Showbox has officially announced that director Jang Hang-jun’s new historical drama film, “The Man Who Lives With the King”, will hit theaters on February 4, 2026.
A reimagining of King Danjong’s forgotten exile
The film revisits the tragic true story of King Danjong, who ascended the throne at age twelve but was dethroned and exiled shortly after.
Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, the movie follows the unlikely relationship between a dethroned young king and a village chief who voluntarily enters the king’s place of exile to save his community.
The story blends political tension, emotional depth, and historical reconstruction, offering a fresh cinematic look at one of Joseon’s most sorrowful chapters.
A powerful ensemble cast
- Yoo Hae-jin as Eom Heung-do, the village chief who chooses exile.
- Park Ji-hoon as Lee Hong-wi (King Danjong), the deposed boy king.
- Yoo Ji-tae as Han Myeong-hoe, the architect of political power.
- Jeon Mi-do as Maehwa, a court lady.
- Park Ji-hwan as the magistrate of Yeongwol.
- Lee Jun-hyuk as Prince Geumseong, Danjong’s uncle.
- Ahn Jae-hong as another village chief from Noru-gol.
Production
The film is jointly produced by Onda Works and BA Entertainment, bringing together a high-caliber creative team and cast to deliver a historical drama marked by emotional intensity and gripping narrative style.
The Man Who Lives With the King is shaping up to be one of early 2026’s most anticipated Korean film releases, offering audiences a poignant and visually rich portrayal of loyalty, loss, and humanity.