Man Living With King: Multiple Rewatch Rate

The film 'The King and the Man' is on the verge of surpassing 16 million viewers, with 8 out of every 100 viewers being 'repeat viewers' who have watched the movie more than twice. According to a CGV survey, 5.2% of viewers watched it twice, and 3.0% watched it three or more times, totaling 8.2% of viewers who rewatched the film. The rate of those who watched three or more times is tied for first place among all historical films that have reached 10 million viewers, alongside '12.12: The Day' and 'Masquerade'.

A CGV representative analyzed that the high rewatch rate and word-of-mouth from 'loyal viewers' are driving the film's success. He stated, "'The King and the Man' is being watched evenly across all age groups, showing broad public appeal. Simultaneously, the emotional resonance of the film and the preference for the actors and narrative seem to be leading to repeat viewings, forming a highly engaged audience base."

Currently, 'The King and the Man' ranks as the third highest-grossing film of all time in South Korea, following 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents' and 'Extreme Job'. Viewers appear to be discovering symbols or foreshadowing they missed on their first watch during subsequent viewings, or focusing on the deep emotions they felt from the beginning. Reviews on theater applications include comments like, "I cried every time the King appeared from the second viewing onwards," and "I watched it four times because I couldn't stop thinking about Lee Hong-wi."

With the film's historical framework already known, there's a tendency to focus more on the movie's message or the actors' performances rather than the story itself. Viewers shared, "They contemplate the movie's meaning by applying the message 'Even if justice is not achieved, someone must remember it' to current situations or by reflecting on the narrative centered on the common people."

Yoo Hae-jin's acting and Park Ji-hoon's excellent performance are also cited as reasons for the 'repeat viewings' that remain enjoyable even after multiple watches. Film critic Yoon Sung-eun analyzed, "The actors' lines and performances provide subtle enjoyment, and Park Ji-hoon's fandom, who skillfully portrayed the King's loneliness as a newcomer, also contributed to the rewatch craze." He added, "It's a film that is suitable for the characteristic of 'repeat viewing' where people watch it multiple times, perhaps with different companions, as it's a good movie to watch with anyone."