"The King and the Man Who Lives" continues its box office surge, surpassing 7 million moviegoers in just 24 days.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing system, the film drew approximately 277,000 viewers on February 27 alone, bringing its cumulative total to 7,011,501 admissions.

It reached the 7 million milestone in 24 days—six days faster than last year's domestic box office champion "Zootopia 2," which hit 7 million on its 30th day and ultimately recorded 8.6 million admissions.

The film is also pacing ahead of the 2005 blockbuster "The King and the Clown," which crossed 7 million on its 33rd day. Its trajectory is comparable to "Masquerade," which surpassed 7 million in 21 days on its way to 12 million total viewers.

A Story of Exile and Friendship

Directed by Jang Hang-jun, the film centers on the exiled young King Danjong (played by Park Ji-hoon) in Cheongnyeongpo. It portrays the friendship between the deposed child king and village chief Eom Hong-do (played by Yoo Hae-jin), who voluntarily accompanies him into exile.

Lee Hong-wi, forced into a brutal power struggle at a young age, is depicted as a tragic figure who gradually grows through encounters with ordinary citizens. Critics note that the film leaves a lasting emotional resonance through this intimate portrayal.

Park Ji-hoon's performance has received particular acclaim. He convincingly embodies a thoughtful and resilient king who, despite losing control over his own fate, continues to prioritize his people.

The film has been praised for balancing humor and emotional depth while offering a fresh perspective on the little-known story of Danjong. Strong performances from Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae, and Jeon Mi-do further amplify its impact.

Meanwhile, "Humint," directed by Ryoo Seung-wan, ranked second at the box office on February 27 with 22,005 admissions, bringing its cumulative total to 1,719,558 viewers. The film stars Zo In-sung, Park Jung-min, Shin Se-kyung, and Park Hae-joon.