Director Jang Hang-jun's Hilarious 10-Million Pledge Goes Viral as 'The Man Who Lives with the King' Surpasses 6.5 Million Viewers

Director Jang Hang-jun's outlandish pledge to undergo plastic surgery and change his legal name if his film reaches 10 million viewers has resurfaced online as The Man Who Lives with the King continues its relentless march up the Korean box office charts.

According to the Korean Film Council's integrated ticketing network, the historical drama drew an impressive 309,574 viewers on February 25 alone, maintaining its grip on the number one spot. The surge was partly fueled by Korea's monthly "Culture Day" discount program, which offers reduced ticket prices on the last Wednesday of each month. The film's cumulative audience now stands at 6,528,519, with the 7-million milestone firmly within reach.

A Pledge No One Expected to Matter

During a January appearance on SBS Radio's Power FM show "Bae Sung-jae's Ten," Jang was asked about the possibility of hitting 10 million viewers. The director initially dismissed the idea, insisting that the milestone was nearly impossible. However, when pressed for a pledge, he delivered a series of increasingly absurd promises that have since gone viral.

"If it happens — which it won't — I'll change my phone number first, then legally change my name, and get plastic surgery so nobody can recognize me," Jang quipped. He added that he was considering emigrating to another country entirely, joking, "I'd prefer it if no one tried to find me." The director also mused about purchasing a yacht and hosting lobster dinner parties on the open sea, reducing the studio audience to laughter.

From Humble Expectations to Record Pace

When host Bae asked whether Jang valued 5 million viewers or a Best Director award more, the filmmaker offered a more heartfelt response. "I don't have a strong desire for awards — those are gifts that come unexpectedly," he said. "What I really want is for the investors not to lose money, and to prove to the actors and crew who trusted me that their faith was justified."

The film's trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Released on February 4, it crossed 1 million viewers in just 5 days, reached 2 million by day 12, and hit the 6-million mark on day 20 — a pace comparable to the 2012 blockbuster Masquerade, which eventually drew over 12 million viewers. Notably, television host Yoo Jae-suk reportedly told Jang that "the atmosphere around this film feels different," while also advising him not to get carried away.

Could It Be Korea's First 10-Million Film of 2026?

The Korean film industry has been closely watching whether The Man Who Lives with the King can become the first 10-million-viewer film of the year. In 2024, two Korean films — Exhuma and Crime City 4 — achieved the feat, but 2025 saw no films cross that threshold, with Zombie Daughter being the only domestic title to surpass 5 million. With the March 1st national holiday approaching and strong weekday numbers continuing, industry analysts view the 10-million goal as increasingly realistic.

Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, the film tells the story of a village chief who volunteers his community to host the exiled young King Danjong. Starring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae, and Jeon Mi-do, the historical comedy-drama marks the biggest commercial success in Jang Hang-jun's career, whose previous best was 1.38 million viewers for 2017's Forgotten.