Actor Park Ji Hoon is proving his unstoppable momentum as his film King and the Man Living races toward the coveted 10 million admissions mark while he simultaneously claims the No.1 spot in the Rising Star brand reputation rankings.

According to the Korea Corporate Reputation Research Institute’s February 2026 Rising Star Brand Reputation Big Data analysis, Park Ji Hoon ranked first based on data collected from January 28 to February 28, 2026. The ranking evaluated consumer behavior through participation, media, communication, and community indices.

Park Ji Hoon recorded a participation index of 1,143,470, media index of 1,314,155, communication index of 1,625,036, and community index of 1,066,739, reaching a total brand reputation score of 5,149,400. His particularly high communication and media scores highlight the explosive online buzz and public interest surrounding him.

Industry insiders attribute this surge largely to his portrayal of Danjong, Lee Hong Wi, in “King and the Man Living.” The historical film has surpassed 9 million moviegoers and continues its strong box office run. Park Ji Hoon’s immersive performance as the young exiled king has drawn praise from both audiences and critics, solidifying his transition from idol-actor to box office powerhouse.

As news of his No.1 ranking spread, the advertising industry reportedly moved swiftly. Fashion, beauty, and food and beverage brands are said to be flooding his agency with commercial and campaign inquiries. With proven box office power and strong public appeal, Park Ji Hoon is now widely regarded as a “next-generation advertising blue chip.”

Adding to the momentum, the film’s distributor Showbox unveiled a new commemorative poster on March 3 to celebrate the 9 million milestone. The newly released image captures Lee Hong Wi sitting alone by the riverside in Cheongnyeongpo after being exiled from the throne.

Dressed in a white hanbok and crouching quietly while playing with the water, the young king’s lonely figure evokes a deep sense of longing and restrained sorrow. The still moves beyond the familiar image of Danjong as merely a “tragic king,” instead focusing on the human side of Lee Hong Wi — a child who should have been freely playing with friends but instead endured isolation in exile.

Actor Yoo Hae Jin, who plays Eom Heung Do, previously reflected on the scene, saying the moment of Lee Hong Wi playing in the river left a strong impression on him. He likened his character’s emotions to that of a father watching a son too young to bear such hardship.

Park Ji Hoon also shared behind-the-scenes details, revealing that the riverside scene was suggested by Yoo Hae Jin. He explained that he tried to express the complex emotions of a young Danjong — a boy at an age meant for carefree laughter, now left alone in exile wondering about his fate.

With 9 million viewers already deeply moved and the 10 million mark within reach, “King and the Man Living” continues to dominate theaters. Meanwhile, Park Ji Hoon shows no signs of slowing down. He is set to return in the first half of the year with the TVING original series The Legendary Cook Soldier, and fans are also anticipating a long-awaited variety reunion of Wanna One nearly seven years after the group’s activities concluded.

Balancing critical acclaim, commercial power, and growing brand influence, Park Ji Hoon stands at the center of both the box office and advertising worlds — and all eyes are on how high he will climb next.

Sources: Newsen,News1