As the film The King's Warden (hereafter 'The King's Warden'), which portrays the tragedy of Joseon-era King Danjong, races toward the 10 million admissions milestone, a heartwarming story about director Jang Hang-jun is drawing major attention.
Actor Kim Yong-seok, who plays Yu Gwisang, the chief magistrate of Hanseong, shared an anecdote on Instagram on the 28th of last month, posting, "Live like Jang Hang-jun." During filming, Kim told director Jang that his child had just been born. Jang responded, "Yong-seok, give me your phone. I'll share my number—send me your home address. I'll send you diapers." However, because of his costume at the time, Kim couldn't easily hand over his phone.
The next day, Kim received a text message: "Yong-seok, it's me, Jang Hang-jun. Send me your home address and the diaper brand your baby uses." Jang then sent two boxes of diapers directly to Kim's home, delivering a warm gesture of support.
"Even though he was busy with the shoot, he somehow found my personal number and reached out," Kim said. "As a new dad, I felt my burdens and anxieties were understood and comforted." He added, "I want to be someone who can pass on that same kind of comfort to others," noting that he has rooted for the director ever since that day.
Meanwhile, 'The King's Warden'—which tells the story of the deposed King Danjong spending his final days with villagers at Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, Gangwon—opened on the 4th of last month and is currently screening nationwide.