Review: King the Land (킹더랜드 2023)

Certainly! King the Land (2023) is a romantic comedy K-drama starring Lee Jun-ho (2PM) and YoonA (Girls' Generation). Here’s a full review covering its plot, strengths, weaknesses, and overall appeal:

Quick Overview

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Workplace Drama

Episodes: 16

Director: Im Hyun-wook (Love Revolution, The Sound of Magic)
Writer: Choi Rom (The Secret Life of My Secretary)
Starring: Lee Jun-ho as Gu Won (chaebol heir)
YoonA as Cheon Sa-rang (hotel employee)
Network: JTBC
Streaming: Netflix

Plot Summary

Gu Won, the cold and arrogant heir to the King Group conglomerate, despises fake smiles—especially those in the hospitality industry. Cheon Sa-rang, a bright and hardworking hotel employee, thrives on making guests happy with her warm demeanor. When Gu Won takes over the King Hotel, their clashing personalities lead to hilarious and heartwarming encounters, eventually sparking romance.

Strengths

1. Chemistry Between Leads

Lee Jun-ho and YoonA’s on-screen chemistry is electric. Their playful bickering, comedic timing, and romantic moments are the highlights of the show. Fans of classic K-drama tropes (e.g., accidental hugs, jealousy scenes) will enjoy their dynamic.

2. Lighthearted & Feel-Good Vibes

Unlike heavy melodramas, King the Land keeps things breezy with humor, cute romance, and minimal angst. It’s a great escape for viewers who love fluffy, low-stakes storytelling.

3. Hotel Setting & Aesthetic

The luxurious King Hotel backdrop adds glamour, and the supporting cast (especially the hotel staff) brings warmth to the story.

4. YoonA’s Charisma

YoonA shines as the cheerful Sa-rang, balancing optimism with emotional depth. Her comedic expressions and relatable struggles make her endearing.

5. Jun-ho’s Comedic Side

Known for intense roles (The Red Sleeve), Lee Jun-ho surprises with his comedic chops, delivering deadpan humor and awkward-chaebol moments effectively.

Weaknesses

1. Predictable Plot

The storyline follows classic rom-com tropes without much innovation. If you’ve seen What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? or Business Proposal, the narrative beats will feel familiar.

2. Thin Character Development

Gu Won’s growth is minimal, and secondary characters (like his scheming family) are underdeveloped. The corporate conflict lacks depth.

3. Pacing Issues

The middle episodes drag slightly with repetitive misunderstandings, while the ending feels rushed.

4. Lack of Real Stakes

The conflicts (workplace rivalry, family drama) are resolved too easily, reducing tension.

Who Will Enjoy This?

✔ Fans of light, fluffy rom-coms with minimal angst.

✔ Viewers who love chaebol-heir-meets-sunshine-employee dynamics.

✔ Those seeking visual chemistry and feel-good vibes.

Who Might Dislike It?

✖ Viewers expecting deep plot twists or complex character arcs.

✖ Anyone tired of clichéd K-drama tropes.

Final Verdict

Rating: 7.5/10

King the Land is a charming but formulaic rom-com that thrives on its leads’ chemistry and cheerful tone. While it doesn’t break new ground, it’s an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre.