It looks like the ongoing K-drama King the Land has clinched its highest ratings to date on JTBC. The show is headlined by two beloved K-pop stars, 2PM‘s Lee Junho and Girls Generation‘s Im Yoona. Despite facing criticism for being “cheesy” and having an “old-fashioned” portrayal of the hotelier industry, it clearly has its charms and has been steadily gaining popularity.
The sixth episode of the drama, which aired last night on July 2, 2023, averaged a nationwide rating of 12.017%. The break into double digit ratings is a significant increase from previous episodes which were in the 9% range and a huge leap from the premiere at 5.075%. Meanwhile, viewers can’t help but wonder if the chemistry transcended the screen. Dating rumors between Junho and Yoona who are both 33 years old quickly spread like wildfire, causing a frenzy among fans and media alike. However, their respective agencies were quick to dismiss it saying the two are just friends.
King the Land tells the story of Gu Won, a chaebol heir, who finds himself entangled in an inheritance war. Despite his good looks and intelligence, he struggles in his dating life. On the other hand, Cheon Sa-rang is a vibrant and optimistic woman who starts working at the King Hotel, a place that holds her cherished childhood memories. As she navigates challenges and personal growth in her job, fate brings Gu Won and Cheon Sa-rang together, sparking a romantic connection between them.
