The production company of the Korean drama “King the Land” has issued an apology over the portrayal of a prince from a Middle East country in episode 7.
Arab viewers protested over the “King the Land’ character Samir, played by “Squid Game” actor Anupam Tripathy.
"King the Land" stars Yoona and Junho (Netflix)
Prince Samir portrayed by “Squid Game” actor Anupam Tripathy (Screenshot from Netflix video)
The apology released by JTBC coming from the production company of "King the Land" (JTBC)
In episode 7, Samir was planning to go to South Korea and was offered by Goo Wo (played by Junho) to stay at his King Hotel. In a scene, Samir was in a bar surrounded by women.
One viewer posted on Twitter, ”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.”
What do you want to convey by insulting the Arabs?
— 🥈Lana (@3hp_e) July 9, 2023
🛑We don't drink
🛑We don't go to bars
🛑The men don't touch the women.#JTBCAPOLOGIZE#KdramaOffendsTheArabs pic.twitter.com/cXJql50qb3
“King the Land,” directed by Lim Hyun Ook, was written by Choi Rome.
It was produced by Studio LuluLala (SLL), Enpio Entertainment and BY4M Studio. Enpio Entertainment is a subsidiary of SLL, majority owned by the JoongAng Group, which owns Korean channel JTBC.
On July 12, JTBC issued the apology coming from the production company of “King the Land.”
Here is the full text:
“An apology from the production company for 'King the Land.'
“We would like to express our deep and sincere apology for causing unnecessary inconvenience to our viewers without full consideration of other valued cultures although we have no intention of caricaturing or distorting any particular country or culture in the process.
“It has been our sharp realization that there has been a lack of understanding, experience, and consideration for other cultures. We will do our best going forward to create content that can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of where they are from and what kind of culture they have.
“We will take a thorough look into the part of the video which was considered problematic, and do our best to make sure that right measures are taken. We earnestly promise to our viewers that more care will be taken down the road so that there will be no inconvenience in viewing our content.”
“King the Land” is aired on JTBC in South Korea and on Netflix in other countries and regions.