The King's Warden is a 2026 Korean historical drama that became the highest-grossing Korean film of all time, drawing nearly 17 million admissions with a story about the exile of a deposed 15th-century king. This profile covers the film's plot, cast, and the record-breaking box office run that made it one of the biggest cinema stories in Korea this year.
What The King's Warden Is About
Set in a remote mountain village during the Joseon Dynasty, the film follows Heung-do, a humble village headman who submits a petition to host an exiled nobleman, hoping it will bring fortune to his impoverished community. He soon discovers his guest is the deposed boy-king Danjong, a real historical figure who was forced from the throne in 1457. The film builds its story around the bond that forms between the two men during the king's exile, blending the documented historical tragedy of Danjong's downfall with a fictionalized friendship the filmmakers created for the story.
Cast and Crew
| Role | Actor / Crew |
|---|---|
| Director / Co-writer | Jang Hang-jun |
| Co-writer | Hwang Seong-gu |
| Heung-do (village chief) | Yoo Hae-jin |
| King Danjong | Park Ji-hoon |
| Supporting cast | Yoo Ji-tae, Jeon Mi-do, Kim Min, Lee Joon-hyuk, Park Ji-hwan, Ahn Jae-hong |
| Distributor | Showbox |
Box Office and Recent News
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Release date | February 4, 2026 |
| Runtime | 116 minutes |
| Production budget | Approximately $6.9 million |
| Total admissions | Roughly 16.9 million tickets |
| Box office status | Highest-grossing Korean film of all time |
Box office figures are commonly updated as reporting continues. Figures here reflect publicly reported totals as of publication.
The film's box office run made it the centerpiece of a broader recovery for Korean cinema in the first half of 2026, with Korean Film Council data showing local films posting a sharp year-over-year increase in both revenue and admissions during the period, driven in large part by The King's Warden alongside other local hits.
Fact vs. Fiction
King Danjong's exile and downfall are documented events in Korean history — he was deposed as a child monarch and later died during his exile, a story Korean historical records have long described with some disagreement over the exact circumstances. The film uses this real historical backdrop but builds its emotional core around a fictionalized relationship between the king and the village chief, a character invented for the story rather than a documented historical figure.
FAQ
What is The King's Warden about?
It follows a village headman who unknowingly hosts the exiled, deposed King Danjong in his remote mountain village during the Joseon Dynasty, and the bond that develops between them.
Is The King's Warden based on a true story?
It's based on the real historical exile and downfall of King Danjong, the sixth king of Joseon, though the central friendship between the king and the village chief is a fictionalized addition for the film.
How successful was The King's Warden at the box office?
It became the highest-grossing Korean film of all time, drawing roughly 16.9 million admissions after its February 2026 release.
Who stars in The King's Warden?
Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon lead the cast, with Yoo Ji-tae, Jeon Mi-do, Kim Min, Lee Joon-hyuk, Park Ji-hwan, and Ahn Jae-hong in supporting roles.