Sweet and Spicy Romance of Im Yoona and Lee Junho Lights up 'King the Land,' Debuting at 5.1% Viewership
In the fiery pit of showbiz, the inaugural episode of 'King the Land,' driven by the captivating encounter of Im Yoona and Lee Junho, kickstarted with a promising viewership of 5.1%.
Aired on June 17th, the JTBC's weekend drama 'King the Land' unveiled the uncanny coincidence binding the man who despises fake laughter, Gu Won (played by Lee Junho), and the 'Smile Queen' who is compelled to smile, Chun Sarang (played by Im Yoona). Following their initial encounter filled with misunderstandings, the much-awaited reunion of the two in Junho's bathroom incited expectations of a unique romantic comedy.
The broadcast illuminated a time seven years ago when Lee Junho and Im Yoona first encountered each other as a client and an intern at King Hotel. An unexpected misunderstanding arose when Junho, seeking refuge in the hotel to avoid his uncomfortable family, crossed paths with Yoona, who was working in the underground fitness center. Yoona, firm in her belief that Junho was a strange customer throwing suggestive hints at her, even called him a "perverted guest."
Despite this misunderstanding, the two continued to find each other in the same place, almost as if fate was toying with them. Even as time passed and Yoona found herself working at the King Hotel, where Junho had returned as a new department head, the universe seemed intent on keeping their paths intertwined.
This playful interweaving of fate continued even after seven years. Junho unexpectedly stumbled upon Yoona again while searching for an item, separated by only a bathroom wall. Caught off guard by Junho's sudden appearance, Yoona froze, forgetting to cover the window.
The episode also sheds light on the struggles of the two main characters. Junho, who seemingly lacked nothing, couldn't find peace at home due to the pressure from his half-sister Gu Hwaran (played by Kim Sunyoung), and Yoona was constantly under the thumb of her senior colleagues. In contrast to Yoona, who had a confidante to share her woes, the restless Junho, unable to find stability anywhere, drew sympathy from the viewers.
'King the Land' intricately intertwined Junho and Yoona's dissimilar yet parallel stories. The narrative quickly unraveled the transition from their initial meeting as a hotel client and intern to their eventual reunion as a department head and a formal hotelier, enhancing the viewers' engagement.
According to Nielsen Korea, the first broadcast of 'King the Land' recorded a viewership of 5.1% (based on nationwide paid households).
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