reflected on his career, saying, “I’ve been in this industry for over 30 years, and I’ve never experienced success quite like this. Each project takes nearly four years to prepare. It’s a long gestation period before anything sees the light of day. It’s like harvesting four years’ worth of crops all at once.”

Jang didn’t sugarcoat the precarious nature of filmmaking, adding, “But if a project flops, you might not get another shot. It’s like a cultural casino – you’re always gambling.” His analogy drew laughter from the host and audience.

The director also dispelled some misconceptions about the industry, stating, “Opportunities are scarce, and it’s not as lucrative as people might think. I do this simply because I’m passionate about film.”

Meanwhile, industry insiders predict that Jang’s latest hit, “The Man Who Lives with the King,” is poised to cross the coveted 10 million viewer mark on March 6, cementing its status as a blockbuster in the Korean film market.