I Am a King (2012 Film)

I Am a King (Korean: 나는 왕이로소이다; RR: Naneun Wangyirosoyida) is a 2012 South Korean historical comedy film directed by Jang Gyu-sung. The narrative offers a fictionalized account of the early life of Grand Prince Chungnyeong, who would later become King Sejong the Great, one of the most revered monarchs in Korean history.

Promotional poster for the film I Am a King

Plot

The film follows Grand Prince Chungnyeong, a scholarly and timid figure, as he attempts to avoid the pressures of his royal duties. In a comedic twist, he swaps places with a slave named Deok-chil. While the slave finds himself navigating the complexities of the royal court, the prince ventures outside the palace walls, where he encounters the harsh realities of common life in the 15th-century Joseon Dynasty.

Production

The film was directed by Jang Gyu-sung with a screenplay written by Hwang Sung-goo. Principal photography for the project commenced on March 2, 2012, and concluded in June 2012. It was distributed by Lotte Entertainment and released in South Korea on August 9, 2012.

Ju Ji-hoon as Prince Chungnyeong — Ju Ji-hoon portrays the dual roles of Prince Chungnyeong and the slave Deok-chil.

Cast

The film features a large ensemble cast, with Ju Ji-hoon taking on the lead dual role. Key cast members include:

Ju Ji-hoon as Prince Chungnyeong and the slave Deok-chil
Lim Won-hee as Hae-koo
Kim Soo-ro as the warrior Hwang-goo
Lee Ha-nee as Soo-yeon
Baek Yoon-sik as Hwang Hee
Park Young-gyu as King Taejong
Byun Hee-bong as Shin Ik-yeok

Lim Won-hee as Hae-koo — Lim Won-hee in his role as Hae-koo.

Kim Soo-ro as Warrior Hwang-goo — Kim Soo-ro as the warrior Hwang-goo.

Baek Yoon-sik as Hwang Hee — Baek Yoon-sik as the official Hwang Hee.

Promotional still from the film — A scene featuring the ensemble cast.