As the film “The Man Who Lives with the King” continues its box office success, Park Ji Hoon’s standout performance is spreading by word of mouth, drawing passionate reactions from fans.
According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated ticketing system on February 18, the movie surpassed 4 million cumulative viewers that afternoon.
Directed by Jang Hang Jun, “The Man Who Lives with the King” crossed the 4 million mark just 15 days after its release, benefiting significantly from the Lunar New Year holiday season. The pace is even faster than “The King and the Clown,” the first historical film to surpass 10 million moviegoers, which reached the milestone in 17 days.
Starring Yoo Hae Jin and Park Ji Hoon, the film tells the story of the deposed young king Danjong (played by Park Ji Hoon), also known as Lee Hong-wi, who spends the final days of his life in exile at Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, alongside village chief Eom Heung-do (Yoo Hae Jin) and the local villagers.
Park Ji Hoon, in particular, has been receiving praise for his delicate emotional performance as the young former king. Standing alongside veteran actors Yoo Hae Jin and Yoo Ji Tae (who plays Han Myeong-hoe), he firmly anchors the center of the narrative. Viewers have highlighted how convincingly he portrays Danjong’s gradual transformation—from a broken and defeated monarch at the beginning of the film to someone who slowly regains vitality while bonding with the villagers, ultimately building toward an emotional climax as he faces death in the latter half.
Fans who first discovered Park Ji Hoon through “Produce 101 Season 2” have also expressed pride online. Comments such as “I voted for Park Ji Hoon,” “He was my one-pick from start to finish,” “I voted too,” and “He impressed me in Weak Hero, but this is on another level” have flooded social media.
On his personal account, playful comments have also poured in, including “I’m glad Prince Danjong looks happy,” “Danjong oppa,” “I’ve been thinking about His Majesty Danjong all day,” “I want to live with the king too,” and “Don’t cross the river,” referencing memorable lines and scenes from the film.
Born in 1999, Park Ji Hoon first entered the entertainment industry as a child actor, appearing in dramas such as “Jumong” (2006) and “Kimchi Cheese Smile” (2007). He later gained nationwide recognition in 2017 through Mnet’s “Produce 101 Season 2,” becoming known as the “Wink Boy” and for his iconic catchphrase, “Save you in my heart.” He finished in second place and debuted as a member of Wanna One before steadily building his acting career.
In 2022, he received critical acclaim for his lead role as Yeon Si Eun in “Weak Hero Class 1,” proving his acting abilities. With “The Man Who Lives with the King” continuing its upward box office trajectory, Park Ji Hoon appears to have added another defining work to his filmography, further solidifying his popularity and growth as an actor.
Sources: Netizenbuzz