The King and the Clown (2005 Film)
The King and the Clown (Korean: 왕의 남자; RR: Wang-ui Namja) is a 2005 South Korean historical drama directed by Lee Joon-ik. Set during the Joseon Dynasty in the 16th century, the film explores the complex relationship between a troupe of traveling performers and the volatile King Yeonsan.
Plot
The story follows two male street performers, the boisterous Jang-seng and the feminine Gong-gil, who join a struggling acting troupe in Seoul. Their performances, which feature biting satire and gender-bending humor, eventually mock the hedonistic King Yeonsan. Upon their arrest, the performers are granted a chance to escape execution if they can successfully entertain the monarch. The King is amused by their act and appoints them as official court jesters. As the performers gain favor and influence within the palace, the King's growing obsession with Gong-gil triggers jealousy and political tension among the royal court and the King's mistress, Jang Nok-su.
Production and Background
The film is based on the 2001 stage play Yi. It was produced by Jung Jin-won, Jang Won-suk, and Lee Joon-ik, with cinematography by Ji Kil-woong. The film was released on December 29, 2005.
Cast
The film features an ensemble cast portraying both historical and fictionalized figures:
- Lee Joon-gi as Gong-gil
- Kam Woo-sung as Jang-seng
- Jung Jin-young as King Yeonsan
- Kang Sung-yeon as Jang Nok-su
- Yu Hae-jin as Yuk-gab
- Jung Suk-yong as Chil-duk
- Lee Seung-hun as Pal-bok
Reception
The King and the Clown achieved significant commercial success in South Korea. It recorded 12.3 million admissions, making it the most-viewed film in Korean cinema history at the time of its release. This record was later surpassed by the 2006 film The Host.
