The recently premiered K-drama, King The Land, has become one of the hottest shows on the internet, mostly due to the revival of K-dramas' most popular genre, rom-com. While fans showered the series with much love and support, the release of the seventh episode has changed things for viewers. A new character, Prince Samir, was introduced in the seventh episode, who is played by Anupam Tripathi, a familiar face for those who have watched Squid Game.As his representation of the Arab Prince was showcased, many were unhappy with the attachment of many disrespectful stereotypes to the character. While fans are upset at an Indian actor representing a person from the Arab community, their anger is further fueled by the misrepresentation and problematic portrayal of the character, Prince Samir.LUV⁷ seven by JUNGKOOK@mikrokosmosaraking the land was that cheesy summer kdrama we all needed until they portrayed arabs in their latest episode in the most ridiculouse offensive way ever like it’s 2023 it’s not hard to SEARCH about other cultures before using them in a show. but yh koreans what did we expect yikes11king the land was that cheesy summer kdrama we all needed until they portrayed arabs in their latest episode in the most ridiculouse offensive way ever like it’s 2023 it’s not hard to SEARCH about other cultures before using them in a show. but yh koreans what did we expect yikesNetizens angry at King The Land for its disrespectful representation of the Arab community in their recent episodeKing The Land, starring Girls Generation's Im Yoon-a and 2 PM's Lee Jun-ho, has been one of the most anticipated releases of the year so far. The intriguing plot, which revolves around the inheritor of a luxurious hotel and an employee who works there, made the show all the more exciting for fans. As the show rolled out, fans' expectations were satisfactorily met and many seemed to appreciate and truly enjoy the show.However, with its seventh episode release, the fate of King The Land took a turn for the worse. As Anupam Tripathi made his entrance in the episode, some fans were more than delighted by the same. Given that the actor has gained quite a stable fanbase with his appearance as Ali Abdul in Squid Game, many were happy to see him flourish in another show. The episode also brought some Squid Game references, further exciting fans with the actor's appearance.What fans are rather upset about, however, is a scene that seems to have disrespected and stereotyped the Arab community. As Jun-ho's character calls up Prince Samir, inviting him to his hotel, Samir seems to be seated in a bar, consuming alcohol, while being surrounded by women. Many felt that his character, who's supposed to represent the Arab community as their prince, was showcased as someone who's uneducated while being obsessed with alcohol and women.anne.@seoulofmischiefi don't watch king the land and after seeing this whole arab prince thing, i don't think i ever want to watch this shit. i hate every piece of media when it comes to arabs/muslims representation like pls i’d rather not see any. all of them are super offensive and rude.202i don't watch king the land and after seeing this whole arab prince thing, i don't think i ever want to watch this shit. i hate every piece of media when it comes to arabs/muslims representation like pls i’d rather not see any. all of them are super offensive and rude. https://t.co/D0NVWYjUjX𝙖𝙮𝙖⁷ 𓂆@muslimbangtandid king the land team rlly have to add this unnecessary arab prince part and also make him an annoying dumb womanizer plus the outfits for him and his guards? the bg music? it’s the same old stereotypes mocking arabs for “comedy”12424did king the land team rlly have to add this unnecessary arab prince part and also make him an annoying dumb womanizer 💀 plus the outfits for him and his guards? the bg music? it’s the same old stereotypes mocking arabs for “comedy”رُبـىٰ/루바✨.@forestella44I was enjoying watching an episode of King of the Land, but when this scene came, I got angry. This is not what the Arabs look like! First, the non-Arab actor, Is it that difficult to bring an Arab actor? #KdramaOffendsTheArabs @SBS8news @YTN24 @KBSnews @NetflixKR (@jtbclove)266I was enjoying watching an episode of King of the Land, but when this scene came, I got angry. This is not what the Arabs look like! First, the non-Arab actor, Is it that difficult to bring an Arab actor? #KdramaOffendsTheArabs @SBS8news @YTN24 @KBSnews @NetflixKR (@jtbclove) https://t.co/JujSLDqOEym⁷@flvwlesstaeNO KING THE LAND I HAD SO MUCH HOPE FOR YOU…WHY IS THE ARAB PRINCE IS THE CLUB MAN 313NO KING THE LAND I HAD SO MUCH HOPE FOR YOU…WHY IS THE ARAB PRINCE IS THE CLUB MAN 😭😭naevis’ sister ¹²⁷ | Taeilo is in the works@taeil_BYEBYEBYEking the land kinda weird for the stereotypical rich Arab character… even more weird considering he’s supposed to be a member of the royal family, like damn, have some respect? the actor not even Arab himself2king the land kinda weird for the stereotypical rich Arab character… even more weird considering he’s supposed to be a member of the royal family, like damn, have some respect? the actor not even Arab himselfwinter.@utwooii hate the way us arabs were being portrayed in king the land... Like yes there are arabs that drink and flirt or whatever but the kind of arabs they are portraying are middle eastern were its mostly muslims that don't drink nor touch women.#KingTheLand5i hate the way us arabs were being portrayed in king the land... Like yes there are arabs that drink and flirt or whatever but the kind of arabs they are portraying are middle eastern were its mostly muslims that don't drink nor touch women.#KingTheLandyú 🗯️@parkgunwkserrrmmmm why is the “arab prince” in king the land played by an indian why is he wearing and iraqi headpiece why is he at a club and why is he such a stereotype where is the arab in this334errrmmmm why is the “arab prince” in king the land played by an indian why is he wearing and iraqi headpiece why is he at a club and why is he such a stereotype where is the arab in this https://t.co/h5JzOYTqdhmimi ✵ SAN DAY 🎉@sehunscowgirlOh South Koreans once again disrespecting arabs and pushing stereotypes I mean are we surprised ? yes I'm talking about king the land.6Oh South Koreans once again disrespecting arabs and pushing stereotypes I mean are we surprised ? 💀 yes I'm talking about king the land.Additionally, people also pointed out that the show, produced by JBTC Drama, could have easily cast an Arab person to play the role instead of fitting an Indian actor into the character's shoes. Netizens also felt that the character was unnecessary in the show, and the entire section of him being dressed in stereotypical Arab clothes and the background music played for him could have been easily avoided.Comments on King The Land's post (Image via Instagram/@netflixkr)Comments on King The Land's post (Image via Instagram/@netflixkr)JBTC Drama issues statement after netizens call out insensitive portrayal of Arab characterAs debates and angered criticism towards the issue and King The Land's insensitive portrayal continue to grow, JBTC Drama shared a statement responding to the same."The characters, regions, and place names appearing in the drama are all fictitious settings, and [Samir] was not portrayed as a prince of a specific country."However, fans have dismissed this statement due to the lack of explanation or apology as expected and demanded by viewers. Netizens have also continued to post angered tweets and comments about King The Land's depiction of the Arab community.