I Am a King (2012 Film)

I Am a King (Korean: 나는 왕이로소이다) is a 2012 South Korean period comedy film directed by Jang Gyu-sung. The narrative offers a fictionalized reimagining of the early life of Grand Prince Chungnyeong, who would later become King Sejong the Great.

Promotional poster for I Am a King — Promotional poster for the 2012 film I Am a King.

Plot

The story follows Grand Prince Chungnyeong, a scholarly and timid royal who finds himself overwhelmed by the pressures of his position. Before his ascension to the throne, he decides to escape the confines of the palace. In a twist of fate, he swaps places with a slave named Deok-chil. This experience forces the prince to navigate the realities of common life, providing him with a broader perspective on the society he is destined to rule.

Ju Ji-Hoon as Prince Chungnyeong — Ju Ji-Hoon portrays both Prince Chungnyeong and the slave Deok-chil.

Production

The film was produced by Kim Won-guk, Kang Young-mo, and Lee Sung-jin. Principal photography commenced on March 2, 2012, and concluded in June 2012. The film was distributed by Lotte Entertainment and released in South Korea on August 9, 2012, with a runtime of 120 minutes.

Cast

The film features a large ensemble cast, including:

Ju Ji-Hoon as Prince Chungnyeong and the slave Deok-chil
Lim Won-Hee as Hae-Koo
Kim Soo-Ro as 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

Film scene — A scene from the production.