The Lunar New Year box office battle has a clear frontrunner.
The King’s Warden, starring Yoo Hai Jin and Park Ji Hoon, has seized the top spot immediately upon its debut.
According to the Korean Film Council, the film attracted 117,792 viewers on its opening day, February 4th, bringing its cumulative total to 147,547. This strong performance secured it the undisputed No. 1 position at the box office.
Directed by Jang Hang Jun, the film reimagines the tragic history of King Danjong, the sixth king of Joseon. It tells the story of a village chief who risks everything to care for the exiled young king. The movie has resonated deeply with audiences and earned a stellar 99% on CGV’s Golden Egg Index.
Viewers have praised the film’s balance of humor and emotion, with comments calling it “a laugh-out-loud movie that also brings tears to your eyes” and highlighting Yoo Hai Jin’s “exceptional acting class.”
As of the morning of February 5, The King’s Warden leads real-time reservations with 29.5%, followed closely by the spy action film HUMINT (25.9%) and the fantasy drama Number One (8.3%).
HUMINT vs. Number One: Critics and Audiences Divide
Meanwhile, the upcoming blockbusters HUMINT and Number One are generating buzz for their sharply divided receptions.
HUMINT, directed by action veteran Ryoo Seung Wan, has drawn a stark line between critics and general audiences.
Critics gave HUMINT strong praise. Maeil Business Newspaper called it “a well-crafted popcorn movie that harmoniously blends large-scale action with emotional depth,” adding that the film “shows the confidence of a veteran director.” Singlist wrote that “the actors’ detailed performances elevate the storytelling,” and highlighted that “the action sequences in the latter half are more than intense.” OSEN praised the film’s scale, saying “each action sequence feels unprecedented and commands admiration,” adding that the director “went all out to deliver even more realistic action.”
Audience reactions were more divided. Some viewers said “the action scenes are too drawn out” and that “it’s just boring and lame,” while others were supportive, writing, “If you really love Korean cinema, then sure. Go watch HUMINT.”
Number One, starring Choi Woo Shik, is facing a similar split. While some critics hailed it as a “heartwarming healing film” perfect for families, others pointed out pacing issues. Sports Seoul noted, “The film’s pacing is rushed, demanding tears from the audience before sufficient emotional buildup.”
Netizens also voiced mixed opinions, with comments ranging from “It’s an ambiguous film, nothing more than an overly sentimental melodrama” and “The dialect sounds awkward,” to “I heard the ending is different from the original,” and praise such as “It’s the best performance I’ve seen from actress Jang Hye Jin.”
>> From Big-Budget Action to Intimate Family Drama, Korean Films Clash Over Lunar New Year
In the meantime, watch Park Jung Min in Bleak Night on Amasian TV for free.
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