Director and screenwriter Jang Seong-ho on July 2 answers reporters' questions at a media screening and news conference for his animated feature "The King of Kings," the top grossing Korean film in North American history, at the multiplex CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District. (Xu Aiying).

By Xu Aiying
Video = D. Station's official YouTube channel

"I think 'The King of Kings' was well-received in North America because of its story of universal love and family."

Jang Seong-ho, who wrote and directed the animated feature, on July 2 said the plot was his work's secret of success at a media screening and news conference for the movie at the multiplex CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul's Yongsan-gu District.

"The King of Kings" is based on the story "The Life of Our Lord" written by British writer Charles Dickens. In the film, he narrates to his son Walter the story of Jesus Christ from his birth to resurrection.

Premiering in North America in April, the film in its first 17 days of release earned USD 60.3 million there at the box office, replacing the Oscar-winning blockbuster "Parasite" (2020) with USD 53.84 million as the most successful Korean film in that region.

"I was concerned that only certain religious groups would watch the film since it's about Jesus Christ, but it wasn't like that at all in the U.S.," the director said. "Because it's a story of love and reconciliation, even ordinary (nonreligious) people can watch it without qualms."

"The King of Kings" has also received high ratings from North American moviegoers with a 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes' Popcornmeter and an "A+" from CinemaScore. Critical and fan acclaim for the feature attests to its artistic value and mass appeal.

Based on scores from audiences as they leave a theater, CinemaScore has rated thousands of movies since its launch in 1979 but only 128 have received the top grade of "A+."

Scenes "The King of Kings" (Mofac Studio)

Planning for "The King of Kings" began in 2015 but it took 10 years to make. A huge production cost was necessary to enhance quality, so Jang mainly targeted North America instead of Korea to recoup his costs.

The director said he chose Jesus because he believed that a familiar topic for American audiences was necessary for success. Set elaborately from the early planning stages, his strategy worked.

Jang also sought to achieve advance technological advances. Based on his 30 years of experience in visual special effects, he applied to animation the quality and filming techniques of live-action films. The result was delicate and dynamic camera movements.

Another huge plus was the Hollywood stars who made up the voice cast for the English-language version like Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Oscar Issac and Pierce Brosnan. For the Korean edition, the voices provided by top domestic actors like Lee Byung-hun, Jin Sun-kyu, Lee Hanee, Yang Dong-geun and Cha In-pyo added depth and vivacity.

"I felt unusually lucky in casting. We got such amazing actors that even people in Hollywood asked me how this was possible," Jang said. "I think (the actors) responded mostly because it was good material and a good production."

Now shown in 50 countries, "The King of Kings" will reach 90 markets by year's end and possibly 120 if those under discussion such as China approve its release. The movie will debut in Korea on July 16.