JTBC's K-Drama King The Land has found itself amidst controversy and backlash due to its alleged misrepresentation of Arab culture.

The drama, starring Junho from K-Pop group 2 PM and YoonA from Girls Generation, has been making headlines for various reasons, including the recent dating rumours of its leads and its high viewership ratings. However, it is the portrayal of the character Samir, an Arab prince, that has drawn criticism from foreign viewers.

The depiction of Samir, played by Anupam Tripathi, as a wealthy playboy surrounded by women in luxurious settings, as well as the inclusion of scenes where he drinks alcohol and flirts with a character named Cheon Sa Rang, has been seen as perpetuating stereotypes of Arab princes and disrespecting Muslim religious beliefs.

The controversy was further fueled by the casting of an Indian actor in the role of an Arab prince, leading to accusations of cultural misrepresentation.

In response to the backlash, the production team defended the drama, stating that all the elements in the show are fictional and that there was no intention to satirise or distort any specific culture. They expressed their respect for various cultures and promised to be more attentive to avoid causing any discomfort in future productions.

While the production team's response addressed the concerns raised by viewers, the resolution of the controversy and any potential changes to the drama remain uncertain.

The production teams need to be mindful of the impact of their portrayals on different communities and strive for accurate and respectful representation as discussions surrounding cultural representation in media continue to evolve.