K-drama and film fans can breathe a sigh of relief! The critically and commercially successful film ‘The King’s Warden’ has triumphantly navigated a legal challenge, with a court dismissing a request to ban its screening. This means the blockbuster is free to continue captivating audiences worldwide, from flights to international exports, without a hitch.
Court Dismisses Injunction, Citing Lack of Originality
On July 23, the Civil Division 21 of the Seoul Western District Court, presided over by Judge Shin Myung Hee, delivered a significant ruling. The court dismissed an injunction filed by the family of the late screenwriter of the drama ‘Eom Heung Do,’ who sought to prohibit the screening of ‘The King’s Warden’ against production companies Onda Works and BA Entertainment, as well as distributor Showbox.
The court’s primary determination was that it was difficult to conclude the film had been produced based on the screenplay submitted by the plaintiffs. While acknowledging “some similarities in subject matter and settings,” the court firmly stated that “it is difficult to recognize similarities in the distinctive and original characteristics unique to the plaintiffs’ screenplay.”
Further elaborating on its decision, the court explained, “There are only some similarities in abstract character types and parts of the storyline, but it is difficult to find similarities in the form of creative expression protected under copyright law.” This ruling essentially gives a green light for filmmakers to continue screening the movie on aircraft and ships and exporting it overseas without restrictions.
Urgency and Arguments: Both Sides Present Their Case
Beyond the lack of copyright infringement, the judges also found no urgent need for a preliminary injunction. They highlighted that halting the film’s widespread distribution before a main lawsuit could reach a verdict would cause disproportionate and greater harm to the production company and numerous other stakeholders involved in its success.
During a hearing held in May, the plaintiffs had passionately argued that several key settings and scenes in ‘The King’s Warden’ closely resembled elements in their screenplay. They specifically pointed to scenes involving Eom Heung Do carrying out a secret royal mission for the exiled King Danjong, the mysterious Geomgye organization, and a thrilling prison escape sequence.
The production companies, however, firmly countered these claims. They argued that the elements in question are either deeply rooted in historical facts or are widely recognized common tropes frequently employed in historical dramas. They also strongly emphasized that despite these superficial resemblances, the two works fundamentally diverge in their overall plot, underlying themes, and intricate character relationships, solidifying ‘The King’s Warden’ as an original work.
‘The King’s Warden’: A Box Office Phenomenon
Adding context to the high-stakes legal battle, ‘The King’s Warden’ isn’t just any film; it’s a cinematic powerhouse. The movie masterfully tells the compelling story of the exiled King Danjong and his fiercely loyal subject Eom Heung Do. Released on February 4, the film has soared to incredible heights, attracting a cumulative audience of 16.91 million moviegoers. This phenomenal success has cemented its place as the second highest-grossing domestic release in South Korean box office history, making the court’s decision even more impactful for its continued legacy.
