'The King's Warden' vs. 'HUMINT': A Tight 2-Point Advance Ticketing Race

Two Korean films aiming for the Lunar New Year box office are already neck-and-neck in advance ticketing.

As of Jan. 30, per the Korean Film Council’s ticketing chart, "The King's Warden" leads with a 16.8% share, with "HUMINT" close behind at 14.9%. Despite opening in different weeks, both titles are sitting at the top of pre-sales and signaling strong interest. "The King's Warden" is four days out from release, while "HUMINT" is 11 days away.

Set in 1457 at Cheongnyeongpo, "The King's Warden" follows a village head who volunteers for exile to revive his community and crosses paths with a deposed, exiled young monarch. Directed by Jang Hang-jun and starring Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Jeon Mi-do, and Yoo Ji-tae, the film blends history and imagination to reframe the exile and tragic fate of Danjong with emotional resonance. After drawing strong notices at press screenings, it opens Feb. 4.

"HUMINT" is a spy action thriller set in the icy waters off Vladivostok, where players with clashing agendas collide as secrets and truths sink to the bottom of the sea. Directed by Ryoo Seung-wan and led by Jo In-sung, Park Jung-min, Park Hae-joon, and Shin Se-kyung, the film evokes the kinetic intrigue of Ryoo’s "The Berlin File." With a reported 23.5 billion won production budget, it promises large-scale action and spectacle.

Both films are targeting the holiday corridor. "The King's Warden" arrives a week earlier, with a head-to-head showdown starting Feb. 11 when "HUMINT" bows. Even with days to go, their No. 1 and No. 2 pre-sale standings point to surging audience anticipation.

With two high-profile releases landing back-to-back, theaters are poised for a lively Lunar New Year frame.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kim Ji-hye)