'The Man Who Lives With the King' tops 4 million viewers, outpacing 10-million hit 'The King and the Clown'

The film "The Man Who Lives With the King," directed by Jang Hang-jun, which portrays the tragedy of King Danjong through both laughter and tears, surpassed a cumulative 4 million moviegoers on the afternoon of the 18th, its 15th day in theaters.
According to distributor Showbox, this pace is faster than that of "The King and the Clown," the first historical drama in Korea to draw 10 million viewers, which reached the 4 million mark on its 17th day. It also outstrips last year's Korean box-office champion "Zombie Daughter," which hit 4 million admissions on day 17.
Starring Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon, "The Man Who Lives With the King" follows the deposed King Danjong, Yi Hong-wi (played by Park Ji-hoon), as he spends the final chapter of his life in exile at Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, together with village head Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hae-jin) and the local residents.
Critics say the film's blend of humor and heartfelt drama, along with strong performances, has driven its box-office success. In addition to the two leads, Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon, the cast includes Yoo Ji-tae as Han Myeong-hoe, who drives King Danjong to his doom, and Jeon Mi-do as Maehwa, a court lady who protects the young monarch.
jsm64@fnnews.com Jung Soon-min Reporter