The “King The Land” Controversy Regarding The Representation Of Arabs Sees Consequences For The K-Drama And Its Stars

Following the recent controversy surrounding the disrespectful representation of Arabs in King The Land and poor response from the creators, the K-Drama has seen some huge consequences.

Since it started airing, netizens have seemingly nothing but praise for the classic romantic comedy with two of the hottest idols in K-Pop!

 

Yet, the show came under fire after the introduction of Prince Samir, played by Anupam Tripathi.

Many fans were angry at the disrespectful way he was portrayed during episode 7 when netizens were first introduced to the character.

When the episode aired, many believed the representation of Prince Samir was insulting to Arabs.

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 (@3hp_e) July 9, 2023

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
pic.twitter.com/TTbpnIBfcL

— رين (@areayiein) July 9, 2023

In particular, after the “inadequate” responses from JTBC about the character, it seems like the show has been impacted quite a lot. When the show started, it seemed like everyone loved the show and couldn’t stop praising it.

Yet, since the controversial episode, the ratings have dropped on several platforms, including when searched on Google, Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb.

In the comments on Rotten Tomatoes, while many criticized the show’s representation of Arabs, many honestly shared that they had enjoyed the show until recent episodes with Prince Samir. The opinions continued online, with many “boycotting” the series until something is done.

Along with the impact on ratings, the stars of the show have received criticism and hate. In particular, Anupam Tripathi received the worst, with many criticizing the Indian actor for his role as Prince Samir.

Yet, while it seems like Anupam Tripathi got the brunt of the hateful and racist comments about his role as the Prince, it seems like Yoona and Junho’s Instagram saw comments regarding the offensive episode. On the idols’ Instagram accounts, comments were seen criticizing the episode and placing some blame on the stars.

Netizens quickly took to social media to send their support to Yoona and Junho, adding that it was the directors and producers that should be blamed, rather than the actors themselves.

Yoona’s getting intense hate comments on her IG.

The actors don’t receive the full script when they join drama! They’re not at fault.

If you want to blame someone, blame the writer and director.

JTBC should sincerely apologise to put an end to this

— Currently Updating Threads (Slow) (@saranguwon) July 9, 2023

I am okay if you are complaining about the inappropriate scene and you are truly arabic. I understand that. but if you are not and creating an account impersonating an arab just to throw hate on Yoona and Junho, that is so dirty moves by you guys. #KingTheLand #yoona #leejunho

— loner_gurlz (@loner_gurlz) July 11, 2023

People don’t hate on Actors & Actress, do address your issue to JTBC and Drama Production… even with the official statement from the prod team and if you didn’t satisfy with it, do comments and speak it up but to the production team not YoonA or Junho!

— YoonA – Cheon Sa Rang (@Cindot_Fc) July 10, 2023

Many netizens are still asking for a genuine apology from JTBC and for the scene to be removed from the episode.

You can read more about the controversy below.

“King The Land” Viewers Offended By The Disrespectful And Problematic Representation Of Arabs