'The Man Who Lives With The King' Director Jang Hang-jun Says He Gained Courage from the Success of 'Seoul's Spring' When Worried About Not Getting Investment for a Predetermined Tragedy

Director Jang Hang-jun, whose new film 〈The Man Who Lives With The King〉 is set to be released, revealed the reason he gained strength from the success of 〈Seoul's Spring〉.

〈The Man Who Lives With The King〉 is a historical drama featuring the story of a deposed king and the village chief who serves him in exile, starring Yoo Hae-jin and Park Ji-hoon. On January 23, during a round interview for the film, director Jang Hang-jun stated that the success of 〈Seoul's Spring〉 (directed by Kim Sung-soo) allowed him to push the film through to completion.

Jang Hang-jun expressed his initial anxiety, saying, "I thought that 〈The Man Who Lives With The King〉 might not receive investment because it has a predetermined tragic ending." However, he continued, "Then my thoughts changed. It was because 〈Seoul's Spring〉 succeeded," explaining that despite everyone knowing the film would end tragically because they couldn't prevent the coup, it still succeeded.

He also mentioned, "Recently, I had a chance to drink with director Kim Sung-soo, who directed 〈Seoul's Spring〉, and I told him, 'Brother, it was really because of Seoul's Spring that I could push this (〈The Man Who Lives With The King〉) forward.' (Director Kim Sung-soo) was very pleased to hear that," he expressed his gratitude.

Additionally, he explained why the character of the Prince Suyang does not appear in the film, saying, "I considered a cameo, but I didn't want someone to come out and break the immersion by showing as an 'actor.' Our film can be said to be carried by Han Myung-hoe (played by Yoo Ji-tae)," adding, "Originally, the embodiment of evil should not be shown to be more frightening."

〈The Man Who Lives With The King〉 will be released on February 4.