[Culture&] 14 Million 'King's Affection' Park Ji-hoon Syndrome…Previous Works and Webtoons Also Making a Comeback

Surpassing 14 Million 'The King’s Affection', the 'Park Ji-hoon Syndrome' Takes Over Theaters

The movie 'The King’s Affection' has surpassed a cumulative audience of 14 million, marking a new milestone in Korean cinematic history. At the heart of this overwhelming success is none other than 'Park Ji-hoon'. His reinterpretation of the tragic monarch 'Danjong' has transformed a passive historical character into a proactive and strong figure. The public is captivated by his meticulous inner performance, which is now spreading into a massive 'digging' phenomenon that shakes the entire content market.

The Myth of 'Comeback' Dominating OTT…A Rediscovery of Past Filmographies

The heat of the screen has been seamlessly transferred to the home theater. Leading the way, Netflix's 'Weak Hero: Class 2' has soared to the top 10, ranking third for the first time in four years, while the previous starring role in 'Weak Hero' Season 1 marked an impressive return. 'Love Revolution' on Tving saw its viewer count explode by 12 times, and 'Romantic Playlist' and 'In the Distance, a Blue Spring' on Wavve have been attracting new paid subscribers. The success of the film has remarkably revived the 'old work ecosystem' of the actor, showcasing an extraordinary industrial achievement.

The 'Danjong Craze' Impacting Webtoons and Novels, and the Explosive Value of Upcoming IP

The ripple effect has extended into the primary intellectual property (IP) market. The Naver Webtoon 'When I Reincarnated, I Became Danjong's Guardian' saw a fourfold increase in views and a threefold rise in web novel downloads immediately after the film's release. Furthermore, the original IP of the confirmed upcoming project 'Becoming a Chef Legend' has also surged in value, proving that the name 'Park Ji-hoon' itself is a massive box office guarantee. The popular culture scene is now perfectly synchronized with the world he has created.

Breaking the Blockbuster Standard with 'Character Interpretation'…A Response from Gen Z

Experts point to 'exceptional acting skills' and 'character interpretation' as core drivers behind this box office phenomenon. The portrayal of 'Danjong' who does not lose his principles amidst uncertainty resonates explosively with Gen Z. By shattering the conventional blockbuster formula, it has proven the truth that only the sincere performances of actors determine the success or failure of content. 'Park Ji-hoon''s signal flare has introduced a new paradigm for the Korean popular culture industry.