L'Empire du sourire

I am unsure why this show has such a low rating but to each his/her own. I really loved this series because with all the hell going on in the world, it was good to be taken away to a funny, romantic/fantasy like world to escape things. It's a bit cheesy but that's what makes it wonderful as I for one am tired of all the violent and depressing movies right now. It's good to just escape.

The main leads to a great job and the message is simply to write your own story, follow ones dreams and love and be loved. It's kind of a throw back to the K-dramas of old which is why I loved it. The supporting cast is brilliant and funny and the twists keep coming. It also provides insight into the corporate world of South Korea and the politics that go on. I wish they would have done a little more with the older sister and had her soften up a bit earlier but better late than never.

If you want to just escape and have good thoughts that make you feel good, then definitely watch this.

Im Yoon-ah plays Cheon Sa-rang a hotel worker who is very dedicated to her job and is an outstanding employee serving the King hotels guests for whom she works. Into her life comes Goo Won played by LeeJun-ho who is the son of the owner of King group who owns various businesses including the hotel. He is an irresponsible playboy who is estranged from his family and has no interest in his fathers business. The series is incredibly well acted and with a great supporting cast all dealing with their own various problems. It has received criticism on two fronts, one being it is a rehash of many past dramas but I think that is part of the appeal as it's aim is to warm your heart with the nostalgic tropes. The other being the way an Arab was portrayed which offended many people who have awarded a one score to show their displeasure.

This series is a sweet romance about a man meeting a woman, they have a little conflict, and slowly fall for each other. Love watching this budding romance unfold. It's funny, sweet, and fun. Both Lee Junho and Yoona were strong leads! Gums are always lighthearted, fun to watch, sometimes you might even get some butterflies. The support actors were equally good. Also, a little inside the hotel business was fun to witness. This is a perfect romcom, from the talented and attractive actors, beautiful locations, fancy hotels, luxury cars, to the sweet romance. King the Land is a 10! Well worth your time to watch!

I've noticed the reviews going down for this show ever since episode 7. DON'T LISTEN TO THEM. This show is cute and a feel good show and the leads are beautiful and have a lot of chemistry. It's not really dramatic but it's not an outright comedy either. It's cute and leaves you feeling fluffy and happy. I would recommend it if you're in the mood for something simple like that.

I'm currently on the vacation episode and it's so fun. I also think that that the show does a good job of showing how corporations poorly treat their employees and how working hard does not always equate to success. So, even within the fluff, there's a nice message forming. Plus, the two main romances are quite cute.

A lot of fun humor between Lee Jun-ho and Yoona and between Lee Jun-ho and Ahn Se-ha who plays his assistant. Also loved the line from Jun Ho as he is leaving the palace: 'This place looks familiar' (reflecting on The Red Sleeve). Jun Ho, once again, demonstrates his ability to play any type of character. His immense talent may be one of the reasons for lower ratings as some viewers may have expected him to continue taking on more and more challenging roles, which this is not. Would have been better if the Arab prince was played by someone from the country he is supposed to represent. This is just a reflection of the extremely limited number of roles for foreigners in South Korean dramas. Beautiful, beautiful clothing and set design. The fake wedding was magnificent!!