‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ directed by Jang Hang-jun. Provided by Showbox

Film director Jang Hang-jun said, ahead of ‘The Man Who Lives With the King’ reaching 10 million admissions, that he feels “happy yet cautious.”

On the 6th, Showbox released, via a written interview with Director Jang, his directorial intent and thoughts on its box-office performance.

Regarding this success, he said it was “a situation he had never even imagined,” and added, “If there is something good, there may be something to the contrary as well, so everything makes me cautious.” He pointed to a reinterpretation of the characters as a factor in the success. He explained that audiences were likely moved by “a resolute figure who grows over time, rather than the previously weak Danjong.”

Regarding overseas reactions, he emphasized “righteousness,” a value that cuts across Korea and other countries. He said, “At some point, have we not started living calculatingly for profit?” and added, “I hope people will think about the righteousness that people in the past sought to uphold.”

As the most memorable piece of audience feedback, he selected the phrase, “You enter as an audience member and come out as a subject.” He also expressed gratitude for the assessment that it “filled the gaps of history with warmth.”

Through the work, he said, he hopes people can think about where the minimum moral line to keep in their hearts lies, even if life is harsh. Jang is currently reviewing his next project and plans to focus on preparations for the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival to be held this September.