The South Korean film ‘The King and the Charmer,’ directed by Jang Hang-jun, has continued its remarkable run at the box office, surpassing 3 million viewers as of Thursday, February 20, 2026, according to reports from KBS News. The film’s success comes during the Lunar Novel Year holiday, a peak season for moviegoing in the country. Industry analysts predict the film will exceed 5 million viewers this weekend, solidifying its position as a major hit of the year. The film’s popularity is also driving tourism to the areas where it was filmed, specifically the city of Yeongwol.
‘The King and the Charmer’ premiered on February 4th and quickly climbed the charts, reaching the number one spot in its first weekend. As of February 17th, just 14 days after its release, the film had attracted 3.09 million viewers, KBS News reported. This strong performance is particularly noteworthy in a competitive market, where several other films are vying for audience attention.
A Story of Exile and Unexpected Connection
The film centers on Lee Hong-wi, a deposed king (played by Park Ji-hoon), who lives in exile in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province. His life takes an unexpected turn when he forms a bond with Uhm Hong-do (played by Yoo Hae-jin), the village head, and the local community. The narrative explores themes of companionship, resilience, and finding meaning in unexpected circumstances. The film offers a unique perspective on a historical figure, focusing on his personal journey rather than grand political events.
Box Office Dominance and Rising Tourism
‘The King and the Charmer’ secured the top position at the domestic box office during its opening weekend, attracting 761,000 viewers between February 6th and 8th, representing 58.1% of the total box office revenue, according to the Yonhap News Agency. The film’s success has had a tangible impact on tourism in Yeongwol, with visits to the area increasing fivefold, as reported by v.daum.net. This surge in tourism is a welcome boost for the local economy.
Behind the Scenes: Color Grading and Production
The film’s visual aesthetic has also garnered attention, with color grading handled by Dexter. Newsis reported that Dexter described the film as having the “quietest colors” of any project they’d worked on, suggesting a deliberate artistic choice to create a specific mood, and atmosphere. The production team, Showbox, has been praised for its attention to detail and commitment to bringing the story to life.
Competition and Upcoming Releases
While ‘The King and the Charmer’ currently dominates the box office, it faces competition from other films. ‘The Divine Band,’ a film about a North Korean fake praise group, secured the second position during the recent weekend, attracting 103,000 viewers (7.9% of the market share). ‘If We Had,’ a romantic drama starring Koo Kyo-hwan and Moon Ga-young, came in third with 82,000 viewers, followed by the documentary ‘2024.12.03,’ with 80,000. Looking ahead, ‘Human Intelligence,’ starring Jo In-sung, Park Jung-min, and Shin Se-kyung, is currently leading pre-sale ticket numbers with 149,000 reservations, Yonhap News reported, suggesting a strong opening for the film when it is released on February 11th.
As of February 18th, ‘The King and the Charmer’ had amassed 4.41 million viewers over eight consecutive days at the top of the box office, according to the Dong-A Ilbo. The film continues to draw audiences with its compelling story and strong performances.
The film’s continued success is a testament to its appeal and the growing interest in Korean cinema both domestically and internationally. The next key milestone for ‘The King and the Charmer’ will be reaching the 5 million viewer mark, which is anticipated this weekend. Further updates on the film’s box office performance and cultural impact will be reported as they turn into available.
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