Ahead of the impending series debut of King the Land, JTBC network has partnered with Kakao Entertainment for a brand webtoon comic series, based on the K-drama King the Land. Illustrated by artist Spoon, the prequel webcomic is expected to expand the drama by featuring companion stories revolving around the main storyline.
A couple of subtexts. In Episode 7, the character of Lee Jun Ho, Gu Won, remarks about the familiarity of the palace, channeling the location in 'The Red Sleeve'. In Episode 8, when Won touched the green track suit with the number 199, referencing Anupam Tripathi's character in 'Squid Game' Season One.
The drama caused controversy starting from episodes 7 and 8 because it tells the story of an Arab prince named Samir who stays at the King Hotel and is depicted hanging out at a nightclub and drinking alcohol while accompanied by women. This drew criticism on the internet from viewers because alcohol consumption is considered not Arab culture.