“You need to smile from the heart. Sincerity is something you can feel.” – Cheon Sa Rang (King The Land)
When it comes to light-hearted, feel-good romance K-dramas, ‘King The Land’ checks all the right boxes. The series is a 2023 Korean rom-com starring Lee Jun-ho as Gu Won, a cold and straightforward chaebol heir who despises insincerity, and Lim Yoon-a as Cheon Sa-rang, a warm-hearted, cheerful employee with a radiant smile. The drama, set against the backdrop of the luxurious and elite King Hotel, delivers a perfect mix of romance, humor, and emotional depth. With some heartwarming and laugh-out-loud moments and sizzling chemistry, the series offers a feel-good escape into love and laughter.
Series : King The Land
Where to watch : Netflix
Cast : Lee Jun-ho, Lim Yoon-a, Kim Ga-eun, Ahn Se-ha, Go Won-hee and Kim Jae-won
Written by : Choi Rome
Directed by : Im Hyun-wook
The Plot
Gu Won, the son of a chaebol family and heir to The King Group, is thrust into a battle for inheritance. He is intelligent and sharp but dislikes fake smiles and insincerity. On the other hand, Cheon Sa-rang is a delightful and hardworking girl with a bright smile. She begins working at her dream hotel, which happens to be owned by The King Group. Their paths cross, and Gu Won initially finds her cheerful demeanor irritating and can’t stand her constant smile, while Sa-rang is frustrated by his aloof and cold personality. Despite their initial dislike, the two clashing personalities develop unexpected feelings and navigate challenges in both their personal and professional lives.
The Characters
Gu Won (played by Lee Jun-ho)
A rich chaebol heir of The King Group, Gu Won is intelligent, smart, and bears a cold personality. He dislikes insincerity and cannot stand fake smiles. He is also searching for his mother, who went missing.
Cheon Sa-rang (played by Lim Yoon-a)
A hardworking and enthusiastic hotel employee who is also known for her delightful personality and charming smile. Cheon Sa-rang has always wanted to work at King Hotel, as it has been her dream, and she strives to excel there.
What made the show popular?
- A Classic Rom-Com: The series gained popularity due to its classic romantic comedy elements and the familiar trope of an enemies-to-lovers storyline, which the audience enjoyed a lot.
- Strong Chemistry: The strong chemistry between Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah was the biggest appeal, making both their comic and romantic scenes more engaging and fascinating.
- Feel-good Watch: The series is heartwarming, lighthearted, and doesn’t have many intense or suspenseful plot twists, which makes it more entertaining and a calming escape for those seeking a feel-good experience.
- Visual Aesthetics: From the rich, luxurious, and elegant hotel setting to the fashion, lighting, and cinematography, the series offered a visually enchanting experience that added to its romantic charm.
- International Appeal: The drama gained international reach and significant viewership on Netflix, earning fans across the globe due to its relatable storyline, charming leads, and emotional depth, which resonated with audiences worldwide.
With its charismatic leads, lighthearted storytelling, and universal themes of love, sincerity, and healing, ‘King The Land’ offers a heartwarming and refreshing escape. Whether you’re a long-term K-drama fan or a newcomer looking for a lighthearted, feel-good watch, ‘King The Land’ offers a soothing experience that gently reminds us why we fall in love with stories in the first place.
Written by – MANSHA CHAUHAN
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