Director Jang Hang-jun's film 'The King’s Affection' surpassed 9 million viewers just 27 days after its release, bringing it close to the 10 million mark. Amidst its unstoppable box office success, a poster featuring a pivotal scene that moved audiences to tears has been unveiled, drawing attention.
On the 3rd, distributor Showbox released the 'riverside poster' capturing the lonely inner world of the protagonist Lee Hong-wee (played by Park Ji-hoon) to celebrate the 9 million milestone. Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo in Gangwon Province, the film depicts the fateful friendship between the exiled village chief Eom Heung-do and the deposed young king Lee Hong-wee.
The released poster shows Lee Hong-wee, who has lost his royal position, sitting alone by the riverside at Cheongnyeongpo, playing with water. His curled-up back, dressed in a white robe, reflects the tragic feelings of Danjong, who was once the ruler of a nation but now yearns for freedom as an ordinary boy, leaving a heavy aftertaste.
This scene is particularly noteworthy as it was born from the idea of actor Yoo Hae-jin. Yoo Hae-jin, who plays Eom Heung-do, shared, "If it weren't for the exile, it was so pitiful to see a child of that age playing alone with water," and revealed the behind-the-scenes of the production by saying, "I suggested this scene from the perspective of a father looking at his son."
Park Ji-hoon, who plays Danjong, also stated, "This scene was created based on senior Yoo Hae-jin's suggestion," and added, "I deeply contemplated how to express Danjong's complex inner world, who had to spend time alone in an isolated place when he should have been with his peers." The heartfelt interpretations of both actors have made this scene a highlight of the film, receiving praise from audiences.
'The King’s Affection', which reinterprets historical Danjong beyond the frame of an ill-fated monarch as a human being, has captivated all generations with its solid narrative and the passionate performances of the actors. This work, which has been chosen by 9 million viewers, is poised to become the first film of the year to reach 10 million and is currently being screened nationwide with great acclaim.
