The blockbuster film The Man Who Lives with the King, hurtling toward 12 million admissions, confronts plagiarism allegations linked to an unproduced drama script titled Eom Heung-do. Producers at Ondaworks firmly reject the claims as “completely groundless.”2022
Producers’ Strong Denial
Ondaworks CEO issued a statement on March 10, expressing pride in the film’s entire creative process. “No significant issues have arisen, and we stand confident in our work,” the CEO declared.20
The executive elaborated that while historical records and personal accounts serve as references, the film represents original creative expression. “Direct imitations do not appear in the research, plot developments, individual character arcs, or production,” the statement continued. Ondaworks vows to pursue legal action against those disseminating the accusations.25
Alleged Similarities Highlighted
Critics point to an unpublished 2000 drama script Eom Heung-do, penned by theater actor and director Eom Shin and pitched to broadcasters as recently as 2019 without success. Key overlaps cited include:
- The exiled King Danjong sampling food suggested by village chief Eom Heung-do and expressing satisfaction.
- Eom Heung-do rescuing Danjong from attempting suicide at Nangdaeryeo Bridge.
- The storyline involving Eom Heung-do’s son being escorted to authorities.
- Danjong’s court ladies consolidated into a single character.
- Eom Heung-do’s three sons reimagined as one son.
Recent MBN coverage amplified these parallels, prompting demands for clarification from the script’s creator.1
Box Office Triumph
Directed by Jang Hang-jun, the movie stars Yoo Hae-jin as Eom Heung-do and Park Ji-hoon as the deposed King Danjong (Yi Hong-wi). It depicts their bond during Danjong’s year-long exile in Yeongwol following the Gyeyu Jingran coup.
According to Korean Film Council data, the film has attracted 203,146 daily viewers on average, with cumulative admissions reaching 11,706,865. Since crossing 10 million on January 6, daily figures exceed 2 million, surpassing predecessors like Taegukgi: The Heroes Who Returned (11.74 million) and Pamyo (11.91 million) to claim the top historical spot.23
