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| A Man Who Lives with the King / Photo: Courtesy of Showbox |
[Sports Today reporter Im Si-ryeong] ‘A Man Who Lives with the King’ is generating heat well beyond Korea, attracting significant attention from international audiences.
The film became the 34th Korean title to reach 10 million admissions and has carried that momentum into North America, underscoring the commercial strength of Korean cinema.
On its 36th day of release the film surpassed 12 million admissions and held the No. 1 spot at the box office during its fifth week. Notably, it is the first film to hit the 10-million mark in two years since The Outlaws 4, cementing its status as one of this year’s major theatrical successes. Viewers have praised the cast’s performances and the film’s nuanced excavation of King Danjong’s hidden narrative, and strong word-of-mouth—plus repeat viewings—has sustained its long run.
Following its domestic triumph, the film has also resonated strongly overseas, with its North American run drawing particular attention. Since its staggered U.S. release began on Feb. 13 (local time), A Man Who Lives with the King has screened in more than 50 cities across the U.S. and Canada. In its second week in North America the film surpassed The Outlaws 4’s North American box office record; as of March 9 it had grossed 1.79 million USD (approximately 2.39 billion KRW), outperforming the North American runs of Spring in Seoul and Extreme Job. Consequently, its North American rollout has widened: this week it opened in 125 theaters, bringing the cumulative total to roughly 150—a notably broad release for a Korean film in the region.
JBG Pictures USA, the film’s North American distributor, said, \”Riding the current momentum, we are expanding screening locations every week. We’re working to secure theaters, especially in communities with large Korean populations, so more audiences can see the film.\”
The fourth historical drama to reach 10 million admissions, A Man Who Lives with the King continues to set theaters alight at home and abroad. One of 2026’s biggest box-office hits, the film is now playing in cinemas.
[Sports Today reporter Im Si-ryeong ent@stoo.com]
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