King and the Clown 왕의 남자

Film

No Bookings Available

Feature Film
Focus Korea

Two travelling jesters become ensnared in a web of violent passions.

Information

Programme History

Part of Queer East Festival 2023

Director: Lee Jun-ik
Runtime: 119 Mins
Year: 2005
Country: South Korea

The late 15th century: Jangsaeng and Gong-gil are jesters who tour the country performing tightrope acts and bawdy comic routines. The beautiful Gong-gil takes the female roles, and out of the public eye, offers his sexual services to rich customers. Jangsaeng and Gong-gil become tremendously popular after developing a treasonous act that mocks King Yeonsan, and brought before the monarch, they soon become ensnared in a web of dangerous passions. Released in 2005, this was highest-viewed film of the year in South Korea, making a star out of Lee Joon-gi and attracting attention for its frank portrayal of queer attraction, which was unusual and controversial at the time. Contemplating the fluid nature of desire, The King and the Clown depicts violence as a force that is both repressive and repressed.

Gallery

Director Profile

Lee Jun-ik

Lee Jun-ik made his directing debut with Kid Cop in 1993, and has also been involved in other film industry activities such as marketing and distribution. Once Upon a Time in a Battlefield (2003) blended comedy with historical drama, cementing the director’s reputation as an innovative force in popular genre cinema.

- Feature Film
Girlfriends 女孩不平凡
Film
28 October 2026 18:00Storyhouse
- Feature Film
- Documentary
Between Goodbyes
Film
1 November 2026 18:00Storyhouse
- Feature Film
Blue Boy Trial ブルーボーイ事件
Film
7 November 2026 17:00Storyhouse
- Feature Film
A Useful Ghost ผีใช้ได้ค่ะ
Film
10 November 2026 20:30Showroom Cinema

Explore

Festival

Second Thoughts

Lab

King and the Clown 왕의 남자

Information

Gallery

Director Profile