The King's Warden
A Joseon-era village headman schemes to host an exiled nobleman for the food that follows, but the guest turns out to be the deposed boy-king.
Where to watch online
Official services. The link goes straight to this film.
Availability data by JustWatch
About the film
1457 Joseon, a story untold by history.
What it’s about
In 1455, the young monarch Danjong is dethroned by his uncle and banished. In a poor mountain village, headman Eom Heung-do learns that settlements receiving exiled aristocrats are rewarded with provisions. He works to make his village appear the most wretched, hoping to attract such a guest. When the exile arrives, it is not a wealthy lord but a beardless youth—the fallen king. Now Heung-do must look after him while the village faces disappointment and the risks of sheltering a deposed ruler.
What hooks you
Jang Hang-joon directs Yoo Hai-jin as Eom Heung-do and Park Ji-hoon as Danjong. The cast includes Yoo Ji-tae as Han Myeong-hoe and Jeon Mi-do as Mae-hwa. Filming ran from March 13 to June 14, 2025. The picture became the highest-grossing in South Korea and second in attendance. After its success, many celebrities were revealed as direct descendants of the real Eom Heung-do.
Who it’s for
It is worth a look for anyone who enjoys historical dramas grounded in true events, stories of unexpected duty and loyalty, and the contrast between court intrigue and rural hardship.
- Country
- South Korea
- Year
- 2026
- Running time
- 1h 57min
- Age rating
- NR+
- MPAA
- NR
- World premiere
- Feb 4, 2026
×15.4box office to budget
Ratings
MOVIE․ONE · 191 votesCreative team
All 13-
01
Yoo Hai-jin
Eom Heung-do
-
02
Yoo Hae-jin
Eom Heung-do
-
03
Park Ji-hoon
Danjong, Yi Hongwi, Nosan Gun
-
04
Yoo Ji-tae
Han Myeong-hoe
-
05
Jeon Mi-do
Mae-hwa
-
06
Min Kim
Eom Tae-san
-
07
Park Ji-hwan
Eo Se-gyeom
-
08
Lee Jun-hyuk
Mak-dong's father · Geumseong / Yi Yu
-
09
Kim Soo-jin
Mak-dong's mother
-
10
Oh Dal-su
Elder Yoon
-
11
Ahn Jae-hong
Norugol village chief
Trivia
- Filming period — from March 13 to June 14, 2025.
- After the film's audience success, it turned out that among celebrities there are quite a few direct descendants of Eom Heung-do (played by Yu Hae-jin). For example, actors and actresses Eom Hyeon-kyeong, Yu A-in (real name — Eom Hon-sik), Eom Ji-won, Eom Hyo-seop, Eom Tae-ung, Eom Jeong-hwa, Eom Eun-ran, mountaineer Eom Hong-gil, TV host and former MBC CEO Eom Gi-yeong, and cyclist Eom Bok-dong.
- The film became the highest-grossing film in South Korea and the second most attended.
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The King's Warden (2026)
The King's Warden
2026
The King's Warden
2026
The King's Warden
2026