‘King the Land’ Under Fire Despite Maintaining Double-Digit Ratings — What Happened?
Amid its popularity and consistent double-digit ratings, "King the Land" is under fire for "problematic" representation of Arabs in its latest episodes.
Keep on reading for more details.
'King the Land' Receives Backlash For Stereotyping Arabs
"King the Land" latest episodes have raised issues and criticism among international fans, particularly Arabs.
In "King the Land" episode 7, Prince Samir, an Arab Prince, was introduced. He was played by "Squid Game" star Anupam Tripathi.
As he occupied the episodes alongside main protagonists Gu Won (Lee Junho) and Cheon Sa Rang (YoonA), the audience enjoyed the character of Prince Samir, especially seeing Anupam's return in the small screen.
A scene was even referred to his previous work, "Squid Game."
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However, while fans loved Prince Samir's special appearance, some viewers were offended at the "inappropriate" way he was portrayed.
When Gu Won called Prince Samir to persuade him to stay in King the Land, he was in a bar surrounded by women. When the episode aired, it immediately received backlash as many believed that the representation of Prince Samir was insulting to Arabs.
People Demand to Delete Scene, Asks for Apology From JTBC
Viewers shared their sentiments online. Not only were they angry that an Indian was cast as an Arab, but people pointed out that the show portrayed him in a disrespectful way - showing that he is in a bar, with women, touching him, and also obsessed with women.
did king the land team rlly have to add this unnecessary arab prince part and also make him an annoying dumb womanizer 💀 plus the outfits for him and his guards? the bg music? it’s the same old stereotypes mocking arabs for “comedy”
— 𝙖𝙮𝙖⁷ 𓂆 (@muslimbangtan) July 9, 2023
Others pointed out that no matter how much they enjoy the K-drama, they felt offended by the production's desire to "push stereotypes" and offensive representation within the episodes.
They brought an Indian actor, put him in Arab traditional clothes, and make him act as if he’s uneducated and obsessed with alcohol and girls… this is extremely disrespectful and offensive. We need an apology.#JTBCAPOLOGIZE#KingTheLandEp7#KingTheLand
— 🌧️ رين (@areayiein) July 9, 2023
https://t.co/TTbpnIBfcL
What do you want to convey by insulting the Arabs?
🛑We don't drink
🛑We don't go to bars
🛑The men don't touch the women.#JTBCAPOLOGIZE#KdramaOffendsTheArabs pic.twitter.com/cXJql50qb3— 🥈Lana (@Lanazh7_) July 9, 2023
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Unfortunately, even the new photos for "King the Land" on Netflix Korea Instagram are bombarded with negative comments.
People are asking for the scene to be deleted, and are asking for an apology.
JTBC is yet to respond to the issue.
'King the Land's Ratings Continue to Skyrocket + Stars Reign Most Buzzworthy Actors List
Yoona, Lee Junho
"King the Land" continues to break records as it concludes its first half.
In the report cited by Nielsen Korea, the rom-com series ended episode 8 with a viewership rating of 12.3 percent, breaking its previous score of 10.6 percent.
The drama and its lead stars also dominated the Most Buzzworthy Drama and Actor Rankings.
According to Good Data Corporation, "King the Land" remains No. 1 on the list.
Lee Junho and YoonA, on the other hand, are unbeatable as the most popular actors, occupying the first and second spots, respectively.
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What can you say about "King the Land's" latest episodes? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments!
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