"If the audience surpasses 10 million, I will get plastic surgery and immigrate."
As the movie 'The King’s Affection' breaks through 6.5 million viewers, creating a box office sensation, the past 'bold promise' made by director Jang Hang-jun is being talked about again. With the film's rapid success, public interest is focused on whether his joking promise will become a reality.
According to the integrated ticketing system of the Korean Film Council on the 26th, 'The King’s Affection' attracted 309,574 viewers on the 25th alone, firmly holding the number one spot at the box office. In just four days since its release, it recorded a cumulative audience of 6,528,519, nearing the 7 million mark.
Amid this box office frenzy, comments made by director Jang Hang-jun last month on SBS Power FM's 'Baesungjae's Ten' have been reexamined. At that time, he expressed humility regarding the possibility of surpassing 10 million viewers, while also making a promise with his characteristic witty imagination.
Director Jang declared, "If it reaches 10 million, I will change my phone number, change my name, and get plastic surgery," adding, "I will make sure no one recognizes me and then naturalize in another country to hold a lobster party on a yacht," which drew laughter. This is interpreted as a humorous commitment to enjoy a free life rather than the weight of the title of a 10 million director.
Of course, behind the cheerful joke was also his sincere commitment as a filmmaker. He expressed a sense of responsibility, stating that he wants to prove that the choices made by the investors who supported him and the actors and staff who believed in him were not wrong, rather than just winning a directing award.
The reaction of his close friend Yoo Jae-suk is also a hot topic. Director Jang mentioned that Yoo Jae-suk sensed that "this time the atmosphere is different" while predicting the film's success, but also offered realistic advice not to get too excited, hinting at their strong friendship.
Meanwhile, 'The King’s Affection' is a historical drama set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, and is expected to have a long run thanks to the outstanding performances of talented actors such as Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae, and Jeon Mi-do.
